My dream was to take our family’s 90-year-old farm, enhance the soil with organic nutrition and have a vegetable business to showcase man’s ability to grow food from the precious land. I accomplished that goal.
The farm is next to the intersection of highways 330 and 117, west of Baxter. Many accidents have occurred here with 11 fatalities. The Department of Transportation prepared plans for a $15 million interchange that would destroy eight certified organic acres plus 30 acres of pristine timber and 25 acres of cropland. I asked DOT to consider options, and thus not destroy the farm and put us out of business. Their mind was made up.
Numerous calls to State Rep. Kelley were ignored. He wouldn’t even return my calls or emails. Senators Black and Allen both responded and attempted intervention with the DOT that would bring a reasonable solution. Kelley? Nothing.
This spring, I attended a public meeting in Baxter arranged by Kelley. He walked in the door, looked around, turned and left. Then, at other meetings he arranged at Colfax and Newton, he announced the media was not welcome. This rudeness and arrogance is unacceptable, and it should be for you. It’s time for needed change.
This is absurd and inexcusable behavior. Our elected representatives serve we, the people. They work for us. I expect communication by answering my occasional emails and phone calls, and to be treated with respect. As a resident of House District 29, Kelley owed me that courtesy. He never delivered after my many attempts.
I will vote for Wes Breckenridge for state representative, and hope you do likewise. Mr. Breckenridge is a well respected gentleman, has a history of hard work and accomplishments, is an asset to the community, and is one that has committed himself to listen and respond. Legislators are dispensable, and with Kelley ignoring my situation, it’s time for change. Wes Breckenridge will serve us well.
Larry Cleverley
Mingo