Letter – Senseless financial burdens

Talk about it

To the editor:

Dear Douglas County Commissioners and fellow taxpayers:

According to an article in the Sunday, March 23, Minneapolis Tribune, townships and counties across Minnesota are rethinking and scaling back planned road and public works projects. The stated reason for these actions is the current state of the economy and the increased tax burden these projects will have on the locale taxpayers. In light of this, I would suggest now would be an opportune time for Douglas County to rethink and assess the need for the proposed scale and expense of the CR 42/11 project.

Yes, we who drive the road on a daily basis know that the road needs work and upgrading. The current mine field of potholes requires dangerous maneuvers to avoid teeth-jarring jolts through the 42/11 intersection; this is what happens when maintenance has been deferred for years. If Douglas County makes it through this current season without a lawsuit for vehicle damage or worse an accident as someone crosses over to avoid some of these craters, it will be a miracle.

Commissioners, in light of the current economy, the future tax burden on county residents for the over-budget, unfinished and unpaid for public works/jail project, a future of declining property values and local tax increases to replace decreasing state funding, is it wise to proceed with the scope and expense of this project when a scaled-back cost-effective road project would be more feasible and in tune with our needs and the current economy? The voting taxpayers should have a right to voice their opinions before we incur more senseless financial burdens.

Finally, as far as county infrastructure needs go, shouldn’t we really be thinking about replacing our current high school? Our children and probably their children will be paying for the current mess. Let’s get our priorities in line with the times.

David Butler

East Lake Carlos, MN

Tags: opinion, letter, to, the, editor, david, butler