Status quo for most: more water shutoffs 

I am a farmer in the Klamath Basin representing my family's third generation in agriculture. Working with my father in business was an experience I would not trade.

Small family business is a healthy component in Klamath and should be cherished.

I recently returned from a meeting of past presidents of the National Association of Wheat Growers, an organization that began in 1950.

I am the most current past president with others in attendance serving as far back as 1978.

We went around the room and listened to these leaders talk about the challenges of their time and how they solved problems. It was uplifting to me and I realized that every era in farming has challenges that seem insurmountable. It was true then and true today that how we handle these challenges will determine our future success.

Upon return, I was advised to view a commissioners' meeting from Aug. 24 on the Klamath County government website. It focused on a group of citizens promoting a ballot measure to prohibit county participation in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. One of the ranchers stated that the status quo of doing nothing is better than the agreement.

I have, in my career, had my irrigation water shut off twice. This year will be three times for many local farmers. That is what the status quo looks like for the majority.

It saddens me to see our state senator, state representative and now possibly a new county commissioner, along with a few ranchers, supporting this reactionary position.

As a conservative, I do not believe our area's future will be made better by doing nothing.

I would challenge you to support proactive debate in solving the problems of our community. I believe my father would support that position as well as the past presidents of the Wheat Growers Association.

Karl Scronce

Klamath Falls