Open Forum

I find it interesting that Dayton's waited to announce the closing of their St. Paul distribution center until their favorite son, Mark, recently photographed yukking it up with fellow socialist Paul Wellstone, had solidified the purchase of his U.S. Senate seat. The distribution currently being done at Dayton's St. Paul center is being moved to a center in Chicago, which, the last time I looked, was not in Minnesota. This little switcharoo will result in the loss of 250 jobs. Lead on, Mark!

Stephen A Busch

Pequot Lakes

Don't phone and drive

The usage of cellular phones in moving vehicles has become more and more common in our everyday lives. I believe that talking on a phone, while driving, is a distraction which impairs concentration and contributes to the number of accidents.

According to a survey, conducted on October 28, 2000 by an Internet-based research and marketing firm, Insight Express, 27 percent of the people have had an automobile accident or have come close while driving and talking on the phone. This statistic is outrageous. Cellular phones in cars should only be used for emergencies and if you'd like to use your phone for personal use then simply pull over, because it could mean the difference between life and death.

Now, even though Suffolk County of New York is the only county to have passed a law banning the use of cellular phones while driving, I feel that every county in the United States should do the same. Nothing is more important than your safety, so do yourself a favor and don't talk on cellular phones while driving.

Janelle Huss

Brainerd

Remembering Jack Laimer

The loss of Jack Laimer is a great one for the Brainerd lakes area. As a 1981 graduate of BHS, I had the fortune of knowing Jack. Even after I left Brainerd, Jack had been a huge supporter of, and an inspiration upon, my career. I am presently in the Broadway cast of "Annie Get Your Gun." I learned of Jack's passing, shortly after playing the role of Buffalo Bill during a matinee. The news of his death weighed heavy upon my heart during the evening performance. Jack will be sorely missed.

Tom Schmid

New York, N.Y.