To the editor:
In the past several years there have been a number of changes and upgrades in the city of Osakis toward making the town more attractive and inviting. Examples: The cute little statues downtown and the use of public spaces to provide recreational areas (such as the block west of the visitor’s center that is currently an ice rink) for our residents.
This is all well and good and for the most part I don’t have an issue with making the downtown more beautiful; it’s a fine use of taxpayer dollars, to a point.
However, I just have to ask our city leaders – when deciding how to spend the taxpayers’ money, have they ever thought about adding a practical, common-sense item that would enhance public safety and perhaps increase people’s feeling of security in their neighborhoods?
I’m talking about street lights. In my opinion, this city is not adequately lighted. In the 11+ years I’ve lived here, I haven’t noticed any new street lamps added in the residential areas. Definitely not on my side of town. I and a number of my neighbors like to walk our dogs after dark. Unfortunately, as it is winter the streets are slick, the nights are very dark, and one does not feel very safe and secure walking around with no street lights to show us the way.
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I know I can’t be the only person in town with limited vision and a risk of falling. On behalf of the others I’d like to request the city use some of our tax money for things that are practical and necessary (for our safety and peace of mind) rather than things that simply look pretty. Please consider adding more street lights in areas other than downtown.
Carlene M. Dean
Osakis, MN
