Cook County News Herald

Grand Marais citizens must get involved




What will spark Grand Marais area citizens to get involved? West End citizens’ groups work on fire hall expansion, water pipeline, assisted living units, the road expansion past Papa Charlie’s to accommodate development, etc. Their accomplishments include restoration projects on the Poplar River and the controversial Superior National at Lutsen golf course (SNL).

The golf course was built using lodging tax paid by tourists to back bond payments when revenues were short. The Cook County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has a county budget but SNL operates on revenues. It’s created about 40 jobs with annual wages of about $400,000. Citizen groups recently secured $3.1 million, projected to create 10 new jobs, plus 1 percent funds at Birch Grove. Citizens at work with one commissioner. Congratulations, West End!

One percent projects in Grand Marais will produce one new job paid by tax dollars. The projects will produce higher operating costs equaling high taxes. Other recent projects like rain gardens and Harbor Park are pretty, but where’s the growth? A business park to accommodate 40 new businesses? We need growth to produce new business.

We are promoting a public committee, not picked by elected officials, where everyone is welcome to shape a vision for the Grand Marais area that includes development and job creation. Make a solid plan and provide direction for our elected officials and demand they follow it.

One example is the old ski hill. It could be a modern recreation area housing things like a zip line, gondola, Alpine slide, half pipe, trail systems for hikers, bikers and skiers, large group camping, outdoor music venue, rallies, motocross and snowmobile hill climb events…it’s endless, even a row of condos.

Grand Marais area has a mayor who ran not knowing the issues as the lesser of two evils, four city councilors and two commissioners. West End citizens and one commissioner outperformed them! Grand Marais area is in need of leadership and direction. A citizen group could provide this and accomplish progress using elected officials, EDA, CCVB, etc. with connections to grants like IRRRB and 1 percent tax dollars.

Tod Sylvester
Anna Hamilton
Grand Marais



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