Tulare, Ca --Governor Jerry Brown made a stop at the World Ag Expo in Tulare Wednesday to address concerns about the drought. But he didn't stay long, answering few questions about how he's going to help growers get through what will likely be a long, hot and dry summer.
The Governor was in and out in five minutes saying he will fix the water problems plaguing growers but speeding away telling reporters he had to go to meetings.
As soon as the Governor was spotted by media he was swarmed, taking questions about the drought promising to come up with solutions.
"If anybody can get it done I can get it done and I am working night and day to achieve that," said Governor Brown.
Bakersfield business owner Phillip Hailey was not impressed.
"He didn't stop to see me at my booth I don't know if anything was accomplished by it," said Hailey who is the President of AgStar Services Inc., a Bakersfield based company.
Hailey's company AgStar sells irrigation equipment. He said business is good for him but at 47th annual Ag Expo farmers attitude's are bleak.
"Everyone is a little gloomy about what they are going to be able to do, if they will have to pull out permanent crops," said Hailey.
That's an uncertainty that depends on Congress, who right now has two drought relief bills competing on party lines.
"We need solutions now because the problem is now not down the road," said Hailey.
Governor Brown supports the democrats bill that aims to provide $300 million dollar in relief to farmers not the republican bill, supported by Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy, that wants to by-pass environmental protections to pump water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water promising to favor people over fish.
"What I want to do is find the middle path that will get the most done that is feasible in the constitution and the politics we have," said Brown.
Bakersfield-based Rain for Rent manager said he's not picking sides. He just wants a decision.
"I just hope whatever they come up with it is actually going to benefit the people and all of us who depend on water in this area for business," said Ismael Diaz of Rain for Rent.
Businesses waiting to see what happens Friday when President Obama comes to Fresno.
The Governor was in and out in five minutes saying he will fix the water problems plaguing growers but speeding away telling reporters he had to go to meetings.
As soon as the Governor was spotted by media he was swarmed, taking questions about the drought promising to come up with solutions.
"If anybody can get it done I can get it done and I am working night and day to achieve that," said Governor Brown.
Bakersfield business owner Phillip Hailey was not impressed.
"He didn't stop to see me at my booth I don't know if anything was accomplished by it," said Hailey who is the President of AgStar Services Inc., a Bakersfield based company.
Hailey's company AgStar sells irrigation equipment. He said business is good for him but at 47th annual Ag Expo farmers attitude's are bleak.
"Everyone is a little gloomy about what they are going to be able to do, if they will have to pull out permanent crops," said Hailey.
That's an uncertainty that depends on Congress, who right now has two drought relief bills competing on party lines.
"We need solutions now because the problem is now not down the road," said Hailey.
Governor Brown supports the democrats bill that aims to provide $300 million dollar in relief to farmers not the republican bill, supported by Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy, that wants to by-pass environmental protections to pump water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water promising to favor people over fish.
"What I want to do is find the middle path that will get the most done that is feasible in the constitution and the politics we have," said Brown.
Bakersfield-based Rain for Rent manager said he's not picking sides. He just wants a decision.
"I just hope whatever they come up with it is actually going to benefit the people and all of us who depend on water in this area for business," said Ismael Diaz of Rain for Rent.
Businesses waiting to see what happens Friday when President Obama comes to Fresno.