We are a community severely divided by our elected officials’ decisions that appear to be unpopular with the majority of citizens. I hear many points of view from many levels on our social and financial scales. While at a construction site, someone seemed to sew it all together, saying, “Being a liberal it was hard to move here in 1978 with the loud, opinionated Lloyds. But this new wave of transplant locals who have taken over power and feel they are more intelligent and only their opinion matters are worse. If Lloyd were elected I doubt we would be in this YMCA mess.”
I believe in general citizens have lost trust and respect for our elected officials and citizens who are stacked one-sided on boards to push agendas. Every negative, arrogant, condescending statement or misinformation that comes from these people breeds more negativity.
Much of the unrest revolves around the YMCA which originated from a conference facility. This and $3.1 million for the EDA’s golf course, Superior National at Lutsen, are the projects pushed by the wealthy 1 percent that spurred the 1 percent tax, a vessel created by Commissioner Fenwick to push their agendas.
As our community grieves, looking for positive leadership, the wealthy 1 percent compiles their “Go Team” to further their agendas, building the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, which is currently pushing an airport runway expansion, telling us it was always supposed to be built, we just couldn’t afford it before. I believe this to be more false information to further an agenda.
As I’ve suggested in my trail of letters, I believe until as a community we quit following the wealthy 1 percent and chase what’s best for the citizens, we will have community problems and property taxes will rise along with their wealth.
Lastly I believe Commissioner Hall is partly right. Regardless of the pay, why would anyone want to run for office in the environment they have created? Perhaps that was the plan – job security. After all, as Commissioner Sobanja found out, not all commissioners will be offered the cushy severance package Commissioner Fenwick received for pushing an unpopular agenda.
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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