When we go to the polls this fall, we’ll all be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment. The money generated by passing the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment will be used to protect the things that make Minnesota such a special place — namely, our Great Outdoors.

Contrary to what many folks think, only a small percentage of the money from the state lottery is actually used for environmental and conservation projects. For every dollar played in the lottery, only 12.5 cents goes toward protecting and restoring Minnesota’s Great Outdoors. While the lottery is an important source of revenue, it doesn’t come close to meeting the need.

This is why voting yes on the amendment in November is so important. The Legislature and governor have been unable or unwilling to make the kind of investment required to protect Minnesota’s drinking water sources, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, prairies, wildlife habitat, parks and trails. Protection of Minnesota’s Great Outdoors doesn’t happen by magic — it requires an investment.

As the owner of Super Fresh, I have decided to have printed information available at the store about the amendment. Please stop out to get more information about the amendment.

We all have a choice this fall: to vote yes, because we love living in Minnesota and want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren; or to vote no, because we’re unwilling to make an investment today to ensure a good quality of life for future generations.

I know what my choice will be.

Jim Stiles

Austin