Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Fred Walcott, of Allendale, to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The five-member board provides executive direction for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development programs. No more than three members may be from the same political party.

"Fred brings years of experience to the commission, and I am confident he will do great work on behalf of the people of Michigan in this role," said Snyder.

A lifelong farmer, Walcott works for Valley View Pork LLC. The 4,000-acre family farm produces hogs, corn, wheat and soybeans, and houses a weather station which monitors crop conditions. Walcott, a Republican, replaces Velmar Green.

Walcott will serve a four-year term that expires Dec. 31, 2016, and his appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Sounds benign enough, right?  And, it is until one finds out that Fred Walcott has lined his pockets with $934,078 of our tax dollars for his private profit.  It's just a got-damn shame that a guy trying to make a living without sponging off of taxpayers is greeted by State Police/DNR/Federal agent jackboots just to peacefully have his day in court while being stifled by the Attorney General's Office.