I have given up so many times on politicians doing anything for us that I have become almost entirely disengaged with the political process. Last week I was urged by a friend to “write to my commissioners” to voice my concerns over the long closure of the Cascade River State Park wayside rest.
This wayside is used by many, many tourists and in the fall it is typically packed to overflowing onto Highway 61. For weeks now it has been sitting idly closed while no work is being performed on it.
In the meantime, my business is being hit with tourists parking in our lots and asking how they can see the river. With barely enough parking for my guests as is, this has become a significant problem for our business.
In any event, at the urging of this friend, I went ahead and wrote to a couple of the commissioners who I thought would most likely have an interest in this matter. It was a short, to the point email and I expected to hear at least something back.
You probably guessed by now that I did not. Not an email stating it was not their problem, no response whatsoever! I guess I am not shocked but to think these same individuals want me to take the time to vote for them is both laughable and to be frank—quite arrogant. I just thought the public should know before they vote and need some help after the official is elected.
Michael O’Phelan
Grand Marais
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