Bulletin letters to the editor
Recent letters to the editor
Vote by Kriesel attacks his cities
First, let me start by thanking Rep. John Kriesel for his dedicated service to our country. Clearly, we can never adequately repay him for his sacrifice for us in Iraq.
Having said that, unfortunately there is no way we can thank Kriesel for what he is doing to our community at the State Capitol. Kriesel has bought into the “slash and burn” mentality to fix the state budget deficit, cutting services for middle and working class people – while absolutely refusing to ask the wealthy to contribute even $1 more in taxes.
The most blatant example of how Kriesel is harming his own community is his March 28 vote in favor of the House omnibus tax bill – HF 42 – and thereby in favor of higher property taxes.
This bill guts aid to local governments, which will directly impact local property taxes. It is estimated that for every dollar lost in state aid, local governments raise property taxes 66 cents to fund essential services such as police, fire and plowing.
Despite this, Kriesel voted for a bill that reduces LGA to South St. Paul by $480,013, or 23 percent; reduces aid to St. Paul Park by $109,802, or 17 percent; and reduces aid to Newport by $123,610, or a whopping 43 percent. Clearly, area homeowners will pick up the tab for these draconian cuts. For example, going by the 66-cent rule of thumb, Newport homeowners would see their property taxes skyrocket by 28 percent if Kriesel got his way.
What could Kriesel possibly be thinking by launching a financial attack on his own cities? Why would he willingly vote for a bill that will in all certainty drive up property taxes on seniors and families in our community? And why isn't he willing instead to ask millionaires to pay their fair share in taxes to help close the deficit?
Clearly this vote shows that Kriesel is woefully out of step with the voters in District 57A. His vote on the tax bill is the type of vote a legislator from Wayzata would take –certainly not someone representing Newport and South St. Paul. I am very disappointed.
Chris Blake
South St. Paul
Thanks for award; keep history alive
I want to express my thanks to Cottage Grove for giving me the Volunteer of the Year Award at the annual volunteer recognition banquet. It was an honor to receive this magnificent award. I especially want to thank Judy Spooner and John Burbank for listening to all of my stories. History has always been a part of me and as I grow older it becomes more important to me.
Cottage Grove has a lot of wonderful history. We want to keep it alive and pass it down to our children and new residents moving in. Thank you again to all who had a part in it.
Bev Gross
Cottage Grove
Stadium plan good for state
After reading a recent letter to the editor regarding Rep. John Kriesel’s support of a Minnesota Vikings stadium, I felt another perspective may show that Kriesel’s support of this bill is beneficial to the state of Minnesota.
It is easy to say bailing out millionaire players and billionaire owners is a bad decision in these economic times. Are we doing that or are we increasing tax revenues for state and local governments? A report from Convention, Sports, and Leisure states that a new Vikings stadium would generate $26 million in tax revenue annually. Based on this number and the $300 million investment the state is proposing, it would take approximately 11 1/2 years to cover the initial investment. Typically new stadiums carry between a 30- and 40-year lease. Keep in mind that the $300 million is raised by an income tax on those millionaire players, sports apparel/memorabilia tax, Vikings lottery funds, stadium naming rights, sales tax on luxury suites in the stadium and a sales tax on digital video equipment to facilitate satellite downloads.
So the players, fans and season ticket holders of the Vikings will generate the funds to cover the state’s portion. Don’t forget the Vikings ownership kicking in a third of the cost. Having two-thirds of the stadium paid for by user fees and ownership shows no burden to taxpayers unless they decide to contribute.
What about other events at the stadium? How much revenue does a Final Four generate for the state and local governments? A Super Bowl will be brought to Minnesota if this stadium is built. How about the workforce impact? A projection of 13,000 jobs is estimated if the stadium is built. Once the stadium is built 3,400 full- and part-time jobs will be created.
If we lose the Vikings there will never be a way to fill the lost revenue to the state. We invest in a stadium that is used year-round and in return we get tax revenue for the people of Minnesota. My thanks to Kriesel for supporting a bill that invests in Minnesota’s future.
Bill Thurmes
Cottage Grove
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