Over the last couple of weeks I have read articles pertaining to efforts in attaining approval for Becker to build a new gas plant. This is obviously good news for the city, if Xcel Energy indeed does move forward, but I think that the contributions of some other individuals should be recognized as well.

 

Former Sen. Dave Brown along with Rep. Jim Newberger were always strong advocates of  Sherco as well as former Mayor Lefty Kleis, who served on the Xcel Energy Committee along with former Council Member Adam Oliver and the many residents that wrote letters in support of Sherco and its employees. 

 

Each of these individuals’ contributions played a part in the effort over the last four years lobbying the legislature, the Public Utilities Commission and the governors office to get approval vital to the sustainability of the community. 

 

Last Saturday’s Minneapolis Star Tribune also wrote about the news that Northern Metals will be moving to Becker "where city officials have been courting the company for about a year" as well.

 

I have no problem giving credit where credit is due. While the current mayor deserves recognition, these projects took years  of cooperative effort where everyone involved deserves to be recognized regardless of personal or political differences.