Patriot News MN

TO THE EDITOR:

I am the vice president of the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) board of trustees, and a Stearns County commissioner. GRRL is one of Minnesota’s 12 regional public library systems. GRRL operates 32 libraries in Central Minnesota – in cities as large as St. Cloud and as small as Belgrade. I support SF1131/HF1710 which fixes a problem with how state public library funding is divided. Representative Dan Wolgamott (District 14B) is the chief author, and the bill has bipartisan support in the state senate. The League of Minnesota Cities Fiscal Futures Committee also supports this proposal. Public libraries provide access to vital technology and broadband. They support students, their families and lifelong learners. Public libraries demonstrated this in many ways over the past two years. Libraries offer curbside services. GRRL began lending wi-fi hotspots to assist students with distance learning. GRRL also distributed hotspots to organizations like Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota for their work with students and families. The library system developed partnerships to expand access to career exploration opportunities. I urge everyone to use our great libraries. Stories like this happened in all 365 communities with a public library across the state.

Leigh Lenzmeier

Stearns County

Commissioner

Vice President of Great River Regional Library Board of Trustees

TO THE EDITOR:

On Thursday the 27th of Jan, I along with numerous fans from Big Lake and Becker had a chance to see two very good wrestling teams compete in a dual meet. I would like to congratulate both teams and their coaches for a very exciting dual meet. There was excitement from the 1st whistle until the last whistle and the meet wasn’t decided until the final match. Just what you would expect from 2 state ranked teams. May everyone stay healthy as you approach the section qualifer.

Brad Novak

Becker, MN

TO THE EDITOR:

“Walz Checks”, Don’t Go Far Enough. The State collected too much money, i.e., the tax rate was too high. Walz only wants to return $700 million (less than 10%) when we were over charged $7.7 billion! The State should not spend this money simply because they have it, money should only be spent on what is necessary. First, this surplus needs to go back to the people that paid it and not be re-distribute to everyone in the form of welfare. Second, a much higher percentage needs to be returned. If I hand the clerk at the store $40 for a $30 bill, I expect $10 back but Walz is only giving me less than $1 in change.

Bret R. Collier

Big Lake, MN

TO THE EDITOR:

Regarding using solar/wind power per the January 29 letter to the editor, not the utilities but rather the state legislature pushes these technologies. Statute 216B.1691 mandates renewables provide 25% of electricity by 2025 and by 2030 solar provide 10% of electricity. Xcel is penalized with more aggressive mandates because Xcel uses the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants to generate carbon free, reliable, safe energy. The goal to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact is laudable, however in part misguided. Coal consumption is reduced, however natural gas consumption is increased. Carbon emission are not lowered fast enough nor in a cost-effective manner. Solar and wind power have 25% and 35% capacity factors. That means solar power built for 100 homes supplies only 25% of the needed power. The other 75% is from fossil or nuclear. Using natural gas, the fossil fuel of choice to backup solar and wind, drives up home heating costs. It is time to stop investing in solar and wind. Minnesota nuclear plants provide 26% of our carbon free, reliable, safe energy at a 92% capacity factor. Our legislature needs to repeal state statute 216B.243, subdivision 3b, prohibiting new nuclear construction in Minnesota.