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