Joe Neal's (Nov. 14) comments on Sen. Tom Cotton's opposition to the EPA waterways rule are interesting but highly exaggerated. The remaining Democrat commune of Northwest Arkansas resides in Fayetteville with their letters regularly showing-up in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Mr. Neal must be a member of that community that includes Art Hobson and many other active writers.
The EPA rule is an overreach of authority beyond "navigable waters." It may seem to be an acceptable extension of the current law but it is unacceptable for most commercial agriculture, particularly row crop farming in eastern Arkansas and along all of the major waterways.
The EPA administrator stated that "farming as we know it is still exempt from the Clean Water Act." What does the comment "farming as we know it" mean? This must mean to trust the Obama Administration just like the discussion around the Affordable Care Act. We were told you can keep your own doctor and the cost of health care would decline. Row crop farming operations change based on the global market, which results in the switch among crops and adaptation of improved farming practices. Increased regulations can be costly and the timing of application/reporting requirements could be problematic for timely crop production in any year.
With less than 10 percent of the population in commercial agriculture, the productivity of this sector has contributed to the U.S. dominance in food production. Additional regulations would not be acceptable if this sector is to feed the growing U.S. population.
Gov. Hutchinson commented, "The EPA ruling is not the right direction for our nation and is certainly bad for Arkansas. It takes away state control and tramples on the rights of private landowners. It creates uncertainty and threatens rural Arkansas with costly federal encroachment at what seems to be the whim of the EPA." I support Gov. Hutchinson's position. American agriculture producers are the most committed conservationist and sportsman. This is best reflected by the deer, duck and fishing habitat that is available on private land in the state of Arkansas. I have had the opportunity to enjoy hunting on private land that is dedicated to great and productive wildlife habitat. I have floated many Ozark streams that flow through private land that is well maintained.
The current "Clean Water Act" has provided clean water for Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas. We can all appreciate the Beaver Water District and surrounding watersheds.
James W. Fisher
Bella Vista
Who will pay for government raises?
After reading the Nov. 17 article about Benton County merit raises, I feel we don't owe any state, country or federal agencies any type of a bonus or merit raise. Most states don't offer these raises. These people have good-paying jobs, good benefits and a very good retirement package. The high percentage raises the justices of the peace just gave themselves is a slam to us tax-paying people.
It used to be these jobs were well behind in pay compared to the private sector, but now the private sector is well behind the state and federal jobs and benefits. Ten years from now where are all the monies going to come from to pay these raises and retirement benefits. Look at the giant mess we have with the VA; we don't need this at state levels.
Bill Dietman
Bella Vista
Editorial on 11/25/2015