Letter To The Editor: Statement in the Advertisement is a Complete Fabrication

Osky News

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

At the February 2, 2015 Board of Supervisors meeting I made a proposal to the Board in which, in the event the FAA approved the airport project, the County would offer land at the County farm to be exchanged for land at the new airport site. Farmers at the airport site would acquire new land at the County farm which would allow them to avoid capital gains taxes. This is known by the IRS as a “1031 exchange.” My proposal clearly stated that the County would be reimbursed for the value of the land.

The Taxpayers Against the Regional Airport (TARA) ran an advertisement in the February 13, 2015 edition of the Oskaloosa Herald that stated I desired to “donate” the County Farm for the new airport project. This is entirely untrue. My proposal clearly stated the County would be reimbursed for the land and I have never indicated otherwise. TARA’s statement in the advertisement is a complete fabrication.

I encourage anyone who has a question about this issue or any other County-related issue to email me at vandermolen@mahaskacounty.org or to call 641-673-3469.

Best regards,

Mike Vander Molen

Mahaska County Supervisor