BULLOCH, Ga. (WTOC) – Farmers from across Bulloch County met at the Bulloch County Agriculture Center Friday morning to discuss what they want from their community leaders.

County Commissioner David Bennett said, “We need to find a way to preserve our identity as an agricultural community as we continue to grow.”

David Bennett, a newly elected county commissioner, spoke at the Farm Bureau meeting about the issue that affects every farmer gathered here Friday morning.

Bennett says the community needs to address three areas: property taxes, transparency and smart growth.

“We need to manage growth in this county and make sure people are close to the things they need, but still don’t feel like they’re locked in and living in New York City. This is an agricultural county; it was founded on the ideas of agriculture,” Bennett said.

Bennett suggested to the group of farmers that city leaders need to be more transparent with residents, especially on the issue of property taxes.

“I see it from the same perspective as our politicians: It’s not their money, it’s the taxpayers’ money, and they have to make the most of it,” Bennett said.

The farming community echoed Bennett’s sentiments when he said that in a society where agriculture drives the economy, farmers’ voices should be heard more strongly in local governments.

Local farmer David Cromley said: “We need to be more proactive rather than reactive as more and more people without a farming background move into our area. We need to educate them about what we do and why we do it.”

Most farmers express hope that with greater support from county politicians like Bennett, their voices will be heard more widely in the community in the future.

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