Commentary; Posted: 7/19/06
When we look back in Scandia
John Lindell
Guest Columnist
As most people are aware, the Scandia Town Board has voted unanimously to proceed with their plan to incorporate Scandia Township.
After over a year of study and the hiring of a consultant to confirm the boardís desire to incorporate, the board is proceeding with its plan despite opposition by residents to incorporate and become a city.
A few years from now, when we look back and have the benefit of hindsight, will we be wishing that the town board, in all of its wisdom, had not proceeded to seek incorporation? Will we be disappointed that incorporation has accelerated development, increased congestion, increased taxes and virtually eliminated the rural character that Scandia was once proud of having?
These are questions that should be asked now by Scandia residents rather than putting faith in the town board to make decisions for Scandia residents.
The town board, led by Dennis Seefeldt and Mike Harnetty, have stated that incorporation will allow Scandia to have more control of its own affairs.
Apparently, the town board believes that the Washington County development restrictions, which will be eliminated as a result of incorporation, will allow the town board to approve development projects more easily.
Itís been said by Seefeldt and Harnetty of the town board that incorporation represents progress. I think not.
People try to escape the congestion, pollution and high taxes that development brings.
On Thursday, July 20 at 7 p.m., an administrative law judge will conduct an open forum to hear the residentsí concerns regarding incorporation. This will be the last chance for residents to be heard on whether Scandia should be incorporated.
After that, if incorporation proceeds, we will be electing a mayor and city council and expanding Scandia government. No one on this town board will get my vote.
And a few years from now, will we be wishing that incorporation never happened?
Writer John Lindell is a resident of New Scandia Township.
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