Deregulation led us to farming messes

During the campaign, Terry Branstad vowed to deregulate corporate agriculture. Such a move would benefit only the factory farm industry. In 15 years, count 700 manure spills from factory farms.

This summer, the United States faced a major outbreak of salmonella because of practices of Iowa factory farmer Jack DeCoster. Iowa's rivers are full of pollution from factory farms, homes have lost value after factory farms moved in next door, people are getting sick from polluted rivers and unsafe eggs. And Branstad thinks we need to deregulate? No.

As a member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, I urge our new governor and the Legislature to stop kowtowing to corporate agriculture and stand up for everyday people. Fight for clean air, clean water and safe and health food.

Stephen Tews

Bloomfield