Peterson is good for agricultural industry

To the Editor:
We are writing in strong support of Congressman Collin Peterson. We are sick and tired of all the negative, misleading attacks.
These outside groups are misleading voters into thinking that Collin has changed, or that he travels too much. In fact, Collin represents a district that would take over seven hours to drive from one end to the other. It’s bigger than 12 states and the District of Columbia. Collin works hard to show up and listen to constituents in all corners of his district. How could you do that with a car?
In WCCO’s recent “Reality Check,” the story indicated the expenses listed in the negative ads are the combined total for his 23 years of service. The negative ads want you to think these are annual costs.
Collin has represented our area well. He helped secure funding for the Glencoe Municipal Airport. Our understanding is that these were the first federal funds used for Glencoe airport improvement.
No one in Congress knows more about farm legislation than Collin. Collin is a featured speaker at nationwide annual meetings of agricultural producers and agricultural product end users because he is considered an expert in the agricultural policy field. He is depended on for honest and straight forward answers (something hard to come by in most political circles). These groups pay for his transportation and associated costs — it is not a taxpayer expense!
The strong agricultural economy in recent years provided an economic bright spot in a struggling general economy. Collin’s leadership and experience on the House Agriculture Committee resulted in strong legislation to provide a safety net when grain prices collapse.
I (Brian) traveled to Washington, D.C., this past summer as a state delegate to the National Corn Growers meeting. I also attended an event with other congressmen from around our country and heard firsthand from the Republican leadership of the House Agriculture Committee how Collin Peterson can work together to get something done. (How unusual!)
Collin represents us well. Collin has the respect of many of his colleagues. He has proven how he can work across the aisle with Republicans and Democrats. Collin deserves your support and your vote.
Brian Thalmann
Randall Thalmann
Plato