I would like to respond to Tod Sylvester and Bob LaMettry’s letters in your Saturday, August 6 issue about fiber optic/broadband. If Cook County, and Grand Marais in particular, are to survive, fast accessible broadband is a necessity.
I accept that people who choose to live in isolated communities often resent “townies” and tourists, but the lack of economic opportunity challenges this community.
Without the tools and infrastructure to support access to the rest of the world, Grand Marais will fade away as the young people, the business people, and the tourists all move to communities equally as picturesque with 21st century amenities.
Broadband/fiber optics is worthy of our financial support and based upon the responses to Arrowhead’s request for early registration it looks like a lot of people agree.
I pay a lot of taxes in Cook County. I give generously to local charities. I shop and eat locally so I help pay for a lot of things I do not use—the pool, the campgrounds, the golf courses, the schools, the community center, the library— but I believe they make a strong community so I happily pay that 1% tax (along with my very high property taxes).
Broadband is one more amenity that will without a doubt build a better future for Grand Marais and Cook County. It is a good investment and I thank the council for supporting it.
Holly Bruce
Lutsen/Bloomington
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