Letters to the Editor

Candidate clarification

In last week’s paper, in the article on the School Board Candidates Forum, there was a statement made by me which was printed without the full text of my answer, and I feel did not convey my intent in answering the question. 

The article stated that Frisk said, “I would want someone that has the same level of education that I do and is able to communicate like me.” 

What I said was, ‘Our teachers and administrators are professional, educated people. Our board members are in a leadership position, ultimately their bosses if you will, and if I were a teacher, I would want someone on the board with at least the same level of education that I have, and who is able to communicate like me.’ 

I would like to thank the Staples World for allowing me to clear that up. I realize it is impractical to print word for word everything that was discussed.

Greg Frisk

Motley, Minn.

Constitutional amendment

Did you know we have a Minnesota State Constitutional Amendment on the ballot?

It is, “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to remove state lawmaker’s power to set their own salaries, and instead establish an independent, citizens-only council to prescribe salaries for lawmakers?”

This sounds like a good idea. However, how do you get on this committee? The Governor and State Supreme Court Chief Justice each appoint one person from each of the eight Congressional Districts. Half of the members appointed by the Governor and Chief Justice have to be from each of the two major political parties. The people or their spouses can’t be current or former legislative members, lobbyists, judges or State Statutory Officer.

This all seems good, but is it? This is another committee or council, accountable to no one, spending your tax dollars. Dare we believe the committee will do the work for the betterment of Minnesota? What about the people who are not part of either of the ‘two major political parties’? Wait, do the members have to consider the budget impact of their decisions? Why a Constitutional Amendment?

Patricia Seifert

Grey Eagle, Minn.