|
Track, war in Iraq, FL housing are topics for Open Forum |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 16 April 2008 |
What we teach
We all “support our troops,” but that is not what this is about and Mayor Stegner and those who wear their so-called patriotism (nationalism/militarism, really) on their sleeves know it, or should know it.
Just how fouled up must a war be – its justification, execution, destruction, killing, expense, and failure to achieve its objectives – before some people conclude it is a bad thing.
The Vets for Freedom are pro-Iraq war. Well, if you like this war, you just like war.
Such warrior culture is not something we should celebrate or teach our children.
Instead we should be thinking about ways to avoid wars and teach our kids about that.
Curtis Nelson
Columbus
Track thanked
We are writing on behalf of Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau staff and board members to thank Running Aces Harness Park for welcoming over 200 YSB guests to two “Home Stretch” pre-opening events on April 4-5.
When approached in early January, Jim Druck immediately welcomed the opportunity to get involved, going the extra mile by offering two events rather than one; exciting events that far exceeded our hopes or expectations. Careful planning, professional service, and remarkable hospitality worked together to ensure that guests enjoyed every opportunity built into the experience.
Running Aces has pledged to be an invested, supportive community partner. The Home Stretch events, coordinated to benefit YSB even before opening day shows an earnestness to live into that intention.
Each staff member at Running Aces Harness Park wears their mission statement on their name badge: FIRST: Fun Integrity Respect Service Teamwork. We are not able to acknowledge everyone working in the team who put mission into action at the events, but we would like to thank partners Jim Druck, Tom Fox and Jeff Hallpern for personally taking an active role, general manager Robert Farinella who did everything from greet guests to lead tours, executive chef Todd Sommers, who literally wowed us with great food, marketing and sales Managers Robin Stinnett and Aaron Bedessem for coordinating all facets of the event.
Thanks also to the great wait staff, bartenders, Harness Racing 101 trainers and dealers who went an extra mile to make our events exciting. With your help we raised over $4000 for programs to “Ensure the Success of Youth.”
Jeanne Waltz
Executive Director
Kathy Lillis
YSB Board Chair
Jim Trudeau
YSB Board Chair Elect
More to story
We object to the article you ran about the FL City Council’s consideration of the proposed Everton Commons development. There is much more to the story.
The people in the area have taken a strong, unanimous stand against the proposal. Several neighbors spoke against the proposal at the meeting. We made it clear that the neighborhood meeting the developers claim they had was a sham. You reported that the architect said they held a meeting and only one person came.
The “meeting” was advertised on a postcard that looked like a solicitation. There was no address, no map, nothing to indicate where this development was except that it was in Forest Lake. When we learned what was happening, 20 plus people met on six occasions to question what to do about the two 54-foot tall buildings that require major exceptions to zoning and the comprehensive plan.
The neighbors indicated a willingness to fashion a compromise and highlighted major inconsistencies with the comprehensive plan – a plan put together at great time and expense. What’s the point of the plan if anyone can come in and request rezoning regardless of the appropriateness of the proposal?
Our concerns extend beyond our back yards and our property values. We believe folks come here because of the rural charm and the openness of the city. Use existing commercially zoned land for the two tallest buildings in Forest Lake!
Brenda La Tourelle
ForestLake
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter was submitted on behalf of Havelka Ct., Everton Ave. and Forest Glen neighbors.)
|
