We never cease to marvel at all the listening and learning of constituent needs that our Sen. Carrie Ruud accomplishes. Her on-line "The Week in Review" is a testimony to the enormous energy that this service-oriented lady expends serving all of her constituents in the Fourth District.
It's an easy, inexpensive and captivating thing for a political challenger to offer platitudes of services beyond reality, to talk the talk. But it's another thing for Senator Carrie Ruud to not only talk the talk, but to also walk the walk. Please remember this on Nov. 7.
Chuck Fuller,
Park Rapids
A recent letter states that Crow Wing County should not spend more than necessary. I agree. However, the writer's information is not accurate.
1. The letter states that Crow Wing County is growing at 1 percent per year. Fact: In the years 1990-2000, Crow Wing County grew from 44,209 to 55,100. This is an increase of more than 24 percent. District 2 grew by 40 percent. The growth continues. We now have more than 61,000 residents.
2. The letter states the Judicial Center cost $70 million. Fact: The Judicial Center providing required court facilities and needed security cost $13 million.
3. The letter states varying tax increases for Nisswa, Crosslake and Jenkins Township. Fact: The county tax rate is the same for all of Crow Wing County. Variations are from local governments and school districts. All Crow Wing County commissioner districts have 20 percent of the county's population.
4. The letter states $70 million will cost nearly $200 million over 20 years. Fact: There is no $70 million building program. The total building and facilities program cost $58 million. The county bonded for $50 million at the low initial interest rate of 2 percent for the jail and 2.5 percent for the remainder.
Fact: The building program includes the judicial center, regional jail, community services center, highway building, central services and mechanical and remodeling upgrades to the historic courthouse, courthouse annex, Law Enforcement Center and all site work.
Fact: The county board chose the long-term solution that will serve Crow Wing County for at least 25 years. The yearly fixed costs of the bonds will be less than the ever increasing costs of boarding and transporting inmates, increasing jail staff, renting facilities and repairing outdated structures.
County financial information is available at the auditor's office.
Ed Larsen,
Crow Wing County Commissioner,
District 2
