Single payer health care

To the Editor:

Harland Wyvell’s (Improve the System) letter rebutting my call for single payer health care was a pleasure to read. His information on life expectancy convinced me that the shorter life span of U.S. citizens is too complex to easily attribute to our health care system.   

He comments that our cancer survival rates are the best in the world and this affirms my observation that this country excels in high-tech medicine for those people with solid insurance.  

He also refers to our universal access to health care – the emergency room.

Our cancer survival rates depend on both early detection by routine screening and access to long-term treatment, neither of which are available to those who depend on the ER for primary care.  

The ER is great for broken legs, but is not a substitute for the family physician or long-term care facilities.

I invite any ER health professional to elaborate on the use of this service for cancer screening and treatment, as well as the relative survival rates between those who discover their malignancies in the ER as opposed to routine screening.

Mr. Wyvell complains about government bureaucrats making health care decisions in Canada and long waits for life saving procedures.  

According to Wikipedia, both comments are incorrect. The government simply pays the bills. Doctors make the medical decisions. Waits for critical operations are very short. Elective procedures take longer.  

In any case, Canadians love their system. The “government bureaucrat” who came up with the system is revered as a national hero.  

By contrast, we use insurance company bean counters to determine who gets treated.

We’ve seen case-after-case of insured patients being routinely denied treatment: the treatment was “experimental” (expensive) or there were insignificant omissions in the patient’s disclosure form or the patient had a genetic predisposition or the insurance wasn’t sufficient for the need.  

My son had an encounter with some fighting dogs. The insurance company didn’t want to pay for the expensive rabies shots because they were “preventive” treatments. The doctor knew what had to be done; the bean counter didn’t. People die because insurance companies deny them legitimate treatment.  

Marketplace incentives encourage insurance companies to avoid payment.  Every denied claim gives a bigger profit margin.  

The insurance companies suggest that everybody be forced to purchase insurance so they can afford to insure everyone. Those refusing to buy insurance could be fined $1,500.  

If the companies require massive government intervention, why bother with them? Their innovations concern better ways to count beans, not to improve our national health or save lives.  

The “miracle of the marketplace” doesn’t apply in this instance. It is corporate welfare, a giant, enormously expensive make-work project.  

On the other hand, the government has a direct interest in improving national health through preventive care. It streamlines the system and puts the incentives in exactly the right place. When problems occur, they can be corrected by pressuring our elected officials, as was recently done with care for our vets.

No more bankruptcies due to medical problems. No more worrying whether the insurer will honor the claim. No more worrying about grown children who have left the nest but aren’t yet able to purchase medical insurance.

It’s time to replace the health care system.  

Rod Kuehn
Ramsey


Say no to civic center

To the Editor:

As a Coon Rapids resident for the last five years, I find it hard to believe that anyone in or even outside Coon Rapids would recommend building a civic center.  

Even in good economic times these centers lose money or break-even at best. So why build it?  

Because they need to do something with the land they paid Target $5 million? To get some other silly federal funding or state funding for other related projects?

How about doing something that can really help people today and even tomorrow - keep all operational costs down, spend wisely, sell that land for as much as you can (should have never bought it) and kept property taxes down to no more than 2 percent  a year for the next five years.

We don’t need to “keep up with the Joneses” of the surrounding towns and say “look at our big new beautiful building - we know it sucks the lifeblood of money out of our constituents’ pockets, but hey, it’s so pretty!”

Enough change. Say “no” to the civic center $50 or so million project.

Thank you,
Daniel Carson
Coon Rapids

No money to use center

To the Editor:

First of all we shouldn’t be spending money like this now in Coon Rapids in a “recession.”

 I don’t think it is right to force old business out to put in what you think would be better. There needs to Goodwill and Big Lots in that area.

I think building something like a community center will make the existing business in the area look old.

No one has talked about the fees for the use of the center. They haven’t talked about the maintenance and operations of the center.

We are also losing the property taxes from the area. We already have one tax increase this year; how many more are we going to get?

If you raise the taxes, no one will have the money to go to the center.  

Shelby Erickson
Coon Rapids

Reaching out to residents

To the Editor:

I applaud staff from Anoka County and At Home Living Facilities for reaching out to Spring Lake Park residents as the new adult foster care home for persons with disabilities is established in their town (article by Tim Hennagir, Oct. 7). 

People with disabilities can be a positive presence in their neighborhoods, but sometimes people already living in the area aren’t familiar with different disabilities and are unfamiliar with the laws and regulations that must be followed to protect those with disabilities. 

By providing information to clear up any misconceptions and deal with any fears, the county and service provider staff are helping pave the way for persons with disabilities to join others in the community and make their transition to a new home in Spring Lake Park a successful one.

Sincerely,
Steve Larson,
Public Policy Director,
The Arc of Minnesota

Voters felt bullied

To the Editor:

I believe it’s sad that many voters felt bullied into passing it {District 11 levy referendum renewal}.  

I know parents who were called by schools and told that their children were going to be sent to a new school next year because the levy wasn’t expected to pass.  

I wish there was more coverage on how much administration makes and how overstaffed they are.  

While many people are losing jobs or having hours cut back, certainly not getting raises, I heard several people talking who work for the district say that administration received a pay increase.  

I know the principal at University Avenue Elementary School traveled frequently on school budget for “educational purposes.” In the day and age of computers, it would be cheaper to teleconference seminars. 

I also know a teacher that has stated that there are many classes that have interpreters in them for kids who don’t speak English.  

Why not just have one separate class for all kids who speak only the one language so only one interpreter per language is needed instead of four or five.

There are so many wastes in school districts that aren’t brought to light to the voters, so they really don’t know where their money is going. It seems to me that it is the students that have everything taken away with no other compromises being made.

Thank you for your time.

 Tricia Bowman

Coon Rapids French toast breakfast

To the Editor:

The St. Francis Fire Department open house and fourth annual French toast breakfast was a complete success.  

The fire department members would like to send a special thanks to the St. Francis Lions, Oak Grove Lions and Boy Scout Pack 511. The day couldn’t have happened without you.  

All proceeds go directly back into the community through fire prevention education. Everyone had a wonderful time. We had 15 blood donors and according to American Red Cross the donations will save close to 36 lives. Super job.  

Thank you to the several exhibitors that took time out of their weekends to volunteer and appear - Connexus, Minnesota DNR, Centerpoint Energy, American Red Cross, the Oak Grove Fire Department’s Smoke House, Goodrich Pharmacy, Farmers Insurance and Scentsy flameless candles.  

Thank you also to our sponsors: Gerdin Auto and Tire, Goodrich Pharmacy, North Anoka Plumbing, Northland Screw, St. Francis Foods, St. Francis Hardware, Temperature Specialists, Village Bank, Opp Family Chiropractic, St. Francis Collision, Casey’s, St. Francis Dental, Connexus, Printing Unlimited, K Nails, Cedar Creek Baking Company, Bloch Painting and Decorating and the Gary Larson family, and anyone else we may have missed.

Again, thank you to the firefighters, businesses, our very own community members that continue to support us and everyone and anyone else who made this day possible. Thank you.

Kimberly Swenson
St. Francis Fire Department

Back March of Dimes

To the Editor:

Our family experienced a miracle when our daughter Taylah was born at just 25 weeks into the pregnancy. Taylah weighed just 1 pound 6 ounces. We did not know all that the March of Dimes had done for preemie babies until we had our daughter.

Taylah just celebrated her fourth birthday. She loves to sing/ paint and play outside. She is a miracle and the reason we support the March of Dimes. More of Taylah’s triumph at www.vimeo.com/3557803.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month. It’s when the March of Dimes focuses everyone’s attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families. My family is not alone when it comes to facing the problems of prematurity.

More than a half million babies are born prematurely in the United States each year. With one in eight babies born too soon/ our country lags behind many other developed nations.

March of Dimes scientists are focused on finding the causes of premature birth and developing preventions. The March of Dimes also pushes for access to health care for all women of childbearing age to reduce the number of preventable preterm births. Join the effort by going to marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies.

Learn about premature birth and steps women can take to have a healthy pregnancy. Give back by creating a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby in your life. Your donation helps give other babies a fighting chance. Sign up for advocacy alerts to be a voice for premature birth in Washington, D.C. Ask everyone you know to get involved.

Premature birth is the number one cause of death during the first month of life. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, lung problems, and vision and hearing loss. Support the March of Dimes and their mission to give every baby a healthy start.

Jill and Zach Manners
Coon Rapids

Halloween support

To the Editor:

 All of us at ACBC Food Shelf would like to say thanks to the Anoka Halloween Committee for its support of our program. It was an honor to receive the Youth Service Award and to participate in several Halloween activities.

We would also like to thank Carlson Toyota, Main Motors, Menards and North Country Ford for allowing us to use their pick-up trucks in the Halloween parade. Many volunteers helped ACBC collect food and cash donations along the parade route.

A special thanks to the Coon Rapids Cardinal Lions Club for supplying our truck drivers. Also, 20 students from Anoka High, Coon Rapids High, McKinley Elementary and our local 4-H club helped walk the parade route and increase awareness for our organization.

Our community is the best!

ACBC Board
Doug Winsor, president


Follow lead of Nucleus Clinic

To the Editor:

 Nucleus Clinic comes to the rescue every day.

It saddens me to think that the important community services provided by the Nucleus Clinic could lose funding and the ability to continue its work. It’s a discouraging example of the current state of our health care system.

About 50 million Americans lack health insurance during this economic slump. We need an affordable (read: public) option so that the state of our health does not depend on the size of our paycheck.

The Nucleus Clinic uses a small budget to provide health care for low-income families. Why can’t insurers do the same? If they were more cost-effective, more of us could afford coverage.

The clinic’s preventative care is another idea we should steal. A successful doctor should have healthy patients. It’s good for the patients and eliminates a hospital bill.

Our community needs an affordable health insurance option that emphasizes preventative care. Instead of taking funding away from the Nucleus Clinic and the services it provides, we should reform our health care system to follow its lead.

Bethany Allen
Coon Rapids

Good time had by all

To the Editor:

A good time was had by all!!

I want to thank everyone involved in making the Coon Rapids Rotary wine tasting and auction, held on Oct. 22, such a smashing success.

This is the major fund-raising event that we have for the Rotary club and it enables us to do the many wonderful things we do in the community and around the world.  

Nearly 200 people showed up to enjoy the wine tasting, the amazing hors d’ouevres, the live music, the games and the auction.

I’m so proud that 100 percent of the members of the Coon Rapids Rotary contributed to the event.  It’s great to chair an event with that level of participation.

I particularly want to thank Joe Knudson and his excellent staff at The Season’s Restaurant; the wine providers Wirtz Beverage of Minnesota and Mark Hedin of the White Rabbit Vineyard and Winery; Tony Garry who provided the music; and Steve Thomason for his amazing caricatures.

And, of course, I’m grateful to all those who attended and made the evening so successful.

We’re already in the process of planning next year’s event.  We’re hoping for even greater participation and just as much fun.

For any information, call me at 763-300-6244.


Scott Schulte,
Chairman

Wonderful benefit

To the Editor:

Deepest thanks to all that worked so hard to put on such a wonderful benefit for us.

We would also like to thank Epiphany Church for providing there facilities and personnel for this event.

To each of our friends, relatives, neighbors and strangers who supported the benefit we can only say thank you very much.

We are very grateful to each and everyone of you.


John and Sue Leggate
Coon Rapids

No clear consensus

To the Editor:

The proposed community center project has generated quite a bit of energy in the community, some good and some not so good.   

While there are some pretty firm opinions on each side of this issue, what is becoming very clear is that there is not now, nor will there be anytime in the near future a clear consensus on the issue.   

How unfortunate that a project with a stated intention to bring the community together has become so divisive.  

Given the current financial uncertainty, many of us are hard pressed to support the increase of our taxes for any project right now.  

In our personal lives, we have and will be suspending plans for home improvement, car purchase, and/or vacation plans  Some residents are probably postponing retirement for financial reasons. 

The average citizen wants to work hard and come home and enjoy the fruit of their labor. They do not look for government to solve their problems nor to provide for their families.  

They see government largesse as more a threat than a comfort. They ask for just a few things from their local government, the same basics that drew them to the area in the first place:

• Housing costs (property taxes, utilities, home values, etc).

• Crime rate.

• School system.

• Streets and roads.

When government loses its focus and begins to drift from its intended purpose, the community suffers. If the purpose of this community center is to attract new families and businesses, the city leadership would do well to focus on these basics.

While the community is and will remain divided on the issue, some common ground could be found in revisiting the recommendations of the Coon Rapids Boulevard Framework Plan.   

 There are many ideas in the plan that, while they lack the size and scale of the city center, will give the area a sense of connectivity and would make the area more attractive.   

If we could again focus on what we all agree on and then build from there, we could be so much more productive.

We should set aside the community center project indefinitely in favor of more cost effective ideas that can be deployed in the short term and while working on the aforementioned framework plan suggestions.   


Regards,

Gene Emahiser
Coon Rapids

Vision for new ideas

To the Editor:

 I believe we must have a positive vision about Coon Rapids that perceives the possibilities of new ideas and the need to invest in our community with these ideas. I have seen Anoka’s more conservative approach fail. We defeat ourselves when we do not have that vision.

I have talked to a former mayor about the community  centers ability to generate new business. She said she frequently heard that Costco would not generate new business, even from her colleagues on the council.

Now Costco and Riverdale have proven to be a direct tax benefit to the city and lowered the tax rate for everyone. Although the community center may not have the direct benefit of a Riverdale, it will entice new businesses to Coon Rapids Boulevard.

As a teacher, I believe in education so it follows that I support the current A-H 11 referendum. If we have the vision and resolve, we can also afford a community center. It may mean giving up some things such as a hunting trip, that additional cup of Caribou coffee, a pack of cigarettes, a glass of wine or six pack of beer. The sacrifice is worth it for our children and community.

What’s more, I believe an education must be holistic including sports and exercise. As a former soccer coach, I saw the benefit of teaching values such as leadership, teamwork, respect, responsibility, fairness and discipline. Most importantly, if athletic programs have a proper emphasis on such values, children learn how to handle success and failure with dignity.

The community center will offer additional venues for these sports. My children had these opportunities; I want the same for my grandchildren.

Certainly this is not a small issue for our city and there is reason and discord on both sides of the issue. The council members are the final arbiters and I ask that you carefully weigh the possibility of building a community center which will play a positive role in altering attitudes about the economic outlook. I also ask you to believe we can change this city through vision, hard work and determination.

As Jack Welch CEO of GE said, “Good business leaders create, articulate and passionately own a vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”

We are not limited by our abilities but rather by our vision.

Dee Ann Christensen
Coon Rapids


Strongly opposed

To the Editor:

I am strongly opposed to constructing a community center in Coon Rapids.

As a resident of Coon Rapids since 1986, my wife and I enjoy raising our kids here. I have followed council meetings on television for years. Generally I’ve been impressed with the dedication and efforts of past and present mayors and city councils.

But I am baffled that this community center project is still being considered. I’ve never spoken up on any city issue until this year, and been silent on this issue until now because I thought that surely by now the council would have determined that it is the wrong thing for our city. I’m disappointed that the city has wasted so much money on this project to date.

I am growing concerned that the council will become influenced by the time and money that has already been spent on this subject. I worry that they will feel obligated to push forward in order to make the time and money spent worthwhile. I believe this is already happening and the council may suffer from a “group think” problem.

I’ve been a realtor and business owner in Coon Rapids since 1990 and have represented over 500 families in successful transactions; over 80 in Coon Rapids alone.

No buyer has ever asked me which cities have community centers, or indicated they wished to live in a city that had one. However many, many buyers have asked me about which locations offered affordable property taxes and made it a factor in their buying decision.

The issues nearly all families use to make purchase decisions are affordability, transportation convenience, crime levels, school systems, neighborhood appeal and proximity to family.

If you believe a community center will attract young families to our city, you are badly mistaken. High taxes will have the net negative effect of repelling new families from our city. I sure hope we don’t spend $30-60 million and saddle our residents with permanent operating cost obligations to learn what we already know.

Jim Hughes
Coon Rapids

Road closure in Ramsey

To the Editor:

To the Ramsey City Council, it has been six months since the supposedly “temporary” closure at 142nd Avenue, and at the time it was closed the council also agreed to investigate options at the intersection of 142nd Avenue and Highway 47 to help the traffic flow there. (Listen to your council video). 

To date, we still have not heard anything back from any of you who are supposed to represent us about what you have actually “done” since you bullied us into a road closure, as there certainly was no evidence the road was a danger in the first place. 

I hereby request any documentation be e-mailed to me showing what you have done since the closure to live up to your “own words,” or immediately re-open the road until you do live up to your words. 

By the way, there is an intersection on Highway 47 (Ferry St) that is closer to Highway 10, than 142nd is to Bunker Lake Boulevard, and there is a traffic intersection there that works just fine even during rush hour, but we don’t see MnDOT taking that light out and dead ending the road. Explain that to them.

As my representative, you are required to give me access to this information. If I have to go to city hall to get it I will, but don’t expect me to come to your council meetings as that is no different than David being thrown into the Lions den. 

I will wait to hear from any of you who have the courage to supply me with this information, if it even exists. I do expect it within two weeks.

Gary Greb
Ramsey


Polka fest a success

To the Editor:

The members of the Ramsey Foundation want to thank everyone who came and/or helped out to make the October Polka Fest at Al Pearson’s farm, a success.  

The event drew a great crowd throughout the afternoon. Those who attended enjoyed live music, hayrides, a corn maze and the scenery.  

Even though it was cold, the heated tent, apple cider and coffee kept everyone warm. The local polka band, DyVersaCo, provided foot-stomping, hand-clapping entertainment that was well received by the audience.

This October Polka Fest was the last of the Ramsey Foundation’s free summer concert series. Participants were invited to donate to Youth First, an organization in the community to help young people succeed.   

These contributions were greatly appreciated.  If you are interested in donating, please contact Heidi Geiss at Youth First 763- 421-8530.

William A. Erhart
On behalf of The Ramsey Foundation


Tradition inherited

To the Editor:

Sept. 12, marked the 50th annual Anoka-Hennepin Golf Tournament. What a rich tradition we have inherited. Originally called the “Anoka-Hennepin School Men’s Golf Tournament,” this event has been traditionally held on the first Saturday after school starts.

Over the years, women joined the fun and eventually, the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) became the host for the tournament.

The agent that binds us all together is the love of the children and youth in the 13 communities housed within the Anoka-Hennepin School District boundaries.

The AHEF mission is enriching educational opportunities for students and so the money raised goes toward grants for our schools and school programs for things tax dollars simply do not cover.

We want to say a very special “thank you” to the companies and businesses that supported AHEF in hosting this event. Several joined us for a great morning of fun and camaraderie at the Greenhaven Country Club in Anoka.

Our corporate sponsor was Horace Mann Insurance Company. Our tournament sponsors were Armstrong, Torseth, Skold, and Rydeen, Inc.; Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd; Northern Roofing, Inc.; and Texas Roadhouse.

Our hole sponsors included Anderson-Johnson Associates, Inc., Landscape Artists; Anoka Hennepin Credit Union;  Armstrong, Torseth, Skold, & Rydeen Inc.; Supt. Denny Carlson, Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District; Colvin & Co. LLC;  Linda Fenwick, Anoka-Hennepin; First Student Bus Company; Dr. Roger Giroux; John Hendrickson, Hillyard Floor Care; Jackson-Spah Dental Studio, Inc.; Kottke’s Bus Service; Kraus-Anderson Construction Company; School Technology Solutions, LLC; Speedway Super America (Anoka and Champlin locations); Tru-Serve, Inc., Personalized Maintenance Professionals; and Village Bank, Ramsey.

Our event was rich with prizes and we want to thank the following businesses and individuals for their generosity: Chili’s Bar & Grill; Marlene Colvin; CompassLearning; Dan Dehnicke; Dave’s Sports Shop; Elk River Golf Club; Forever Floral; Knowlan’s Festival Super Markets; Kottke’s Bus Service; Kraus-Anderson Construction Company; Gould’s Jewelry on 7th & Main; Great Clips for Hair; Hillyard Floor Care; Majors Sports Café; Northern Roofing, Inc.; Salon Mistique (Blaine); Sign Station (Anoka); Super America (Anoka & Champlin); Supt. Dennis Carlson; Texas Roadhouse; Timber Lodge Steakhouse; Timothy Jewelry (Blaine); and Totally Driven.

What a positive influence these businesses and individuals have on our students, our schools and our communities.

Thank you

Dr. Barb Winfield, AHEF executive director, and AHEF golf co-chairpersons Dr. Roger Giroux and Marlene Colvin

Coverage of fund-raiser

To the Editor:

Thank you for the great write-up on page 1 of the Sept. 25 Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life regarding the Blaine Public Safety Association fund-raiser at Brunswick Zone.

I was in Seattle at a conference over the weekend and unable to attend the Brunswick Zone event.

Regardless, the Safety Association Board is appreciative of the superb coverage you continually provide.


Thanks
Tom Newland
Allegra Print & Imaging
Blaine


Voice in the community

To the Editor:

How many people need to lose their homes before we realize that the economy sucks, oh wait, it was greedy credit lenders, banks, Fannie Mae - right?

So will Coon Rapids City Manager Matt Fulton, Mayor Tim Howe, City Council members Joe Sidoti, Scott Schulte, Denise Klint, Paul Johnson, Bruce Sanders and Melissa Larson get the same treatment when people lose their homes in Coon Rapids?

The fact is the proposed community center will increase taxes to property owners in Coon Rapids. Businesses will be impacted and so will homeowners.  

How many people in Coon Rapids are on fixed incomes? Unemployment is over 8 percent. That’s over 5,000 Coon Rapids residents unemployed. How many are retired?  

Coon Rapids is fully developed city with residents who have been here over 20 years. How would you feel if one of those residents lost there home due to this project?

Seriously, if you favor this community center, how many people losing their home is OK? One, 10, 50, how many people should sacrifice so you can have a community center?

You cannot raise people’s city tax rate 10 to 20 percent and not have an economic backlash. People will lose their homes!

I will not be OK with one person losing their home and I will go to the mats to make sure those people have a voice in this community.

Thank you
Kristopher Olson
Coon Rapids


Heartening headlines

To the Editor:

I was heartened to read headlines in the Union proclaiming “County approves reduced budget for 2010” and “No new taxes in Anoka.”  

I would like to applaud the Anoka County Board and the Anoka City Council for managing their respective budgets with the same fiscal prudence that most Anokans must apply to our family budgets.

Anoka County reduced its budget by about 4.5 percent, although the county property tax levy will increase slightly to offset other revenue losses.  

The city gave preliminary approval to a lower budget, with a zero increase in its tax levy.

Bravo! Our local leaders have proven, again, that raising taxes is not the only answer during these challenging times.  

If only Washington would get the message.

Tom Weaver
Anoka


Location of group homes

To the Editor:

 I have a proposal to make regarding the recent controversies in Anoka County surrounding the siting of group homes in residential neighborhoods. Concerned neighbors of these homes have been accused of bigotry.

To avoid this problem of singling out a protected group, I think that not just disabled people, but everyone should have to get permission to move into a new neighborhood. Neighborhood councils could be elected, drawing from residents living within a three-block area of the proposed residence.

Let’s call them Neighborhood Quality of Life Preservation Councils, or NQLPCs. Everyone desiring to move into the council’s jurisdiction would have to prove their suitability in a public hearing: providing records of credit and criminal background checks, health histories, employment histories, religious and political affiliation, sexual orientation and any other information the NQLPC found pertinent.

The council by majority vote could then decide to approve or disapprove the admission of the petitioners to the neighborhood, based on factors such as potential changes in noise, traffic, parking problems or property values.

Additionally, the council could perform the service of researching other neighborhoods somewhere else that might be more congenial for the petitioners, and recommending that they go there.

Sincerely,
John LaBreche
Fridley


Common decency

To the Editor,

After reading the letters to the editor about the proposed community center, I felt compelled to respond. This is not about who is right or wrong but about common decency. Why do people have to get nasty and personal with elected officials who have a different opinion from theirs? They accuse the officials of being egotistical, arrogant, dishonest and “building monuments to themselves.”

After serving on both the Anoka-Hennepin School Board and the Coon Rapids City Council I have learned that the vast majority of elected officials are good people who are trying to do what is right. We need to realize that there are many citizens who do not always agree with us but that doesn’t make them bad people.

I commend the current Coon Rapids City Council for not striking back. I wasn’t always good at keeping my cool. There are some excellent elected officials that have left office because of the abuse.

Kathy Tinglestad is a perfect example. She was a person who voted her conscience and her own party chose to remove her from positions of leadership.

This happens with both parties, which is one reason politics in Minnesota have become so polarized. We all need to learn to express our opinions without name-calling. Isn’t this the way mature adults should act?

Roy Manning
Coon Rapids

Drug-free St. Francis

To the Editor:

 What a relief to hear that the city of St. Francis is “drug free.”

Councilman Schaffer had repeatedly requested the police chief report on the activity of the police department, specifically in the area of drug arrests.

Chief Harapat’s response to Councilman Schaffer’s requests was to state there was no problem with methamphetamine in St. Francis. Chief Harapat stated succinctly: “Meth is dead” and went on to state the difficulty of reporting on drug enforcement activity when the cases are all going to be different.

Mayor Tveit’s sage contribution to this discussion was to question the value of such information anyway.

Of course, why should police be burdened by having to make periodic reports?

Sincerely,
Chester C. Graham
St. Francis

Clear and transparent

To the Editor:

The writer of a letter (Deception in Numbers, Oct. 16, 2009) implied that the Anoka-Hennepin School District is trying to be less than honest about the cost of the referendum levy that will go before voters Nov. 3 and about the impact future inflation could have on this levy.

The School Board and district staff have made great efforts to be as clear and transparent as possible regarding not only the levy proposal but also the school closings and boundary changes that have required much time and attention this fall.

The referendum levy on the election ballot is a renewal of a levy originally approved 10 years ago. As the ballot and district informational materials state, this levy is an increase of $32 over the current levy, for a total of $165.62 per student the first year. When that $165.62 is multiplied by the number of students in the district, the amount the levy will generate is approximately $8 million next year.

The levy will last for eight years. The amount the levy generates will vary a bit each year for two reasons.

First, the number of students in the district is expected to decline each year by 400 to 600. Second, the levy will be adjusted each year to compensate for inflation. This adjustment is set by the state based on the consumer price index, not by the district.

The amount each taxpayer pays may change a bit also with changes in the tax base. If the trend of more people purchasing homes in the district continues, the cost to each taxpayer will actually go down because more taxpayers will share in paying the total cost.

The inflation adjustment will have a minimal impact on owners of homes and businesses. The additional tax of the new levy will be approximately $2 a month on a home valued at $200,000, which is the average in the district.

Inflation is expected to increase that amount to $2.34 by the end of the eight years. The estimated 34 cent increase is based on figures provided by the Minnesota Department of Finance.

The department doesn’t make up these figures. It relies on the work of IHS Global Insight, one of the two or three most respected economic forecasting firms in the world.

According to State Economist John Peloquin, Global Insight uses a complex econometric model that uses a vast set of data points going back to 1959 in generating its forecasts.

The writer of the letter further states that approving this levy with no cap is giving the district a blank check. Not true. There is a state cap on the amount of revenue that can be generated by referendum levies.

If this levy is approved, the district will be about $400 per student under the cap. The district could not increase the levy to the cap without further voter approval. This levy gives the authority for the board to levy only the $165.62 per student the first year and $165.62 per student plus the inflationary adjustment set by the state for each of the next seven years. It does not give the district a blank check.

More information about the referendum levy proposal, plus answers to many questions from the public, are available on the district Web site at www.anoka.k12.mn.us/levy 2009.

Property owners can use the tax calculator on the district’s Web site to estimate the additional cost of the proposed levy.

Mary Olson,
Director of Communication and Public Relations, District 11

Person of integrity

To the Editor,

This letter to the editor is being written in support of Patrick Murray in his run for the Anoka-Hennepin School Board District #6 open seat.

Pat and I have been friends since the early 1970s when we were both active in the teachers’ association AHEA (now AHEM). Pat was on both the executive board and on the negotiations team.

We renewed our acquaintance in the 1980s when we both taught at Adams Elementary School and later became principal colleagues when Pat rejoined Anoka-Hennepin as the principal at Johnsville School in 1989.

Throughout our combined 75 plus years in education, I have found Pat to be a person who listens to all viewpoints and is not afraid to ask the difficult questions. He is a person of integrity who was looked to by his fellow principals because of his experience and  honest way of dealing with even the most complicated situations.

Pat and I are now adjunct professors team-teaching for the College of St. Scholastica and I remain a colleague who sees him as a positive force in the education field.

Pat Murray would make an excellent school board member and I wholeheartedly send him my support. A vote for Pat would be a positive vote for your child’s education future.

Judi McKay

Retired principal, Rum River Elementary School

Support for Pat Murray

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter as a show of my support for Patrick Murray for District 11 School Board. When I heard Pat was running for the school board, I immediately wanted to show my support and encourage my neighbors to vote for him.

I originally came to know Pat when he hired me as a paraprofessional at Johnsville School. My first impression was that Pat treated all of his employees as equals - he listened to all of us and valued our input. His leadership provided a successful, well run school where there was great teamwork, as we all worked together for the success of our students.

My most memorable impression of Pat came as an observer of an unforgettable moment. One day, a month or so into the beginning of my employment at Johnsville, I was in the cafeteria at lunchtime assisting a student. The room was full of students, noise and activity.

Pat came walking through, and then suddenly turned around and went back and sat down next to a student who was trying, in vain, to peel a banana. Pat explained that he was taught to open a banana from the bottom and then showed the child by starting it for him. The child broke into a smile and continued to peel the banana for himself.

That’s the person I want on the school board! A man who can see the big picture and handles the pressure of leadership with grace and equity, but also still sees the details and small problems and stays focused on the well being of the students.

Not only does Pat step right in and know what to do, but takes hands on action to help solve the problem! This moment, is a great analogy of the seven years of working with Pat and the depth of his character.

After I left Johnsville to pursue a master’s degree and go back into teaching myself, Pat was supportive of my new career decision and even mentored me on my journey through my course work, as well as how to best approach the interview process as I looked for employment.

Years later, I was with Pat and his wife when I mentioned that my daughter was interviewing for a teaching position. Pat immediately picked up a phone and called the principal that my daughter was interviewing with. He showed me that he cares about everyone and is not afraid to help where ever and when ever he can.

It is without hesitation that I proudly throw my support to Pat Murray for this school board position. We would all be lucky to have him watching out for out children knowing that he has their best interest in mind. Vote for your neighbor - vote for Pat Murray.

Julie Davis
Andover, teacher at
Monroe Elementary School



Benefit all families

To the Editor:

We are writing this letter to show our support for Patrick Murray as he runs for the District 6 open school board seat in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. 

While we have known Pat Murray for many years, it was my (Deb’s) direct relationship with Pat as my principal at Johnsville School that is the reason for writing this letter of support. When I heard he was running, I immediately knew he would be an outstanding addition to our school board.

Pat Murray was a strong principal and community leader who often had to make difficult but necessary decisions.

Before doing so, he always consulted with and asked for input from all those to be impacted  - secretaries, cooks, custodians, students, parents and without hesitation, teachers. 

He actively listened to concerns/ideas and considered them before his final decision was reached.  Once made, Pat saw to it that the changes/procedures were implemented. 

Pat always had the students’ best interests in mind. He was visible and approachable. Students had huge smiles on their faces when they saw him in the hallways.

He truly cared about everyone at Johnsville, (teachers, students, non-certified staff and parents) and the fact that no one wanted to transfer out of Johnsville School was proof that he had the support and confidence of the entire school community. 

These qualities proved that Pat was (and continues to be) a respected, dedicated leader and team player.

Voting for Pat Murray would benefit all families of Anoka-Hennepin. He cares about learning and he would prove that as an active board member. We will be voting for Pat and we hope you do, too.

Deb and Brian Amenrud
Coon Rapids


A vote for Van Denburgh

To the Editor:

I would like to encourage voters in ISD 15 to support Marsha Van Denburgh for School Board. I have known Marsha for over a decade and have been amazed at her dedication and perseverance in the educational arena.

I have known her to be active on the local, state and even national levels in her pursuit of a better educational experience for all students. She has worked on diversity issues, parents and students rights to pursue the best education possible, she has volunteered countless hours to promote special needs.

Marsha comes to the ISD school board election with numerous hours of experience in working with many levels of authority in the educational field. Marsha will put her experience to work for the ISD 15 school board and our community of students. Vote Van Denburgh on November 3.

Sincerely,
Ellen Rustad
Nowthen