One less local business to support

Although I’m sure there was a contract or agreement pertaining to the closure of Matty’s in Lake Shore, I’m saddened that one week meant the difference in Mr. Walsh being able to meet $5,000 in payroll to local workers, as well as the loss of revenue to suppliers and a charitable event. Also just wondering if those same workers as well as the local suppliers that would have been paid do business with the same lending institution that did the foreclosure? I also feel saddened that there is one less local business for me to support.

What are they thinking?

What is the Brainerd High School and the Brainerd school system thinking? A couple years ago they decided that they would only vote for referendums on even years and now that other local schools have passed referendums they want to jump on the bandwagon. Maybe they better work on bringing back some of what they dropped first and show us that they’re there for all our kids and not just a certain few.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In December the Brainerd School Board approved the conversion from odd year to even year elections beginning in November 2012. The board, at this meeting, recognized savings in the switch but decided to consider addressing the expiring $199 per pupil operating levy by conducting a general election in November 2011. This levy has provided about $2 million in annual revenue to the district since 2002. A district can hold a special election multiple times throughout the year for the issue of bonds or for capital projects. Elections held for the purpose of operating levies can only be held in November during a general election, unless the district is financially insolvent and in statutory operating debt, Steve Lund, director of business services, explained. 

What’s wrong with this picture?

This is to the folks that are collecting unemployment who are refusing to go out and get a job because unemployment pays more than working. I am ashamed of you. I also find it terrible that some are out there working for cash and making now more than the average person because they are also collecting unemployment. I just ran an ad for employment and only got one person to apply in a city that claims to have the highest unemployment rate. Starting pay is above $12 a hour. What is wrong with this picture in Brainerd?       

A travesty

Years ago, teachers and other public employees of similar education and talent were paid less than employees in the private sector. That’s one reason early retirement as well as the accompanying high retirement income seemed to be justified for these folks. We’re learning the exact opposite is true today. I admire Wisconsin’s governor is calling that to our attention. Brainerd’s school board and administrators should keep this in mind and forego any tax increases this fall. If not, I believe the public will form a habit of voting no on all school issues and that would be a travesty.

End the senseless wars

The time has come. We can’t wait any longer. We must end these senseless wars and use those billions for oil exploration and drilling for oil. Also new refinery construction will put thousands back to work. We have our own oil here. Let’s use it.

Thankful for second amendment

After watching the bloodshed in the Middle East, I just want to thank God for our second amendment and those who had the understanding how important our guns are.

Consolidate bus routes to save money

The Brainerd School District doesn’t need any more taxes put on people with the referendum. They can find ways to save money such as have all kids that live inside the Brainerd city limits walk or ride a bike or find a ride to school. Buses do not have to run in town. Transportation costs take up to 65 percent of the school district budget. I’ve seen different busses criss cross each other on the same block and that’s costing money. Consolidate bus routes. As a kid I never rode a bus; I walked or rode my bike. Good exercise. 

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