To the editor:
I live near the Stevens Brothers' swine operation. There are often strong odors that reach our property. We have been instructed by Randy Jacobson, the planning/zoning office director for Yellow Medicine County, to call with complaints.
Last Friday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 a.m. I called Mr. Jacobson with an odor complaint. He got very defensive; I told him he is an employee of the citizens of this county and paid to handle these complaints. He told me he doesn't "have to listen to this. I'm not going to argue with you!" and hung up on me. I tried to call back, and as soon as I started to speak he hung up again.
This is another example of how poorly served the citizens of Yellow Medicine County are by the current county commissioners, the zoning board officers and the zoning office personnel. If a citizen in this county has any concerns contrary to the self interests of these individuals, that citizen is treated with disdain and rudeness.
My husband and I have asked only for the right to speak. The citizen taxpayers of this county should be allowed their constitutional rights. My husband has served in the military.
I don't know if any of these people in these positions have served, but I know several have not. They should give every citizen the time to speak their minds, but certainly someone who has served and sacrificed by joining the military to protect everyone's basic rights should be given the time to speak.
I am happy to say when I called the newly-elected county commissioner for District 1, Greg Renneke, he listened with empathy.
He made me feel my concerns were finally, at the very least, heard. So maybe there is some hope for the citizens of Yellow Medicine County going forward. Is it possible there could be open discussion where everyone feels heard and at least acknowledged in these matters? I am going to hope so and keep trying.
Trish Olson
Hanley Falls
Yellow Medicine County