Freeborn County sends a message to the business community with each vote it takes concerning planning and zoning and environmental issues.

Within the last few years, I’ve seen a young farmer with three children and his spouse, who worked in an executive position, denied a conditional-use permit for an on-farm small business. Manchester Township went on record to support the young entrepreneur. He has subsequently left our community with his working spouse and children, who will not be schooling in Freeborn County.

During times when farming is profitable and going is good, no one notices, but when economic times are tough, off-farm income is crucial. Not allowing such rural, home-based business leads to a narrow economic base and makes it hard for rural farm families to weather the normal cycle of good to difficult times.

Diversity, flexibility and more growth-oriented, community-based planning will keep more young families in Freeborn County, sending our graduates the message to come back home: You can fulfill your dreams right here, not miles from home. 

When we deny sensible, home-based business due to inflexible rural zoning, we are stifling a broader economic base. This can be done while still balancing the needs of neighboring property owners related to noise, traffic or other impacts. If we do not make adjustments in zoning that can create new economic opportunity, we should then prepare for a quieter and less populated rural community. The implications of this shortsightedness are far reaching, not just from the higher tax burden residents would have in paying for road maintenance, fire protection and other vital services, but also the challenges in filling local church pews, retaining small businesses that depend on consumers, let alone keeping viable the four school districts in Freeborn County.

In addressing our environmental concerns, we need to balance regulation with the reality of what residents’ needs are. I know we mean well, but in one instance we have deprived local farmers a non-fossil fuel based fertilizer byproduct. This product is being spread in Mower County and widely in Iowa currently. The company is active in seven states, including Minnesota and Iowa. This company has been frustrated by Freeborn County to the point that if any farmers want their product, the farmer must solely deal with the permitting process. 

There is no doubt in my mind business owner’s share their frustrations with other business owners, giving Freeborn County an undesired reputation. I firmly believe commissioners can guide our regulating offices by vote or direct action to create a healthy, stronger community for residents, businesses and the environment. 

On a final note, in the short time I have been active in working with state or federal legislators, I’ve realized that simply relying on speaking with local legislators does not bring us in contact with the chair or vice chair of vital committees that can help our cause. It is crucial that local officials are directly in front of the decision-makers, giving a strong voice to requests we need addressed. Very few communities get what they need with a simple request. A prime example would be the work done to get funding for the Edgewater Park landfill cleanup. A combined effort of local officials going to St. Paul with the help of our state representative and senator is what got the job done. 

The next three years will be financially challenging, not only for Freeborn County, but for all rural areas. Already having had a track record of organized lobbying by county commissioners would have had a great benefit for Freeborn County. There will be considerable competition for what little funding support that will be available. 

Neal Gjersvik is a candidate for Freeborn County Commissioner District 1.