March 19, 2024

Kelley does not have our backs

I wish to respond to Kathy Holdefer’s recent letter where she states that “Dan Kelley has our backs as landowners.”

Ms. Holdefer is apparently unaware of the Larry Cleverley situation. The DOT plans to use eminent domain to take an entire 73-acre farm away from Cleverley and his family outside of Baxter. Three separate DOT meetings were held in Baxter where representatives from all levels of government, and the Cleverley family, attended. The only one missing was our representative Dan Kelley.

Mr. Cleverley made numerous attempts to contact Rep. Kelley and never received a response. A joint city Baxter city council and school board meeting was held last year to address this issue. Sen. Chaz Allen was present and listened to the concerns of all in attendance. He then addressed those concerns with the DOT. Once again, Dan Kelley was personally invited and chose not to attend.

The only time we have seen Dan Kelley in Baxter is during the Baxter Fun Days parade. Never a phone call or contact of any kind until he found out he would have opposition during his next election. Dan then scheduled a community meeting in Baxter, the first in six years, so citizens could let him know what their concerns were before the upcoming legislative session.

On the day of the meeting, myself, council members, Baxter citizens and Larry Cleverley showed up for the 4:30 p.m. meeting. 4:30 came and went with no Dan Kelley. After 15 minutes, he showed up late to his own meeting and walked into the room. Dan proceeded to scan the crowd until his eyes came to rest upon Larry Cleverley sitting there. Dan shook his head, turned around and left the building without saying a word. Larry then stated,”I have been treated poorly through this entire process but I have never seen anything like that.”

So, Ms. Holdefer, I am glad that Dan Kelley has your back and is protecting your rights but please don’t try to convince us that is always the case. Larry Cleverley used his own money and time to fight for his family farm. Dan Kelley left him to fight on his own. I am supporting Wes Breckenridge in the primary because all citizens deserve representation, not just a chosen few.

Stephen Smith

Baxter