March 29, 2024

Payton is the right choice for Jasper County

Craig Trotter

Newton

I’m writing in response to Troy Church’s letter to the editor in the NDN on Friday, Oct. 3. In Mr. Church’s letter he states, “We, as voters, don’t have time for condescending politics, and a vote for his (Kelley’s) opponent — an attorney from Des Moines — would not be the right choice for Jasper County.” From that statement you would get the impression that Patrick Payton lives in Des Moines and has no idea what is needed in Jasper County. This is far from the truth.

I’ve lived in the same neighborhood with Patrick Payton for the past 15 years. Patrick and his wife have raised three children in Newton, and they shop in Newton. Patrick and his family go to the same church that my family goes to. His wife works for the Newton Community School District.

Like many of us who live in Newton, we commute to other cities for work and Patrick Payton is no different. Patrick is an attorney in Des Moines but chooses to live in Newton and Jasper County.  How does working in Des Moines make him not qualified to serve the people of Jasper County?  It doesn’t! I along with three other current members of the Newton City Council all commute to work outside of Jasper County.

Lastly, Mr. Church states “condescending politics.” Please give me example of what condescending politics Patrick Payton is participating in from his campaign. The truth of the matter is you can’t because that is not the type of campaign he is running. I’ve know Patrick Payton for years, he’s honest, hard working and loves his family very much. I believe as well as all of his supporters, that Patrick Payton is the right candidate and the right choice to serve the people of Jasper County. Please be sure to vote for Patrick Payton on Nov. 4.