NewsLocal News

Actions

Locals react to president's visit

Posted at 7:22 PM, Feb 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-20 12:56:34-05

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — JACO Hanger was filled with farmers, supporters and locals waiting to see President Donald Trump speak today. Many attendees say they were honored that the president came to their town to address issues affecting them.

23ABC was able to speak with Congressman and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and a local farmer who was asked to speak alongside the president.

Congressman McCarthy said Kern County now has the strongest advocate to change water regulations.

"We have a federal water project and a state water project. Now if the state would just work for the federal we will have a greater ability for Kern County to grow. The biggest challenges we have for Kern County economic is the water and oil, and both of those are being challenged by Sacramento right now which hurts our livelihood in Kern county," said McCarthy.

Jenny Holtermann was one of the farmers who spoke at the event today. She is also a fourth generation almond farmer in the Waso - Shafter area.

"Water is huge its our livelihood. Without it we wouldn't be able to farm ...we need more certainty and Trump did that today," said Holtermann.