Use land as intended in will

To the Editor,

I was disturbed by the information coming to light from John Parsons regarding the bequest of land to Jasper County by the estate of Lillian Johnston, and the county’s failure to develop and use it as was intended. Merely posting “No Hunting” signs and to continue crop farming on it doesn’t get it. The lesson I’m getting from this, it seems, is that you can’t trust public bodies to do the right thing. People wanting to give gifts to the county need to write their bequests more narrowly and include a sunset clause for non-compliance. It was meant for public use. Either follow her wishes or give it back.

Jim McMahon

Newton