Candidate’s brother defends land deal

It is difficult to determine the validity of many rumors, especially at election time. But, I would like to dispel one myth, one on whose topic I am an expert.

This "myth" was first brought to my attention in an editorial letter written by John Pfefferkorn on July 31. In this article he eludes to the idea that the committee had an ulterior motive in offering the development rights to the owners of land, only one of whom is running for political office. "Let’s ask why the committee wants to spend more than $3 million to buy the development rights from the political running mate of our 30-year politician instead of pursuing the outright purchase of less than 20 percent more."

What should cause one a bit of concern is the fact that Mr. Pfefferkorn and I had discussed the intimate details of this transaction as early as March 13 at a Boy Scout meeting. Yet Mr. Pfefferkorn still, knowing the facts, wrote irresponsibly, in my opinion, to obtain political favor.

The facts, now that the public should know, are as follows;

David Lee is only a partial owner of the land in question.

The plan to sell the land has been on the table since talk of change in zoning to 10-acre lots.

Before farmland preservation approached us, we had offers by developers, but were convinced that farmland preservation was the best thing for ourselves and for our community.

My family and I would benefit financially if the contract for farmland preservation were to be rescinded and the land could be parceled as three-acre lots. We could then easily accept the development offers that would follow.

I would like my friends and neighbors to know that I have no political aspiration although I support my brother in any of his endeavors. But the truth is the truth. Deceptiveness is only harmful to people in the periphery of the election.

Richard Lee

Millstone