Commentary; Posted: 3/19/03

Rhetoric perpetuates misinformation

Lynn Koalska
Guest Columnist

This is in reply to Max Andersonís constant flow of letters to the papers. Letís get a few things straight: Anderson does not live in Wyoming; his place of residence is Linwood, which should appear on his letters.ÝAnderson doesnít even live in Chisago County; he lives in Anoka County. Anderson hasnít said anything factual yet!

In fact, the city is NOT considering purchasing any properties for a City Centre or any other project. Certainly, we have invited developers to consider developing parts of our city, but we have always said they must deal with the individual land owners.

Therein lies some of the problems developers have encountered; plus, the rapid expansion of retail and office space in Forest Lake has put a damper on development of this kind in Wyoming. Anderson, obviously, doesnít understand the concept.

How could Anderson possibly know whatís happening with Wyomingís sewer system needs and/or plans of its expansion? (Please note: thereís quite a large difference between $5 million and $10 million.

If Anderson knows so much about this, how come he doesnít know the exact dollars weíre talking about? Itís readily available for the asking at City Hall. I know the dollar amount, and so do all the other informed council members!

Plus, Anderson has no clue about the offsetting revenues to those costs, which will generate a net cost well below any $5 million ó council knows this, also! As I see it, Anderson has chosen to use the scare tactic of ìmisinforming.î

Tax breaks to much of the new construction in town? Excuse me, Mr. Anderson, this is in no way true! We have expanded our services to welcome new businesses, and have added them to our tax base, which in turn has generated revenues to hold down everyoneís taxes!

Anderson seems to think our attorney fees are out of the ordinary; when, in fact, we have an annual budget line item titled ìLegal Fees,î for which we have an allocated annual amount.

As with any budgeted expense, we are not limited to when, where, or how we spend those monies as long as we spend them for legal fees incurred. This is exactly what we are doing ó paying for budgeted legal fees.

Now Anderson has taken to more name-calling and continues to use rather descriptive words: slithered, fiasco, infantile, dictator, cohorts and cronies, flurry of lawsuits, and bankruptcy. Has Anderson ever once considered being respectful or thought of growing up himself, as he suggests that council and mayor do?

In the years Iíve been on council, the only times Anderson has been in attendance is to lodge personal complaints; and then he only stays for a short time, just long enough to rant and rave about Council not doing its job!

Anderson has NEVER attended council meetings to gather information or to listen to the facts and figures. EDA, planning commission, and city council work hard together, and thereís no way Anderson could begin to comprehend the intricate details of our facts and findings without having been a part of the process over the years ó which, indeed, he has never been a part of, ever!

Andersonís infamous ranting to council is: ìYouíre all bullies and Communists!î Now you tell me, who knows whatís really going on here ó certainly not Anderson!

More importantly, anyone with questions on any issue should feel free to contact City Hall or any of your elected officials or board members who plan and manage the budget; and, remember, all council and board meetings are open to the public at all times for all taxpayers and residents who desire accurate and factual information.

Donít let rhetoric like Andersonís perpetuate misinformation!

Writer Lynn Koalska is a member of the Wyoming City Council.

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