Nitzel challenges Swearingen

Editor’s note: The Lakeland Times invited Dennis Nitzel, who is the Democratic nominee for the 34th Assembly district, to be interviewed, but the candidate never responded to the invitation. Information below is taken from his website and represents almost all the information presented on that website.

About Dennis Nitzel

“I am an American by birth, an agronomist by vocation, a potato grower by desire, and a research scientist by sheer good luck. I am a certified crop advisor and a master woodland steward. I therefore have a deeper understanding of agriculture and forestry than most. I am aware of the challenges in the two most dangerous occupations in the nation. Industries that require a great investment in time, energy, and money and then trust to the luck and weather and hope the market is good enough in the end to cover the costs of production. These producers do have the satisfaction of supplying food and fiber to the world and knowing they are not appreciated. My family farm produces beef, pork, and forest products, albeit a small amount.

“I am well-schooled and well-traveled. I have chased potatoes through every potato growing area in North America. That has given me the opportunity to witness many different techniques. There are lots of ways to do things and not everything works everywhere. But some things would work in other areas and may work better if that technique were known. Different areas have the unique features. Few places are as unique as the 34th Assembly District in more ways than agronomically. In a great society where great minds think alike, you can count on me for a unique perspective. Like everyone I have my biases, my prejudices, my beliefs, but I am not enough of an egotist to think that my way is the only way or the right way or a good way or even if it is a way.”

Issues

Nitzel’s website is barebones, but he says he believes in “a woman’s right to choose,” “addressing environmental issues,” and “the scientific method.”

His website also included a quote: “My desire is to listen to you. What is your concern? What are your issues? What is your perspective. If your perspective is not the same as mine, I will endeavor to understand yours.”