(UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP., AUGUST 4) - Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bret Schundler joined Assembly Speaker Jack Collins, the Third District Republican legislative candidates, and a number of local officials Saturday to discuss farmland preservation issues with a group of Salem County farmers.

Schundler discussed a variety of farm-related issues with the local officials gathered at the event and with those farmers in attendance. The meeting took place at the farm of William Brooks in Upper Pittsgrove Township.

“Farming is a vital industry to our state, and certainly to this region,” Schundler said. “We must work to make sure that New Jersey’s agricultural industry thrives and that we do everything we can to preserve farmland, not just here in Salem County, but throughout this state.”

After meeting with the farmers in Upper Pittsgrove, Schundler left to attend a Salem County Republican Organization picnic. The former Jersey City Mayor has spent four of the last five days at events in South Jersey.

“I think it is important that a Governor listen to concerns of people from every part of the state,” Schundler said. “I intend to spend a great deal of time in this area so that I can learn more about this region, and how I can best serve the people of South Jersey as Governor. Too often residents in this part of the state feel as though leaders from the North ignore their needs. As Governor I intend to change that.”

Schundler said he looks forward to working with local officials as well as with what he believes will be the Third District’s new legislative team of Mike Facemyer, Harold Johnson, and Ray Zane.

“This region has benefited from the dedicated leadership of Assembly Speaker Collins, Assemblyman Stuhltrager, and Senator Zane,” Schundler said. “I am confident that Mike and Harold will also do an excellent job in the future representing the needs of this region and I look forward to working closely with them.”