Combs says rural residents should 'speak up' on key issues

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

TSGRA President A.H. "Chico" Denis presents Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs with the association's Fred T. Earwood Memorial Award. -- Staff photo by Taylor

July 28, 2005 - "If we don't remember the power of public opinion, we're crazy!" commented Susan Combs, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Speaking to participants at the 90th annual convention of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association in Kerrville on July 15, Combs made it perfectly clear that producers need to make their needs and wants known to those who make all the laws in Texas.

Combs urged the audience to read and listen to everything happening concerning agriculture, and if they have a difference of opinion, let it be known … by a letter to the editor, or a call to the local representative in the Texas legislature.

"We (ag producers) can drive the market, but we must be aggressive," noted Combs.

One major area of discontent with Combs is the recent Supreme Court ruling which allows seizure of private property for economic development. She asked the audience to be "pro-active" and not to be quiet and let it happen. Combs mentioned the Trans-Texas Corridor which has been under fire by rural citizens over the past months, and, again, urged rural citizens to "speak up!"

Another important area of concern for rural citizens, according to Combs, is the fact their median income is lower than urbanites, and that there is not enough health care. She noted that out of the state's 254 counties, 152 counties are without an OB/GYN doctor. Along the border counties, she said there are 45 doctors for every 100,000 people, versus 72 per 100,000 in urban areas.

"Rural Texas is a great place to live, but we need health care!" cited Combs.

One very important commodity rural areas have that urban areas do not is water, the commissioner added. While most of the people still live in urban areas and enjoy the lifestyle that goes along with that, when it comes to water needs … rural Texas comes out ahead. It's just trying to keep the water for the rural areas, rather than transfer it to urban areas, that is the problem!

Rural areas have another asset to consider - the Texas Capital Fund, which was established in 2001. The fund has provided monies that communities use to "added value" to rural areas, Combs added.

While Texas continues to grow and prosper, Combs, again, reminded rural citizens and ag producers to "speak up for yourselves." Without public comment and interest, rural citizens can be forgotten in the "shuffle" and in the Texas Legislature. "You've got to be aggressive in a 'perky' way," she added.

In closing, she urged the sheep and goat producers to join, together, and make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Following Combs' address, she was presented the TSGRA's most prestigious honor -- the Fred T. Earwood Memorial Award for 2005. The bronze sculpture was created by the late Don Brown, and is called "The Money Makers."