Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:30:59 -0600 (CST)
From: etoile@boreal.org
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: Poplar River TMDL meeting canceled
Subject: CANCEL: Poplar River Public Meeting
Importance: High
Due to significant travel safety concerns related to the pending
blizzard that will be in the region over the next couple days, we are
canceling the Poplar River public meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday ,
3/1 ) evening. We will reschedule the meeting for a future date to be
determined. Please communicate this as soon as possible to as many
people as you can. We will do the same on our end as well. Thanks and
we’ll be in touch to talk about follow-up in the near future (after we
dig out!?).
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this
decision.
Pat Carey, MPCA Duluth Watershed Supervisor
------------------------
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Polymet will destroy 1200 wetlands acres in Lake Superior watershed
North Star Journal-February 2007
It’s Up To You!
A Cut in Profits or Healthy Wetlands
Bill Barton
Judy Helgen’s Counterpoint in the February 19, 2005
edition of the Star Tribune said, “…maintain the health and
richness of wetlands in Minnesota, and indirectly, its lakes and
streams; and you’ll be nurturing the ducks, frogs, and wetland
plants. It’s your world…it’s up to you!”
The same year that Judy wrote this, I attended a retreat at
Holden Village in a national forest on the east side of the
Cascade Mountains in Washington. Getting there required a
two-and-a–half-hour boat ride on beautiful Lake Chelan and a
thirty-minute bus ride up switchback after switchback along
the seemingly pristine Railroad Creek as it cascades down
from Copper Mountain.
When I had a chance to explore the area, I came upon the
eighty acres of mine tailings from the 290-acre Howe Sound
Mining Company Holden Mine, which was closed in 1957. I
was struck by the futility of the attempts to contain the fine
yellow sulfide tailings with landscaping cloth on the sides of
this 200–foot-high pile of tailings. The trees planted on top in
an attempt to hold and cover the pile were apparently not doing
too well, being deformed and scraggly looking, most likely
from the lack of nutrients and lack of shelter on the huge open
area. I questioned the wisdom of installing a disc golf course
on the pile as clouds of yellow dust rose from my feet. Out
from under the boarded-up entrance to the mine ran a steady
stream of acid water three feet wide and five inches deep. The
rock and stones were all covered with a white salt from
reacting with the acid. This is just one of the seeps from the
underground mine, which has filled with water in the years
since 1957.
The work of cleaning up Holden Mine continues today
around conference tables from Seattle to Paris. Lawyers,
engineers, regulators, and consultants are working to bring
about cleanup of the Holden Mine. The Intalco Company,
successor to Howe Sound Mining Company, has signed a
consent decree and now owns the liability for the mine’s
cleanup. Intalco has been funding remedial investigation and
It’s Up To You!, continues on page 7
It’s Up To You!, continuation from cover...
feasibility studies for the last nine years. The
contaminated water seeping out of the mine and
tailings contains copper, cadmium, zinc, iron, and
aluminum. These metals adversely affect the aquatic
life in Railroad Creek. The plan, fifty years after the
mine closed, is to build facilities to collect and treat the
water that flows out of the mine. Intalco does not
believe it is practical or necessary to collect and treat
the water from the tailings. The completed treatment
plant for the mine drainage would require operation
and maintenance indefinitely with on-site power
generation, resident maintenance staff, and continual
fuel and chemical deliveries to neutralize the acid and
precipitate the metals.
A future similar to this is what we are being asked
to accept by Polymet and other PGM (Platinum Group
Metals) mining companies in Minnesota. According to
St. Paul District Army Corps of Engineers Commander
Robert Whiting, the Corps has received hundreds of
mining proposals due to the recent increases in metals
value.
The proposed Polymet PGM Mine site will cover
3,200 acres compared with 290 for Holden. 1,200 acres
of the potential mine site are now healthy natural
wetlands that drain to the Partridge River and
Embarrass River in the St. Louis River-Lake Superior
watershed.
Finding 1,200 acres of replacement wetlands is a
costly up-front problem for a mine because of
requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act and
Minnesota’s Wetland Conservation Act. Replacing
wetlands could significantly affect the economics of a
mining project that may be economically marginal to
begin with. Polymet has identified and contracted with
St. Louis County for an area near Floodwood to be
used as replacement wetlands. If the Floodwood site
does not work out due to local objections or the fact
that some of the site may not be available for
replacement credit because it is already wetland, then
constructing replacement wetlands could delay the
project and cost upwards of a hundred million dollars
(up to $90,000 per created acre). This could be enough
to eliminate the economic viability of the project.
Our state and federal agencies have been meeting
with mining interests and northern counties (who think
they have too many wetlands) to address what they call
the lack of availability of replacement wetlands. As I
see it, the problem is not really availability, but the cost
of creating replacement wetlands in the watershed or
county as required by the Army Corps of Engineers
rules and Clean Water Act. Their solution is a first-inthe-
nation change of the rules to allow replacement in
adjacent “wetland bank service areas” of which there
are only eight covering the entire state. This would
allow replacement of Polymet wetlands as far south as
the metro area and permit depletion and fragmentation
of wetlands in a county or watershed.
Another problem for the Polymet project is that
the PLATSOL process to be used to extract the metals
at the Hoyt Lakes Plant and make the mine feasible has
never been built or operated at full scale. The operators
of the fourteen-day pilot testing stated in their report
that environmental issues needed to be explored further
while Polymet is stating that the environmental issues
have been fully explored during pilot testing.
Statements from the pilot test report on copper
extraction, like “Some crud was observed in the
extraction stage but did not cause operational
problems,” cast doubts on claims of zero discharge
during full-scale operation.
According to the Howlett Research Corp report on
PolyMet Mining Corp (POM-TSX Venture) from Feb
18, 2005, Polymet has been controlled by an Australian
company, Rio Tinto Limited, since August of 2000.
Polymet is planning to start mining this year, thanks to
fast-tracking concessions granted by our State
Administrators. I wonder if the costs of the liability for
cleanup of the Polymet mine fifty years after it closes
have been included in the economic evaluation.
As Judy said, “It’s your world…it’s up to you!
Bill Barton is a member of the Wetlands and Water
Committee
It’s Up To You!
A Cut in Profits or Healthy Wetlands
Bill Barton
Judy Helgen’s Counterpoint in the February 19, 2005
edition of the Star Tribune said, “…maintain the health and
richness of wetlands in Minnesota, and indirectly, its lakes and
streams; and you’ll be nurturing the ducks, frogs, and wetland
plants. It’s your world…it’s up to you!”
The same year that Judy wrote this, I attended a retreat at
Holden Village in a national forest on the east side of the
Cascade Mountains in Washington. Getting there required a
two-and-a–half-hour boat ride on beautiful Lake Chelan and a
thirty-minute bus ride up switchback after switchback along
the seemingly pristine Railroad Creek as it cascades down
from Copper Mountain.
When I had a chance to explore the area, I came upon the
eighty acres of mine tailings from the 290-acre Howe Sound
Mining Company Holden Mine, which was closed in 1957. I
was struck by the futility of the attempts to contain the fine
yellow sulfide tailings with landscaping cloth on the sides of
this 200–foot-high pile of tailings. The trees planted on top in
an attempt to hold and cover the pile were apparently not doing
too well, being deformed and scraggly looking, most likely
from the lack of nutrients and lack of shelter on the huge open
area. I questioned the wisdom of installing a disc golf course
on the pile as clouds of yellow dust rose from my feet. Out
from under the boarded-up entrance to the mine ran a steady
stream of acid water three feet wide and five inches deep. The
rock and stones were all covered with a white salt from
reacting with the acid. This is just one of the seeps from the
underground mine, which has filled with water in the years
since 1957.
The work of cleaning up Holden Mine continues today
around conference tables from Seattle to Paris. Lawyers,
engineers, regulators, and consultants are working to bring
about cleanup of the Holden Mine. The Intalco Company,
successor to Howe Sound Mining Company, has signed a
consent decree and now owns the liability for the mine’s
cleanup. Intalco has been funding remedial investigation and
It’s Up To You!, continues on page 7
It’s Up To You!, continuation from cover...
feasibility studies for the last nine years. The
contaminated water seeping out of the mine and
tailings contains copper, cadmium, zinc, iron, and
aluminum. These metals adversely affect the aquatic
life in Railroad Creek. The plan, fifty years after the
mine closed, is to build facilities to collect and treat the
water that flows out of the mine. Intalco does not
believe it is practical or necessary to collect and treat
the water from the tailings. The completed treatment
plant for the mine drainage would require operation
and maintenance indefinitely with on-site power
generation, resident maintenance staff, and continual
fuel and chemical deliveries to neutralize the acid and
precipitate the metals.
A future similar to this is what we are being asked
to accept by Polymet and other PGM (Platinum Group
Metals) mining companies in Minnesota. According to
St. Paul District Army Corps of Engineers Commander
Robert Whiting, the Corps has received hundreds of
mining proposals due to the recent increases in metals
value.
The proposed Polymet PGM Mine site will cover
3,200 acres compared with 290 for Holden. 1,200 acres
of the potential mine site are now healthy natural
wetlands that drain to the Partridge River and
Embarrass River in the St. Louis River-Lake Superior
watershed.
Finding 1,200 acres of replacement wetlands is a
costly up-front problem for a mine because of
requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act and
Minnesota’s Wetland Conservation Act. Replacing
wetlands could significantly affect the economics of a
mining project that may be economically marginal to
begin with. Polymet has identified and contracted with
St. Louis County for an area near Floodwood to be
used as replacement wetlands. If the Floodwood site
does not work out due to local objections or the fact
that some of the site may not be available for
replacement credit because it is already wetland, then
constructing replacement wetlands could delay the
project and cost upwards of a hundred million dollars
(up to $90,000 per created acre). This could be enough
to eliminate the economic viability of the project.
Our state and federal agencies have been meeting
with mining interests and northern counties (who think
they have too many wetlands) to address what they call
the lack of availability of replacement wetlands. As I
see it, the problem is not really availability, but the cost
of creating replacement wetlands in the watershed or
county as required by the Army Corps of Engineers
rules and Clean Water Act. Their solution is a first-inthe-
nation change of the rules to allow replacement in
adjacent “wetland bank service areas” of which there
are only eight covering the entire state. This would
allow replacement of Polymet wetlands as far south as
the metro area and permit depletion and fragmentation
of wetlands in a county or watershed.
Another problem for the Polymet project is that
the PLATSOL process to be used to extract the metals
at the Hoyt Lakes Plant and make the mine feasible has
never been built or operated at full scale. The operators
of the fourteen-day pilot testing stated in their report
that environmental issues needed to be explored further
while Polymet is stating that the environmental issues
have been fully explored during pilot testing.
Statements from the pilot test report on copper
extraction, like “Some crud was observed in the
extraction stage but did not cause operational
problems,” cast doubts on claims of zero discharge
during full-scale operation.
According to the Howlett Research Corp report on
PolyMet Mining Corp (POM-TSX Venture) from Feb
18, 2005, Polymet has been controlled by an Australian
company, Rio Tinto Limited, since August of 2000.
Polymet is planning to start mining this year, thanks to
fast-tracking concessions granted by our State
Administrators. I wonder if the costs of the liability for
cleanup of the Polymet mine fifty years after it closes
have been included in the economic evaluation.
As Judy said, “It’s your world…it’s up to you!
Bill Barton is a member of the Wetlands and Water
Committee
Monday, February 26, 2007
Impaired Poplar River: public meeting March 1st
From: "Rebecca Wiinanen"
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: Poplar River: Public meeting on the official study to determine sources of pollution
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:15:07 -0600
Recent monitoring on the Poplar River found that the river’s water quality is poor enough to be officially listed as impaired due to excessive turbidity (cloudiness or muddiness of the water). Because of this, the river was put on the state’s list of impaired waters by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in 2004. On Thursday, March 1, the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host a public meeting to discuss the study being completed to determine the sources of turbidity to the Poplar River. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. March 1, 2007, at the Lutsen Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5307 W. Hwy. 61 in Lutsen.
The MPCA is required to complete the study to determine what’s known as a
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum
amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. This first public meeting is meant to introduce stakeholders to the partners working on the study, provide an overview of work done to-date and planned activities, and will also address how this project fits in to other current projects on the Poplar River (such as the “megaslump” erosion control project).
Although the Cook County SWCD will serve as the local resource agency for the project, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contractor will complete most of the study’s technical portions. Citizen participation is encouraged, and will be addressed through a series of public meetings like this one, interactions with the Poplar River Management Board and other interested stakeholders, and an official public comment period.
Contact: Dave Stark, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District
(218) 387-3648 - Office
(218) 428-4413 - Cell
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: Poplar River: Public meeting on the official study to determine sources of pollution
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:15:07 -0600
Recent monitoring on the Poplar River found that the river’s water quality is poor enough to be officially listed as impaired due to excessive turbidity (cloudiness or muddiness of the water). Because of this, the river was put on the state’s list of impaired waters by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in 2004. On Thursday, March 1, the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host a public meeting to discuss the study being completed to determine the sources of turbidity to the Poplar River. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. March 1, 2007, at the Lutsen Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5307 W. Hwy. 61 in Lutsen.
The MPCA is required to complete the study to determine what’s known as a
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum
amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. This first public meeting is meant to introduce stakeholders to the partners working on the study, provide an overview of work done to-date and planned activities, and will also address how this project fits in to other current projects on the Poplar River (such as the “megaslump” erosion control project).
Although the Cook County SWCD will serve as the local resource agency for the project, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contractor will complete most of the study’s technical portions. Citizen participation is encouraged, and will be addressed through a series of public meetings like this one, interactions with the Poplar River Management Board and other interested stakeholders, and an official public comment period.
Contact: Dave Stark, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District
(218) 387-3648 - Office
(218) 428-4413 - Cell
Loan & grant programs for septic upgrades
Dear True,
The Tofte-Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District conducted a survey of all the septic systems in Tofte and Schroeder last summer. Residents and businesses were informed that this was NOT a compliance survey. Nonetheless, about 40 percent of all systems were deemed noncompliant or nonconforming according to present-day standards. The district wishes to make it easy for residents, even with low incomes, to upgrade their systems. At an open house last fall, those attending favored a Point of Sale inspection program, meaning that inspection would be required whenever a property was sold and necessary upgrades done as part of the sale proceeds. Over time, this would bring most systems into compliance.
But there are some systems that may need action sooner, and not only residential ones: Schroeder Town Hall and the Birch Grove building both need upgrades within a couple of years.
The district is looking to several grant sources to explore management alternatives, including an option for regular septic maintenance to be contracted by the district directly to homeowners at discounted rates.
In the meantime, we have looked into loan or grant options open to residents and include a brief summary here. For more details, contact the sources listed or email us at tsssd@boreal.org with your mailing address, and I will send out some additional details.
Your comments about the serious problem of clean water and responsible wastewater management are always welcome.
Nancye Belding
Secretary
Tofte Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District
PO Box 2307, Tofte, MN 55615 e-mail: tsssd@boreal.org
Loan and Grant Opportunities for Homeowners’ Septic System Upgrades
USDA Rural Development
Low Income 504 1% loans up to $20,000 and up to 20 years
These loans are for low-income people (ranging from $19,800 for one person to $37,300 for eight persons).
Low Income Loan & Grant combination for Seniors
Seniors 62 and over can qualify for a grant up to $7,500 in addition to the 504 1% loan of up to $20,000.
Contact: Julie Claussen, 4840 Miller Trunk Highway, #1B, Duluth, MN 55811, phone 218-720-5330, ext. 4
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
Low Income Deferred Loan
Deferred no-interest 30-year loans available up to $15,000 for low-income residents ($19,800 for one person, $28,250 for four person household).
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Fix-up Fund
The Fix-Up Fund offers loans up to $35,000 at a current interest rate of 7 ¾% for up to 20 years. Maximum household income limit is $90,000. Check out http://mhfa.state.mn.us on-line or 800-710—8871.
Contact: Lorraine Erickson, AEOA, 702 3rd Ave. South, Virginia, MN 55792 or 1-800-662-5711.
Grand Marais State Bank
Five-year 3 to 4 % interest loans up to $35,000
This loan is available to households with income up to $90,000. Inquire at the bank for more information or apply on-line at http://grandmaraisstatebank.com.
The Tofte-Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District conducted a survey of all the septic systems in Tofte and Schroeder last summer. Residents and businesses were informed that this was NOT a compliance survey. Nonetheless, about 40 percent of all systems were deemed noncompliant or nonconforming according to present-day standards. The district wishes to make it easy for residents, even with low incomes, to upgrade their systems. At an open house last fall, those attending favored a Point of Sale inspection program, meaning that inspection would be required whenever a property was sold and necessary upgrades done as part of the sale proceeds. Over time, this would bring most systems into compliance.
But there are some systems that may need action sooner, and not only residential ones: Schroeder Town Hall and the Birch Grove building both need upgrades within a couple of years.
The district is looking to several grant sources to explore management alternatives, including an option for regular septic maintenance to be contracted by the district directly to homeowners at discounted rates.
In the meantime, we have looked into loan or grant options open to residents and include a brief summary here. For more details, contact the sources listed or email us at tsssd@boreal.org with your mailing address, and I will send out some additional details.
Your comments about the serious problem of clean water and responsible wastewater management are always welcome.
Nancye Belding
Secretary
Tofte Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District
PO Box 2307, Tofte, MN 55615 e-mail: tsssd@boreal.org
Loan and Grant Opportunities for Homeowners’ Septic System Upgrades
USDA Rural Development
Low Income 504 1% loans up to $20,000 and up to 20 years
These loans are for low-income people (ranging from $19,800 for one person to $37,300 for eight persons).
Low Income Loan & Grant combination for Seniors
Seniors 62 and over can qualify for a grant up to $7,500 in addition to the 504 1% loan of up to $20,000.
Contact: Julie Claussen, 4840 Miller Trunk Highway, #1B, Duluth, MN 55811, phone 218-720-5330, ext. 4
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
Low Income Deferred Loan
Deferred no-interest 30-year loans available up to $15,000 for low-income residents ($19,800 for one person, $28,250 for four person household).
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Fix-up Fund
The Fix-Up Fund offers loans up to $35,000 at a current interest rate of 7 ¾% for up to 20 years. Maximum household income limit is $90,000. Check out http://mhfa.state.mn.us on-line or 800-710—8871.
Contact: Lorraine Erickson, AEOA, 702 3rd Ave. South, Virginia, MN 55792 or 1-800-662-5711.
Grand Marais State Bank
Five-year 3 to 4 % interest loans up to $35,000
This loan is available to households with income up to $90,000. Inquire at the bank for more information or apply on-line at http://grandmaraisstatebank.com.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The Truth About Coal - New York Times
COAL-GENERATED ELECTRIC PLANTS: They are twice cursed, they curseth him that mines and the future of the planet (to paraprhase Shakespeare). There is really nothing good to say about using coal to generate electricity or for anything else. But True is concerned that the recent so-called state-of-the-art pollution emissions controls proposed by Minnesota Power at the Tac Harbor station does nothing but nicely bandage the irreversible damage done by coal to carbon dioxide emissions and global warming.
Are we smart enough to ask the right questions, in time to make a difference?
I hope so.
True
Read on:
The Truth About Coal - New York Times
Are we smart enough to ask the right questions, in time to make a difference?
I hope so.
True
Read on:
The Truth About Coal - New York Times
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Business owners urged to attend sales tax proposal meeting Monday
This post was received from Boreal News
True
From: Sarah Hamilton [mailto:trailctr@boreal.org]
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 12:14 PM
To: 'news@boreal.org'
Subject: proposed new county sales tax meeting
There will be special meeting concerning the proposed 1/2 % lodging, 2% restaurant/bar and 3% entertainment sales tax proposal that goes before the County Board this coming week.
Birch Terrace
Monday, February 26th
6:30 pm
All business owners are urged to attend -for more information contact
Teresa Sterns
East Bay Suites
651-338-2180 cell
651-310-0128 office
651-698-2559 home
True
From: Sarah Hamilton [mailto:trailctr@boreal.org]
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 12:14 PM
To: 'news@boreal.org'
Subject: proposed new county sales tax meeting
There will be special meeting concerning the proposed 1/2 % lodging, 2% restaurant/bar and 3% entertainment sales tax proposal that goes before the County Board this coming week.
Birch Terrace
Monday, February 26th
6:30 pm
All business owners are urged to attend -for more information contact
Teresa Sterns
East Bay Suites
651-338-2180 cell
651-310-0128 office
651-698-2559 home
Friday, February 23, 2007
Tofte gets Homeland grant for new pumper truck
Rep. Jim Oberstar announced a Homeland Security grant to Tofte township for a new pumper truck that they have been eagerly anticipating:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Northland Firefighters Recieve Federal Grants
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Northland Firefighters Recieve Federal Grants
Vote Vets!
Vote Vets is a U. S. military veterans organization opposed to the escalation of the war in Iraq.
"We are the troops," he concluded, "and we oppose the president's escalation of troops."
"We stand together to tell this administration that we are against the escalation, and to say with one voice that Congress will no longer be a blank check to the president's failed policies." -VoteVets.org endorsed Rep. Patrick Murphy. The Washington Post, 2/14/2007
“We are not anti-war. We just want to stop what Rep. Senator Chuck Hagel said was ‘the most dangerous foreign policy blunder carried out since Vietnam.’" - VoteVets.org Advisor, Jonathan Powers. Buffalo News. 2/12/2007
True
"We are the troops," he concluded, "and we oppose the president's escalation of troops."
"We stand together to tell this administration that we are against the escalation, and to say with one voice that Congress will no longer be a blank check to the president's failed policies." -VoteVets.org endorsed Rep. Patrick Murphy. The Washington Post, 2/14/2007
“We are not anti-war. We just want to stop what Rep. Senator Chuck Hagel said was ‘the most dangerous foreign policy blunder carried out since Vietnam.’" - VoteVets.org Advisor, Jonathan Powers. Buffalo News. 2/12/2007
True
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Sulfide Mining Disasters in Pennsylvania
Sulfide (Non-ferrous) mining has proven unsafe in every single instance, and in many cases it has proven disastrous to the water supply and to fish and wildlife. The above link is to a current story about the problems of sulfide mining in Pennsylvania.
True
True
All are cordially invited to attend Peace Civility Project forum
From: "Diane Booth"
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: Upper Deck Forum - Speak Your Peace Civility Project - March 8
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 07:49:00 -0600
Brenda Sproat from the Duluth-Superior Foundation will be here to discuss how to communicate in a more respectful and effective manner. We can only be effective as a community when we are working together to accomplish tasks. No one gets 100 percent of what they want but you are more likely to be listened to if you state your opinion and case in a respectful way and really listen with an open mind to what your friends and neighbors are saying.
Please come to the Upper Deck Forum on Thursday, March 8 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. - upstairs at the Blue Water Cafe in downtown Grand Marais - and listen together to what the 'Speak Your Peace Civility Project' is all about. It is a great reminder and help for all of us.
Bring your lunch or feel free to purchase items from the buffet lunch provided. These forums are sponsored by: Cook County Community Education, Grand Marais Chamber of commerce, Blue Water Cafe, WTIP, Pac-13 and Cook County Extension.
Diane Booth
Cook County Community Center / Extension Director
317 W. 5th Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-3015
218-387-3016 (fax)
To: news@boreal.org
Subject: Upper Deck Forum - Speak Your Peace Civility Project - March 8
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 07:49:00 -0600
Brenda Sproat from the Duluth-Superior Foundation will be here to discuss how to communicate in a more respectful and effective manner. We can only be effective as a community when we are working together to accomplish tasks. No one gets 100 percent of what they want but you are more likely to be listened to if you state your opinion and case in a respectful way and really listen with an open mind to what your friends and neighbors are saying.
Please come to the Upper Deck Forum on Thursday, March 8 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. - upstairs at the Blue Water Cafe in downtown Grand Marais - and listen together to what the 'Speak Your Peace Civility Project' is all about. It is a great reminder and help for all of us.
Bring your lunch or feel free to purchase items from the buffet lunch provided. These forums are sponsored by: Cook County Community Education, Grand Marais Chamber of commerce, Blue Water Cafe, WTIP, Pac-13 and Cook County Extension.
Diane Booth
Cook County Community Center / Extension Director
317 W. 5th Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-3015
218-387-3016 (fax)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tourism wages are the lowest in Cook County
Tourism wages in Cook County during 2005 were the lowest, at $297 per week, compared with an average of $467 per week for all 2,797 employees in the major employment sectors. The data was provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Here are the actual figures, by Industry and Number of Employees for 2005:
* Construction: 29 employees, average weekly wage of $754
* Trade, transportation, utilities: 404 employees, average weekly wage of $474
* Information: 25 employees, average weekly wage of $572
* Financial activities: 73 employees, average weekly wage of $538
* Professional and
business services: 36 employees, average weekly wage of $530
* Education and health services: 347 employees, average weekly wage of $623
* Leisure and hospitality (tourism): 939 employees, average weekly wage of $297
* Public administration: 436 employees, average weekly wage of $650
All industries: 2,797 employees, average weekly wage of $467
In fact, tourism wages are so much lower that they drag the averages way down. $297 per week equates to an annual wage of $15,444 while the average wage of $467 is annualized at $24,284.
These numbers also show that direct tourism jobs account for only 34 percent of all jobs. The claims by the Economic Analysis Council, aka the Resort Owners Club, that 82 percent of county income comes from tourism, if true, makes it look really really bad for these owners who are paying only about a third of the wages.
As someone pointed out yesterday at a public meeting, the Council's figures, even if correct, can be used to support any economic argument at all. But they are not correct, or at best they are only a misleading part of the picture, based as they are on income subject to sales tax.
People, think! If it looks like a pig and squeals like a pig and walks like a pig and smells like a pig, it probably IS a pig. And tourism jobs probably ARE the lowest paid and the lowest paid WILL shoulder the greatest part of the burden if sales taxes are increased since a greater proportion of their low incomes goes to paying sales tax.
True
Here are the actual figures, by Industry and Number of Employees for 2005:
* Construction: 29 employees, average weekly wage of $754
* Trade, transportation, utilities: 404 employees, average weekly wage of $474
* Information: 25 employees, average weekly wage of $572
* Financial activities: 73 employees, average weekly wage of $538
* Professional and
business services: 36 employees, average weekly wage of $530
* Education and health services: 347 employees, average weekly wage of $623
* Leisure and hospitality (tourism): 939 employees, average weekly wage of $297
* Public administration: 436 employees, average weekly wage of $650
All industries: 2,797 employees, average weekly wage of $467
In fact, tourism wages are so much lower that they drag the averages way down. $297 per week equates to an annual wage of $15,444 while the average wage of $467 is annualized at $24,284.
These numbers also show that direct tourism jobs account for only 34 percent of all jobs. The claims by the Economic Analysis Council, aka the Resort Owners Club, that 82 percent of county income comes from tourism, if true, makes it look really really bad for these owners who are paying only about a third of the wages.
As someone pointed out yesterday at a public meeting, the Council's figures, even if correct, can be used to support any economic argument at all. But they are not correct, or at best they are only a misleading part of the picture, based as they are on income subject to sales tax.
People, think! If it looks like a pig and squeals like a pig and walks like a pig and smells like a pig, it probably IS a pig. And tourism jobs probably ARE the lowest paid and the lowest paid WILL shoulder the greatest part of the burden if sales taxes are increased since a greater proportion of their low incomes goes to paying sales tax.
True
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Speak Your Peace - What's it all about?
Dear True,
I am delighted to learn that the March 8th Bluewater Cafe Upper Deck Forum will be a presentation by the Duluth Speak Your Peace group so eloquently described by Pastor Bill Christ in his News Herald column last week.
I highly recommend that you attend.
Nancye Belding
For more info, check the website:
Speak Your Peace - What's it all about?
True Comments:
True makes a sincere effort to be uppity, and embraces biting sarcasm and is more than willing to unequivocally condemn and point out stupidity in the public arena, and other crimes against common decency. That being said, while True endorses civility in general public discourse, experience has shown that those who point to a mote of incivility in the eye of another often boast a beam of the same in their own. True will continue to call a spade a spade, will make every effort to be factual, and does not use profanity and will generally not tolerate profanity in the submissions the public makes to the site unless they serve a useful purpose.
All this is by way of introduction to a comment that follows the above announcement that Nancye Belding submitted to True North. Nancye's post concerns the Speak Your Peace Campaign which she strongly supports and has stressed the importance of True North taking to heart. The comment on her post contains some profanity and quotes some scurrilous statements attributed by left wing bloggers against, mainly, the Republican establishment. Considering that the profanity as presented is not gratuitous, and serves the useful purpose of demonstrating the problem, we will not take it down. It is more an indictment of some of the whacko’s who so easily are attracted to the extremes of the both left and the right.
True does not in any way endorse these quotes. They have been allowed to stay on the site simply because their existence supports efforts like the Speak Your Peace Campaign. Tasteless and hateful speech is a problem from all sides of the political divide.
I am delighted to learn that the March 8th Bluewater Cafe Upper Deck Forum will be a presentation by the Duluth Speak Your Peace group so eloquently described by Pastor Bill Christ in his News Herald column last week.
I highly recommend that you attend.
Nancye Belding
For more info, check the website:
Speak Your Peace - What's it all about?
True Comments:
True makes a sincere effort to be uppity, and embraces biting sarcasm and is more than willing to unequivocally condemn and point out stupidity in the public arena, and other crimes against common decency. That being said, while True endorses civility in general public discourse, experience has shown that those who point to a mote of incivility in the eye of another often boast a beam of the same in their own. True will continue to call a spade a spade, will make every effort to be factual, and does not use profanity and will generally not tolerate profanity in the submissions the public makes to the site unless they serve a useful purpose.
All this is by way of introduction to a comment that follows the above announcement that Nancye Belding submitted to True North. Nancye's post concerns the Speak Your Peace Campaign which she strongly supports and has stressed the importance of True North taking to heart. The comment on her post contains some profanity and quotes some scurrilous statements attributed by left wing bloggers against, mainly, the Republican establishment. Considering that the profanity as presented is not gratuitous, and serves the useful purpose of demonstrating the problem, we will not take it down. It is more an indictment of some of the whacko’s who so easily are attracted to the extremes of the both left and the right.
True does not in any way endorse these quotes. They have been allowed to stay on the site simply because their existence supports efforts like the Speak Your Peace Campaign. Tasteless and hateful speech is a problem from all sides of the political divide.
Habeas Corpus
True North received the following information in a comment to a prior post (Still Speaking My Piece!) and, because of the strong interest in the recent assertion by U. S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, essentially that there is no right to Habeas Corpus, we thought it may be of interest to our readers to see how this suspension impacts individuals and what others are doing about it.
Due to the suspension of habeas corpus (thanks to the Military Commissions Act) there is no legal recourse for detainees of the United States. The lawyers for hospital administrator Adel Hamad, a detainee at Guantanamo, thus took the unprecedented step of releasing video testimony on YouTube to the court of public opinion.
You can see this compelling video at:
www.projecthamad.org
You can also add your name in support of habeas restoration and read a blog posting by Brandon Mayfield, the U.S. citizen wrongfully incarcerated for the Madrid bombings who is now challenging the constitutionality of the Patriot Act in district court.
David
Due to the suspension of habeas corpus (thanks to the Military Commissions Act) there is no legal recourse for detainees of the United States. The lawyers for hospital administrator Adel Hamad, a detainee at Guantanamo, thus took the unprecedented step of releasing video testimony on YouTube to the court of public opinion.
You can see this compelling video at:
www.projecthamad.org
You can also add your name in support of habeas restoration and read a blog posting by Brandon Mayfield, the U.S. citizen wrongfully incarcerated for the Madrid bombings who is now challenging the constitutionality of the Patriot Act in district court.
David
Monday, February 19, 2007
Craig Etchison | Depleted Uranium: Pernicious Killer Keeps on Killing
Maiming and killing our troops:
Check out the following horrific piece about the weapons that go on destroying long after the wars are over:
Craig Etchison | Depleted Uranium: Pernicious Killer Keeps on Killing
Check out the following horrific piece about the weapons that go on destroying long after the wars are over:
Craig Etchison | Depleted Uranium: Pernicious Killer Keeps on Killing
AlterNet: EnviroHealth: Wind vs. Coal: False Choices in the Battle to Resolve Our Energy Crisis
Coal mining is necessary to run coal-fired electric plants; coal-fired electric plants raise the greenhouse gas emissions that threaten the earth as we know it. Every single part of this process, from mining to electricity, adds to the sum total of misery, environmental depradation and climate change. Read on:
AlterNet: EnviroHealth: Wind vs. Coal: False Choices in the Battle to Resolve Our Energy Crisis
AlterNet: EnviroHealth: Wind vs. Coal: False Choices in the Battle to Resolve Our Energy Crisis
Research debunks PolyMet claim of zero discharges, says letter writer
Here is the text of the letter linked above.
- True
I’m writing concerning PolyMet’s claim it will have zero water discharge at its proposed copper sulfide mine near Hoyt Lakes (“Environmental groups, PolyMet to discuss mine,” Feb. 4).
I don’t think PolyMet expects Iron Rangers to believe this. After all, Minntac also claims zero water discharge, yet 4 million gallons a day of “seepage” enters the watershed of the Dark River and Sandy River.
Research does not support PolyMet’s claim. David Blowes, a Canadian scientist who has studied more than 10,000 sulfide mines in Canada over the past 20 years, concluded that all sulfide mines have contaminated groundwater to a greater or lesser extent, and that there are no “best methods” available. In an Earthworks study released in December 2006, researchers reported that acid-generating sulfide mines must be treated “in perpetuity”—meaning basically forever.
PolyMet also claimed its mining will have “no air emissions,” yet the Environmental Scoping Document lists 59 air pollutants. Among these is 162,000 tons of carbon dioxide, which will contribute to global warming.
PolyMet just released hundreds of pages of project description documents and seems to be using this gap in analysis time to convince investors that its mining operations would be environmentally safe.
I believe investments should be made in a sustainable future. We could dig ourselves out of existence and still not have enough minerals to serve the world’s population. We need to preserve our most valuable resources for children’s sake — clean water, clean air and biodiversity.
Elanne Palcich
Chisholm
- True
I’m writing concerning PolyMet’s claim it will have zero water discharge at its proposed copper sulfide mine near Hoyt Lakes (“Environmental groups, PolyMet to discuss mine,” Feb. 4).
I don’t think PolyMet expects Iron Rangers to believe this. After all, Minntac also claims zero water discharge, yet 4 million gallons a day of “seepage” enters the watershed of the Dark River and Sandy River.
Research does not support PolyMet’s claim. David Blowes, a Canadian scientist who has studied more than 10,000 sulfide mines in Canada over the past 20 years, concluded that all sulfide mines have contaminated groundwater to a greater or lesser extent, and that there are no “best methods” available. In an Earthworks study released in December 2006, researchers reported that acid-generating sulfide mines must be treated “in perpetuity”—meaning basically forever.
PolyMet also claimed its mining will have “no air emissions,” yet the Environmental Scoping Document lists 59 air pollutants. Among these is 162,000 tons of carbon dioxide, which will contribute to global warming.
PolyMet just released hundreds of pages of project description documents and seems to be using this gap in analysis time to convince investors that its mining operations would be environmentally safe.
I believe investments should be made in a sustainable future. We could dig ourselves out of existence and still not have enough minerals to serve the world’s population. We need to preserve our most valuable resources for children’s sake — clean water, clean air and biodiversity.
Elanne Palcich
Chisholm
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Governor Pawlenty to Sign the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact
This past week, Minnesota became the first state to pass the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, a covenant among the Great Lakes states providing a regional water management strategy to protect the Great Lakes as a natural resource. It is the result of a five-year negotiation process among the 8 states and two Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes.
The Compact's purpose is to retain regional control over and protect the water in the Great Lakes, which are the source of 95 percent of the nation's fresh water. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, so it is appropriate for Minnesota to lead on this issue.
The Compact is one of the issues on the Minnesota Environmental Partnership's legislative agenda, so this is a big accomplishment and a major step forward for Great Lakes protection.
Governor Pawlenty is heading north to sign the legislation on Tuesday - spread the word and come on down for the signing ceremony:
Tuesday, February 20 at 11:45 a.m. In Duluth
Governor Pawlenty signs the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Auditorium - Mezzanine Level
350 Harbor Drive Duluth
From MEP to True to you.
The Compact's purpose is to retain regional control over and protect the water in the Great Lakes, which are the source of 95 percent of the nation's fresh water. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, so it is appropriate for Minnesota to lead on this issue.
The Compact is one of the issues on the Minnesota Environmental Partnership's legislative agenda, so this is a big accomplishment and a major step forward for Great Lakes protection.
Governor Pawlenty is heading north to sign the legislation on Tuesday - spread the word and come on down for the signing ceremony:
Tuesday, February 20 at 11:45 a.m. In Duluth
Governor Pawlenty signs the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Auditorium - Mezzanine Level
350 Harbor Drive Duluth
From MEP to True to you.
Still Speaking My Piece!
First of all, mea culpa to Pastor Bill Christ; but to those of you who have yet to take the pledge, read on.
The New Year is off to a decidedly weird start – Anna Nicole, astronauts in diapers, Bush in denial (OK, not new, but still weird), mummified corpses watching TV in Long Island (what was on?), Alberto Gonzales saying there is no habeas corpus, Britney bald, and so much more… thank God we in Grand Marais are free from all this insanity!
Last fall the local electorate chose the path of common sense and threw out Mark Sandbo and Bob Spry by a 2 to 1 margin in a referendum on the marina, cronyism, corruption, and stupidity. Then, in early January, with a new mayor and one new councilman seated, the remnant of the old guard promptly rewarded Sandbo and Spry with seats on the EDA and PUC. One would have thought those commissions would be held in higher esteem.
This was followed by a definite bow to the clear wishes of the November electorate when the entire council opted to rid the city of the sorry partnership Sandbo had crafted with the DNR. Emboldened, the council decided to take a wait and see approach to any final decision on the East Box Sidewalk Snatch. All this, of course, was followed by an immediate storming of city hall by self proclaimed leaders of the business community who decried the council’s return to wisdom under the leadership of Evelyn Larsen.
This week, returning to the East Box Bollix, after a clear opinion from the Attorney General, a unanimous council delivered a more reasonable, if overly generous, agreement on pretty much the original terms crafted by city attorney Don Davison.
What do we get from all this? Well, those very same business leaders formed a new business organization, evidently dedicated to peace and love, and hell bent on dragging us all collectively back to the good old days when our city was run by the few, for the few. Holy herring! Get over it!
And now, last week, this farcical fish cake of a rump commerce klatch, though baked in Grand Marais, got some pro bono frosting from Schroeder, and it was, without a doubt, worth every penny. One can only marvel at the level to which lawyering has slipped in the West End.
True
The New Year is off to a decidedly weird start – Anna Nicole, astronauts in diapers, Bush in denial (OK, not new, but still weird), mummified corpses watching TV in Long Island (what was on?), Alberto Gonzales saying there is no habeas corpus, Britney bald, and so much more… thank God we in Grand Marais are free from all this insanity!
Last fall the local electorate chose the path of common sense and threw out Mark Sandbo and Bob Spry by a 2 to 1 margin in a referendum on the marina, cronyism, corruption, and stupidity. Then, in early January, with a new mayor and one new councilman seated, the remnant of the old guard promptly rewarded Sandbo and Spry with seats on the EDA and PUC. One would have thought those commissions would be held in higher esteem.
This was followed by a definite bow to the clear wishes of the November electorate when the entire council opted to rid the city of the sorry partnership Sandbo had crafted with the DNR. Emboldened, the council decided to take a wait and see approach to any final decision on the East Box Sidewalk Snatch. All this, of course, was followed by an immediate storming of city hall by self proclaimed leaders of the business community who decried the council’s return to wisdom under the leadership of Evelyn Larsen.
This week, returning to the East Box Bollix, after a clear opinion from the Attorney General, a unanimous council delivered a more reasonable, if overly generous, agreement on pretty much the original terms crafted by city attorney Don Davison.
What do we get from all this? Well, those very same business leaders formed a new business organization, evidently dedicated to peace and love, and hell bent on dragging us all collectively back to the good old days when our city was run by the few, for the few. Holy herring! Get over it!
And now, last week, this farcical fish cake of a rump commerce klatch, though baked in Grand Marais, got some pro bono frosting from Schroeder, and it was, without a doubt, worth every penny. One can only marvel at the level to which lawyering has slipped in the West End.
True
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The New City Council
The New City Council
During the Mayoral election, the story was that if Mark Sandbo was re-elected, it was tantamount to a clear mandate to install a mega-marina. Since Mr. Sandbo was defeated in a two-to-one decision, we may safely assume the mandate was not for the mega-marina but rather its opposite, a smaller marina that doesn't overwhelm the natural beauty of the harbor. Logically it follows that the former mega-marina plans with the DNR could be scrapped, something which this Council has done.
This autumn the DNR came up with what can only be described as a "chicken/cow trade" involving the swapping of over-harvested, insignificant, deep woods land in Hovland for prime land on the Gunflint Trail, a proposal which certainly (in my mind anyway) casts a sickly light on their judgement faculties. After that flirtation with insanity, I'd have to look askance at anything the DNR came up with and examine it with a fine-toothed comb.
As for the handicap ramp, the city has an attorney sitting on the Council not to warm the seat but to render valid legal opinion, but Mr. Sandbo over-rode the City Attorney's objections in several instances, such as his involvement in the sale of the East Bay Hotel. Also, Mr. Sandbo freely gave away city sidewalk which was not his to give. The current City Council is merely trying to redress the free gift of public property to a private concern, a violation of public trust. It is my understanding that the matter is now settled in accordance with the Minnesota Attorney General's recommendation.
The current City Council is presently doing mop-up. Give them time to settle in and do what the majority of citizens in Grand Marais elected them to do.
Pam Dorris
Lutsen
During the Mayoral election, the story was that if Mark Sandbo was re-elected, it was tantamount to a clear mandate to install a mega-marina. Since Mr. Sandbo was defeated in a two-to-one decision, we may safely assume the mandate was not for the mega-marina but rather its opposite, a smaller marina that doesn't overwhelm the natural beauty of the harbor. Logically it follows that the former mega-marina plans with the DNR could be scrapped, something which this Council has done.
This autumn the DNR came up with what can only be described as a "chicken/cow trade" involving the swapping of over-harvested, insignificant, deep woods land in Hovland for prime land on the Gunflint Trail, a proposal which certainly (in my mind anyway) casts a sickly light on their judgement faculties. After that flirtation with insanity, I'd have to look askance at anything the DNR came up with and examine it with a fine-toothed comb.
As for the handicap ramp, the city has an attorney sitting on the Council not to warm the seat but to render valid legal opinion, but Mr. Sandbo over-rode the City Attorney's objections in several instances, such as his involvement in the sale of the East Bay Hotel. Also, Mr. Sandbo freely gave away city sidewalk which was not his to give. The current City Council is merely trying to redress the free gift of public property to a private concern, a violation of public trust. It is my understanding that the matter is now settled in accordance with the Minnesota Attorney General's recommendation.
The current City Council is presently doing mop-up. Give them time to settle in and do what the majority of citizens in Grand Marais elected them to do.
Pam Dorris
Lutsen
David Swanson | What Lincoln Really Said
Here's what Abe Lincoln actually said about the role of the Legislature and the Executive in making war....
David Swanson | What Lincoln Really Said
David Swanson | What Lincoln Really Said
Friday, February 16, 2007
Democrats Push Economic Policy to Better Serve Poor, Middle Class
How refreshing: a possible economic policy shift that will not rob from the poor and the great middle class and give to the rich:
Democrats Push Economic Policy to Better Serve Poor, Middle Class
Democrats Push Economic Policy to Better Serve Poor, Middle Class
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Hopes Resolution Sends President Bush a Message
Oberstar tells Northeast Minnesotans that the House listened to their message about Iraq:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Hopes Resolution Sends President Bush a Message
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Hopes Resolution Sends President Bush a Message
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Welcome to Cook County Minnesota
The Cook County website is pretty good; check it out now and then for interesting information about upcoming topics such as the ATV hearing in March:
Welcome to Cook County Minnesota
Welcome to Cook County Minnesota
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Speaks on Iraq War Resolution
Read the text of Jim Oberstar's excellent speech on the Iraqi War Resolution being debated in Congress:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Speaks on Iraq War Resolution
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Speaks on Iraq War Resolution
Is True too bourgeois?
Oh, True, you are just SO bourgeois. How nice for all the people who can afford $850 per month mortgages, plus utilities, taxes and insurance.
For those earning $30,000 or less per household, this will account for perhaps two-thirds of their income. If they are single parents supporting children, maybe working two or three jobs without health care or benefits, how can they make ends meet? The kids need clothes and school supplies at a minimum and it would be nice if they could get birthday and Christmas gifts. The costs for basic necessities here--food, clothing, household supplies,--are nearly double what you would find in south Florida where my extended family lives.
The Minnesota taxes paid by this hypothetical family, when regressive sales taxes and government fees are added in, will be higher than those paid by the richest one percent in proportion to income, at a guess totalling at least 10 percent of income.
This reminds me of the distortions of census data promulgated by the Resort Owners Club in their recent economic analysis, asking that new taxes support their tourism dollars and failing to mention that these are already heavily subsidized by foreign workers who are pleased to be paid a pittance, live in awful dormitory-style housing at exorbitant cost, and needless to say get no benefits whatsoever.
The amazing assertions of these folks that earning $10 an hour is a living wage for a family of four provided that both parents work full time reminds me of Dubya, who thinks that allowing deductions for health care on your tax return will help the 47 million uninsured, most of whom don't itemize deductions.
Census data can be interpreted in many ways. If one looks at the numbers earning above and below the median (or middle point) one finds vast discrepancies. These discrepancies are widest between women and men, between part-timers working lots of jobs and full-timers with benefits, and between age groups.
The Sawtooth Cottages "affordable" units might be good for families with two incomes totalling $48,000 or more. It's a rule of thumb that housing costs including mortgage, taxes, and insurance not exceed 30 percent of income. At a Grand Marais average of $16,000 for all of the above, that is what we are looking at. But, that is not what we have in the need-for-affordable-housing pool.
True, get real.
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais
For those earning $30,000 or less per household, this will account for perhaps two-thirds of their income. If they are single parents supporting children, maybe working two or three jobs without health care or benefits, how can they make ends meet? The kids need clothes and school supplies at a minimum and it would be nice if they could get birthday and Christmas gifts. The costs for basic necessities here--food, clothing, household supplies,--are nearly double what you would find in south Florida where my extended family lives.
The Minnesota taxes paid by this hypothetical family, when regressive sales taxes and government fees are added in, will be higher than those paid by the richest one percent in proportion to income, at a guess totalling at least 10 percent of income.
This reminds me of the distortions of census data promulgated by the Resort Owners Club in their recent economic analysis, asking that new taxes support their tourism dollars and failing to mention that these are already heavily subsidized by foreign workers who are pleased to be paid a pittance, live in awful dormitory-style housing at exorbitant cost, and needless to say get no benefits whatsoever.
The amazing assertions of these folks that earning $10 an hour is a living wage for a family of four provided that both parents work full time reminds me of Dubya, who thinks that allowing deductions for health care on your tax return will help the 47 million uninsured, most of whom don't itemize deductions.
Census data can be interpreted in many ways. If one looks at the numbers earning above and below the median (or middle point) one finds vast discrepancies. These discrepancies are widest between women and men, between part-timers working lots of jobs and full-timers with benefits, and between age groups.
The Sawtooth Cottages "affordable" units might be good for families with two incomes totalling $48,000 or more. It's a rule of thumb that housing costs including mortgage, taxes, and insurance not exceed 30 percent of income. At a Grand Marais average of $16,000 for all of the above, that is what we are looking at. But, that is not what we have in the need-for-affordable-housing pool.
True, get real.
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sawtooth Cottages Update
The Northern Communities Land Trust yesterday circulated a notice that, without a change in financing, the Sawtooth Cottages Development cannot go forward. Here is what they said:
“In a nutshell, NCLT has determined that it's not feasible for NCLT to act as the developer of the land, infrastructure and roads at the site without a tremendous amount of tax increment financing, and that such support is unrealistic. NCLT remains confident in its ability to raise approximately $700,000 in affordability gap funding for 10 affordable homes; however, this amount isn't enough to make the homes affordable with land and infrastructure costs.
NCLT has sent a letter to the EDA outlining that the only way NCLT is able to make these homes affordable (around $850 per month) to a household earning less than $30,000 per year would be for the land, road, and utility costs associated with the affordable homes to be eliminated. It is our hope that the EDA and the City of Grand Marais can come up with a creative solution to allow this to happen.”
This will be discussed at the EDA meeting today, at 4 PM. This meeting will be held in the city council chambers.
This news is both bad and good. Bad, because it is indicative of the problems faced in the present real estate market, locally and elsewhere. It will mean that a mix in the development in terms of low, moderate, and higher priced homes will likely be deferred depending on how the lots sold at market rates are received.. It will also mean that the city has to step up and into a more active role by way of participating in tax increment financing.
It is good because it will get the most needed component of housing, the entry level housing, out there on the front end of the development. The area is in sore need of quality, entry level housing, and this appears to be the only way that will happen. For that reason alone this change deserves the wholesale support of the community. It will mean that young families will have chance for a home of their own in our community.
This situation puts the burden on those members of the real estate community that serve in public office, particularly on the city council and the EDA, to recognize that their duty is to the public and not to their real estate firms. A situation like this can very easily leave folks wondering whose interest is being served as matters are being discussed. The remaining lots will likely be offered to private developers. Mayor Larson is not a developer and not likely to become one. Gunflint Realty, however, is and with Tim Kennedy on the city council with his record regarding conflicts of interest, and Mark Sandbo, also of Gunflint Realty on the EDA, with his own record of conflicts of interest, the situation must be watched carefully.
In a fit of full disclosure of my own conflict of interest in this matter, my family fully supports this since it is likely that they too may be able to afford a home in Grand Marias.
True
“In a nutshell, NCLT has determined that it's not feasible for NCLT to act as the developer of the land, infrastructure and roads at the site without a tremendous amount of tax increment financing, and that such support is unrealistic. NCLT remains confident in its ability to raise approximately $700,000 in affordability gap funding for 10 affordable homes; however, this amount isn't enough to make the homes affordable with land and infrastructure costs.
NCLT has sent a letter to the EDA outlining that the only way NCLT is able to make these homes affordable (around $850 per month) to a household earning less than $30,000 per year would be for the land, road, and utility costs associated with the affordable homes to be eliminated. It is our hope that the EDA and the City of Grand Marais can come up with a creative solution to allow this to happen.”
This will be discussed at the EDA meeting today, at 4 PM. This meeting will be held in the city council chambers.
This news is both bad and good. Bad, because it is indicative of the problems faced in the present real estate market, locally and elsewhere. It will mean that a mix in the development in terms of low, moderate, and higher priced homes will likely be deferred depending on how the lots sold at market rates are received.. It will also mean that the city has to step up and into a more active role by way of participating in tax increment financing.
It is good because it will get the most needed component of housing, the entry level housing, out there on the front end of the development. The area is in sore need of quality, entry level housing, and this appears to be the only way that will happen. For that reason alone this change deserves the wholesale support of the community. It will mean that young families will have chance for a home of their own in our community.
This situation puts the burden on those members of the real estate community that serve in public office, particularly on the city council and the EDA, to recognize that their duty is to the public and not to their real estate firms. A situation like this can very easily leave folks wondering whose interest is being served as matters are being discussed. The remaining lots will likely be offered to private developers. Mayor Larson is not a developer and not likely to become one. Gunflint Realty, however, is and with Tim Kennedy on the city council with his record regarding conflicts of interest, and Mark Sandbo, also of Gunflint Realty on the EDA, with his own record of conflicts of interest, the situation must be watched carefully.
In a fit of full disclosure of my own conflict of interest in this matter, my family fully supports this since it is likely that they too may be able to afford a home in Grand Marias.
True
Monday, February 12, 2007
Iran - Back to the Future
It is back to the future as we watch the buildup to war with Iran and listen to the Bush Administration as they pull the same deception they used in their run up to the present war in Iraq. They lied then and they are telling the same tales now. Sunday, on the talk shows, they were out in force denying that they had cooked the intelligence books on Iraq. What follows is an exchange between Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday, Douglas Feith, who was Under Secretary of Defense for Policy as we got led into Iraq:
WALLACE: Okay. Let's talk about it, because the briefing was titled "Iraq and Al Qaeda Making the Case," and here are some of the highlights from your PowerPoint presentation. "Intelligence indicates cooperation in all categories, mature symbiotic relationship." "Some indications of possible Iraq coordination with Al Qaeda specifically related to 9/11." And you said an alleged meeting between 9/11 hijacker Mohammed Atta and an Iraqi agent in Prague in April 2001 was a known contact. Mr. Feith, all of that--all of that was wrong, wasn't it?
FEITH: No, not at all. There was substantial intelligence. I mean, evidence is a legal term not really appropriate here. There was a lot of information out there. Intelligence is very sketchy, and it's always open to interpretation. On this issue, there were people who disagreed about the intelligence and the people in the Pentagon were giving a critical review. They were not presenting alternative conclusions. They were presenting a challenge to the way the CIA was looking at things and filtering its own information.
WALLACE: I have to tell you, I mean, when I--I mean, I read these as "mature symbiotic relationship," "known contact"--that sure sounds like conclusions.
FEITH: You're plucking language out of a briefing, the thrust of which was why is the CIA accounting for information that it had that suggested an Iraq-Al Qaeda relationship when the CIA was excluding that information from its own finished intelligence at the time. It was a criticism. It's healthy to criticize the CIA's intelligence. What the people in the Pentagon were doing was right. It was good government.
Up is down, left is right, in is out, but more importantly, with this administration, wrong becomes right and outright lies are their gospel truth.
So far we have lost more that 3000 of our troops in Iraq and gained nothing. How many will Bush sacrifice in Iran, and what will it achieve?
True North
WALLACE: Okay. Let's talk about it, because the briefing was titled "Iraq and Al Qaeda Making the Case," and here are some of the highlights from your PowerPoint presentation. "Intelligence indicates cooperation in all categories, mature symbiotic relationship." "Some indications of possible Iraq coordination with Al Qaeda specifically related to 9/11." And you said an alleged meeting between 9/11 hijacker Mohammed Atta and an Iraqi agent in Prague in April 2001 was a known contact. Mr. Feith, all of that--all of that was wrong, wasn't it?
FEITH: No, not at all. There was substantial intelligence. I mean, evidence is a legal term not really appropriate here. There was a lot of information out there. Intelligence is very sketchy, and it's always open to interpretation. On this issue, there were people who disagreed about the intelligence and the people in the Pentagon were giving a critical review. They were not presenting alternative conclusions. They were presenting a challenge to the way the CIA was looking at things and filtering its own information.
WALLACE: I have to tell you, I mean, when I--I mean, I read these as "mature symbiotic relationship," "known contact"--that sure sounds like conclusions.
FEITH: You're plucking language out of a briefing, the thrust of which was why is the CIA accounting for information that it had that suggested an Iraq-Al Qaeda relationship when the CIA was excluding that information from its own finished intelligence at the time. It was a criticism. It's healthy to criticize the CIA's intelligence. What the people in the Pentagon were doing was right. It was good government.
Up is down, left is right, in is out, but more importantly, with this administration, wrong becomes right and outright lies are their gospel truth.
So far we have lost more that 3000 of our troops in Iraq and gained nothing. How many will Bush sacrifice in Iran, and what will it achieve?
True North
Congressman James L Oberstar -- House Approves Solar Energy Project
Pie in the Sky! US House goes solar
Once a friend of mine who worked for Honeywell sent a memo to its CEO, who I think was named Binger and who she described as having "buckets of money." She asked him to consider investing in solar and wind energy. You guessed it! His response was, "Pie in the Sky."
Hmmph. Read Rep. Jim Oberstar's latest:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- House Approves Solar Energy Project
Once a friend of mine who worked for Honeywell sent a memo to its CEO, who I think was named Binger and who she described as having "buckets of money." She asked him to consider investing in solar and wind energy. You guessed it! His response was, "Pie in the Sky."
Hmmph. Read Rep. Jim Oberstar's latest:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- House Approves Solar Energy Project
"Congress Decides" Letter Deliveries in Cook County?
Dear readers,
As a member of MoveOn.org, I want to pass this post along to Cook County residents. I of course wish to remain anonymous but perhaps some good soul will be willing to step up and coordinate an event for us here? Suggestion: just contact MoveOn at the link below and use boreal news to spread the word. Of course you can also send a gmail to me for posting.
Sincerely,
True North
Dear MoveOn member,
This week the House of Representatives is likely to condemn the president's plan to escalate the war. This will be an important first step—but it's only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, they'll be deciding how far they're willing to go to stop the president.
Next week, Congress is home for recess. It'll be our best chance to impact that decision. It's really important to keep the pressure up during this critical period—Congress is "the decider"—they can stop this escalation. They need to know that the public is counting on them to do that.
That's why we're organizing "Congress Decides" letter deliveries next Thursday, February 22nd. We'll join other MoveOn members and hand-deliver thousands of letters asking Congress to stop the escalation. We really need someone to step up to lead one in Grand Marais. Can you help?
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/create.html? action_id= 76&id= 9863-1732407-XqzC7Y5.ezMlOADN0GUSRA&t= 3
Leading an event is easy. The deliveries will happen around lunchtime outside of Congressional offices. We'll email other MoveOn members and invite them to attend. We'll provide the signs and we'll give you tips on reaching out to the media. Your job is to select a location to meet, register it with our online tool and then follow a few simple steps outlined in the organizing kit we'll send you.
This week, tens of thousands of MoveOn members are getting together at over 1,200 movie nights around the country to watch a powerful documentary about the human cost of war—The Ground Truth. After the movie, we'll write letters to Congress pushing them to take the next step and start bringing an end to this war.
At the event we're asking you to lead, folks will bring these letters and we'll send you hundreds more.
This is a big moment in the fight to end the war. There hasn't been so much concern about the direction of the war coming from so many people all over the country since it began. Hundreds of thousands of us are getting involved everyday and we have to keep the momentum going.
Stopping escalation is the way to get out of Iraq. If we can show Congress that Americans want escalation blocked, the only other option is a responsible exit.
It's important for our representatives to see the faces of Americans in their district who want to stop the escalation and end this war. Can you lead a letter delivery near you?
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/create.html? action_id= 76&id= 9863-1732407-XqzC7Y5.ezMlOADN0GUSRA&t= 4
Thanks for all you do,
–Nita, Marc, Matt, Justin and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Monday, February 12th, 2007
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
As a member of MoveOn.org, I want to pass this post along to Cook County residents. I of course wish to remain anonymous but perhaps some good soul will be willing to step up and coordinate an event for us here? Suggestion: just contact MoveOn at the link below and use boreal news to spread the word. Of course you can also send a gmail to me for posting.
Sincerely,
True North
Dear MoveOn member,
This week the House of Representatives is likely to condemn the president's plan to escalate the war. This will be an important first step—but it's only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, they'll be deciding how far they're willing to go to stop the president.
Next week, Congress is home for recess. It'll be our best chance to impact that decision. It's really important to keep the pressure up during this critical period—Congress is "the decider"—they can stop this escalation. They need to know that the public is counting on them to do that.
That's why we're organizing "Congress Decides" letter deliveries next Thursday, February 22nd. We'll join other MoveOn members and hand-deliver thousands of letters asking Congress to stop the escalation. We really need someone to step up to lead one in Grand Marais. Can you help?
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/create.html? action_id= 76&id= 9863-1732407-XqzC7Y5.ezMlOADN0GUSRA&t= 3
Leading an event is easy. The deliveries will happen around lunchtime outside of Congressional offices. We'll email other MoveOn members and invite them to attend. We'll provide the signs and we'll give you tips on reaching out to the media. Your job is to select a location to meet, register it with our online tool and then follow a few simple steps outlined in the organizing kit we'll send you.
This week, tens of thousands of MoveOn members are getting together at over 1,200 movie nights around the country to watch a powerful documentary about the human cost of war—The Ground Truth. After the movie, we'll write letters to Congress pushing them to take the next step and start bringing an end to this war.
At the event we're asking you to lead, folks will bring these letters and we'll send you hundreds more.
This is a big moment in the fight to end the war. There hasn't been so much concern about the direction of the war coming from so many people all over the country since it began. Hundreds of thousands of us are getting involved everyday and we have to keep the momentum going.
Stopping escalation is the way to get out of Iraq. If we can show Congress that Americans want escalation blocked, the only other option is a responsible exit.
It's important for our representatives to see the faces of Americans in their district who want to stop the escalation and end this war. Can you lead a letter delivery near you?
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/create.html? action_id= 76&id= 9863-1732407-XqzC7Y5.ezMlOADN0GUSRA&t= 4
Thanks for all you do,
–Nita, Marc, Matt, Justin and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Monday, February 12th, 2007
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
MPR story about Polymet
Wake up, Cook County! Copper-nickel mining will degrade our environment and the short-term jobs will not compensate for the long-term consequences.
-True
Polymet project draws friends and foes
by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio
February 8, 2007
About 100 supporters and critics of a proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota got together in Duluth last night to talk about the project. Polymet Mining Company is working on detailed studies about possible environmental impacts. They've got a long way to go, to convince some people the mine is a good idea.
Duluth, Minn. — The mine would be built at the old LTV taconite mine near Babbitt. Fourteen hundred people lost their jobs when the mine closed in 2001.
Polymet officials are excited about the money they can save by using the railroad, the electric lines and natural gas pipes, and some of the buildings already on hand.
But for a lot of people in northeastern Minnesota, iron ore mining is one thing, and mining for precious metals is something else entirely.
The main concern is acid drainage. The minerals Polymet wants to extract -- copper, nickel, platinum, gold -- are found in sulfide rock. When it's exposed to air and water, sulfide rock can produce sulfuric acid, which can drain into nearby lakes and rivers.
"The company comes in and claims that it will do no harm," says Leonard Anderson. "They're going to provide all these jobs and do no harm."
"As public citizens, we ourselves need to verify that what is said gets done."
- Peter Yurista
Anderson is a retired science teacher and long-time environmental activist. He reminded the crowd about mines in the western US and in Flambeau, Wisconsin, that have heavily polluted nearby waterways. He says the Polymet Company has no track record, and he worries it will follow an all-too-familiar pattern.
"They'll take out the valuable ore from the ground, and make a tidy profit," Anderson continues. "And about the time payday really rolls around for us, about the time we find that there's groundwater contamination, some of the really tough problems to solve, they declare bankruptcy. And then the big bills, these multi-million dollars bills, are left to the taxpayers."
But that's all in the past, according to Don Hunter, project general manager for Polymet.
"Yes, it's a fact that places like the Butte mine in Montana are a disaster," he says. "But that was a disaster created decades ago, and I think it would be fair to say the mining industry has learned significantly from that. I don't claim we're perfect by any means, but the improvements that have been made over that period of time are quantum step improvements."
Not only that, but Hunter says the rock at the Polymet mine has far less sulfide content than most existing mines. He says it's only because Polymet plans to use advanced technologies that they can mine it profitably.
The meeting was organized by the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League. Unlike some other environmental organizations, the Ikes have not taken a position on the proposed Polymet mine.
But Leonard Anderson, an Ikes member, is promoting legislation for Minnesota similar to a Wisconsin law that requires metals mining companies to point to successful mines elsewhere that have operated without harming the environment.
"Prove that it can be done without harm," he says. "Prove that you've got an example somewhere of this exact process, this exact specifications, that has done no harm. Then we can talk permit."
Proposed PolyMet site
But that idea doesn't make sense to Polymet's Don Hunter. He says because every ore body is different, and because technology is always advancing, it would be impossible to find an identical mine.
And Hunter says people need the metals the mine would produce, for plumbing pipes, hybrid cars, and even life-saving medical procedures.
"And I'd like to think we could produce them here, where at least we have a chance of producing them in an environmentally responsible way, which is more than you can say of some of the production in Asia at the moment," says Hunter.
People at the meeting said it was good to be able to hear both sides. But many of them still have questions. Peter Yurista quotes President Reagan's admonition: "trust, but verify."
"As public citizens, we ourselves need to verify that what is said -- gets done," he says.
And Yurista says he'll be watching.
-True
Polymet project draws friends and foes
by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio
February 8, 2007
About 100 supporters and critics of a proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota got together in Duluth last night to talk about the project. Polymet Mining Company is working on detailed studies about possible environmental impacts. They've got a long way to go, to convince some people the mine is a good idea.
Duluth, Minn. — The mine would be built at the old LTV taconite mine near Babbitt. Fourteen hundred people lost their jobs when the mine closed in 2001.
Polymet officials are excited about the money they can save by using the railroad, the electric lines and natural gas pipes, and some of the buildings already on hand.
But for a lot of people in northeastern Minnesota, iron ore mining is one thing, and mining for precious metals is something else entirely.
The main concern is acid drainage. The minerals Polymet wants to extract -- copper, nickel, platinum, gold -- are found in sulfide rock. When it's exposed to air and water, sulfide rock can produce sulfuric acid, which can drain into nearby lakes and rivers.
"The company comes in and claims that it will do no harm," says Leonard Anderson. "They're going to provide all these jobs and do no harm."
"As public citizens, we ourselves need to verify that what is said gets done."
- Peter Yurista
Anderson is a retired science teacher and long-time environmental activist. He reminded the crowd about mines in the western US and in Flambeau, Wisconsin, that have heavily polluted nearby waterways. He says the Polymet Company has no track record, and he worries it will follow an all-too-familiar pattern.
"They'll take out the valuable ore from the ground, and make a tidy profit," Anderson continues. "And about the time payday really rolls around for us, about the time we find that there's groundwater contamination, some of the really tough problems to solve, they declare bankruptcy. And then the big bills, these multi-million dollars bills, are left to the taxpayers."
But that's all in the past, according to Don Hunter, project general manager for Polymet.
"Yes, it's a fact that places like the Butte mine in Montana are a disaster," he says. "But that was a disaster created decades ago, and I think it would be fair to say the mining industry has learned significantly from that. I don't claim we're perfect by any means, but the improvements that have been made over that period of time are quantum step improvements."
Not only that, but Hunter says the rock at the Polymet mine has far less sulfide content than most existing mines. He says it's only because Polymet plans to use advanced technologies that they can mine it profitably.
The meeting was organized by the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League. Unlike some other environmental organizations, the Ikes have not taken a position on the proposed Polymet mine.
But Leonard Anderson, an Ikes member, is promoting legislation for Minnesota similar to a Wisconsin law that requires metals mining companies to point to successful mines elsewhere that have operated without harming the environment.
"Prove that it can be done without harm," he says. "Prove that you've got an example somewhere of this exact process, this exact specifications, that has done no harm. Then we can talk permit."
Proposed PolyMet site
But that idea doesn't make sense to Polymet's Don Hunter. He says because every ore body is different, and because technology is always advancing, it would be impossible to find an identical mine.
And Hunter says people need the metals the mine would produce, for plumbing pipes, hybrid cars, and even life-saving medical procedures.
"And I'd like to think we could produce them here, where at least we have a chance of producing them in an environmentally responsible way, which is more than you can say of some of the production in Asia at the moment," says Hunter.
People at the meeting said it was good to be able to hear both sides. But many of them still have questions. Peter Yurista quotes President Reagan's admonition: "trust, but verify."
"As public citizens, we ourselves need to verify that what is said -- gets done," he says.
And Yurista says he'll be watching.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Statement on Bush Transportation Budget
Oberstar blasts Bush transportation, EPA budget:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Statement on Bush Transportation Budget
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Statement on Bush Transportation Budget
Plant some trees: Soil & Water offers help
Soil and Water is again offering high quality conservation trees at low
prices. Trees are bare root and average 6 to 36 inches, depending on
species. They come in bundles of 20-25 little trees. Thirty-five
species of
trees and shrubs are available including White Pine, Norway Pine, White
Cedar, Tamarack, and Sugar Maple. Order before April 13th for pickup in
Grand Marais in early May. Order forms can be printed from
www.southstlouisswcd.org/tree.html or www.co.cook.mn.us/sw or may be
picked up at the Soil & Water Office in the Courthouse. The web sites
includes links to species selection and tree planting tips. Order
early for
best selection.
Assistance for Woodlot Owners - If you are a private woodlot owner
and
would like technical assistance or cost share, contact Tim Byrns, Area
Soil
& Water Forestry Specialist at (218) 723-4865. Tim can help with tree
and
shrub planting, timber stand improvement activities, streambank and
shoreline erosion control, gully erosion control.
prices. Trees are bare root and average 6 to 36 inches, depending on
species. They come in bundles of 20-25 little trees. Thirty-five
species of
trees and shrubs are available including White Pine, Norway Pine, White
Cedar, Tamarack, and Sugar Maple. Order before April 13th for pickup in
Grand Marais in early May. Order forms can be printed from
www.southstlouisswcd.org/tree.html or www.co.cook.mn.us/sw or may be
picked up at the Soil & Water Office in the Courthouse. The web sites
includes links to species selection and tree planting tips. Order
early for
best selection.
Assistance for Woodlot Owners - If you are a private woodlot owner
and
would like technical assistance or cost share, contact Tim Byrns, Area
Soil
& Water Forestry Specialist at (218) 723-4865. Tim can help with tree
and
shrub planting, timber stand improvement activities, streambank and
shoreline erosion control, gully erosion control.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Rate Hike Out of Line
It is time the member/owners of the Arrowhead Electric Cooperative ask for some accountability. The last straw for me was in a story in the January 26, 2007 Cook County News Herald where Jeanne Muntean was quoted as saying the new building for the Cooperative offices will be funded by the sale of the Direct TV business. "We will not raise rates."
In case nobody noticed, the fixed monthly charge on your electric bill just jumped from $24.00 to $28.00 per month. This charge was $20.00 per month for years and then in January of 2003 it jumped to $21.00 per month. In June of 2005 it was raised again to $24.00 per month. Now a year and a half later it is raised again to $28.00 per month. this is almost a 17 percent hike from $24.00. This is way above the inflation rate for the last year and a half and is an operations charge and not an energy charge. With the great amount of new construction that has occurred in Cook County over the last several years I think this fixed charge could have been held steady or even declined. The meters per mile of line surely has gone up over the last five years and the cost per individual meter should have gone down with careful management.
A person has no recourse but to pay this monthly fixed charge which is just for the privilege of being hooked up to the grid. The Cooperative is a monopoly and there is no other choice. This hits people of fixed income especially hard and you can conserve and freeze in the dark buy you still have to pay this fixed charge.
It is time to hold the management's feet to the fire. The board of directors seems to have become a rubber stamp to the staff and management and asks for no accountability. Those of us who struggle to keep our costs within our means are not represented. A few years ago there was a blood letting at the Cooperative and several people got laid off. I think they have hired them all back with extras.
I know the Cooperative has many good and dedicated employees who perform their job well and I don't want to cast anyone in a bad light but the jobs at the Cooperative are very good jobs by most standards with excellent pay and benefits. A little belt tightening once in a while is necessary to keep business competitive. Oh, that's right, the coop is a monopoly and has no competition.
The Arrowhead Electric tried LP gas sales some years ago and found it wasn't such a good deal with competition and all. They got out of the Direct TV sales and told us they were not making any money on that venture. Did anybody get laid off after they left the Direct TV business? I think not. Now they tell us the sale of the Direct TV business is to pay for the new office complex and they will not raise rates.
I heard an unsubstantiated fact that the Cooperative speculated in putting service to the Tom Lake area at much expense to us owner/members. Who benefits from that but the developers. As an owner/member I see no benefit in it for me. It should have been part of the development costs for the land owners and the Cooperative should not be speculating in real estate developments.
The news letter that comes with my monthly bill is waste paper. Any important information that needs to be passed on to us owner/members could be put in the local papers at much less expense than the newsletter and most people probably throw it away without reading it anyway. It used to give us a little financial information and insight on the operation of the Cooperative. It is a waste of time and money. I find it of no value to me as a member and most of what I see in there is trivia. The unhealthy high energy recipes are trivia too. Perhaps some information on eating healthy would be more worthwhile. But is this part of the mission of Arrowhead Electric Cooperative?
Has the board and the staff read the mission statement lately?
MISSION STATEMENT:
Through the power of human connections, we will provide quality utility services in a
reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally safe manner.
What is the real purpose of the proposed 18 megawatt power plant they want to construct near Colvill? Is this a peaking generator or a back-up generator? I think we have a connection to the Taconite Harbor Energy Center so we are not really that far from a reliable energy source. Who is paying for this? What will the fuel source be? Why are they proposing to build in that location?
Let us rattle the elected board of directors to place us, the member/owners a little higher on their priority list. Cut the fat, hold the line on expenses and hold the line on expensive new building projects unless they are truly necessary and fall under the blanket of the mission statement, or get a new mission statement.
Name withheld so I can keep my electricity.
In case nobody noticed, the fixed monthly charge on your electric bill just jumped from $24.00 to $28.00 per month. This charge was $20.00 per month for years and then in January of 2003 it jumped to $21.00 per month. In June of 2005 it was raised again to $24.00 per month. Now a year and a half later it is raised again to $28.00 per month. this is almost a 17 percent hike from $24.00. This is way above the inflation rate for the last year and a half and is an operations charge and not an energy charge. With the great amount of new construction that has occurred in Cook County over the last several years I think this fixed charge could have been held steady or even declined. The meters per mile of line surely has gone up over the last five years and the cost per individual meter should have gone down with careful management.
A person has no recourse but to pay this monthly fixed charge which is just for the privilege of being hooked up to the grid. The Cooperative is a monopoly and there is no other choice. This hits people of fixed income especially hard and you can conserve and freeze in the dark buy you still have to pay this fixed charge.
It is time to hold the management's feet to the fire. The board of directors seems to have become a rubber stamp to the staff and management and asks for no accountability. Those of us who struggle to keep our costs within our means are not represented. A few years ago there was a blood letting at the Cooperative and several people got laid off. I think they have hired them all back with extras.
I know the Cooperative has many good and dedicated employees who perform their job well and I don't want to cast anyone in a bad light but the jobs at the Cooperative are very good jobs by most standards with excellent pay and benefits. A little belt tightening once in a while is necessary to keep business competitive. Oh, that's right, the coop is a monopoly and has no competition.
The Arrowhead Electric tried LP gas sales some years ago and found it wasn't such a good deal with competition and all. They got out of the Direct TV sales and told us they were not making any money on that venture. Did anybody get laid off after they left the Direct TV business? I think not. Now they tell us the sale of the Direct TV business is to pay for the new office complex and they will not raise rates.
I heard an unsubstantiated fact that the Cooperative speculated in putting service to the Tom Lake area at much expense to us owner/members. Who benefits from that but the developers. As an owner/member I see no benefit in it for me. It should have been part of the development costs for the land owners and the Cooperative should not be speculating in real estate developments.
The news letter that comes with my monthly bill is waste paper. Any important information that needs to be passed on to us owner/members could be put in the local papers at much less expense than the newsletter and most people probably throw it away without reading it anyway. It used to give us a little financial information and insight on the operation of the Cooperative. It is a waste of time and money. I find it of no value to me as a member and most of what I see in there is trivia. The unhealthy high energy recipes are trivia too. Perhaps some information on eating healthy would be more worthwhile. But is this part of the mission of Arrowhead Electric Cooperative?
Has the board and the staff read the mission statement lately?
MISSION STATEMENT:
Through the power of human connections, we will provide quality utility services in a
reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally safe manner.
What is the real purpose of the proposed 18 megawatt power plant they want to construct near Colvill? Is this a peaking generator or a back-up generator? I think we have a connection to the Taconite Harbor Energy Center so we are not really that far from a reliable energy source. Who is paying for this? What will the fuel source be? Why are they proposing to build in that location?
Let us rattle the elected board of directors to place us, the member/owners a little higher on their priority list. Cut the fat, hold the line on expenses and hold the line on expensive new building projects unless they are truly necessary and fall under the blanket of the mission statement, or get a new mission statement.
Name withheld so I can keep my electricity.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
ATVs on county roads
From: "Sally Nankivell" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To: "Sally Nankivell"
Subject: ATVs on County Roads
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2007 20:05:43 -0600
Hello everyone,
As you probably know, the Cook County Commissioners are debating whether to open Cook County roads to ATV traffic. There is a very strong push by the Cook County ATV club, and it is possible that a decision by the County Commissioners will be made this Tuesday.
The ATV club has been advocating for quite some time to have trails designated in Cook County over federal, state, and county land, and that planning process is still underway. The Forest Service has outlined proposed trails over federal land. The DNR has outlined trails but has postponed announcing its final proposal, due to the change in commissioners. Regarding county land, there will be some county road sections that will be designated as connectors for these trails.
The ATV club is about to get its wish for a series of interconnected trails throughout Cook County, and yet it is pushing hard for all county roads to be open to ATV traffic.
I realize some of you may support ATVs on County roads as a way to give people a place to ride and to keep them out of environmentally sensitive areas. Others argue that opening County roads to ATV traffic is a slippery slope, and will simply invite more riders and more harm to the environment, as well as result in safety issues. Whatever your beliefs, I hope you'll at least agree that this push to open all County roads is premature.
If you are concerned about ATV planning in Cook County, please consider attending this Thursday's Upper Deck Forum to learn more about the Forest Service's plan. The presentation will be from Noon to 1:00 p.m. upstairs in the Blue Water Cafe in Grand Marais. Speakers will include: Dennis Neitzke, District Ranger for the Gunflint District, John Wytanis, District Ranger for the Tofte District, and John Olson, zone engineer.
Also, please attend Tuesday's County Commissioner meeting and/or write/call/visit your commissioners to let them know your concerns. Here is a link to contact information for your representatives:
http://www.co.cook.mn.us/commissioners/electoff.html
Thanks,
Sally
To: "Sally Nankivell"
Subject: ATVs on County Roads
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2007 20:05:43 -0600
Hello everyone,
As you probably know, the Cook County Commissioners are debating whether to open Cook County roads to ATV traffic. There is a very strong push by the Cook County ATV club, and it is possible that a decision by the County Commissioners will be made this Tuesday.
The ATV club has been advocating for quite some time to have trails designated in Cook County over federal, state, and county land, and that planning process is still underway. The Forest Service has outlined proposed trails over federal land. The DNR has outlined trails but has postponed announcing its final proposal, due to the change in commissioners. Regarding county land, there will be some county road sections that will be designated as connectors for these trails.
The ATV club is about to get its wish for a series of interconnected trails throughout Cook County, and yet it is pushing hard for all county roads to be open to ATV traffic.
I realize some of you may support ATVs on County roads as a way to give people a place to ride and to keep them out of environmentally sensitive areas. Others argue that opening County roads to ATV traffic is a slippery slope, and will simply invite more riders and more harm to the environment, as well as result in safety issues. Whatever your beliefs, I hope you'll at least agree that this push to open all County roads is premature.
If you are concerned about ATV planning in Cook County, please consider attending this Thursday's Upper Deck Forum to learn more about the Forest Service's plan. The presentation will be from Noon to 1:00 p.m. upstairs in the Blue Water Cafe in Grand Marais. Speakers will include: Dennis Neitzke, District Ranger for the Gunflint District, John Wytanis, District Ranger for the Tofte District, and John Olson, zone engineer.
Also, please attend Tuesday's County Commissioner meeting and/or write/call/visit your commissioners to let them know your concerns. Here is a link to contact information for your representatives:
http://www.co.cook.mn.us/commissioners/electoff.html
Thanks,
Sally
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Introduces Legislation to Fight Global Warming
Worried about greenhouse gas emissions? Follow the link to Oberstar's plan to reduce them:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Introduces Legislation to Fight Global Warming
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Introduces Legislation to Fight Global Warming
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar: Bush Budget uses “Fuzzy Math”
Jim Oberstar weighs in on Bush budget that bashes the middle class, rewards the ultra-rich, funds imperialist wars, ignores Katrina victims, and abandons elderly on Medicare, for starters.
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar: Bush Budget uses “Fuzzy Math”
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar: Bush Budget uses “Fuzzy Math”
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Global Warming Report Sends Warning to Act Now
Just in case anybody still doesn't believe in global warming, please check out this message from Oberstar:
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Global Warming Report Sends Warning to Act Now
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Global Warming Report Sends Warning to Act Now
Sunday, February 04, 2007
East Box: Avaricious and mendacious interests ask City Council to reverse Attorney General opinion
At the latest City Council meeting last Wednesday, a half dozen tenacious provincials buttressed the secretive, avaricious and mendacious East Box entrepreneurs looking to exploit resources for robber-baron takings using Machiavellian wiles. The testosterone was thick in the room as these white male bidness folks crossed arms and made malevolent faces while attorney Dehlia Seim defended the self-named gun-toting gals from the East Box.
To quote dear Gertrude Stein, “There is no there there.” That sums up the futile arguments of the Gals that they had a “done deal” to get the council to cede its sidewalk despite advice from the City Clerk and City Attorney and the recent opinion by the highest attorney in the state that the giveaway is illegal.
Council member Ed Bolstad moved to rescind the illegal granting of the permanent easement last December, but was persuaded by Clerk Mike Roth to withdraw the motion until the next council meeting in hopes that the Gals would accept a “compromise” solution.
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To quote dear Gertrude Stein, “There is no there there.” That sums up the futile arguments of the Gals that they had a “done deal” to get the council to cede its sidewalk despite advice from the City Clerk and City Attorney and the recent opinion by the highest attorney in the state that the giveaway is illegal.
Council member Ed Bolstad moved to rescind the illegal granting of the permanent easement last December, but was persuaded by Clerk Mike Roth to withdraw the motion until the next council meeting in hopes that the Gals would accept a “compromise” solution.
True
Smokestacks in a White Wilderness Divide Iceland - New York Times
Read this post and ask whether anything about Alcoa's arguments sounds familiar. Like, just the same as PolyMet's in the previous Duluth Tribune story?
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Smokestacks in a White Wilderness Divide Iceland - New York Times
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Smokestacks in a White Wilderness Divide Iceland - New York Times
Saturday, February 03, 2007
The Writings of Molly Ivins - Hello - The Texas Observer
"Hello, hello, hello, hello.
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.
That's all there is.
And the leaves that were green turn to brown."
-Simon and Garfunckel, vintage my and Molly's generation
The Writings of Molly Ivins - Hello - The Texas Observer
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.
That's all there is.
And the leaves that were green turn to brown."
-Simon and Garfunckel, vintage my and Molly's generation
The Writings of Molly Ivins - Hello - The Texas Observer
The Unsinkable Molly Ivins - Goodbye - The Texas Observer
Molly, we miss you. What will we do without you?
The Writings of Molly Ivins - Goodbye - The Texas Observer
The Writings of Molly Ivins - Goodbye - The Texas Observer
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Coal Plants Prompt Warning
Here's a national story about the impact of coal-fired power plant emissions. We have a proposal from Minnesota Power to mitigate the damage but so far as I know it does not affect global warming. The latest word from international scientists is that fossil fuels are the biggest culprit in the imminent collapse of world ecosystems (i.e., within the next century).
Let's think twice or three times about expanding present energy consuming plants or even mitigating some of their negative environmental impacts. Let's think: do we want to leave a good planet to our children and grandchildren?
-True
Coal Plans Prompt Warning
Let's think twice or three times about expanding present energy consuming plants or even mitigating some of their negative environmental impacts. Let's think: do we want to leave a good planet to our children and grandchildren?
-True
Coal Plans Prompt Warning
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