So it is only fair to note when he does do something away from "far right" (out of the box for him); something more right for Minnesota, not just right for his presidential ambitions or whatever other political aspirations he may have.

While it is positive and popular to advocate public park and recreation facilities, it is against the grain of "cut, cut, cut," for Pawlenty to push for purchase of substantial acreage adjoining Vermilion Lake for establishment of a new state park.

Gov. Pawlenty, the DNR and other advocates of the new park are facing a recalcitrant owner, U.S. Steel, who has no need of the land for mining purposes, but still wants to hold out for more than fair market value (surprise!). I wonder how much U.S. Steel paid for the land in the first place.

The short-sighted St. Louis County Board has already exhibited support of a contrary approach, which would open up the beautiful area in question for private profit development, and future property taxes.

I don't imagine the state or Itasca County was in financial overflow when Itasca State Park was acquired and developed, either, but what a gift it has been for generations, and will be for many more.

I still recall "winning" a four-day 4-H trip to a Conservation Camp at Itasca in the late 1940s.ÊThat was a big deal to a 12-year-old farm kid, who had traveled nowhere.

I remember being in awe of the stately Norway (of course) pines in Preacher's Grove, and somewhat in awe of a Republican (as I said, age 12 and still impressionable) who was the conservation-minded benefactor of the camp program.Ê He was Charles Horn, principal owner of Federal Cartridge, which we didn't know existed.Ê The only shells or guns I'd seen or heard of were Remington or Winchester.

I don't know what tax dollars were involved in the state park and 4-H program back then and the public/private benefactor partnership was a very small speck on the Minnesota universe.Ê I don't remember the classes, or speeches, or even the food.Ê

But I do know that just those four days of immersion in Itasca State Park, Cass County 4-H and advice of Mr. Horn instilled a lifelong interest and habits that we're still enjoying: planting trees and watching birds and building birdhouses 60-plus years later.

So when Gov. Pawlenty advocates and pushes for a state park on Vermilion, I say go for it and thank you. Keep pushing, and I hope people together will make it happen.Ê It will cost new tax money, and it will be worth it.

It would be nice if U.S. Steel decided to be a good corporate citizen for a change; but, if not, I hope the governor continues to push, and the Legislature paves the way, to permit spending some sum even above present market value.Ê

Future Minnesotans will thank them. No vetoes.