To the editor:

I live in Lawrence, Kansas, and am represented by Tracey Mann and Roger Marshall. Although Lawrence and Western Kansas differ, agriculture connects us. I grew up on a Kansas farm and still maintain an ownership interest in our family farm. I understand the importance of keeping farming economically viable.

Mann claims to support law enforcement and holding violent criminals accountable. Marshall’s staff has expressed similar positions. Yet, after numerous calls and emails to both offices, I have received no direct answers about their positions on President Trump’s pardons involving January 6 defendants, including individuals convicted of assaulting police officers. I also questioned the pardons of Michele Fiore, convicted in connection with misusing police memorial funds, and former sheriff Scott Jenkins, convicted of bribery. Their silence raises serious questions about accountability.

Their agricultural policies concern me just as much. Tariffs can increase the cost of agricultural inputs and invite retaliatory trade measures that hurt American farm exports. International conflict can disrupt energy markets, raising diesel and fertilizer costs. Our family farm has experienced a reported 26% increase in anhydrous ammonia costs. I question how Mann and Marshall justify supporting policies that may increase production expenses while making it harder for farmers to earn a profit.

I am a retired teacher, coach, and principal who believes in hard work, personal responsibility, and common sense. As a farm owner, I want to raise crops, cover expenses, and earn a reasonable return — not depend on government assistance to remain in business.

I call on Tracey Mann and Roger Marshall to answer these questions publicly.

Jerry Meier,

Lawrence