This letter is on response to the letter titled "Old Creek Needs Work" by Ralph Koerper printed in the Dec. 7 edition of The Advertiser-Tribune. Several issues brought up by Mr. Koerper cry out for clarification.
Mr. Koerper wrote: "So for Mr. Williams to state that this problem exists because of so-called rich farmers is an insult to Pat Scherger and Cliff Hartline. ..." Neither the words "rich" nor "farmers" nor the term "rich farmers" appear in the two columns I wrote which were published by The Advertiser-Tribune. Neither did I use them in my public comments at the two public hearings held by the county commissioners, which are public record.
It is not my verbage and not my pattern of speech. Anyone is welcome to quote me; it is actually a form of flattery. Just do so correctly. By connecting this phrase "rich farmers" to these two individuals, it has become your words, Mr. Koerper, and not mine, which have insulted Pat Scherger and Cliff Hartline (although I have to think being called "rich" is really a mild and innocuous word to be considered an insult).
Kevin Williams, Sycamore
