Every so often, it’s time to dip into the mailbag and answer a few questions posed by our readers.

Monday, March 11, 2002

Every so often, it’s time to dip into the mailbag and answer a few questions posed by our readers. The mailbag is over flowing, so it’s time to take the plunge.

"Say, didn’t you use to have a reporter named Bandorden, or something like that, what happened to that guy?"

If you’re inquiring about Lee Bonorden, we’re anxiously awaiting his return later in March to active duty. Lee has spent many months recuperating from some medical ailments and is ready to return to once again battle the sheriff and county board. We can’t wait to have him back, although my rapid hair loss suddenly stopped when he went down. Seriously, Lee is an icon and we can’t wait for him to return.

"What’s going on with the city council? Why is everyone seeking a different office?"

That’s a good question. One can speculate it’s the lure of money ­ the Mower County Board pays well, or perhaps it’s simply a longing for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, Austin residents potentially have the opportunity to reshape the council and the direction of the community. Many fear change, but change often brings opportunity.

"Who doesn’t know the Cedar River is polluted? We didn’t need some report to tell us that."

You’re right. We probably didn’t need a report to point out the obvious. Anyone who has wandered the banks of Turtle Creek, or the Cedar River, could probably guess a problem existed. What’s particularly scary are the health problems posed if flooding occurs. The revelation of the pollution problem should add to local officials’ urgency to seek a permanent solution to the flooding issue. Simply moving homes doesn’t cut it when residents face the possibility of wading through fecal-filled water.

"Does the mayor have a gag order on the Herald regarding the reporting of criminal activity?"

Absolutely, unequivocally, no way, no how. Last I checked, the mayor doesn’t buy ink buy the barrel and I do. The Herald’s policy on reporting criminal activity is that we will not identify the ethnicity of the perpetrator, or the person by name. If a person is arraigned before a judge – charged with a crime – we will then report the individual’s name.

"Can you guys do something about the size of the TV grids?"

Yes. After months of working with the company that supplies the grids, we have worked to get them to go up in size. We’re not sure when the new size will first run, but look for the change this spring.

"What’s going on with the Vikings?"

It’s simple – Red’s getting ready to sell.

"Who will be the state’s next governor?"

How about no one? It’s amazing this state can’t produce better quality individuals for the state’s highest office. We’ve gone four years without a governor, what’s another four?

"Is that arena ever going to get built?"

Apparently by November, the new arena will be open and ready for the public. What an ordeal – nothing like government moving at glacial speed.

"Is the old Rainbow building going to be empty 20 years from now, just like the old Kmart building was?"

The guess here is yes. It’s probably the future home of the SPAM Museum. Local officials don’t seem concerned about what a gigantic empty building says to outsiders about your community. It would be nice to think local leaders are working this, but the loss of those retail jobs doesn’t seem to matter.

"Are people visiting the SPAM Museum?"

Word has it in droves. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau already booked more bus tours as of today for the coming tourist season than it had all of last season. It’s a safe bet more buses will visit Austin this summer than any previous year. The museum is simply a wonderful addition to our community.

"Will the Twins stay, or go?"

Baseball fans, the Twins will be playing in St. Paul in three years. Baseball’s plan to contract the Twins is dead, especially after the team makes a run at the AL Central. A new buyer will emerge, although it won’t be Donald Watkins. With a new owner, the stadium will be funded through local taxes in St. Paul.

"The Austin Chamber appears to be a driving force in the community again. What gives?"

Leadership. Leadership. Leadership. Chamber Executive Director Sandy Forstner has put the bite back in the Chamber. Under Forstner’s leadership, the business community has a united voice. It’s taken time and energy, but local business owners are realizing they need a voice, not just a social club. Today, being a Chamber member is worth the investment. That perhaps couldn’t be said three or four years ago.

That’s all from the mailbag. Later.

Neal Ronquist’s column appears on Sundays.