Discrimination against the population considered “local” appears to be at a new high since the December post on the World Wide Web towards “locals.” The post by Cook County’s executive director of advertising described this community’s longstanding culture of predatory sexual behavior.
On the web, one camp chose to play on the conversation, trying to turn the county attorney issue into an issue against the backwoods hicks from the sticks, etc….
While I know letter-writer Jeff Suck spoke for many, I spoke to a business owner who suggested any letter writer stating they are from here or have ancestors buried here is not credible to them or their peers.
Like those attacking locals should hold any credibility?
I addressed the county board over Cook County Visitors Bureau Sally Nankivell’s comments on the community’s longstanding culture of predatory behavior. Where is the proof? How is this not discrimination? How is this not grounds for dismissal?
The county board chose not to discuss it. Commissioner Gamble chose to sit silent and not represent me or locals’ concerns. Speaking of morals rather than paying attention and being effective does not make a good representative!
I told commissioners locals feel the people commissioners choose to put in power, even members of the county board, choose to judge us and choose to discriminate against us. We feel the Nankivell issue highlights the decisionmaking, representation and leadership problems that plague the community on too many levels.
Discrimination is a big word but I believe if we look at the stacked boards, Nankivell’s comments and employment status, etc., we can show misrepresentation and pattern—these are the things recall elections are all about.
I believe anyone who works, lives or votes here is a local and there should be zero room for discrimination to any segment of the population. I believe even the newest of locals do not like Nankivell’s statements or the Internet conversations.
Lack of action by the visitors bureau board of directors and commissioners lets the comments stand. Could the sheriff call the cavalry again please? Show us proof or start arresting people?
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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