Open Forum

In a recent writer's Open Forum commending Lucy Nesheim's service to the city of Brainerd, she condemns Bob Olson for his failed attempts. I don't think that's a good measuring stick, but if you must use it, let's not forget that Nesheim was not elected as council president in 2003 by her peers, failed to become our state representative in 2002, and was defeated in her bid for county commissioner by Mary Koep sometime in the 80s.

Matt Taylor

Merrifield

Lake-friendly construction wanted

Bigger isn't necessarily better. Just ask Goliath or the captain of the Titanic. If they were alive, they'd tell you that size isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, smaller is better. Just look at laptop computers, cell phones and our national budget deficit. Small is good. Small is desirable. Small is progress. Those three little statements help describe what the Lake-Friendly Development Awards are all about. They're also about fitting in with while preserving the environmental integrity of the shoreline. It's tough to do that with a house big enough for a family of 27.

Several Brainerd lakes area and statewide environmental organizations, along with the Minnesota DNR are combining efforts to publicly recognize individuals and contractors who have chosen to develop or redevelop their lakeshore properties in full compliance with shoreland zoning ordinances and ecologically sustainable and sensitive principles. The hope is that through these awards, smaller, less conspicuous, more environmentally friendly lake homes will become the fashionable trend in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Please join us from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16 at the Breezy Point City Hall to recognize this year's winners for Lake-friendly home construction and for Lakescaping. Prizes include a framed photograph by Brainerd photographer, John Erickson; a framed DNR wildlife print; books on lakescaping and copies of "Voices for the Land," a Minnesota Book Award winner in three different categories. Refreshments will be served. It's free, and all are welcome. On Monday evening, we want a crowd, a horde, a mass of humanity cheering for lake-friendly development. This is one time when bigger is better.

Phil Hunsicker

Lakes Region Coordinator

1000 Friends of Minnesota

Brainerd

You may be old someday too

This would be an open letter to the rude, inconsiderate people at the Crow Wing County Fair. I was pushing my 70-something mother in a wheelchair on the narrow paved walkways and I was shocked and surprised at the number of people who stopped in clusters to talk and would mindlessly block the paved access. Couldn't you have stepped off the path onto the grass to talk? Some people, after I loudly said, "excuse me" would move. But the gaggle of high school cheerleader-looking girls who suggested that I push the wheelchair on the grass around them were very rude.

Realize, please, that you may someday be this old and you would expect better treatment.

I was especially taken back when the male and female officers from the sheriff's department were reluctant to move for a wheelchair. I just think, in general, if you are going to stop and talk, please, step off the paved access so that those who can't may use it.

Richard McDonald and Dana Colvin

Brainerd

Land stewardship is important

Kudos to Kaylo Brooks for the eloquent letter giving reasons for Crow Wing County to keep the Pine Meadows Golf Course.

I would like to add just this. Stewardship of our land is important for our environment, but it is also important for our hearts and soul. We need to create and preserve green space amidst the asphalt jungle for our mental health. The bottom line is about more than money.

Bunny Humphrey

Brainerd