I am writing in response to Neill Smith’s letter (Journal, Feb. 9) that Rep. Scott Tipton represents big timber, big cattle ranching and big gas and oil corporations. It made me wonder, “Neill, what you been smokin’ in your pipe?”
Tipton does represent all constituents, and it is a fact that he protected our water rights. With his wisdom and knowledge, Tipton kept the water from falling into the hands of the federal government to sell to others.
The first fact of this county and our neighboring counties is that we primarily make a living doing this and farming and, for the most part, we enjoy what we do, and we do not have industrial pollution here. These things are supported by the people and businesses of this county. It’s how we all feed our families, enjoy a parade, a rodeo, 4-H and the fair, a cattle drive, etc.
We buy local, enjoy produce and cattle in many of our restaurants, and one of my favorites is our fresh meat market that raises its own beef and buys local black Angus beef, keeping the dollars here.
Scott Tipton ran a small business here for years and spent his money with our family business for years.
Now, for an education to Neill, the editorial board of The Journal and the public: Land and water are Scott Tipton’s expertise, and no other political opposition has the knowledge, wisdom and experience he has.
There are no better stewards of our land than ranchers and loggers.
Jim Williams
Cortez