Jim Soltis, Minot

Points of interest:

Gathering Space:

– Who will maintain this area?

– What will be the cost of maintenance be?

– Who will be responsible of accidents or injuries?

– Will the taxpayers be responsible for the upkeep and damages?

– This will be an on-going burden on taxpayers similar to the parking ramps.

– The city could get property tax payments on this land when Trinity moves.

– And what usage is there in the off seasons.

Recycling:

Our Mayor published an article in the paper recently about the need for public hearing and input. Not sure that it would really matter what the citizens have to say. The citizens have said NO to several proposals and that has not stopped the council (past and present) from doing exactly what they want. Although I personally am not in favor of recycling, I know there are many who are.

The major problem is cost. There is no way that the citizens of Minot will cough up more money for this venture. We have much greater needs in Minot (such as new schools) that are certainly more important. There really is no chance the citizens would ever approve this idea in our current financial condition.

Also, in the paper was an article by Brad Magnuson who said the MDN needs to cease publishing articles by Rob Port. This is exactly what people like Brad do when someone disagrees with their view. Shut up the opposing view and prevent others from hearing that view point. We will always hear information from others that we either agree with or disagree with and if you disagree just go on about your own business.

I love to hear from Nancy, but I wish she would not make accusations that are simply not true. Our city council does not make decisions just to make their friends or rich people more money. The old saying the rich get richer and the poor get poorer is simply not true. Our council is not responsible for making the rich richer. I enjoy reading Nancy’s letters but more facts are needed. Sorry Nancy.

MDN: I hate it that we don’t get the paper on Sunday anymore. It would make much more sense to cut out the Monday paper. Just sayin.

I love Minot, have lived here my entire life. But past decisions have put a burden on our community for years to come. And although our city manager says our taxes are not going up this year you can bet the farm, they will be going up next year and probably years to come.

Parks and Recreation have combined and not supposed to cost the citizens more money in taxes. If you believe that I have a bridge to sell.