It should have come as no surprise when a large group of people showed up at the meeting to protest the taking down of trees on 61. But apparently it was! After all, new trees will be planted and we will have a bike trail through town. So, what’s your problem? They ask!
In this small area of some 5,000 people there are communities within communities. Community, is defined as fellowship, common interests, traditions, etc. Probably the largest in terms of sheer numbers would be the locals – born, schooled, and raised in Cook County some staying and others, like myself, moving back, and those who came somewhat later have remained and raised their families.
Who makes the decisions? Thinking back in my own history most of the mayors and council in Grand Marais were and are highly qualified for the most part, local business men and upon occasion women who moved here and integrated into the smaller community. County commissioners were a bit more varied.
Who today makes up the committees who make the decisions or recommendations? These are appointed positions, of shorter terms—and usually unpaid positions. Earlier in our history there were fewer retirees who moved here. Today they come to join the community, fellowship, and, since they have time and energy, to assist in making our community a better place to live. We truly need them and welcome them. But their ideas of “ better” often are not always ours. I would urge the city council and the county commissioners to make certain that any commission that will make such decisions as this highway project, consist of a wider range of community members. And a couple of locals on the committee just might help you stay out of the potholes!
The trees are not JUST trees, they are Grand Marais. They are what many of our ancestors planned, planted and cared for to make this the lovely “quaint” village that others have come to love, and to contribute with their time and energy. When the trees come down it will look like “everywhere USA.” I am hoping that this decision will be reversed, there is still time.
Pat Lind Zankman
Grand Marais
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