Concerned citizens re Homeland Security development in Grand Marais

Dear True,

There recently was a meeting in Grand Marais of about 50 “Concerned Citizens” who discussed the proposed Homeland Security building recently announced by the EDA. There were many legitimate issues raised, but what was lacking was a clear understanding as to just what was being proposed. The main thing that I came away from the meeting with was amazement at just how little ordinary people now trust their government at all levels. The distrust is well justified as it was clear, even in discussing what should be a relatively clear cut issue, that the government, whether federal, state, local, or even at the agency level, in this case a mundane economic development agency, goes to great pains to keep the public in the dark. We will be on a very long road before openness and trust is restored. In the meantime, the immediate question is how can information about the Homeland Security proposal be brought into the open so it can be discussed in the open, public forum it deserves? And, how can the relevant government agencies be put on notice that people must be informed, that meetings must be open, that meeting notice requirements must be met?

On all these issues the concerned group must first of all be sure of its facts. On the question of notice it needs to meet with the EDA and ask to see just what the agenda for the meeting at which this matter was discussed was posted. If notice was lacking it must be reported as a violation of the open meeting law (http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/openmtg.pdf) to the Information Policy Analysis Division (651-296-6733 or 800-657-3721) (http://www.ipad.state.mn.us/), they will be glad to help.

The second thing to do is to collect as much information as possible about the proposed project. The group or an individual representing the group should set up a meeting with the EDA. It should also, regardless of the meeting, make a data practices request of the EDA and of the county and of the city and of Homeland Security, of any and all information relating to the project. To the EDA, the county and the city the request can be a letter stating something like the following:

I hereby request copies of (or to review – in which case you can go to the appropriate office and look at, in private any material) any and all information including but not limited to emails, letters, notes, meeting minutes, agendas, phone call notes and transcripts, etc. relating to the recently announced proposal for a Homeland Security building in Grand Marais, Minnesota. This request applies to all EDA officials and correspondents (or, this request applies to all city officials, elected or appointed and to all city employees; or, this request applies to all county etc.). You can expect to be charged a reasonable amount for copies. THEY HAVE TO COMPLY OR GIVE A GOOD REASON WHY. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAKES THE OFFICIAL PERSONALLY CULPABLE. The penalties are fines, imprisonment, loss of office, etc.

Those concerned have to have to go after the information that other officials have also. They should contact Homeland Security in Grand Forks, ND (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/border_patrol/border_patrol_sectors/grandforks_sector_nd/grandforks_general.xml) (Contact Information: Phone Number - (701) 775-6259; Sector Mailing Address - U.S. Border Patrol Sector, 2320 South Washington Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201) and ask for a meeting and at the same time make a similar written request only label it as being under the Freedom of Information Act. At a minimum they should ask for a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) that went out to the contractors. They should ask for any information they have regarding opposition to any similar projects in other areas.

Next, they should contact their elected officials serving in the U. S. Senate and Congressman Oberstar. Ask them for information, help and advice on who you can link up with.



Norm Coleman

Minnesota Office in St. Paul:
2550 University Ave W, Suite 100N
St. Paul, MN 55114
Main: 651-645-0323
Fax: 651-645-3110
Toll Free: 800-642-6041



Mark Dayton

Northeast Regional Office
Steve Bradach, Northeast Regional Director
222 Main Street, Suite 200
Post Office Box 937
Biwabik, Minnesota 55708
Phone: 218-865-4480



Congressman James Oberstar

Duluth Federal Building
Room 231
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
(218) 727-7474
TDD: (218) 727-7474
FAX: (218) 727-8270

Jackie Morris
John Schadl
Dave Boe
I hope that helps.


A friend.