Photo by Margaret Thomsen Florida Governor Jeb Bush addressed a group of Tama County farmers and businessmen during a campaign stop. The meeting took place on the Senator John and Emily Putney farm near Gladbrook. Pictured are: Mark Goos, Ken Hatch, Jason Hamman, Larry Pieper, Randy Sienknecht, Iowa Senator Tim Kapucian and Governor Jeb Bush.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush held a Regulatory Reform Roundtable with Tama County farmers and businessmen. The meeting was held on September 22 at the farm of Former Iowa Senator John and Emily Putney near Gladbrook.

Following a brief tour of the Iowa farm the Governor sat with about twenty area residents and held a one on one discussion. Governor Bush began the meeting by quipping that he wished, “…… that those in Washington would have paid attention in civics classes and learned that laws are passed by Congress. This is a democracy….”

He went on to stress the importance of regulatory reform saying that 1.9 trillion dollars is associated with regulation. He stated, “We need to respect workers and lessen the cost and still do the job correctly…. Currently there is no regulatory budget in Washington….. There are rules to create rules that makes about 100 Billion dollars a year.”

Governor Bush stressed that we need to hold bureaucrats accountable. Noting that not all rules are necessary, but it is economically insightful that rules come from the bottom up and NOT from above as is currently taking place.

In regard to the controversial regulations of the EPA, Bush said, “A person should not have to get a permit to do a culvert or a waterway. Currently the state of Pennsylvania is 98% under Federal jurisdiction.” He added, “Carbon rules have had a double digit increase in cost…. EPA – across the board – should be accountable, they should be knowledgeable in the area of expertise, not politically connected. We need competent people in Washington. Today they are so removed from reality…. In Florida we are the second or third highest in farm income. The water issue has a dramatic effect on operating a farm. Washington just does not get it. The role would be best done on a regional or local level.”

Photo by Margaret Thomsen Emily Putney, Governor Jeb Bush and former Iowa Senator John Putney share a moment.

Bush indicated if he were elected he would intend to “increase the GDP by four or five percent. And all capitol expenses would be written off the first year. .. we would see real wage growth in the next ten years. Currently we have six million people living in poverty. We need higher sustainable growth.”.

Iowa Senator Tim Kapucian, from the 20th District, lives near Keystone and queried (in relation to the Waters of the US), “How do you get it down to the local level to get the flexibility to do it the way we want?” Bush’s response was, “Shift away from Washington. Typically it has been regulated by the state. President Obama pushed it to Washington. I would delegate back to the state to get the highest quality outcome.”

Phil Lauterbach asked, “What about the EPA ruling? We do cover crops and are trying to be good stewards”. Bush commented, “A new set of regulations would achieve the desired effect. We are setting the stage that EPA cannot comply with the rules they have set up. The Waterways of the US is being challenged in courts.”

Businessman Mark Goos said, “You can see the wind turbines in the area…. what about renewable energy – ethanol?”

Being a bit evasive, Bush stated, “Renewable energy has been extremely successful. But ultimately the free markets need to pick the winners and losers…. We are on the cutting edge of new energy sources, for example cellulose.”

Photo by Margaret Thomsen Governor Jeb Bush was treated to a brief tour of the farm and a look at the Black Angus cattle on the Putney Farm. A highlight was meeting Desperado, a 2500 pound prize bull. Pictured are Emily Putney, Governor Bush and John Putney.

As a young farmer, Mark Putney wondered about all the extra red tape and who is going to regulate the EPA. Bush commented, “… the whole incident reeked with hypocrisy and the regulator needs to be regulated by the President. Lots of things they are doing now were not done before this administration. We need to repeal the law…. it is a spiraling that is out of control. We need to stop and repeal it.”

Traer farmer Bruce Morison asked the governor his feel on Eminent Domain. Bush responded, “This is one issue that I disagree with (Donald) Trump. I feel it is wrong for someone to take private property. The rights should be equal.”

Governor Jeb Bush left with this comment. “I’m not running to be another voice on stage. I’m running to make change.”

Photo by Margaret Thomsen A Regulatory Reform Roundtable was held by Governor Jeb Bush during a meeting on September 22. The event was held at the farm of Former Iowa Senator John and Emily Putney, near Gladbrook. Focus of the discussion was recent imposing of more regulations by the EPA and renewable energy. Pictured l-r during the discussion are: Bruce Morrison, Jason Hamman, Mark Goos, Andy Lauterbach, Brett Lauterbach, Phil Lauterbach, Nancy Lauterbach, Emily Putney, Governor Jeb Bush, former Senator John Putney, Mark Putney, Karen Pieper, Larry Pieper, Ken Hatch, Iowa Senator Tim Kapucian and Randy Sienknecht.