Fresno writer critiques Valadao for taking farming subsidies while faulting government regs

Valadao says he’s “been working on [immigration] for five years”—but he has not one thing to show for it. Further, when asked about immigration reform by a constituent farmer at a 2017 public forum in Fresno, Valadao fumbled his reply badly, resorting three times to the phrase “it’s complicated.” (Though it’s hard to believe, it’s on tape.) Strike two for getting nothing done on one’s own signature issue.

Strike three comes in the form of a better candidate. TJ Cox runs a business that has brought “make or break” funding, in the form of federally-awarded tax credits, to projects that improve public life in the district—new or expanded health clinics in Mendota, Parlier, Fowler, and Sanger, and a “Farm of the Future” at the WHCC campus in Coalinga.

California’s 21st Congressional District is one of the poorest in the nation. Can it really afford to continue electing a favorite son whose strongest asset is that he grew up there?

Valadao's subsidies:

https://cdn3.ewg.org/sites/default/files/u352/EWG_MoCChart2_C12_0.pdf?_ga=2.4753587.1441014026.1528996945-1763188904.1528730424

Valadao quote: “burdensome government regulations”
https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/bank-seizes-valadaos-family-farm

Valadao quote: “working on [immigration] for five years”
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/31/politics/trump-california-primary/index.html

Valadao quote: “It’s complicated” KMPH Town Hall on Agriculture and Labor; hosted by KMPH April 13, 2017 (minutes 28:00-30:00)
http://kmph.com/news/local/live-ag-town-hall-in-fresno-thursday-april-13

TJ Cox’s CDE projects

http://cvnmtc.com/

Pamela Beck

Fresno