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Happy that a candidate asks for constituents’ opinions
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To the Editor:
In attending the Houston County Fair I couldn’t help but notice Justin Zmyewski “Candidate for Commissioner” by his large mobile billboard, which is really a cargo trailer. Justin was making every effort to meet and greet the constituents of Houston County. The refreshing thing was that he wasn’t asking for votes, instead he was listening to the voices of the tax payers and inviting them to be part of the solution.
An individual running for public office who isn’t asking for votes but is asking for my opinion, now that’s refreshing…
Stephanie Gulbranson
Houston, Minn.
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Keep up the good work
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To the Editor:
I have watched State Representative Greg Davids fight hard for the people here in our district and I am glad he is in St. Paul fighting against all the unnecessary tax increases. I think Representative Davids does a fantastic job and deserves our thanks for what he has done for us. Thank you Representative Greg Davids. Keep it up. I also want to extend my wishes to Representative Davids a fast and healthy recovery.
Mark Burmeister
Spring Valley, Minn.
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Hats off to another great fair
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To the Editor:
It was another absolutely wonderful county fair this year, and our thanks go out to all of the members of the Fair Board, the superintendents, 4-Hers and their hardworking parents and all who worked to make it a great experience for everyone.
Our pre-school aged grandsons enjoyed the animals in the barns and even found an egg under a chicken in the poultry barn - they thought that was really hilarious. They saw lots of their friends and rode on rides with them. While my adult children visited with friend after friend there with their own children I marveled at it. I saw all those persons grow up, perhaps at church, or school, or sporting events, and now here they are holding the hands of little ones that look just like them. It really gave me a sense of community, permanence, and the feeling that all is right with the world.
Hats off to another great fair. I know of another generation of little ones who caught the fair bug and are very much looking forward to next year.
Diana Hammell
Caledonia, Minn.
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Quit with all the closed meetings and let the public know
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To the Editor:
So, two Houston County Department Heads have been reprimanded for violating not only County policy but it appears Federal law.
Now, one Dept. Head, it is reported in the daily papers, was reprimanded for not reporting the violations and the other says “I don’t recall personally doing it. I’m aware that it happened, now that this has come forward. I wasn’t aware until after the fact that it was done.”
So… who did it? How extensive was the copying of DVDs at the Houston County courthouse? Literally wearing out County equipment making these illegal DVDs would lead one to assume that hundreds if not thousands of Black Market DVDs were produced. Who made them? Did they sell them? How much time did County employees(?) spend on the illegal business?
As a past Houston County Commissioner I call on the County Board to quit with all the closed meetings and let the public know the extent of the problem. A little investigative reporting is definitely needed.
Something smells awfully bad at the Houston County Courthouse.
Kevin Kelleher
Houston County Commissioner 1990-2006
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Responsible government and the people
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To the Editor:
With the next election, there will be at least one and possibly two new commissioners serving on the Houston County Board. But, will they really be serving the residents of Houston County? Will they ask the questions that need to be asked or will they be complacent and go with the flow?
Houston County is not alone in the types of issues we are facing. Residents have cut back and have had to make some tough choices with their finances. It’s time that our government offices do the same. It’s time to look at the cost/benefit ratio of all non-essential line items and take a common sense approach to managing our county. How long do we keep paying for the mistakes?
“Doing some repairs on that roof would be a band-aid approach,” Commissioner Tom Bjerke said. “If we have the money to do this, I think we need to get it done before we have any more water damage.” Repairing the soft spots in the Meyer building would cost approximately $500 or replacing the roof $11,000. If it was your budget – what would you do? I sure hope one of the county vehicles doesn’t get a flat tire. Option one - fix the tire or option two - buy a new car!
I’ve recently read about Justice Center property setback concerns. Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into a fiasco delaying the project and adding costs to construction and possible litigation.
What about the airport? Are the numbers we’re hearing accurate? Are the taxpayers of the county willing to foot the bill for the costs for upgrading and maintaining this facility? A 2-hole outhouse that cost 6-figures is a bit much. For the cost, I expected something much more elaborate. What about the tanker of fuel that didn’t sell and ended up going out of date and selling for pennies on the dollar? Would it be better financially to shut the airport down and sell the property? These are questions I feel that need to be answered.
Too often, government officials become complacent and are out of touch with their constituents. It’s true that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. We need to do our part and make sure our voices are heard – and not just in the coffee shops. Attend a meeting, write a letter, talk to your neighbors, and vote. When the wolf is your shepherd, the sheep need to beware.
There was a time when Houston County’s population grew due to many higher taxed Wisconsin residents moving across the river to escape paying excessive property taxes. I’m concerned that poor decision making on the part of our commissioners and county department heads is going to lead to higher property taxes and will eventually drive people out of our area. “We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” — Winston Churchill
Mitch Sheehan
Hokah, Minn.
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Sen. Ropes supports veterans
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To the Editor:
I am a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. After I was discharged, I moved to Winona to continue my education. I have graduated from WSU and made Winona my home.
I am thankful that my adopted hometown has generated a great defender of veteran’s interests in the form of our Senator Sharon Erickson Ropes.
Sharon Ropes is exactly the kind of person I want representing me. She is a nurse and a former officer in the Navy. She understands the challenges many veterans face.
Senator Ropes has, in the last four years, sponsored and passed more bills to help the veteran’s community than any other legislator in Minnesota. Her amazing service to our veterans was recognized by the County Veteran’s Service Officers Association when they honored her with the Legislator of the Year Award.
I highly encourage you to vote for Sharon Erickson Ropes this November so that she can return to the Minnesota capitol and continue to provide support for those who’ve sacrificed so much for us.
Chris Tubbs
Winona, Minn.
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