March 28, 2024

So, what have you done for us lately?

Kurt Funke
Newton

There’s been a lot of exaggerated political noise along the District 15 State Senate campaign trail bespeaking local heroics, “hard work” and a community “saved” from the wreckage of a bought-out and shuttered corporation.

If I’d poll Maytag alumni now making up to hour long, one-way work commutes — I doubt many feel any real sense of “salvation.”

However, if salvation means declining property values, rising taxes, diminished services and quality people leaving town to pursue employment no longer available here — then surely we’ve all been spared.

We’ve long since resigned ourselves to lost leisure time, budget-draining gas prices, white-knuckle winter driving and seven-digit odometers rolling to abrupt road construction stops. We’ve moved on from mourning Maytag’s demise. The proud company name is now nothing more than a portfolio of great experiences and a reference slipping lower on — or falling completely off — the pages of our resumes.

So, why stroll down memory lane?

Hearing Chaz Allen’s platform battle cry focused solely on an account of his post-Maytag deeds to resurrect Newton, I marvel that whatever is accurately attributable to him with wind energy jobs coming to town, actually happened six years ago! It’s also fallen far short of restoring the 3,500-plus good-paying jobs lost —that’s the real story.

It’s only fair we ask, what have you done for us lately in leading the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation to create new jobs?

Truth is, Chaz hasn’t been successful in this position that’s totally about job creation. So, why would he be more effective as a state senator?

Crystal Bruntz knows good-paying jobs are critical for us today and for our children tomorrow. Her experiences with Maytag, Pioneer and Kum & Go give her real insights into corporate decision making that’s associated with growth, development and expansion. These perspectives will prove very valuable as she goes to work for all of us.

Let’s be clear: Crystal is all about creating new jobs and reducing our tax burden. She’s not for raising taxes that will hurt our middle class.

As a registered Independent, I strongly encourage you to vote for Crystal and give her the deserved responsibility to write the next chapter in our economic future, bringing new opportunities to our hopeful community.

As his ad suggests, Chaz might think about jobs while he’s duck hunting, but lately all we’re seeing is a growing stack of goose eggs.