Kathy Holdefer
Mingo
In his May 19 letter to the Newton Daily News, Michael Ware asks if “anyone else find[s] it ironic that Jasper County has become ground zero in the Bakken pipeline debate.” In reply, no, I don’t find it ironic at all. It is only natural, since the proposed pipeline would stretch across more miles in Jasper County than in any other Iowa county.
What I do find ironic is that Mr. Ware implies, in the remainder of his letter, that Representative Dan Kelley is “out of touch … with his own district,” and that he is actually responsible for pipeline materials being stockpiled near Newton, even though no permit has yet been granted for the project from the Iowa Utilities Board.
As a landowner and resident in House District 29, I have seen nothing but passionate, proactive dedication from Representative Kelley. When I arranged a meeting for Mingo area residents to discuss the Bakken issue in March, Dan came to listen and to share what he knew. He is never more than an email or a phone call away when I have a question or concern. I’m always impressed by the amount of research Dan does on every issue so he can cast his votes based on the best information possible.
If Mr. Ware has a bone to pick with Dan — and from his letter, he seems to have several — I recommend he do what an active and involved citizen does, which is to go speak with Dan in person.