Letter To The Editor: There is “change” in the air

Osky News

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.

There are a group of farmers in Mahaska County who are being faced with a life changing experience. They don’t want it, they didn’t ask for it, they have no voice in it, but they are being told it will happen to them. A regional airport built on their century and family farms.

The SCRAA Board and the Pella and Oskaloosa city councils would have you believe that this regional airport project will most likely not need to use eminent domain, that the land will be acquired through negotiations. How do you negotiate land that is “NOT FOR SALE”. How many times do these people have to say “my land is not for sale for any price”.

Many have said that “all” will benefit from this airport. I would like to know “exactly” what benefit these farmers will see? What is the benefit of being forced to sell a profitable family farming business? These farmers don’t live in town, they don’t work in town, they don’t get to vote on city issues….so, “exactly” what is their benefit?

Please don’t sell short what the American Farmer contributes to our economies. Food, fuel, biodiesel. Iowa’s farmer contributes to our Bioscience growth making Iowa the nation’s leader in Ag feedstock and chemicals, drug and pharmaceuticals, research, testing and medical laboratories.

These farmers are supporting your communities economy.

There just has to be a better way.

Linda Kruseman