Letter to the Editor
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Thanks Massachusetts voters
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To the Editor:
Thanks to Democrat, Independent and Republican voters of Massachusetts! They protected us here in Minnesota District 1… something that “Timid” Walz would not do. They saved us from an ill-conceived, budget busting, back-room dealing, wrong approach health care reform bill that would have violated the Hippocratic oath itself.
It’s a shame when you have to count on voters from another state to do what your elected representative should have done. It will NOT be a shame when Walz and Pelosi are removed from the halls of Congress. Nine months and counting until Nov. 2 when we can vote Walz out of office. California will hopefully do their part with removing Pelosi.
Reviewing “The Federalist”, (available at book stores everywhere), is a good recommendation for the Democratic, Independent or Republican person who succeeds Walz in Washington. It discusses thoughts of “representation” of your constituents in a Republic style Government. This is obviously something Walz has never even heard of before.
James Halbakken
Winona, Minn.
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We need a new pragmatic vision
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To the Editor:
As a wife, a mother of three, and a lifelong resident of Southeastern Minnesota, I cannot help but feel deeply concerned with the way this part of Minnesota is operating along with the way politics is operating in St. Paul.
With highway 44 crumbling before our eyes, our public schools struggling to stay afloat, and small family farms being sucked in by giant corporate ones, I’m certain we rural Minnesotans are headed in the wrong direction. We’ve given our current GOP representative plenty of time to improve the district of 31B. Eighteen years has been long enough.
This district needs a new, pragmatic vision to solve today’s problems and invest in tomorrow’s solutions. That is why I’m supporting Steve Kemp in next week’s precinct caucuses and that is why it is necessary we send him to work for us at the Capitol later this year.
Steve Kemp is someone who recently entered politics not for fame or attention, but for the people of Southeastern Minnesota and the people of this state. Steve shares my progressive views without the arrogance and rejection towards differing views. Fresh and new, yet such simple pragmatism is exactly what is needed in today’s world of divisive politics.
Unlike many currently in public service, Steve Kemp knows the importance of compromise. It’s this kind of common sense approach that transcends politics in return for real-life solutions. I encourage everyone to caucus for Steve Kemp on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at your respective caucus locations which can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
Darcy Thorson
Spring Grove, Minn.
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A fresh face, new attitude
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To the Editor:
Elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people of their district and being a spokesperson for the community. Unfortunately this necessity is often forgotten in today’s political arena. Often times those seeking office promise to bring change to St. Paul, but once in office, their actions end up being much of the same. Bills fail to pass with bipartisan support and politics as usual hinders necessary legislation from being made into law.
Jeremy Miller, a candidate seeking the Republican endorsement, has a fresh face with a new attitude. I urge those who caucus on Feb. 2 to elect delegates that support Jeremy Miller.
Over the past few months, I’ve observed Jeremy in conversation with concerned Minnesotans. It’s clear that he has a desire to work with the families and businesses of Southeastern Minnesota to help build a better future. Jeremy takes a common sense approach to politics, particularly when it comes to excessive government spending.
Jeremy is a believer that legislators in St. Paul must shift from an expensive, wasteful system to smarter spending. Average Americans who achieve financial stability do so by being smarter and more productive. Jeremy believes that the same principle should apply to government. As a legislator, Jeremy will set priorities and increase spending in key areas, while reducing it in non-essential areas.
Jeremy often says that families of Southeastern Minnesota have to control spending in their homes, and government should have to do the same. He believes that government spending comes down to kitchen table budgeting. Jeremy will bring fiscal responsibility back to Minnesota.
People want someone they can trust and hold responsible for making decisions. Through involvement in the community, Jeremy demonstrates a strong work ethic and enacts the values of hard work, respect, and honesty.
Jeremy is a fresh face with a new attitude. He has the energy and determination to lead Minnesota in the right direction. I urge people who caucus on Feb. 2 to elect delegates that support Jeremy Miller. Together you can work with Jeremy to build a better future for Minnesota.
To learn more about Jeremy Miller, visit www.friendsformiller.com.
Angela McGowan
Winona, Minn.
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Davys are asking for answers
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To the Editor:
We’re asking for answers, and we hope other property owners in Houston County join us in asking these important questions.
We own a 40 acre parcel, where there are three addresses, one of which is an apartment that was built in an agricultural out-building in 1984. At the time of the apartment installation, the county tax assessor came out to assess the value of the property. The assessor returned to the property to take note of additional property adjustments every three years for a period of 12 years. Melvin’s mother Mary Ellen Davy lived in that home for 25 years. Due to a medical condition, she was forced to move into a nursing home but plans on returning.
Houston County has sent three notices to us stating that the apartment is an unauthorized structure pursuant to zoning codes, and must be returned to an agricultural building, although at a County Zoning Commission meeting on 1-18-07, a zoning commission member indicated that the structure is “grandfathered in”.
At the Jan. 12, 2010 meeting, Rick Frank indicated when the apartment was constructed, the county, zoning office, the county commissioners and the assessors office were aware of the construction. They were happy to assess and tax it for the past 25 years and now have changed their minds about its legality.
During the Jan. 12 meeting, Commissioner Connery refused to let more then five people speak, stating “that this is not an open meeting”. Do we not have an open meeting law in this state? Is the business before the county commissioners not what we go there to discuss? Many people, including a 94 year old gentleman with his statement prepared, were denied the opportunity and their right to be heard. The board room was packed with supporters.
There are very real laws that the county is breaking. We have a list of the statutes that are being violated. Please call the commissioners whom have been in office for several years and ask them WHY they don’t follow the laws of Minnesota. Ask them to ask our county attorney to go thru the zoning book and review it to see how many zoning laws are unconstitutional according to the United States constitution.
Bob Scanlan has threatened to fine us $75 per day if we don’t evict our renter, a single disabled woman and her cat in the middle of winter. Isn’t there a law against that?
Dave Corcoran, the most knowledgeable with his 17 years as a commissioner, is non-compliant himself. He, as well as others, are choosing to “selectively” enforce county zoning laws by having a non-compliant structure on his property for greater than one year.
Will Scanlan threaten him with a $75/day fine until be becomes compliant? As a citizen, Melvin Davy will make sure that Corcoran does not run unopposed this November.
Why are the commissioners so afraid to work with us on an individual basis? Isn’t that their job to represent their constituents? In our system, aren’t the rights of one equal to the rights of many?
Jean and Melvin Davy, Jr.
Hokah, Minn.
(507) 894-8888
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Please attend your precinct caucus
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To the Editor:
As the Houston County chairs for Minnesota’s two largest political parties, we encourage and invite all residents of Houston County to participate in precinct caucuses on Tuesday Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. There are five locations throughout the county for both the DFL and Republican party caucuses.
Precinct caucuses are the most “grassroots” form of political participation in our state. At caucuses resolutions on issues are discussed and voted on, precinct leadership is determined and delegates are elected to help shape the course and determine candidates for their respective parties.
This year there will also be a straw poll at each caucus to gauge attendees’ preference in the Governor’s race. Election judges are also recruited on caucus night, and serving as an election judge is a great way to participate in our democracy.
If you have never attended a caucus, there is no need for hesitation. Plenty of people are available to help you learn the process.
If you will be eligible to vote in the November election you are eligible to participate and get involved.
Abraham Lincoln said “…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.” Isn’t it time be one of those people. Please join us on Feb. 2.
Sue Ames
Houston County DFL Chair
Steve Bissen
Houston County Republican Chair
Caledonia, MN
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County board needs to publish financial statement, be accountable
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To the Editor:
The Jan. 13 issue of the Argus had two items written by Charlie Warner namely, “Rejection of printing financial statement may be illegal” and editorial, “Board’s decision may have negative impact for many county residents”.
Mr. Warner is correct in that this will have a major negative impact. Below are facts that indicate that the printing of financial statements in the four primary Houston County newspapers are a must if the majority of residents are going to have any type of understanding on where their money and taxes are being spent. Suppression of facts to ANY residents is not a government for the people or by the people.
In the spirit of the law, the publishing of financial statements is to insure that ALL residents can review them.
It appears that Mr. Warner’s statistics on computer and Internet usage by Houston County is very conservative. In reality, how many adults and senior citizens even know how to access the Houston County site? How many are able to access it? In addition, are the county commissioners expecting senior citizens to go to the public library to obtain all this critical information? What about parking? What about other forms of assistance, such as bad weather or getting to the library? What about disabled?
The residents of Houston County have a RIGHT and DUTY to check up on the actions of the county commissioners. By not publishing financial statements and/or making financials difficult or impossible for the majority of residents to review, enables the county commissioners to almost function as a tyrant government. The following facts will show how easy it can be for the commissioners to deceive the public: (All facts have been published in the Houston County newspapers)
A. In December of 2007, an item was published, “Houston County sets budget for 2007” and in the article it stated, “The budget for Houston County has increased less than 1 percent in four years……commissioners approved the 2007 operating budget at $21,606,990. Four years ago the 2003 budget was $21,522,000.” (Statement provided by a commissioner). The commissioner failed to include one small word, namely, “PROPOSED BUDGET”. The actual expenditures for 2003 were $16,606,990. One has to ask, why was the 2003 proposed budget almost $5 million over actual, namely, $21,522,000? (In plain words, the actual increase was NOT less than one percent).
B. If the 2007 proposed budget was $21,606,990, why is the 2010 proposed budget $24.5 million? If the actual expenditures in 2006 were $18,141,200 why is the 2010 proposed budget $24.5 million? Just for the record, the actual expenditures for 2004 were $16,230,654 and 2005 was $17,879,528.
Houston County residents need accountability in government. Review the numbers again and REMEMBER that the population of Houston County is less than 20,000 and not less than 20,000,000. Your recent years of increases are in the millions and you want to suppress resident’s knowledge of financials for $1,500! Commissioners should be finding BETTER ways of informing ALL residents and not only the rich!
Larry Salm
Caledonia, Minn.
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