It#039;s time to open the mailbag

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 14, 2002

I'm beginning to understand how Santa Claus must feel this time of year, with all the mail he must receive. The mailbag here at the Herald is overflowing with questions about all the news that is happening.

So without further interruption, here's the somewhat regular dive into the mailbag.

"Could you please explain the state Canvassing Board's decision regarding the State Senate District 27 recount and results?"

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-- E. Judge, Austin

No. I don't think anyone can. I'm reminded of the old Johnny Carson skit when he placed an envelope on his forehead and made a statement. Johnny's version would be something like this: "What are 17 burned ballots and 32 contested. And the answer in the envelope is 32."

The whole thing smells. The idea of being fair and coming to some sort of compromise is so far off the mark, it's laughable. The recount wasn't about being fair, it was about being right.

That said, we'll never know who the right winner is, but it's time to move on. The district needs representation and Sen. Dan Sparks needs to provide it. The senator has a lot of work ahead of him in putting this ugly thing behind and reaching out to those who didn't vote for him -- which by the way is more than 50 percent of the people that voted in the November election.

"How come two city council positions are being appointed? I thought we had elections in this country."

-- Joe Stalin, Austin

Well, Mr. Stalin, I too am beginning to wonder if I went to sleep in the United States one night and woke up in Mother Russia the next morning. I'm a little concerned the democratic process is being trampled on here in Austin.

I've been covering elections for more than a decade and have never seen one where a sitting council person, not up for re-election, can seek election to another seat on the council. And then, when the candidate wins, the position once held is now vacated and the replacement is decided by the remaining council members through an appointment process.

To top it off, another candidate who was defeated in a race is now applying for one of the vacant positions. So, five people on the council could appoint the individual when thousands of voters just a month ago decided the person wasn't worthy. That's something, but it certainly isn't democracy.

It's pretty evident the city charter needs to be changed to prevent this from happening again. The two appointments will bring the number of appointments to four to the council in the past five years. A special election should be held for the positions and the loophole allowing a sitting council member to run for the at-large position should be eliminated.

"Let me get this straight, Mower County has millions in reserves, but needs a tax increase to meet its budget needs? What gives?"

-- Ima Miser, Tapoi

That's the explanation the county is giving, Ima. It is indeed hard to swallow. At a time when businesses and families are cutting back expenses, the county believes it's all right to tax more.

The easiest decision for any government body is simply to raise more money. It's a lot more difficult to take a sharp pencil and start eliminating programs and jobs that simply aren't absolutely necessary to carry out business.

Of course it's not pleasant, but isn't making tough decisions why we elect county commissioners? We expect them to protect the interests of the residents, not just the interests of employees and pet projects. It's simply time for all bodies of government to follow the lead of the private sector and understand there is a limit to spending.

"How's the state going to get us out of this financial mess?"

-- Jesse, Maple Grove

It's too early to tell. What is evident is it will be painful for all Minnesotans. One thing to remember is out of tough times come new and better ideas.

Minnesota is now forced to deal with issues of over taxation, too many government employees, etc. The guess here is four years from now there will be a lot fewer government workers.

"Are there any good officials in the NFL?"

-- Mike, Eden Prairie

There are good officials in the NFL. The problem is when your team is bad, you don't get the good officials doing your games. The Vikings didn't lose Sunday's game to the Packers because of poor officiating. The Vikings lost because quarterback Daunte Culpepper is incapable of making good decisions. A team just can't kick field goals, when it could be scoring touchdowns.

"What's going on between Austin's teachers and administration?"

-- M.E.A., Austin

The truth is out there, but right now it can't be found. Suggestions the "no confidence" vote is a union ploy, being used across the state, is cause for concern. As are accusations the administration has not taken staff concerns seriously. Let's hope cooler heads prevail and constructive talks occur.

"Isn't the new 18th Avenue NW great?"

-- A.B. Owner, Austin

It is. The redone road is safer to travel on and easier to navigate -- a great addition to our community.

There is a ton more in the mailbag, but we'll leave some for the next time. Until then, remember 49 really is 32 and Senate District 27 is a lot closer to Florida than any of us ever thought.

Happy holidays.