Editor, Times-Union: Janet Collins wrote a letter published Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, regarding candidate positions on Confined Animal Feeding Operations. CAFOs are a method of raising livestock by trading land and labor for structures and equipment. The close proximity of the animals, to some extent, necessitates the administration of antibiotics. Free range animals have their own set of problems such as predators and parasitic diseases. Both forms of livestock husbandry have their own pluses and minuses. Groundwater and air quality contamination and antibiotic resistance are the most immediate public health issues. Loss of real property value near a CAFO is also a valid issue. The final approval in granting a CAFO requires a combination of compliances with federal EPA and state IDEM regulations as well as considerations of local governing bodies. Let me first make clear that I have received no special interest money from the Farm Bureau or any other agricultural organization or business. The second point I make is that representing the interests of the whole of the district does not mean pleasing everyone all of the time. It means considering the interests of all constituents and then making difficult decisions. Some people are more satisfied with certain decisions than others, depending on the way they break. All decisions in politics involve analyzing tradeoffs, that is, taking a hard look at pluses and minuses. Difficult decisions require intelligent analyses. CAFOs are a significant part of our agriculture in the District. A large number of families count on agriculture, including raising livestock, to earn a living. It is, nonetheless, very important to consider the impact of confined feeding operations on the environment, public health and effects upon property value. I am willing to consider all these factors. With that said, if elected, I will not commit, in the 2015 session, to introducing legislation regarding CAFOs, including setback requirements. I am willing to study the concerns raised and discuss these issues with colleagues who serve on the Agriculture Committee. If legislation is introduced and passes the Agricultural Committee to a vote in the full House, I will carefully consider the legislation and vote in a way that appears in the best interests of the District as a whole. This means taking into account the concerns expressed by Ms. Collins. Thank you for the opportunity to address this matter. In addition, I would like to add this clarifying addendum regarding a letter written by Ron Moser on October 21, 2014. It is untrue and a fabrication to say that, as prosecutor, I ever employed or maintained anyone in my office from the American Civil Liberties Union. Our task was exclusively to prosecute crimes and collect past due child support and all staff and attorneys were dedicated to that task. My office was very aggressive in prosecuting sex crimes, especially child molestation crimes. Mr. Moser’s characterization of a case 18 years ago is taken out of context. It was a case we felt we could not prove, and likely would have been quite difficult on a very vulnerable child. But we felt we needed to address the matter. Some prosecutors would have passed on it, I believe. There was absolutely no excuse for any alleged unlawful behavior. The case was resolved in the way we thought was best in the circumstances and was not driven by public pressure. In some cases it is not always possible to make a public explanation. These are the difficult decisions police and prosecutors have to make in the course of their job. I was a young man twenty years ago, in my late thirties, when I became prosecutor. Since those days I have learned very valuable lessons in leadership and the art of diplomacy. I have learned and endeavored to listen to others’ points of view and be open to change. I have learned that it is not always about being right, but about being able to come to consensus that leads to the best problem-solving. I believe these skills will be helpful to our district. David C. Kolbe Candidate for District 22 Indiana House of Representatives Warsaw, via email
