(Editor’s note: Due to space constraints, the Patriot will publish up to 5-6 LTEs a week as space allows and carry over unpublished letters to the next week, if able. Also, we no longer have a policy which restricts letter writers from submitting political editorials a week prior to an election.)
TO THE EDITOR:
I recently attended a meeting put on by Xcel Energy regarding the immense solar farm (3,400 acres!) that is scheduled to be constructed between Becker and Clear Lake. (An additional 2,100 acres is proposed!) I have strong reservations about this project. 1). Solar hasn’t worked in CA, TX, and Europe. Why would it work here? Xcel representatives use the term “Reliable energy” but is it? Recently, CA’s governor asked residents to limit charging their vehicles and to leave thermostats set to 78 degrees when the weather is at its hottest. How will we feel if we’re asked (ordered?) to leave our thermostat at 62 degrees when the coldest weather sets in?! 2). Many are predicting food shortages. Does it make sense to cover productive farmland with plastic, metal, cadmium, and lead? To my knowledge there have been no studies to show how much farmland can be taken out of production and still feed our citizens (as well as those that America feeds around the world.) This seems awfully reckless. And 3). Why do some people consider this green, clean, and environmentally friendly? First, they must mine the raw materials, then they “clear the trees and the windrows,” then the panels cover the field for 20-30 years (how will this affect the soil and water?) Finally, when the panels are spent, they’re sent to the landfills. It doesn’t sound environmentally friendly to me. While Sherburne County has no control over the largest solar projects (those fall under the public utilities commission), we need county commissioners who will adopt common sense energy policies. These solar initiatives and the corresponding shutting down of the SherCo plant are reckless and affect everyone. I ask that we slow down and do our due diligence into the benefits and the drawbacks of such a major change that will affect all of us.
Paul Knier
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Gregg and Anne Felber fight for their community. Gregg Felber is running for County Commissioner in the third district while Anne Felber, his wife, is aiming for Orrock Township Supervisor. Both positions require an awareness of current fiscal concerns and Gregg and Anne each have experience with working inside of budgets. With Gregg’s expertise in Law enforcement and Anne’s 30 years in Community Corrections, these two, individually and together, have the experience needed to keep our community in the Black, growing, and safe. Anne has often said that she wants to rally others to be more involved in Township issues while creating a more responsive office to the citizens needs. She knows that by making the business of the township more available, the public can better understand how it runs and could operate even more efficiently. Meanwhile Gregg has been a leader in this county’s efforts to preserve the 2nd amendment and will work hard to keep our rights that we’ve enjoyed for centuries. I hope you will support Gregg and Anne Felber on November 8th by voting for them when you see their names on your ballot.
J. Brian Calva
Elk River, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Many of our elected officials serve with little to no integrity. They either have their own agenda [which is why they are in office or running for office] or they bow to special interests/groups that will further their ‘future’ in politics. I support Raeanne Danielowski for Sherburne County commissioner because of her interest and support of the community she serves. I’ve found she works tirelessly in making sure anyone who has a question, gets the answer. She knows the people in her district/community and is available to them. She has the integrity we as voters look for in a candidate and one we should continue to support in her bid for re-election. I urge voters to vote for Raeanne Danielowski who will work hard to support the people in her district/community.
Judie Zaske
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
As a recent recipient of age-related government benefits, I am concerned that one political party is poised to eliminate crucial benefits for seniors. Regardless of how you feel about a myriad of issues in the 2022 election cycle, two specific issues definitely affect the lives of U.S. senior citizens – Social Security and Medicare benefits. Do you depend on one or both of these programs? If so, look to Democratic candidates to assure their future existence! The Republican Party has plainly stated that Social Security and Medicare must be chopped! The latest proposal is to subject these vital benefits to discretionary reauthorization (Sen Johnson (R-WI) (Sen Scott (R-FL). In other words - unless Congress explicitly votes to extend these programs - they go out of existence! Can YOU afford to have them up for “debate” every 1-5 years? There are major issues that deserve and even demand our attention this cycle. But as a senior citizen, ask yourself, “Do many of the button-pushing, hot-topic issues really affect MY EVERYDAY LIFE?” Don’t let these lifesaving benefits fade into the background of your voting consciousness. The quality of our twilight years depends on our actions today!
Dru Seward
Becker
TO THE EDITOR:
It is apparent comments regarding Jerome “Lefty” Kleis must be researched by voters in the 4th district. Please look up articles regarding Lefty Kleis as Becker Mayor and then compare to Gary Gray as Clear Lake Township Supervisor/Chairman of the board. It appears Mr. Kleis often did not have the majority of support from the City of Becker Council. Mr. Gray on the other hand, has no hidden agendas, absolutely none. Gary respects people for the job they do. He was re-elected many terms as township supervisor who in turn chose him to be Chairman of the Township Board. I am sure Gary has had tough decisions, but his re-election indicates approval. An editorial touted that Gary declined an invitation to participate in a forum held by a few partisan taxpayers. Was this forum to be held at a neutral site: NO. Was it set up by non- biased individuals, such as the League of Women Voters, NO. Was it advertised as open to the public, NO. We do not need this type of antics in our county government. What do you want? You have have a choice, please join me in voting for Gary Gray Sherburne County 4th District Commissioner.
Nancy Fiereck
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
I want to respond to a letter to the editor in the Patriot dated 10/1. The writer states that the District 4 candidates for county commissioner, Gary Gray and Lefty Kleis, were invited to a “simple sit-down question and answer” session hosted by a group (no name). According to the letter, Mr. Kleis accepted but Mr. Gray replied that “he didn’t have enough time to prepare” and that he had a prior commitment. The quotations in the previous sentence imply that this is Mr. Gray’s explicit remark. I had the opportunity to ask Candidate Gray about this. He showed me the email response that he sent to the group. No where did it say anything about not having enough time to prepare. It did say he had prior commitments. I ask the voters in District 4 to join me in voting for Gary Gray. He is responsible, ethical and approachable. He will listen and answer your questions.
Jim Huhtala
Clear Lake Twp.
