As a U.S. Senator based in Washington, D.C., Jerry Moran knows most people, and certainly those who control the nation’s business, don’t have a clue about small-town life. SMALL TOWNS succeed because of the role of local leaders, not those in national office, Moran said.
A native of Plainville, out in the far reaches of Kansas, Moran knows first-hand the unique character of small towns.
“Rural America is special,” he said. “And I am commited to see your way of life is not lost. Together, we must do what we can to make certain good things happen in our communities and state and that our kids and grandchildren would see this as a good place to live.”
Moran, who has served as a U.S. Senator since 2010, and before that as a representative of the 1st Congressional District, was the keynote speaker Saturday night for the 60th anniversary of Iola Industries.
Moran tipped his hat to the role of Iola Industries and its efforts to secure an industrial base.
“There’s not a county in Kansas who wouldn’t love to have your industrial base,” he said. “It didn’t just happen. Decisions were made to attract or retain or expand businesses.
“It’s something this organization can do better than anyone else.”
Iola Industries is made up of local stockholders who work to attract industries and make Iola a good place to do business. Its latest endeavors laid the groundwork to bring G&W grocery store and develope apartments and townhomes on the site of the old Allen County Hospital.
“D.C. politics play a small role in your lives. It’s local leaders who make a difference,” he said.
Moran also knows how the viability of a community can hinge on the success of one grocery store, one hardware store or one pharmacy.
“No one in D.C. understands this,” he said.
In his travels across the state, Moran said he most frequently encounters questions about health care and affordable housing.
Earlier in the day Moran had visited hospitals in Coffeyville and Chanute, and noted the importance of communities retaining their hospitals.
“Once a community loses its hospital, they lose their families and senior citizens,” he said.
He lauded Allen County’s efforts to build a new hospital, predicting it will help take the area into the future.
Senator espouses rural America
