Jim Costa: A long, impressive record of service to the valley

As the San Joaquin Valley battles back from the economic downturn, the region needs congressional representatives who can promote the interests of the key industry, agriculture, and also work with local leaders to broaden the economic base.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, has a record that meets those qualifications. We recommend his election in the new 16th District, which includes all of Merced County, part of Madera County and about half the city of Fresno. His challenger is Brian Whelan, a Fresno attorney and businessman.

Costa has long been a champion of agriculture, which is why the California Farm Bureau endorsed him for Congress. The organization said Costa has been a consistent voice for farmers. "He recognizes that the economy and environment of his district both depend on the success of farms and ranches — and that the success of the Valley's farms and ranches depends on water," said state Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger of Modesto. The endorsement is noteworthy because the Farm Bureau often supports Republicans.

Costa is also being supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because of his work to improve the economy at the local and national levels.

Costa also has been a major supporter of getting a medical school at the University of California at Merced.

The 16th District has been hit especially hard by the housing crisis, and Costa has fought to give homeowners facing foreclosure mortgage relief. This is an issue in which a member of Congress can be effective because banks have ignored the voices of individuals about to lose their homes.

Costa's valley representation goes back more than three decades with his service in the state Assembly and Senate, and then with his election to Congress in 2004.

In his long tenure as an elected official, he has been a strong representative for the valley. Voters in the 16th Congressional District should return Costa to Congress on Nov. 6.