About two dozen people attended a presentation and discussion of the proposed ISD 166 levy sponsored by a group of citizens at the Senior Center in Grand Marais Tuesday, October 12, 2010. Michael O’Phelan, co-owner of Solbakken and Cascade lodges, gave a PowerPoint presentation and outlined some of his concerns about the levy. “We’re all small businesses up here and […]
Ask candidates about the economy
Election Day is just around the corner. I have noticed that the candidates haven’t been asked how they personally support the local economy. If I have missed this somewhere in any interviews, my apologies. If you are a business owner, ask yourself how many times that a candidate has patronized your business. If you are a friend or supporter of […]
Dayton cares about education
Mail ballots will arrive soon. This is our opportunity to vote for education. As governor, Mark Dayton would responsibly fund K-12 education, pay back money borrowed from schools as soon as possible, and invest $2 million in early childhood projects. Both of his opponents would jeopardize education with reckless cuts. Such measures would force schools to further reduce services and […]
The Emperor’s operating levy
I was “interviewed” on WTIP last week about the school operating levy and why I am “against” it. I am not against schools, or even a levy. I am against pouring money at a problem thinking it will fix the school’s essential challenges. I’m saying “The emperor has no clothes!” and trying to point out some truths regarding this levy. […]
Vote yes for “sparks”
According to TheFreeDictionary. com, definitions of infrastructure are: 1. An underlying base or foundation, especially for an organization or system 2. The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society…including schools… Thelast time there was a school levy, we voted yes for the investment in the physical infrastructure of the school. We are voting […]
ISD 166 needs to deal with declining enrollment
ISD 166 was built to hold 800 students. Currently they have 470 students and project declining enrollment. In short, we have 41 percent more school than needed. Thismeans we pay 41 percent more per student for space, heat, electric, janitorial, maintenance, insurance, etc. Thisis not a new issue. Theschool board should have downsized to create space for shared space/shared cost […]
Clean house with this election
With the upcoming elections looming ever closer, it is clear that the people here in Cook County as well as all over the country have the same idea, clean house. It doesn’t matter what old flag they fly, party sides are a dying entity. Theytry to keep it alive to keep you busy. Theytry to subdivide it to keep you […]
Minnesota doesn’t need Clean Water Act changes
There are several disturbing aspects about H.R. 5088, America’s Commitment to Clean Water Act, authored by Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar and introduced in April. Oberstar’s bill proposes changing the language in the 1972 federal Clean Water Act, exchanging the term ‘Navigable’ with ‘Waters of the U.S.,’ which would include: all waters currently used, used in the past, or susceptible to […]
Property taxes are deductible
As I listened to the WTIP forum of school board candidates on the First Thursday program, I heard concern about the tax impact of the proposed operating levy. Nothing was said about any relief. I checked with Braidy Powers, county treasurer, who confirmed that the levy would be included in our real estate property taxes. Further, property taxes are deductible […]
A strong school attracts families to county
We are considering relocating to Grand Marais and hope we may have finally found an opportunity to do so. Thisis something we have always dreamed about doing. My husband is an electrician. I am an RN. We have two small children ages six and three. However, I have reservations about relocating my kids to Cook County if your school levy […]