Both presidential candidates enjoy industry support
Both presidential candidates enjoy industry support
A random inquiry to dozens of fresh produce industry members indicates that both presidential candidates enjoy significant support from the produce industry's rank-and-file.
An unscientific e-mail blast sent to different produce business classifications across the nation resulted in many different responses, with adamant supporters of both Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama and Republican candidate Sen. John McCain.
There are also some undecideds as well as a significant number of respondents who did not want to be publicly identified with their choice for president. While most who did not want to respond did not indicate their individual preference privately, two Obama supporters did indicate that they were not comfortable stating that preference in what they perceive to be a more Republican-oriented industry.
The produce industry may well skew toward the Republican Party, although this informal survey showed a more evenly divided industry, at least at the top of the ticket.
Following are the responses in the respondents' own words, with several spelling corrections and a couple of responses shortened for space considerations. All of the responses were received between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6, and the responses represent each writer's personal view rather than his or her company's position. The company affiliation is presented for identification purposes. The answers are presented in the order in which they were received.
Chris Puentes, President, Interfresh Inc., Orange, CA
"I'm supporting John McCain for president. The country does not need the tax-and-spend program that Obama would bring, especially in this difficult economy. I agree with McCain's ideas of stimulating the economy by incentivizing the private sector to invest and create jobs. I also think that McCain, much more so than Obama, has the conviction and the backbone to lead America through these difficult times, both domestically, in terms of financial crises, and internationally, in terms of dealing with terrorism and the ongoing war in Iraq. Lastly, McCain has the pedigree of experience I believe is necessary to perform the functions of the job."
John McClung, President and CEO, Texas Produce Association, Mission, TX
"Despite being a longtime Republican, I will be supporting Barack Obama. John McCain is a courageous public servant whom I have long admired for his willingness to do what he thinks is right and responsible for the nation, even when it flies in the face of his own party's objectives. But if you look at his record on agriculture, it is dismal - even hostile.
"On the trade front, he demands [World Trade Organization] reform even though much of the rest of the world refuses to go along, and [he] continues to pursue the forlorn notion that all American agriculture has to do to prosper is increase exports. He seems not to comprehend or accept that this approach has been around for many years and just hasn't delivered consistent with the conservative ideal.
"On immigration reform, he has backed away from his highly constructive input on AgJobs, and has endorsed the far right's insistence on border security before a guest worker program or a resolution to the problem of undocumented workers already in the country. His apologists contend he will move back to the middle on this issue after the elections, but I doubt it - he has promises to keep that the base will not soon forget.
"As to the farm bill, suffice to say he indicated in May that he would have vetoed the 2008 bill if he was president. The produce industry, you will remember, worked very hard for more than two years to win recognition in that bill, and finally succeeded with the help of many supporters on Capitol Hill. McCain would nullify that progress.
"Obama, on the other hand, has encouraged expanded international trade, but has voiced considerable unhappiness with NAFTA, CAFTA, [South] Korea and other free trade agreements. While the details are convoluted, many of us who pay attention to trade issues and FTAs contend they may benefit the country overall, and may in fact benefit some sectors of the produce industry, but do not favor Texas or other growers in the southern half of the country.
"Regarding immigration reform, Obama promised the Farm Bureau that he would work hard to pass at least AgJobs within the first year of his administration, and hopefully broader comprehensive reform. And he voted for the farm bill despite some reservations about subsidies.
"Obviously, there's more to weigh than ag issues -- vice presidential candidates, for example -- but my conclusion is that Obama moves us forward, McCain moves us nowhere." Carissa Mace, President, Fresh Produce & Floral Council, La Mirada, CA
"Believe it or not, I'm one of those undecided out there that you can't believe actually exist. I have to be honest, I am not thrilled with either choice, and my thought process right now is, 'Which candidate scares me the least?' I look at both candidates and think, 'Really, these are our choices? We couldn't do better?' My wish is for a strong third-party candidate to suddenly emerge, but that doesn't seem to be happening. So I'll continue to listen, debate with myself, and in the end will vote because if you don't vote, you lose your right to complain. And I do like to complain. Ask my husband." Kevin Andrew, Senior Vice President, Sun World International, Bakersfield, CA
"McCain, because Obama's plan scares me."
Bruce Peterson, President and CEO, Naturipe Farms LLC, Naples, FL
"I have 'resigned' myself to the McCain-Palin ticket as the lesser of two evils. While I absolutely admit to a predisposition to support the Republican party, I have been totally disappointed with the executive leadership for the past six years as well as the legislative leadership that has been displayed in both chambers of Congress. The Republican Party had a remarkable opportunity to distinguish itself to the country when it controlled both the Executive and Legislative branches of our country but chose instead to abdicate the values that had been espoused to get them there. To think that the country 'longs' for a return to the Clinton administration is a scary thought, but as a practical matter, President Clinton did more to advance core Republican agenda items than did our current president.
"But with all that said, I still can't subscribe to the basic Democratic Party approach to government, namely 'tax the haves and give to the have nots.' I still believe in basic free-enterprise tenets that business, in general, should be allowed to operate in an environment of as little government intervention as possible. I support the idea of less federal government and more state/local autonomy. I support a conservative approach to the Constitution.
"All of those things are core Republican values. And while I don't have much confidence that Senator McCain and Governor Palin will reinforce much of that, I have no confidence that Senators Obama and Biden will. In addition, I have every reason to believe that the Democratic Party will gain seats in both the Senate and the House, so in my mind, having a Republican administration is even more important.
It seems tragic to me that, with all of the significant challenges our country has right now, the best slate of candidates that either party can muster are the ones we have to choose between, but that's another matter. So for now, I'll hold my nose, punch the ticket, and figure out how to deal with the outcome."
Brian Vandervoet, Vandervoet & Associates Inc., Nogales, AZ
"I'm going to vote for Senator Obama for president. I believe he is much more in tune with the domestic issues facing the country. Sen. McCain proposed a decent immigration solution, but then has completely backtracked, capitulating to the far right of the Republican Party. When President Bush was first elected eight years ago, I told my friends that if he didn't solve the immigration issue and potential bankruptcy of the Social Security fund, his tenure as president would be a failure. He didn't, and it was. The same holds true for the next president. Critical domestic issues must be faced and resolved. These issues are much more important to Senator Obama, than Senator McCain."
Elizabeth Pivonka, President, Produce for Better Health Foundation, Wilmington, DE
"I should vote for Obama, given that Democrats are generally more supportive of public health efforts like ours here at PBH. However, I philosophically relate more with the Republican ticket: smaller government, fewer taxes, conservative values. Because of his age, I wasn't sold on McCain until the Republication Convention. I like that McCain considers first what is best for the country, not the party, and that he had what it took to step outside the box with his selection of Palin. McCain has my vote."
Dick Spezzano, Principal, Spezzano Consulting, Montrose, CA
"I am still in the undecided group."
Rob Bryant, Western Editorial, Huntington Beach, CA
"Put me down as a recovering Republican. I'm supporting Obama. Eight years of Bush, with Cheney and Rove, have divided this nation into two immovable camps, reduced our international options and emptied the treasury. This triumvirate's worst misdeed, however, was to promote partisan politics, which, if continued by subsequent administrations, may ultimately destroy our democracy.
"The only solution, I believe, is to start over. McCain strikes me as beholden to all that Bush et al hold dear. His choice for vice president was to pander to the conservatives and his foreign policy is a neo-con blueprint. His recent knee-jerk announcement that he would fire the SEC chair as a step in solving the financial crisis indicates the same lack of clear thinking or being in touch that has marked the current administration. Too many failures, too few solutions or triumphs.
"Obama, on the other hand, appears to support more mainstream issues and positions, from a more conciliatory foreign policy to broader, fresher remedies for addressing many of our domestic issues. As an example, an Obama administration would ignore gays in the military, allowing those with key talents, from language skills to high tech, a chance to serve. Jobs, Social Security and health care are everyone's concern. Obama's approach to them may be costly, but we shouldn't be afraid of spending money on ourselves. "In summary, Republicans seem eager to rush to Georgia's aid while Atlanta runs out of gas."
Dan Vache, Principal, Vache Ventures, Redmond, WA
"I will be taking a deep breath when I vote on Nov. 4 due to the fact we are left with a choice of two that were not on the top of my list when the campaigning began almost two years ago.
"This is an election of unpleasant political choices. The decisions to be made in the next four years are also unpleasant political choices including the economy, energy, defense of our country, terrorist activity, health care, immigration reform, bailout plan results - and the list could be expanded and is daunting. The country requires leadership.
"My vote will go to the McCain-Palin ticket as the best of the lot. I favor the ticket as I believe they will have the best chance of shaking up the process inside the Beltway.
"I believe McCain has shown a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and is hammering for government accountability. Both of those items must be addressed and will be required to help the nation recover from the lack of bipartisan leadership that has been exhibited by both parties.
"Palin brings a sense of down-to-earth communication and connection with the general public even with her lack of international expertise. She has connected with so many who have been disenchanted with our 'good old boy' network in Washington, DC, that the voter turnout will be tremendous. "The nation needs to get our house back together, and not with silver- tongued performances that continually promote that the government will take care of you and will lead us to more onerous legislation in an attempt to control our everyday lives."
Larry Neinkerk, Partner and General Manager, Splendid Products LLC, Burlingame, CA
"First, let me say I am an Obama supporter. I firmly believe that an Obama presidency and a Democratic majority in Congress is the only hope we have in getting our country on the right track after the mess that the last administration has placed us in. One must also mention the first Bush administration and that champion of deregulation, Ronald Reagan. A good case could be made that the underlying problems began back then.
"I have many issues that I think relate to or are a part of this disaster, including the war in Iraq, the ever right-leaning Supreme Court, rampant corporate consolidation and our standing in world opinion. However, I'd like to address the disaster that has resulted from conservative 'supply-side economics' and deregulation.
"The conceit that wealth would trickle down to the average citizen through capital infused at the top/supply side of the economic spectrum - especially when unregulated - has proven disastrous. In the last many years, there has been an ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor in our society. This is contrary to our self-interest as a country and an economic power. To adhere to this top-side philosophy presupposes a belief in a sort of paternal altruism on the part of those who supply or finance the goods and services that drive our economy. Our economic system and this country survive and prosper with a vibrant, capital-infused middle class that has the means to buy goods and services.
"A more equitable alternative would be consumer-side economics. That is, capital percolating up through demand for goods and services. As an example of what could result from capital infused at this consumer level, look back at the results of the Works Progress Administration after our last great economic crisis. The Tennessee Valley Authority electrified the South, Hoover Dam was constructed, and roads and bridges were built throughout the country.
"The government must play a part in getting capital to this bottom stratum of society by putting people to work. If citizens have a job, they'll have funds to pay mortgages, buy automobiles and washing machines, and take care of their medical needs. We could start by financing repairs to infrastructure of roads and bridges. In our industry alone, how many billions of dollars have been lost in related transportation costs due to the deplorable state of our roads?
"For those who say this would be an inflationary policy, because, in effect, the government is creating money to pay for this infusion of capital into the work place, I say look at the horrific result of the trillions of dollars of capital artificially created by Wall Street and now imploding down upon us all. Do we really think many of those geniuses of finance have the right idea to lead us forward?"
Doug Ranno, COO and Managing Partner, Colorful Harvest LLC, Salinas, CA
"While I won't share with you my particular choice for president, as I am still studying the issues, I will share with you an idea that I have on how we could better test our leaders prior to putting them in control of key parts of our country or even the free world.
"The idea came to me as I was painstakingly watching one of the debates while my son was bugging me to fire up the Wii for a quick game of Guitar Hero or My Simms. Then it hit me, why not have the Wii gods create a virtual reality game for potential presidents to play on national TV?
"The game would have all of the same type of crisis situations that a potential president could face, and the fact that they would have to play this game right on live television, under pressure, would help us all see what kind of leader we could be electing."
Tom Nassif, President and CEO, Western Growers Association, Irvine, CA
"I am voting for John McCain because I believe agriculture will garner more benefits under President McCain, especially when it comes to taxation, environmental regulation and international trade."
An unscientific e-mail blast sent to different produce business classifications across the nation resulted in many different responses, with adamant supporters of both Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama and Republican candidate Sen. John McCain.
There are also some undecideds as well as a significant number of respondents who did not want to be publicly identified with their choice for president. While most who did not want to respond did not indicate their individual preference privately, two Obama supporters did indicate that they were not comfortable stating that preference in what they perceive to be a more Republican-oriented industry.
The produce industry may well skew toward the Republican Party, although this informal survey showed a more evenly divided industry, at least at the top of the ticket.
Following are the responses in the respondents' own words, with several spelling corrections and a couple of responses shortened for space considerations. All of the responses were received between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6, and the responses represent each writer's personal view rather than his or her company's position. The company affiliation is presented for identification purposes. The answers are presented in the order in which they were received.
Chris Puentes, President, Interfresh Inc., Orange, CA
"I'm supporting John McCain for president. The country does not need the tax-and-spend program that Obama would bring, especially in this difficult economy. I agree with McCain's ideas of stimulating the economy by incentivizing the private sector to invest and create jobs. I also think that McCain, much more so than Obama, has the conviction and the backbone to lead America through these difficult times, both domestically, in terms of financial crises, and internationally, in terms of dealing with terrorism and the ongoing war in Iraq. Lastly, McCain has the pedigree of experience I believe is necessary to perform the functions of the job."
John McClung, President and CEO, Texas Produce Association, Mission, TX
"Despite being a longtime Republican, I will be supporting Barack Obama. John McCain is a courageous public servant whom I have long admired for his willingness to do what he thinks is right and responsible for the nation, even when it flies in the face of his own party's objectives. But if you look at his record on agriculture, it is dismal - even hostile.
"On the trade front, he demands [World Trade Organization] reform even though much of the rest of the world refuses to go along, and [he] continues to pursue the forlorn notion that all American agriculture has to do to prosper is increase exports. He seems not to comprehend or accept that this approach has been around for many years and just hasn't delivered consistent with the conservative ideal.
"On immigration reform, he has backed away from his highly constructive input on AgJobs, and has endorsed the far right's insistence on border security before a guest worker program or a resolution to the problem of undocumented workers already in the country. His apologists contend he will move back to the middle on this issue after the elections, but I doubt it - he has promises to keep that the base will not soon forget.
"As to the farm bill, suffice to say he indicated in May that he would have vetoed the 2008 bill if he was president. The produce industry, you will remember, worked very hard for more than two years to win recognition in that bill, and finally succeeded with the help of many supporters on Capitol Hill. McCain would nullify that progress.
"Obama, on the other hand, has encouraged expanded international trade, but has voiced considerable unhappiness with NAFTA, CAFTA, [South] Korea and other free trade agreements. While the details are convoluted, many of us who pay attention to trade issues and FTAs contend they may benefit the country overall, and may in fact benefit some sectors of the produce industry, but do not favor Texas or other growers in the southern half of the country.
"Regarding immigration reform, Obama promised the Farm Bureau that he would work hard to pass at least AgJobs within the first year of his administration, and hopefully broader comprehensive reform. And he voted for the farm bill despite some reservations about subsidies.
"Obviously, there's more to weigh than ag issues -- vice presidential candidates, for example -- but my conclusion is that Obama moves us forward, McCain moves us nowhere." Carissa Mace, President, Fresh Produce & Floral Council, La Mirada, CA
"Believe it or not, I'm one of those undecided out there that you can't believe actually exist. I have to be honest, I am not thrilled with either choice, and my thought process right now is, 'Which candidate scares me the least?' I look at both candidates and think, 'Really, these are our choices? We couldn't do better?' My wish is for a strong third-party candidate to suddenly emerge, but that doesn't seem to be happening. So I'll continue to listen, debate with myself, and in the end will vote because if you don't vote, you lose your right to complain. And I do like to complain. Ask my husband." Kevin Andrew, Senior Vice President, Sun World International, Bakersfield, CA
"McCain, because Obama's plan scares me."
Bruce Peterson, President and CEO, Naturipe Farms LLC, Naples, FL
"I have 'resigned' myself to the McCain-Palin ticket as the lesser of two evils. While I absolutely admit to a predisposition to support the Republican party, I have been totally disappointed with the executive leadership for the past six years as well as the legislative leadership that has been displayed in both chambers of Congress. The Republican Party had a remarkable opportunity to distinguish itself to the country when it controlled both the Executive and Legislative branches of our country but chose instead to abdicate the values that had been espoused to get them there. To think that the country 'longs' for a return to the Clinton administration is a scary thought, but as a practical matter, President Clinton did more to advance core Republican agenda items than did our current president.
"But with all that said, I still can't subscribe to the basic Democratic Party approach to government, namely 'tax the haves and give to the have nots.' I still believe in basic free-enterprise tenets that business, in general, should be allowed to operate in an environment of as little government intervention as possible. I support the idea of less federal government and more state/local autonomy. I support a conservative approach to the Constitution.
"All of those things are core Republican values. And while I don't have much confidence that Senator McCain and Governor Palin will reinforce much of that, I have no confidence that Senators Obama and Biden will. In addition, I have every reason to believe that the Democratic Party will gain seats in both the Senate and the House, so in my mind, having a Republican administration is even more important.
It seems tragic to me that, with all of the significant challenges our country has right now, the best slate of candidates that either party can muster are the ones we have to choose between, but that's another matter. So for now, I'll hold my nose, punch the ticket, and figure out how to deal with the outcome."
Brian Vandervoet, Vandervoet & Associates Inc., Nogales, AZ
"I'm going to vote for Senator Obama for president. I believe he is much more in tune with the domestic issues facing the country. Sen. McCain proposed a decent immigration solution, but then has completely backtracked, capitulating to the far right of the Republican Party. When President Bush was first elected eight years ago, I told my friends that if he didn't solve the immigration issue and potential bankruptcy of the Social Security fund, his tenure as president would be a failure. He didn't, and it was. The same holds true for the next president. Critical domestic issues must be faced and resolved. These issues are much more important to Senator Obama, than Senator McCain."
Elizabeth Pivonka, President, Produce for Better Health Foundation, Wilmington, DE
"I should vote for Obama, given that Democrats are generally more supportive of public health efforts like ours here at PBH. However, I philosophically relate more with the Republican ticket: smaller government, fewer taxes, conservative values. Because of his age, I wasn't sold on McCain until the Republication Convention. I like that McCain considers first what is best for the country, not the party, and that he had what it took to step outside the box with his selection of Palin. McCain has my vote."
Dick Spezzano, Principal, Spezzano Consulting, Montrose, CA
"I am still in the undecided group."
Rob Bryant, Western Editorial, Huntington Beach, CA
"Put me down as a recovering Republican. I'm supporting Obama. Eight years of Bush, with Cheney and Rove, have divided this nation into two immovable camps, reduced our international options and emptied the treasury. This triumvirate's worst misdeed, however, was to promote partisan politics, which, if continued by subsequent administrations, may ultimately destroy our democracy.
"The only solution, I believe, is to start over. McCain strikes me as beholden to all that Bush et al hold dear. His choice for vice president was to pander to the conservatives and his foreign policy is a neo-con blueprint. His recent knee-jerk announcement that he would fire the SEC chair as a step in solving the financial crisis indicates the same lack of clear thinking or being in touch that has marked the current administration. Too many failures, too few solutions or triumphs.
"Obama, on the other hand, appears to support more mainstream issues and positions, from a more conciliatory foreign policy to broader, fresher remedies for addressing many of our domestic issues. As an example, an Obama administration would ignore gays in the military, allowing those with key talents, from language skills to high tech, a chance to serve. Jobs, Social Security and health care are everyone's concern. Obama's approach to them may be costly, but we shouldn't be afraid of spending money on ourselves. "In summary, Republicans seem eager to rush to Georgia's aid while Atlanta runs out of gas."
Dan Vache, Principal, Vache Ventures, Redmond, WA
"I will be taking a deep breath when I vote on Nov. 4 due to the fact we are left with a choice of two that were not on the top of my list when the campaigning began almost two years ago.
"This is an election of unpleasant political choices. The decisions to be made in the next four years are also unpleasant political choices including the economy, energy, defense of our country, terrorist activity, health care, immigration reform, bailout plan results - and the list could be expanded and is daunting. The country requires leadership.
"My vote will go to the McCain-Palin ticket as the best of the lot. I favor the ticket as I believe they will have the best chance of shaking up the process inside the Beltway.
"I believe McCain has shown a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and is hammering for government accountability. Both of those items must be addressed and will be required to help the nation recover from the lack of bipartisan leadership that has been exhibited by both parties.
"Palin brings a sense of down-to-earth communication and connection with the general public even with her lack of international expertise. She has connected with so many who have been disenchanted with our 'good old boy' network in Washington, DC, that the voter turnout will be tremendous. "The nation needs to get our house back together, and not with silver- tongued performances that continually promote that the government will take care of you and will lead us to more onerous legislation in an attempt to control our everyday lives."
Larry Neinkerk, Partner and General Manager, Splendid Products LLC, Burlingame, CA
"First, let me say I am an Obama supporter. I firmly believe that an Obama presidency and a Democratic majority in Congress is the only hope we have in getting our country on the right track after the mess that the last administration has placed us in. One must also mention the first Bush administration and that champion of deregulation, Ronald Reagan. A good case could be made that the underlying problems began back then.
"I have many issues that I think relate to or are a part of this disaster, including the war in Iraq, the ever right-leaning Supreme Court, rampant corporate consolidation and our standing in world opinion. However, I'd like to address the disaster that has resulted from conservative 'supply-side economics' and deregulation.
"The conceit that wealth would trickle down to the average citizen through capital infused at the top/supply side of the economic spectrum - especially when unregulated - has proven disastrous. In the last many years, there has been an ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor in our society. This is contrary to our self-interest as a country and an economic power. To adhere to this top-side philosophy presupposes a belief in a sort of paternal altruism on the part of those who supply or finance the goods and services that drive our economy. Our economic system and this country survive and prosper with a vibrant, capital-infused middle class that has the means to buy goods and services.
"A more equitable alternative would be consumer-side economics. That is, capital percolating up through demand for goods and services. As an example of what could result from capital infused at this consumer level, look back at the results of the Works Progress Administration after our last great economic crisis. The Tennessee Valley Authority electrified the South, Hoover Dam was constructed, and roads and bridges were built throughout the country.
"The government must play a part in getting capital to this bottom stratum of society by putting people to work. If citizens have a job, they'll have funds to pay mortgages, buy automobiles and washing machines, and take care of their medical needs. We could start by financing repairs to infrastructure of roads and bridges. In our industry alone, how many billions of dollars have been lost in related transportation costs due to the deplorable state of our roads?
"For those who say this would be an inflationary policy, because, in effect, the government is creating money to pay for this infusion of capital into the work place, I say look at the horrific result of the trillions of dollars of capital artificially created by Wall Street and now imploding down upon us all. Do we really think many of those geniuses of finance have the right idea to lead us forward?"
Doug Ranno, COO and Managing Partner, Colorful Harvest LLC, Salinas, CA
"While I won't share with you my particular choice for president, as I am still studying the issues, I will share with you an idea that I have on how we could better test our leaders prior to putting them in control of key parts of our country or even the free world.
"The idea came to me as I was painstakingly watching one of the debates while my son was bugging me to fire up the Wii for a quick game of Guitar Hero or My Simms. Then it hit me, why not have the Wii gods create a virtual reality game for potential presidents to play on national TV?
"The game would have all of the same type of crisis situations that a potential president could face, and the fact that they would have to play this game right on live television, under pressure, would help us all see what kind of leader we could be electing."
Tom Nassif, President and CEO, Western Growers Association, Irvine, CA
"I am voting for John McCain because I believe agriculture will garner more benefits under President McCain, especially when it comes to taxation, environmental regulation and international trade."
