Bob Odom, Louisiana's agriculture commissioner for 28 years, says this is not the time to change leadership at his department, which is important to the future of farm-rich northeastern Louisiana. But if not now, when?

Odom, 72, has spent much of his last term battling his personal, continuing legal problems stemming from charges of public corruption. Odom's seventh term was also marked by an aborted effort to build — at taxpayer expense — a costly sugar mill in south Louisiana, a high-risk, low-gain venture that responsible state leaders fought hard to successfully halt.

Fortunately, Louisiana voters have an attractive alternative to Odom's dark leadership. They should opt for that choice, and vote for State Rep. Mike Strain, R-Covington, for commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry.

Strain, a veterinarian and cattle rancher, has been a quiet but effective and respected force in the Legislature, serving on the Rural Legislative Task Force and chairing the Rural Caucus. His knowledge of issues related to farming, timber and ranching run deep. His proposed solutions to agriculture problems — they include tax credits and fee reductions, property protection and market growth — reflect conservative values that mirror's Louisiana's best instincts.

It's time to shore up and heal this wounded agriculture department, which is vital to this area's economic stability. It's time to focus on the farmer's problems, not the commissioner's problems. It's time to vote for Strain.

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