Walking the Walk – Dan Sullivan is this Farmer’s Choice

by Arthur Keyes

The Primary Election is this Tuesday, August 19th. But you probably knew that already, or should know by now considering how much coverage is occurring in the media.

I’ve managed produce departments in large grocery stores or farmed nearly all of my life. I own a farm in Mat-Su and a farmer’s market in Anchorage, and I’m active at the federal, state and local levels in farm bureau and land trust advocacies. I walk the walk of a farmer, and am proud of my industry.

This year’s slate of candidates for the U.S. Senate is impressive. All four candidates are remarkable in their own right. Senator Begich is a savvy statesman and tactician; Joe Miller is an artful debater and orator; Mead Treadwell is wise and endearing, with the sincere heart of a man who wants to make a difference.

All of the leading candidates for U.S. Senate are running because they champion Alaska. I applaud them for their desire to serve.

That written, the one candidate who stands out as the most proactive and receptive to my peers and I in the agriculture industry, from consistent communication to an understanding of our issues, is Dan Sullivan. And that’s why he has my support.

While I don’t know Dan Sullivan personally, I choose Dan from the field of GOP candidates because of the three candidates – he has done the most for agriculture in Alaska. He has actually listened and participated with the farmers. If actions speak louder than words, and you are concerned with local food production, electing Dan Sullivan makes sense this Primary race.

Anyone who likes to eat or has a family to feed should be concerned with agriculture issues. Unfortunately, far too often we take our food supply for granted. Many people don’t take the appropriate level of concern regarding agriculture and locally grown food sources and struggles, and this typically holds true in government as well.

Dan Sullivan is the exception to this pattern. As the Department of Natural Resources commissioner he personally got involved and made a positive difference in your food buying choices. He deserves appreciation from all of the Alaskans who grow and consume food.

While I recently met with Mead Treadwell and conclude that he is also a fine candidate for this nomination, Dan should receive the recognition from farmers and the concerned consumers for his responsiveness and concern for farming’s future in Alaska. At the Spenard Farmers’ Market this past weekend I was talking to a consumer and pointed out that all of the farmers there owed Dan gratitude for his help in keeping our industry healthy while at the helm of DNR. I gave examples such as his coming to Alaska and Mat-Su Farm Bureau meetings to share concerns for our industry, meeting one-on-one with the farmers to support the industry administratively (this was huge for us), and his genuine interest in agriculture.

As DNR commissioner, Dan Sullivan played an active role in listening to Alaska’s farmers, personally participated in the conversations and proactively supported positive changes in the industry. This was the first and only time I have seen someone at his level of state government become so engaged, and it meant something to all of us.

The Primary Election is Tuesday. I encourage everyone to vote. I also encourage Alaskan farmers and their families to consider who really understands and recognizes the plight we face each year, and the struggles that ensue absent policymakers who support and believe in our livelihood.

Dan Sullivan has walked the walk with Alaska’s farmers. He is my choice on the Republican ballot for U.S. Senate on August 19th.

For his concern and efforts I say:

“Many thanks Dan Sullivan. You did your job, listened and cared for Alaska’s farmers when it mattered!”

Arthur Keyes owns Glacier Valley Farm in Palmer and is the founder of the South Anchorage Farmer’s Market. He was a produce manager for Safeway in Anchorage and has worked in produce all of his adult life. He’s currently on the Board of Directors for the Palmer Soil & Water Conservation District, and is the past president of the Mat-Su Farm Bureau, past director on the Alaska State Farm Bureau, and currently serves on Mat-Su’s Board of Directors.