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$5,000 in taxes gets you just 3 minutes
Published Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I am very disappointed in our Freeborn County Commissioners and Planning Commissioners. I have an interest in the proposed high-voltage transmission line that would connect the Bent Tree Wind Farm with the grid in Hayward. My disappointment lies in the two boards not seeming to want public input.
Minnesota law requires a scope to be collected before the preparation of the environmental assessment (EA). No scope was taken from Freeborn County until Safe Wind in Freeborn County (a public advocacy group) brought this to the attention of the commissioners. Then a time limit of three minutes per speaker was imposed upon the public. My husband and I personally pay over $5,000 in property taxes in Freeborn County and all I get is three minutes! Thanks a lot, commissioners.
The EA was completed by Wayne Sorenson and planning-and-zoning staff; the EA was made a public document on Friday, May 1.The hearing was scheduled for Monday, May 4, (three days after the EA was released).
The public notice sent to landowners said the May 4 hearing was “to consider the Environmental Assessment.” In the dictionary that I own consider is: to think carefully about, to regard, think, believe, or suppose, to bear in mind etc. The Planning Commission’s intent at this hearing was to approve the EA, not consider it. Why didn‘t they say that in the notice?
Hearing is: an opportunity to be heard, an instance or session in which official testimony and argument are presented. The word hearing should not have been used as a person would naturally need time to prepare testimony and arguments. It was asked of the Planning Commission that another hearing be held for comments as three days is not enough time to prepare comments on a 70-plus-page document. It was also asked how long the written comment period would be.
Wayne Sorenson informed us that there was no comment period. The Planning Commission approved the EA at this hearing. The EA that was prepared by Wayne Sorenson and Environmental Services staff of Freeborn County has spelling errors, typos and incorrect information. If you got a “updated” copy it has a letter attached from the engineer with his corrections. Now it is necessary to compare the attached letter to the 70-page report and make the corrections the staff didn’t take the time to make. May 5 was the county commissioners’ meeting. There was no public comment and after minimal discussion they approved the EA.
It seems we are always encouraged to get active, get involved, get out and vote, etc., but I am seeing that you are not welcomed and you are made to feel like a nuisance. Please remember that my experience is limited to the hearings/meeting where the high-voltage transmission line has been discussed.
Jean Smith
Clarks Grove
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Comments
Posted by demo1960 (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think this is new. My opinion is the last thing Freeborn County Commissioners want is public input. Thus, a brand new court house and other decisions that cost homeowners money. I thought when Gabrielson left it would change but I was mistaken.
Posted by trifid (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And then government officials wonder why so many view them with contempt. When basic constitutional rights are squashed in favor of fast-track development a breeding ground of mistrust and contempt is laid. Let the people speak.
Posted by MaBarker (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There was a candidate that ran for commissioner last fall that said he wanted to listen to the people, hold town meetings, knocked on every door in his district not once, but twice, to hear the people. Too bad he lost.
Posted by Dragontail (anonymous) on May 14, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been watching some of the meetings online. It pisses me off when people go up and talk and afterwards, the commissioners don't dignify the speaker with a response. MAYBE a thank you. But it's like, "ok, we granted you your 3 minutes. Off with you. We have more important things to attend to than your trivial concerns" as they sit on their thrones.
Posted by trifid (anonymous) on May 14, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The commissioners quickly forget their humanity when the tantalizing odor of power hypnotizes their mind. "We know what is best for you" mentallity overpowers common sense , and their duty as ELECTED officials. Suddenly the public, which they were once, is 'too ignorant' to help make decisions. Politics is a game. Either you're in, or out. If citizens refuse the schmoozing and cutting deals then we are not in the game.
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