Papers Endorse Rickey Cole for Commissioner of Agriculture

The Hattiesburg American:

Rickey Cole, 41, who grew up on a truck farm in Ovett and is the former chairman of Mississippi's Democratic Party, brings strong ideas to the table.

Most importantly, he does not bring the baggage of Mississippi's $55 million bailout of the failed beef plant in 2004 - which happened on Spell's watch and for which he refuses to take any responsibility.

Cole would refocus the marketing arm of the department and work on ways to connect Mississippi farmers to wholesalers and retailers. He wants to put more Mississippi produce into Mississippi grocery stores. He would revamp the "Make Mine Mississippi" program and the farmers market in downtown Jackson, which he says was poorly thought out and has not paid back the state's investment.

The Clarion Ledger:

The 2007 race for the post of commissioner of agriculture and commerce shouldn't even be a contest, given the incumbent's inability to take responsibility for himself in office.

A wag could put it as incumbent Lester Spell against the beef plant. In this, the state loses both ways: with Spell refusing to take responsibility for the $55 million fiasco, and the fiasco itself. But, really, it's Spell vs. Spell.

But, if the plant were not an issue, how would Spell measure up? Not well.

Before the beef plant idea darkened the state's door, Spell's Southern States Meat Goat Cooperative brainchild also flopped, though less expensively and, hence, less noticeably. And, after the goat plant and as the beef plant unfolded, Spell destroyed the old and beloved Farmer's Market in Jackson in favor of a new one he wanted at the Fairgrounds that also has been unsuccessful.

The department needs a fresh approach from top to bottom, Cole told The Clarion-Ledger Editorial Board, and he's right. He wants to have the department objectively evaluated by a performance audit to determine most efficient use of taxpayer money. He wants to empower family farmers and develop resources to promote "niche" farming to help local communities' economic development. He will return accountability and support agriculture, not impose it, or waste resources.

It's time for a change. Cole is the best choice on Nov. 6.

Rickey Cole is the best choice. He deserves your consideration and support. He will be an excellent public servant and will help all of Mississippi move towards prosperity.