Open Letter to Congressman Radanovich | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fresno, CA Valley farmers are taking a stand because they say Congressman Radanovich is not addressing their problems. "We need to say something and set the record straight."

Unlike many valley farmers, Kole Upton's crops are thriving this year. "We planted a lot of wheat and we planted a lot of corn, and like I said the weather has been good to us."

Still, Upton is one of 162 people whose name appeared on a paid ad in this morning's Fresno Bee. "This is basically a who's who of farming."

The ad is an open letter to 19th district Congressman Radanovich. It states in part, they do not support him as their representative. "He's not listening. He doesn't listen."

It's in direct response to an Action News story on June 10th. In that report, Radanovich responded to a complaint someone made about his role in trying to get legislation to restore the San Joaquin River.

He said this, "If that leaves one person feeling disaffected that's just the choice I have to make representing the district." The comment angered not one, but several Valley farmers.

"Well, in fact, there's widespread dissatisfaction with Congressman Radanovich and his staff and we just wanted to step up to the plate and publicly declare this."

Today, Radanovich responded to the ad, by agreeing to disagree. "These guys are some of the best guys in the valley and I respect them immensely I don't agree with their conclusions as do the vast majority of people in the district but there's nothing like an election to sort that stuff out."

Congressman Radanovich is not up for re-election for another 18 months. Right now, he says he's moving forward with a screen project that will bring more water to the valley.

Meanwhile, Les Marsden, a democrat who has announced his campaign against Radanovich says, he will do the job that's not being done.