Farming
Written by Johnny Belli
Tony’s godson and the son of his lifetime best friend, Dewey Belli
Tony Coelho is my godfather. He and my farther, Dewey Belli were best friends for 64 years since their childhood. Tony and Dewey were incredibly close for the duration of their adulthood; so in 1997, they decided to go into business together farming grapes and almonds. Tony was always a man of the people, constantly looking for new ways to help others. He and my father shared this attribute, so they made a great team. Their business partnership lasted over fifteen years. Tony is a very positive person who shows great love to those around him, and to those whom he does not know. Like Dewey was, Tony is a family man who puts those close to him above all else, another trait that aided him in Congress.
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This is what made Tony such a naturally good Congressman—he always thought about the people without hesitation. Tony’s childhood in the rural area of the Central Valley allowed him an important cause in running and working in Congress. Tony worked with Congress to get specialty crops covered in agriculture programs and advised our local water district on how to navigate certain issues that were a large priority in the farming community. The constant fight for water in Congress was a major concern for all farmers in the Central Valley. Tony always prioritized the Central Valley getting its fair share of water. With the constant fluctuation of water laws throughout Tony and Dewey’s lives, California always
had different parties and districts fighting for their water rights. As the Valley is such a rural area and a large majority of its population works in the agriculture industry, therefore is affected by water laws.
​​​​​​My whole family knows of Tony and the hard work he put in for our Valley. As a mentor to me, Tony was a reliable source in plenty of areas of my life. Whether it was a farming issue or day-to-day life advice. With Tony and Dewey being long-time friends, Tony was always a large part of my life, even being on the East Coast. Tony is a great sounding board and source of wisdom for me and the rest of my family. All his life, Tony has been effortlessly dedicated and devoted to his cause. Tony and my dad kept in touch frequently, which kept their friendship as strong as it was when they were kids.
Tony is a great example of the determination to follow your dreams and the pursuit of success. He has been an excellent father figure to me, especially in recent years. I am eternally grateful for Tony’s presence in my life. It has been an honor and a privilege to write about him.