Farm co-owner’s history suggests honorable intent

I appreciate Mike Masterson’s ability to bring attention to environmental issues on the Buffalo River. As mentioned in his article “Buffalo baptism,” it’s good that one of the C&H Hog Farm owners, Jason Henson, had come to the Harrison Kiwanis Club to present “his side of the controversy.” As an entrepreneur and member of our Kiwanis Club, I, along with other members, felt it was important to get Jason’s side of the issue, too. Our club has bankers, and professionals who service small business — insurance, equipment, chemicals, and services. Many float, camp and fish on the Buffalo and understand its commercial importance to the local community.

Jason is a ninth-generation Newton countian, winner of Farm Bureau Leadership Award and along with other family members had invested over $5 million in the project. Henson said he was baptized in the Buffalo.

Nothing in his personal history or willingness to take such a financial risk indicate any intent to circumvent the law. When laws are met, as far as the family investors, it appears punitive if continual efforts are made to change the law or how it’s enforced. As one of our club members mentioned, when government is coerced into abnormal scrutiny, taxpayers are on the hook.

There was some mention of pork being sold to China in the article — hard to believe we are on one hand concerned about import imbalance, and now on export imbalance? To China?

Jobs and environment issues sound familiar? Not unlike the controversy on pulling out of Paris Climate Agreement.

HERB LAIR

Harrison