TO THE EDITOR:
We hosted a three-day event in Monticello last weekend to honor Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Past and Present Military, First Responders, Educators and Medical Workers. Local Heroes Days (.com) had over 3000 people who came into the event. The gratitude and appreciation that was shown was needed and nothing short of overwhelming. We notified all TV News organizations about the event 60 days ago and last week emphasizing the magnitude of the event.
Absolutely no TV media showed up to even look at the event. Being reasonable and objective I can say without reservation that our media is not fair and unbiased. We are being given only the news that fits the agenda. Facebook also blocked my ability to advertise the event saying, “it mentions politicians…sensitive social issues that could influence how people vote.” The posting did none of these things. It simply honored law enforcement, and other public service heroes. I AM ASKING FOR EVERYONES HELP!!! PLEASE EMAIL our four TV news organizations. If they do not have public push back on this, they will continue to give us only the news they wish to have us hear.
WCCO - lindsey.peterson@audacy.com;
KARE - News@kare11.com;
KMSP - fox9news@foxtv.com;
KSTP - newsreply@kstp.com.
Scott Kunz
Albertville, MN
LocalHereosDays
@gmail.com
TO THE EDITOR:
You may be aware of the challenges our frontline essential workers faced during this past year and a half during the pandemic. These include health care workers, grocery store clerks and others who faithfully went to work to serve us while putting their own health and that of their families at risk. Some of these had minimum wage jobs. As a small token of thanks, the legislature has set aside $250 million to help compensate these essential workers for their sacrifice and commitment to serve during these stressful times. Our own Senator Kiffmeyer is part of a working group appointed to determine how to distribute these funds. Please join me in encouraging and thanking Senator Kiffmeyer and the other members of the working group for quickly and fairly deciding an equitable distribution of these funds as a very small thank you to these essential workers. It appears that this pandemic is not over and these same essential workers continue to be challenged as they serve us. Hopefully the working group will also recommend future “hazardous” pay for these workers.
Joyce LeClaire
Big Lake
TO THE EDITOR:
How are laws created in Minnesota? I grew up believing that it took the House, Senate, and the Governor to create or change laws. We have the ballot box to elect responsible individuals for these positions. I am finding that Minnesota agencies filled with political appointees can make rules which have the impact of law, and the House and the Senate can do nothing about the rules but accept them. Recent examples include the MPCA vehicle emission standards that impose California rules on MN drivers and the Social Studies Academic Standards being written by the governor’s appointees and being approved by a law judge. These rules will have a devastating effect on our finances and families. The governor appoints commissioners, and the only thing the Senate can do is reject the appointment. The current governor is not trying to get the most qualified candidates for the jobs. Walz is picking people who are strong in the party or big funding donors.
Additionally, these departments have public employees cannot be removed without cause, and some are being promoted, not because of ability, but because of their political philosophy.
Barry VanBuren
Clearwater, MN
