Patriot News MN

TO THE EDITOR:

Re: Ann Lake residents ask about the boat landing. We were surprised this piece was published in the Patriot as a news article rather than clearly labeled as an editorial. The statement that “all their concerns were unfounded” reflects a conclusion rather than a neutral report of the meeting, and it’s unclear how the writer arrived at that determination. The article also contains inaccuracies. It states that termination of the agreement was necessary so the township could remove the outhouse before winter. That is incorrect; the agreement did not prevent the township from moving forward with outhouse removal or other routine maintenance actions.The Ann Lake Association began discussions with the Orrock Township Board because of concerns about the increasing costs associated with maintaining the public boat landing, and we were seeking assistance from the township, which owns the property. Ann Lake neighborhood residents raised concerns following the October Orrock board meeting discussion about plans for the public boat landing with the possibility of expanding the parking lot. On a small lake, even the possibility of such an expansion raises legitimate concerns regarding wildlife, water quality, invasive species, runoff, safety, and increased boat traffic. These concerns were raised in a constructive manner, based on valid concerns, and reflect issues important to those who use, live on and care for the lake. Characterizing these concerns as “unfounded” misrepresents both the discussion and the substance of the issues raised.

Cindy Mockenhaupt

Ann Lake Improvement

Club Secretary

TO THE EDITOR:

In the December 20th addition of the Patriot there was an article announcing the retirement of Volunteer Fire Chief Ron Koren from the Clear Lake Fire Department. There is a short article describing his service and a photo of the back of Ron’s head. It made me wonder if the readers understand exactly what a monumental act of service Ron Koren has made to this community. Volunteer firefighters are asked to respond to calls at any time of the day. They may be called away from work, the family dinner, or the middle of the night. They suddenly find themselves involved in whatever emergency situation the call may bring. It could be a house fire, injury car accident, medical emergency, storm response, etc. Over the years Ron has probably responded to your call or a neighbor’s call. Often, I have driven by the fire hall and seen Ron’s truck parked there. If your readers understood the personal/family stress, and level of commitment it takes to serve 48 years as a volunteer fire fighter, you would have a parade in his honor.

Paul Amundson

Clear Lake, MN

TO THE EDITOR:

Nearly one hundred Minnesota mayors have sounded the alarm about the reckless spending and crushing mandates Democrats imposed on local governments. The letter from the cross-section of mayors says they are seeing “deep concern and growing frustration” as state decisions drive up costs in their communities, and they point straight at the problem: fraud, unchecked spending, and unfunded mandates pouring out of St. Paul and landing right on homeowners and businesses. The mayors know exactly what is happening on the ground because they are the ones trying to keep roads plowed, police departments staffed, and water systems functioning while Democrats pile on mandate and after mandate. I hear the mayors loud and I’ve been saying the same thing for years. Gov. Walz and Democrats passed hundreds of new mandates creating and expanding programs that cost billions. Gov. Walz and Democrats in turn forced local governments to administer the new programs but refused to fund the new mandates. Even worse, Gov. Walz and Democrats ignored massive fraud taking over state government further crushing the backs of taxpayers and local governments. Property taxes are soaring because Democrat cost shifts and mandates have left local governments with no other choice. I have strongly opposed unfunded mandates and reckless spending decisions. Our communities deserve state leaders who can manage a budget without using cities and taxpayers as the bailout. Local governments are stretched thin, residents are paying more every year, and Democrats in St. Paul keep pretending everything is fine. It is not fine, and the mayors’ letter confirms it.

Sincerely,

Eric Lucero

State Senator, District 30