Preserving open space, preventing urban sprawl, protecting our groundwater and retaining the rich agricultural history of our communities are some of the key goals of County government. I fully support land preservation efforts throughout my district, including the Smithtown/Kings Park area in order to provide the highest possible quality of life for this and future generations. The residents of my district have overwhelmingly voted for land preservation at each opportunity, and I feel it is their desire to see as much land preserved as reasonably possible. I have been extremely proactive in identifying parcels for preservation and keeping working farms viable within our communities. My staff is constantly working with community groups, Town of Smithtown officials, and environmental advocates to identify potential acquisitions. I have reached out to many landowners to gauge the interest in exploring the potential for preservation during my tenure as Legislator. Within the past year and a half my efforts have been rewarded through the preservation of several significant parcels including the Schmidt Property adjoining Arthur Kunz County Park (over six acres of land); the Mills Pond Property (over two acres and a historically significant home) in Smithtown, as well as the Knox School Property (over twenty acres of pristine waterfront property) in Nissequogue. I am confident additional preservation efforts such as the Richter's Farm property in East Northport, the Riviera-Schmidt parcel in San Remo and others will be realized in 2008. I intend to continue to investigate any acquisition that helps to preserve open space in the Smithtown/Kings Park area and throughout Suffolk County while balancing the need for downtown revitalization and local business growth. Through responsible land acquisition efforts we can continue to serve the needs of our residents and businesses while establishing a sound environmental legacy for our children and future generations.