As I feel the shock of the sticker price of broadband I realize why we probably were not awarded a stimulus grant — $20 million to $54 million is a lot of pork. Our commissioners didn’t do their homework.
Commissioner Martinson asks if [the] 1 percent [sales tax] can pad customer bills. Not an intelligent question at this stage of the game. His position on the failed and bankrupt EDA doesn’t help his resume. I think the West End could and should be better represented, especially with 20 million 1 percent tax dollars on the table.
Arrowhead Electric wants the county to guarantee or co-sign a $10 million loan if they receive a $10 million stimulus grant. One percent can’t be used to fund private enterprise. I believe county tax dollars would be used in the guarantee. If so, taxpayers should be part owner.
As private companies show interest in bringing us broadband and the government moves toward mandating it, perhaps we should slow down before committing local tax dollars. If we can get broadband for free, that’s about 10 million 1 percent tax dollars to fund other projects. Thatwould be a plus.
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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