The proposed Community Center isn’t being built for the people of Grand Portage. They already have an excellent community center. Unfortunately, it is often a “ghost town” in the building. They’ll be paying for Grand Marais’ community center whenever they buy something in town.
There is nothing wrong with our 20-year-old Community Center. I have attended several events there and it was clean, well equipped and modern. The events: flower shows, Northwoods Fiber Guild workshops, fundraisers, curling and the county fair.
I have used the Muni pool several times. Again: Clean, well equipped, and modern.
Building a big, fancy community center with a fitness center will put the local private centers out of business.
After collecting my petitions to Stop the Community Center Madness, these are the results:
Paper petitions were available at Northshore Market, Lockport Store, Chicago Bay Marketplace, the library, and Grand Portage Community Center.
Schroeder-Tofte : 44
Lutsen: 8
Hovland: 21
Grand Marais: 1
Online signers: 30
There were many excellent comments, too. I’m using a few in this letter.
A total of 104 signers. I know there were several folks who, for one reason or another, didn’t sign it. My coverage of Grand Marais was subpar because the library moved a week after I placed the petition, and the Senior Center apparently wasn’t a convenient location.
I wish there were more signatures to present, but I am so grateful to the signers. These are proactive people who don’t lie down and let bureaucrats roll over them. We take charge of our lives and at least try to control our destinies and the future of our community without asking for others to pay for grandiose amenities.
If people want big city amenities, they should move to the city.
I’ll deliver the results to the commissioners.
Call your commissioner and tell him or her to Stop the Community Center Madness!
My suggestions for using the 1% tax:
1. Our county desperately needs off-highway bike paths on Highway 61 and the Gunflint Trail. Bikers, hikers, cross-country skiers, motels, and restaurants benefit.
2. Visitors have told me that Superior National is getting shabby and needs renovating.
Linda Blaine Ottis
Colvill
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