I question whether this whole broadband thing has clouded our commissioners’ thinking? Theyare so busy pushing the Internet that they lost sight of the whole picture. They’ve allowed and endorsed a hit on our local economy that could reach $100,000 annually. Obviously they don’t care if our local economy loses the money.
They have allowed Social Services Director Sue Futterer to perform her local job via the Internet from her new residence on the Iron Range. Her salary is paid by local tax dollars but now the majority of that money is spent on the Iron Range rather than at local businesses.
Was this a good decision? How does this decision benefit Cook County? If it doesn’t benefit Cook County, then why was it made? How many $100,000 salaries will be lost to the local economy in the name of broadband?
Micro-managing from long distance via the Internet may save money for corporate America but there is no savings here. Instead there’s a cut in availability and a hit to our local economy. The only one benefiting here is Sue Futterer and the Iron Range. In the real world Mrs. Futterer would have taken a pay cut.
Like the EDA, this is more poor decisionmaking by our elected officials with our tax dollars and economy.
I’ve lost faith in our leaders’ ability to govern. I could write a letter every week questioning their decisions.
It’s an election year. Three commissioners, two councilors and city mayor are up for reelection. Change starts with the voters, I say, “change the gene pool!” Please think about running, we need new blood.
For the record, I’m not against the Internet or broadband, just the messengers’ ability to make good financial decisions with tax dollars.
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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