Dear Editor,

It may seem impressive for the Napa County Farm Bureau, Napa County Board of Supervisors and other civic organizations to come out with such gusto against Measure A, using scare tactics of the usual type (This will cost the county millions, we'll have to layoff firemen and police, close the libraries and schools, blah, blah, blah). Many have been bamboozled by that publicity, even the Napa Register editorial staff!

The Napa County Farm Bureau has been infiltrated by huge corporate agribusiness and billionaires who want to try being gentleman farmers. These folks can purchase exemptions from regulations and restrictions imposed by government. No longer is the smaller family landowner, farmer or wine producer well-represented in this valley. Our board of supervisors seems loathe to give voters the say about new restrictions on land use. Heading the "No on A" team is Supervisor Mark Luce. In a rush of benevolence, he has proposed that government should only be able to take away 10 percent of your property use with no compensation, instead of the 90-plus percent now in effect. What a guy! This is also the person who is insulted by Measure Z, which requires each supervisor to read and understand any new law they vote on. As stewards of the land, the proponents of Measure A wish to preserve our way of life, our agricultural heritage and the beauty of this valley. We do not promote development and sprawl, or any change in existing regulation of property. Quite simply, we want the voters instead of special interest groups and politicians to decide our future. As taxpayers and voters, please join us in this effort to protect all citizens from future oppressive governmental rules. Vote yes on A and Z.

Martha Blackard

Napa