Letter: Garamendi knows agriculture

Farmers in Yuba-Sutter have the opportunity to elect a man to Congress who truly understands the importance of agriculture to our region. Time and again, John Garamendi has demonstrated his commitment to passing legislation to benefit farmers and ranchers. From his early days in the California Senate when he authored the Rural Health Services Act of 1977 to the present day in Congress, where he has introduced the Flood Insurance Act for Farmers, John Garamendi has been a friend to rural communities and farmers.

Recently, Garamendi opposed efforts in Congress to wipe out California's right to determine its own water policy and instead help Southern water customers to Northern California's water. Since when does Washington think they know better than we do when it comes to OUR water?

Now, Congress is preparing to consider the 2012 Farm Bill. Garamendi has already stated strong support for Specialty Crop Block Grants and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. These programs are important to many of our local farmers. Commodity crops, too, are vital to this region, and he is a backer of traditional supports in the Farm Bill.

I believe Yuba-Sutter will be fortunate, indeed, to have this man represent us in Congress. I'll be voting for him and I hope you will be, too.

Richard Cray

Yuba City