To the Grand Marais City Council:
I am writing to advise you of my family’s support of the proposed Dollar General store. My family buys 90 percent locally. The only thing that would change with the opening of the Dollar General would be not having to drive to Sam’s Club in Duluth.
Dollar General has a great buy in bulk system that would save us money and gas. After the City of Grand Marais bought the old Tomteboda Motel property and took over $20,000 per year property tax income off the books, one would think this would be a great deal. It scares me to think that our city officials, four of whom are local business owners, think they can be business police. It seems they want to control who and what can come to town.
I believe the only types of business that they can control would be “Vice Businesses,” such as gambling, liquor establishments, strip clubs and such. Who tried stopping their businesses?
In a town where the city leaders are always talking about concerns for the poor, the expensive housing, living expenses and low wages, one would think they would be jumping for joy. Some have been concerned about the building not fitting into the aesthetics of the area. How are a bunch of empty buildings with for sale signs in front of them aesthetic? Here are some positives to consider: locals not having to drive to Duluth; more competition, keep prices in check; thousands added to the property tax base; more money for the public utilities commission.
I think any elected official should be a person of integrity and consider the totality of the circumstances. Can only businesses that the art community agree upon come to town? Do the established businesses in town have the say on new business? Am I supposed to feel guilty for being a good steward of my money? Wouldn’t you think that our elected officials should be in agreement that any vote on what can set up shop in our community (other than Vice Business) be a conflict of interest?
Vance P. Benedix
Grand Marais
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