Signs don’t speak for all farmers
I live in Ventura County where I’ve spent nearly three decades farming a small avocado grove.
Recently, we’ve seen large signs suggesting that “farmers” broadly support Jeff Gorell for District 2 Ventura County Supervisor. I want to be clear: those signs do not speak for all of us.
Farmers are not a monolith, and those signs do not reflect my experience. Over the past four years, I have not seen specific actions from Supervisor Gorell that directly support the agricultural community I am part of. In fact, our community had to band together with more than 400 others to block significant proposed water rate increases that were not rooted in a clear plan.
If efforts are being highlighted now, many of us question whether those reflecthisleadership or the work of others. That’s why I’m supporting Mark Perryman for county supervisor. For me, it’s about accountability, transparency, and ensuring agriculture has a real voice moving forward.
Margaret Tolberg, Somis
Small farmer supports Perryman
I am a Ventura County small farmer of nine years, working four acres growing avocados and grapes.
When people see large signs claiming support from farmers, it creates the impression that the agricultural community is unified. It is not.
Over the past four years, I have not personally seen meaningful, direct action taken by Supervisor Jeff Gorell that has helped farms like mine. In fact, we nearly faced major water rate increases — and on two separate occasions these past six months, it took more than 400 of us coming together to stop them because they lacked a real plan or justification. Now, there are claims of support for agriculture, but many of us question whether those outcomes are truly the result of his work. That’s why I support Mark Perryman — because we need leadership that is proactive, transparent, and focused on real solutions.
Katherine Janowski, Somis
The enemy hates Westerners
Re: Keith Gallagher’s April 13 letter, “Trump must listen to reason”:
Referring to Mr. Gallagher letter, I’m wondering if those missiles were aimed at the U.S., which they may be in the future if the regime of Iran is not completely changed, would the writer feel the same about negotiating with Iran?
You can’t negotiate (they see that as weakness) with those who consider us the big Satan and Israel as the little Satan and want to wipe us off the Earth and anyone else who gets in their way. They don’t have Western minds, but uncaring, terrorist minds, so no “just” permanent settlement will be reached.
Wake up and know who the enemy is and how they think vs. how most Westerners think.
Linda Calderon, Oxnard
The punchline is Trump
Vice President Vance responded that he thought President Trump’s social media post looking like the Christ was posted as a joke.
Well, he is right. Trump is a joke.
Gary Sparks, Camarillo
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Farmers offer support for supervisor candidate, and more | Letters
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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