We Are Watching St. Louis County

Destruction and Subsidy Cycle

2011-09-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

For decades, voting for the lesser evil has been normal. Northeastern Minnesota’s DFL, however, was and has always appeared the last bastion for ordinary people’s needs. In many ways, that remains true, but in others is now so utterly destructive that to vote for them is to destroy the very place we live.

The peculiar history of Northeastern Minnesota and the Range in particular has, after five generations, made destroying the communities and the natural world the norm. While southern Minnesota was first to be destroyed, settlement was dominated by agriculture and by its very essence, was very different than the ecocide of the north. The north was not settled at first; after the conquest, native lands were legally stolen and turned over to land speculators and railroad men. The first exploitative assault was to denude the forests of its most ecologically and financially valuable timber; the forests were not “cleared”, but instead demolished. Hapless American and European peasants were shipped in, railroads built, the finest timber removed, and the land covered with the remaining debris. Genocide and the catastrophic Hinckley and Cloquet fires were the first children of the rape; the second were the mineral prospectors. In the brute exploitation of both human and nature that was 19^th-century capitalism, gold wasn’t found, but iron ore was. I will not glorify the destructive history of earlier times, for the history sits all around us in a demolished landscape, tainted water and desperate communities.

This history, however, is glorified and built into banal monuments honoring destruction; these show how the extreme becomes the normal and the thinking of the exploiter becomes the thinking of the exploited. And this is where I need to break with those I used to support.

Recently, Range Dfler’s joined the state’s Republicans in rewriting the state’s environmental review rules. The complaints justifying the need all spoke of timeliness and jobs, but none dealt with the actual results. They added their own special privilege: Any Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) project is exempt from the environmental review process.. In short, the public is now forced to hand over land, cash and profits to private investors, many of them foreign, in hopes that several hundred desperate people might hopefully be employed for 20 years. The chant is always “jobs” and “community” while two concepts are never mentioned; the mysterious word “profits” and the always-ignored fact that any community built solely for exploiting a finite resource is doomed from the very beginning. That the Range DFLer’s don’t recognize this shows they are now as much of the problem as the former land barons and “iron men” now honored in ridiculous murals and statues. Now, as part of the local elite, they assist the destroyers with endless subsidies: the DNR’s mineral research, infrastructure funding, education, and finally, handing over our land, water and the very resources we sit on.

The Range’s problems are complex yet simply defined: The communities, despite any booster’s glorifications, are graveyards next to wastelands. The communities and employees are trapped in the hapless modern equivalent of the company town. Their incomes and lives are bound to the corporations; that they are comparatively well paid only leads to more co-option. The endless supply of over-size trucks, ATV’s and bound mortgages colors the thinking of everyone. It is buried so deep within the mindset it is never mentioned; it is as if saying “the sky is blue”. The desperation that is the modern United States surrounds us; we work for corporate investors so we can pay debts to corporate investors so we can buy plastic toys from corporate investors who use slave labor to build them overseas. This, of course, is called the zenith of civilization.

In a rational world, albeit imaginary, we might ask of ourselves “We have this resource, perhaps of wealth, perhaps of trouble, but what do we do with it and how will it benefit us?” What do we charge the corporation for exploiting our land? What do we get in return? What will be left? How do we assure our grandchildren will still want to or be able to live here?

This is, here and now, not the case.

The mining laws of Minnesota, like most dealing with “Natural Resources,” set the state's role as promoter of exploitation, or more truly, the mother of destruction. We pay for research, we pay for infrastructure, we pay for what little of reclamation occurs and then we finally pay for destroyed communities and dysfunctional lives left over when the profit takers “downsize” or walk away. No matter what, it's a temporary fix and a devil's bargain.

The two communities most affected by the Polymet project have problems deriving from their very origins: They were both built specifically for mining only. Standing at road’s end, miles from anything, surrounded by a destroyed landscape or forest, they are mere outposts. The project’s proponents want to resolve this by destroying more public forest for private profit, supported by countless subsidies, in exchange that a few will get paid for 20 years. Their aim, of course, is to start more projects on the same ore bodies, to destroy more land, to destroy more water, all at public expense for private profit.

When I think of where I'm from, I think of the earliest labor organizers, some of whom I met and knew. Despite their so-called ignorance, they knew one fundamental fact: The owners were exploiters, and nothing more. They were not our friends, and not to be trusted. They would sacrifice anything , including their worker's lives for a few dollars more profit. Fortunately, and unfortunately, the labor fights and unions brought us better conditions and a share of the profits., but they also co-opted us. Now, many are slaves bought and paid for, their lives a collection of mortgages, four-wheel drive trucks and other toys. Like Orwell's well trained dog, they roll over without the masters watching. Anyone who questions the constant cycle of destruction and subsidy is labeled treehugger.

To end, there is one question that needs to be answered by those arguing for any extraction project: What will be left when it's done? Until the Range DFL answers that question, they are nothing more than puppets who want to sweep the crumbs off the table to the public's mouths.

Considering the results we see now, with emptying communities, rampant social problems and addiction, aging infrastructure we can't afford and environmental destruction all around us, the experiment's results are obvious; we simply need a better way.

Signed;

P T

2011-09-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

As the fall comes new issues and old ones face our county. At a recent board workshop attendees asked what the board was doing to protect the interests of the people of St. Louis County with regard to mining in the Duluth Complex. Commissioner Forsman left the room in fury that the question would even be asked. What do people think - should the people of our region know more about the proposed mining? Who are the mining companies? Where will they be exploring, where will they mine? What will the impact to the land and water be? The Duluth Complex is huge - it runs from Canada to south of Duluth. It crosses federal and state and private surface lands. What is the impact on land owners? We've heard that the federal land owner will now allow one proposed mine to go forward as the terms of their deed forbid an open pit strip mine. The land has to be "exchanged" meaning different owners for the land with the federal land owner (the forest service) getting different land instead. How does this work when the owner is a private citizen? A county? Our state? Our county needs to explain how it will manage the planned mining - what expectations it sees for housing and property values.

County Board Considers Resolution Against Voter ID Requirements

2011-04-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

At their Board meeting on April 5th in Duluth the SLC Board heard from community members regarding a proposed state law that would impose restrictions on voters in the form of additional identification requirements. Those in favor of additional restrictions indicated that they believed it was a “personal responsibility” for voters to secure identification prior to voting. Additionally, they indicated that this should not be a county concern. They cited ID requirements for everything from picking up hockey tickets to cashing checks. One election judge questioned why UMD students suddenly realize on Election Day that they wanted to vote, having not secured appropriate identification in advance. This particular election judge was against the present law that allows for same day registration.

Joyce Benson, officer of the League of Women Voters, spoke in favor of the resolution, indicating that voter ID requirements would discriminate against students, the elderly, low-income people. She cited statistics indicating the voter fraud in Minnesota was virtually none. Additionally, she indicated concern regarding the cost of implementing such a system. As an election judge herself, she said she believes we have a good system now.

Joan Peterson spoke in favor of the resolution indicating, “Democracy is supposed to facilitate participation” and requiring voter ID would not facilitate this. Another speaker cited information from the Secretary State’s Office that the incidence of voter fraud in Minnesota is .0005%.

A number of speakers indicated that there is “absolutely no reason” for anyone to not have a valid ID on Election Day. There seemed to be about an equal number of people who spoke in favor and against the resolution.

Don Dicklich, SLC Auditor spoke indicating it was not his place to speak for or against the resolution. He did say there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in St. Louis County. He explained that it is clearly possible for many people to live at the same address such as in the case of an apartment building. A prior speaker had said that he had reviewed the voter rolls and that this situation constituted voter fraud.

Following the speakers there was a robust discussion with Commissioners Forsman, Dahlberg and Nelson speaking against the resolution (in favor of voter ID). Commissioner Forsman said “they drag people out from under some bridge” and have them vote and then take them to another polling place to vote again”. He said that people who do not believe in voter ID have “evil intent are uneducated or naïve”. Commissioner Jewell recounted all the ways that we have historically kept people from voting in this country. He went on to say that contrary to what one of the prior speakers stated, he does not believe that students are committing fraud in large numbers. He supported the resolution.

Commissioner Dahlberg said we are “turning common sense upside down” and that 80% of people in Minnesota were in favor of photo ID. He spoke in favor of voter ID. He says it is “very difficult to find voters out there who do not have ID’s”. He seemed unaware of the issue of voters moving, thus their “photo ID” has an incorrect address for the purposes of voting in a particular precinct on election day.

Commissioner Raukar initially spoke in support of the resolution saying, “here we have a solution looking for a problem”. He sees this bill being an unfunded mandate that counties would be forced to implement. Later, however, he withdrew his support, offering an amendment that he said was drafted in consultation with County Attorney, Mark Rubin. This amendment said, “…be it resolved that the SLC Board of Commissioners is opposed to local property taxpayers bearing the costs of photo ID requirements for voters in elections conducted in the State of Minnesota.” This amendment passed on a 6-1 voice vote with Commissioner Forsman voting “no”.

Commissioners then broke for lunch with the plan to return and discuss more later in the afternoon. The amended resolution eventually passed 5-2.

2010-10-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

From the DNT Friday October 22, 2010
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/181903/group/Opinion/

Reader's view: Fink’s actions make Jewell the better candidate

I applaud the News Tribune for its endorsement of Frank Jewell for County Board (Our View/Endorsement: “Fire Fink for Jewell of a county commissioner,” Oct. 15). But should we even be having this discussion?

In September, incumbent Commissioner Dennis Fink chose not to screen with the Duluth Central Labor Body, an organization that represents thousands of his constituents. More recently, he snubbed the League of Women Voters, an organization committed to our democratic process. He then told reporters he refused to disclose what “county business” he was conducting.

I find this very troubling. Just as disturbing is his travel to the Citizens Equal Rights Alliance on the county’s dime. This organization is notorious for being anti-Native American. No commissioner should be attending such conferences, especially not at the cost of taxpayers. Fink seems fine with cutting services for the disabled and elderly but then asks taxpayers to fund his travels to these types of events. It simply adds insult to injury that he is then unwilling to show up for community forums.

If Fink’s catchy slogan of “Think Fink” caught your eye the last election, I’d ask you to “think again” and cast a ballot for Frank Jewell.

Dan O’Neill

Duluth

The writer is president of the Duluth Central Labor Body.

We Are Watching's Website

2010-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

www.northernmnnews.com

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2010-10-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Fink Reminds Us He Voted Against the Adoption of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness

2010-07-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

At their regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Commissioner Fink reminded us that he voted against the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness and continues to have "concerns" related to the costs of implementation of the plan. This was within the context of an item on the agenda related to authorizing an amendment to the current contract with the State to serve as a fiscal agent for the NE Minnesota Project to End Long-Term Homelessness.

Commissioners O'Neil and Sweeney pointed out that it costs more to provide services to people that experience homelessness than to does to provide long term solutions.

Commissioners Dahlberg and Fink indicated concern regarding the salary of the Executive Director of the Hearth Connection. Commissioner Nelson says "let the market" determine salaries. He is concerned about the amount of resources dedicated to serve a relatively small number of people.

After nearly an hour of debate/discussion the Board voted to approve amending the State contract. The contract will bring $736,009 into St Louis County.

WAW Asks Board to Address Comissioner Fink on Fish Lake Issue

2010-07-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Kathy Heltzer, WAW Spokesperson, spoke to the SLC Board on July 6th regarding Commissioner Dennis Fink's recent attempt to influence legislation regarding a "slot limit" for walleye fishing on Fish Lake. It should be noted that Commissioner Fink owns property on the lake.

Commissioner Fink provided information to Senator Chaundhary of Fridley, MN asking for him to "influence timelines" related to the DNR's position on these slot limits. The subsequent request to insert this slot limit language into the Natural Resources Omnibus Bill during the last legislative session resulted in an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee.

In their investigation into the conduct of Senator Chaudhary the Senate Ethics Committee found that his behavior was “threatening public confidence in the legislature”. Heltzer asked, " Does this Board not have the same concern with respect to “public confidence” in the St Louis County Board?"

She concluded by asking the Board to consider addressing Commissioner Fink on this matter.

We are Watching Speaks to County Board on Fond du Lac Land Sale

2010-03-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

The following was presented to the St. Louis County Board at their meeting on March 2, 2010 by Kevin Skwira-Brown, WAW Spokesperson:

Chair Rauker, Commissioners, My name is Kevin Skwira-Brown and I live in Duluth.

I speak today as a spokesperson for the We Are Watching Campaign which works to bring transparency and accountability to the St. Louis County Board.

We Are Watching is pleased that this Board appears posed to approve the long requested
land sales to the FDL Band. While the final outcome today is likely to reflect recognition of the Rights of the FDL Band to buy back land which was in many cases unethically taken from them by whites over the years, there is still a matter of transparency and accountability.

Full recognition of the FDL Band’s rights includes not only the option to exercise the right of first refusal for Tax-Forfeiture lands sold within the reservation boundaries, but also the federally supported transfer of eligible land by the FDL Band into Federal Trust status. This is something Commissioner Fink has opposed. Further it is important to note that these land sales were delayed during the entirety of Commissioner Fink’s tenure as the Board Chair. And, on February 9th at the Committee of the Whole meeting when these land sales came before you under the committee that Commissioner Fink chairs, he refused to bring the items to the floor for discussion or move them for approval.

It would appear that Commissioner Fink either believes his constituents support the continued oppression of Indigenous peoples by denying them their full rights or perhaps that Commissioner Fink is acting out the agenda of those well beyond the borders of SLC that aim to limit the recognition and self-determination of Indigenous people. He can now rightly claim that this land sale didn’t go forward during his tenure as Chair, and that he never forwarded a motion that recognized the rights of Tribes to own Reservation land. It should be noted that with this being an election year for the seat which Commissioner Fink holds, Commissioner, or perhaps candidate Fink, chose not vote against these land sales in the Committee of the Whole.

To those of you whose vote for these land sales reflects genuine recognition of the FDL Band’s right to self-determination and preservation of their people’s way of life as guaranteed through multiple treaties, thank you for acting with justice, an approach which is in the best interest of all of the people of SLC.
Thank you,

St. Louis County Board Reconsiders Fond du Lac Land Sale

2010-02-09T09:02:00.001-08:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting held in Duluth on Tuesday, February 9th, the SLC Board again considered selling tax forfeit land back to the Fond du Lac Band.
Many of you may be aware, back in January of 2009 the Board discussed this issue at a “Board Workshop”. At that time a number of Commissioners indicated they would not support the sale. Additionally, comments were made suggesting lack of respect and understanding regarding American Indian people and tribal governments. Subsequent to this, the American Indian community joined with “We are Watching” folks to demonstrate their concern on the steps of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth at a rally.

Commissioner Nelson indicated that this was not the case of the county “reversing its position” because the Board had not previously made any decision on this land sale. They had simply discussed the issue at Board workshop.

Emily Johnson, Bois Forte band member, addressed the Board indicated that she was glad they were considering the land sale. As a former staff member of the Congress of American Indians, she was concerned that St. Louis County was moving in the direction of the “Citizen Equal Rights Alliance”, (CERA) a nationwide group that historically has opposed any initiatives supported by Tribes.

Commissioner Fink indicated his concern about the loss of tax base in St. Louis County.

Commissioner Dahlberg indicated that he thinks this issue was “blown out of proportion” following the Board workshop. He is concerned about this “unique issue of the loss of the tax base”. He went on to say this issue is not unique to Tribes.
He stated that there was “no indication at that Board workshop that anyone was against this” land sale. A review of the audiotape from that workshop may indicate differently.

The resolution passed unanimously to sell the Brevator Township parcel to the FDL band and also the Stoney Brook Township parcel. This will now go to the SLC Board at their meeting on March 2, 2010.

Commissioner O'Neill indicated that this had taken over a year to resolve and he hopes in the future the Board would be able to resolve an issue such as this more quickly.

Commissioner Nelson Again Misinformed

2009-11-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

At the county board meeting on November 3rd Commissioner Keith Nelson responded to comments made by three citizens who addressed the Board. He said that, again, commissioners statements were "taken out of context" regarding people on public assistance, drug use and stigma. He suggested that those who spoke to the Board had not actually watched the entire discussion, thus misunderstanding the "tone" of the discussion which he believed was very respectful.

The entire 17-minute discussion is posted on the We are Watching web site:

http://www.northernmnnews.com/

Take a look and decide for yourself!

Mandatory Drug Tests for People on Public Assistance?

2009-11-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

At their November 3, 2009 meeting the Board was addressed by a number of people who indicted concern regarding recent comments made by Commissioners Forsman and Dahlberg suggesting that people on public assistance be required to pass random drug tests and perhaps be prohibited from purchasing cigarettes. Additionally, Forsman suggests that “stigma is a good thing” and maybe if there were more of it people would “get to work”.

Folks from the We are Watching campaign let commissioners know that they are still paying attention and do not agree with the characterization of low income people as drug-addicted, irresponsible, poor parents who do not want to work.
The perpetuation of stereotypes such as these do not have any place in the formal statements of our elected public officials. While unfortunately not surprising, this is disappointing.

People who live in St. Louis County, especially in the districts that Commissioners Forsman and Dahlberg represent, may want to give them a call to let them know what they think of their public statements.

Fond du Lac Tribal Chair Addressed SLC Board

2009-06-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

At their workshop on Monday, June 15, 2009 the SLC Board heard from Karen Diver, Tribal Chair for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

This was a follow-up to a prior county board workshop in January of 2009 at which time the County Board discussed their decision to not sell tax forfeit land to the Fond du Lac Band-land that is within the boundaries of the Reservation. State law requires counties to give “right of first refusal” to Tribes when such land is within Reservation boundaries and the Fond du Lac Band has consistently indicated they wish to purchase these lands in order to provide stability to their community and reclaim land that was originally theirs to begin with.

Chair Diver started by giving the Board some historical information, including the Treaty of 1854 and Federal Government policy that tried to “terminate” tribes. Additionally, she described government policies that led to the taking of Indian lands and subsequent mismanagement of lands. She also described a variety of policies that sought to destroy Indian culture and communities.

FDL has 2000 employees and 28 divisions. They are funded at 36% of identified need. (Federal Government information) 4200 people are enrolled Band members.
Reservation is 100,000 acres.

Chair Diver described a variety of social services provided by FDLHHS. In 2008 total income distributed by Band was 105 million dollars-she indicated that many counties would welcome them with open arms and put them in a tax free zone-Fink said, “make your case” and Chair Diver said she was making her case. They have 900 job descriptions on their reservation; not only “gaming” jobs.

Commissioner O'Neil asked what her perspective was on this land issue. This is the Federal Government’s land being held on behalf of FDL. Feds take land into trust on behalf of the Band. Feds are supportive of tribes reclaiming land, as is the State.

Here is a bit of what the conversation included:

Diver: These lands are already tax forfeit. I need to stabilize our community. In order to become self-sufficient we need to reclaim our land. It should never have been on the SLC tax rolls anyway!

FINK: I have no difficulty with you buying tax forfeit land but I do have an issue with land going from tax forfeit into trust. We have got to protect tax land.

DIVER: We will continue to buy land within our borders. We will continue to consolidate land within our borders.

NELSON: Makes a point that any other recordings of workshops are not official. Says he could not have more respect for Annishinaabe people but he is concerned.
Says the most basic unit of government is the family and if we do not work for the good of the family we are not effective. Says that in this particular case it is “all of our people” and recognizes that tribe is sovereign. Says he will not apologize for Federal officials that “treated us as children”. Indicated concern that 35% of folks incarcerated are Native in SLC while only 4% are Native in population.

Says we try to run county on 39% of property. Says he wants to work with FDL in the same effective way they have worked with Bois Forte. Whenever individuals choose to sensationalize they do harm. (speaking to the audience)

DIVER: I am interested in partnering and finding the win/win. I will continue to ask for indulgence of commissioners and staff in trying to reclaim our land. I need to stabilize families.

O’NEIL: Am encouraged by spirit of communication and hopeful we can move ahead. We did have a straw vote on a given day….we need to re-visit policy as a Board.

DIVER: How about we meet in my neck of the woods? FINK: As long as we go back and forth.

The workshop ended promptly at 3:00PM. it should be noted that three commissioners were not present-Dahlberg, Forsman and Raukar did not attend.

Painful decisions made - some commissioners giggle in the background.

2009-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

"Very successful award winning program" discontinued by St. Louis County. Two commissioners faced off and spoke for the elderly and needy individuals receiving assisted living services provided by the county today. Commissioner Steve O'Neil and Commissioner Peg Sweeney stood for those who need assisted living. Dennis Fink, Chris Dahlberg, Keith Nelson and Michael Forsman held the the far right wing line that "government should get out of services that can be provided by the public sector" Commissioner Nelson ignored many speakers throughout the meeting including Commissioner Sweeney - he giggled, talked and distracted other commissioners repeatedly.

From the Board Policy Manual

MISSION STATEMENT
“The mission of St. Louis County is to provide its people those services mandated and/or expected by its citizens so as to provide a good quality of life.”
Resolution No. 620
July 25, 1989

Dennis Fink said the county should not provide services that can be provided in the public sector. He says that Governor Pawlenty says it's time to cut Health and Human Services. "Let the Free Market Do what it MUST!" Fink squawked! "We must get out of the business of...."

The business our county is getting out of is caring for our local residents in a respectful manner that keeps them in their modest apartments at the senior citizens housing in the county.
As you write your checks for property taxes tonight bear in mind that St. Louis County bear in mind that our county no longer wishes to care for the weak and vulnerable, primarily elderly, in our county.

On going Discussion About Old Jail

2009-05-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on May 5th the County Board, including "Outgoing Administrator Mitchell" had quite a discussion regarding the "old jail" and the Duluth City Council's upcoming vote regarding whether or not the county can demolish the building. Commissioner Dahlberg asked the Administration to send a letter to the Duluth City Council outlining the county's concerns, historical background, prior studies,etc. Commissioner Fink asked whether this was going to be a 26-page document or a 2-pager? Commissioner Nelson said that they should not be so prescriptive in telling Administration what to do, just let them do it! Commissioner Sweeny said it should be simple enough that the Council can see what the county has done to try to market the old jail and short enough that they will read it. Commissioner O'Neil reminded Commissioners that the councilors work part-time and do not have offices. Concern was expressed about timeliness and the need to get this to them BEFORE the meeting. Administrator Grey said that the County has already passed a resolution and that this should be referenced. Commissioner Nelson then indicated concern that Dahlberg was making this resolution instead of the O'Neil, Chair of Intergovernmental Affairs but Commissioner O'Neil said he was in agreement. Directed Motion passed.

What's Up With Two County Administrators At Once?

2009-04-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

The SLC Board recently welcomed their new County Administrator, Kevin Gray, who started work on April 15, 2009. As reported in the Duluth News Tribune on April 16th, " Interim County Administrator Alan Mitchell will stay on through May 29, said Dennis Fink, County Board chairman.

“In the recent past the interim administrators have been from within the county and stayed with the county after the new person came on. But we’re going to lose Al permanently now and we thought the transition would be smoother if he stayed on for a while to help Kevin,” Fink said.

Doesn't St Louis County have two Deputy Administrators with a wealth of experience who could train the new guy in? And what about the concern with the budget and county spending...isn't it kind of pricey to pay Al Mitchell and Kevin Gray at the same time?

Did the Commissioners vote to extend Mitchell's contract? Just asking....

Iron Range Youth In Action Program Discussed at Committee of Whole Meeting

2009-04-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

In their afternoon Committee of the Whole meeting the Board voted on a construction contract for renovations to the Duluth SLC Courthouse, and on a resolution authorizing an extension with Kangas Excavating to continue operation of the Hibbing demolition landfill.

Commissioner Nelson indicates that there are looking for “enhancements” to the commissioners offices on the range in the future.

The Board also voted to send forward without recommendation an agreement for service contracts for Iron Range Youth in Action Program School Advisors in six Range School Districts. The request was to use the fund balance from the Extension program to fund this. Commissioner Dahlberg asked for examples of activities this program has supported in the past. Commissioner Nelson mentioned Habitat for Humanity, Youth Skating Facility in Ely, operating a heated shack at an ice skating rink in Hibbing to name a few. “Generation W” is the largest student-run newspaper in the USA, according to Nelson, and another example of a project that is supported by this program.

Commissioner Fink was concerned that this fund balance transfer not be for more than one year and was concerned that there was not a 30-day termination clause in the contract. The concern is that this year there is a surplus in the Extension Fund but that may not be the case in the future.

Commissioner Nelson pointed out that terminating this contract in the middle of the school year would be problematic. Proposal is to give schools $1000 per school for this program (max 8 schools) for 2 years and after that the schools have to fund this program on their own. Commissioner Sweeny indicated that the money is there in the Extension budget and should be committed, in partnership with the school districts.

A few minor sparks between Commissioners Nelson and Fink when Nelson suggested that Fink was unsupportive of this concept, not just the “wording” of the contract. Fink said, “This is simple. The funding source does not match the contract”. He also raised his voice and told Commissioner Sweeny that what she says about where the money comes from is not true. Mitchell says the budget is already set for 2008-09 and no money was in the budget, thus monies need to come from some other place (Extension Fund). This particular contract is only for 2008-09. Schools want a 3-year commitment.

Commissioner O’Neil says, "this is a great program. We are talking about $6000 and have been discussing it for 50 minutes, let’s move on." And they did!

County Board and Jail Demolition

2009-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

At their Board meeting on April 7th the Board discussed awarding a contract for the "deconstruction of the jail" Commissioner Nelson suggested that "media outlets should actually attend a meeting" to hear about the long process that the Board has gone through in deciding to tear down the old jail. Commissioner Forsman indicated that there was information that he thinks has not been made available to the public-such as the fact the 8 studies have been completed and all indicated that the "building is not appropriate for re-use". This conversation was in the context of Commissioner O'Neil requesting that the Board wait to award the demolition contract until the appeal to the City of Duluth has been decided pertaining to the City's refusal to allow the jail to be destroyed, as it is a historic building.

Mike Forsman suggested that the Federal Government be contacted to see about getting prisoners from GITMO, seeing as that is being shut down. Commissioner Rauker indicated that folks would not really want "those people" in the jail-referring to a proposal a number of years ago to house international prisoners there.

Vote 6-1 in favor of moving forward with resolution to award the bid for tearing down the jail.

County Attorney Cautions Board About "Banning" Recording Devices at Public Meetings

2009-02-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

County Attorney Melanie Ford responded to Commissioner Keith Nelson’s request that she research whether the Board could ban electronic recording devices at their board workshops.. She indicated that the law is not “settled” on this issue in the State of Minnesota, although has been addressed on the Federal level. The Board may enact policies banning recording devices but should be very careful to not violate the American with Disabilities Act. Additionally, she indicated that it is very likely that a lawsuit would be filed if a policy banning recording were to be enacted. The Board would need to have a “compelling reason” to pursue such a policy and at the present time Attorney Ford does not see any such reason.

Attorney Ford has received a Data Practices Act request from the Duluth News Tribune for her written opinion. Commissioner Fink asked that she not provide this until the Commissioners have had an opportunity to read her opinion.

Commissioner Nelson then stated that it does not matter if the paper gets it now, seeing as that is the way the county attorney has “always done business”, via the press. The meeting was quickly adjourned before more discussion could occur in that vein.

County Board Meeting Feb 17, 2009

2009-02-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

At the county board meeting held on February 17, 2009 in Duluth a number of people spoke to the Board regarding the tribal lands issue, the Board’s comments regarding American Indian people and the concern that institutional racism has reared it’s ugly head and is alive and well in 2009. In response to these comments, Commissioner Rauker indicated that this is more “perception” than reality and that the news media has engaged in “false reporting” which has now led to an “overreaction”.

Commissioner Nelson apologized for “misinformation” that he claimed had be “disseminated” to the American Indian community.

It is disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising, that this is the initial response of these commissioners. If they would take the time to listen to the audio recording of their January 20th county board workshop, really listen to their own words, they may come to a better understanding of why it is that the American Indian community and others are upset. In this case, “perception” is the reality, at least the reality of those not on the St Louis County Board.

Nelson Should Be Concerned About Content of Meetings, not the fact they are recorded-DNT Article

2009-02-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Published February 08 2009 By: John Myers , Duluth News Tribune
St. Louis County commissioner annoyed by cameras at meetings
Keith Nelson is seeking a legal opinion on whether private citizens can record County Board meetings. Nelson says the recording devices are an annoyance and the material can be edited by anyone and taken out of context.

A St. Louis County commissioner has asked for a legal opinion on whether the board can ban citizens from recording some County Board meetings.
Keith Nelson of Eveleth raised the issue Tuesday at the boardʼs meeting in Duluth, saying he was concerned that he and other commissioners had been
recorded at their Jan. 20 board workshop in Pike Lake.
The group We Are Watching records many County Board meetings, including the workshops, and often posts that audio and sometimes video on the groupʼs Web site, www.northernmnnews.com.
Nelson claims that excerpts of the boardʼs discussion of the issue of tribal lands being removed from property tax rolls were forwarded to tribal ofﬁcials.
The discussion included Nelson and other commissionersʼ views strongly opposing increased tribal trust land.
He also said the recorder was beeping and bothering him.
“Iʼve raised this question because of the disruption that these devices have made … and because these recording snips are being taken out of context
and used to make people look bad,ʼʼ Nelson told the News Tribune.
“Iʼm not talking about restricting the media … and the public still can get a copy of the [audio] tapes we make. So we wouldnʼt be limiting access.ʼʼ
But Kevin Skwira-Brown, a spokesman for We Are Watching, said Nelsonʼs request is aimed at stiﬂing public access to workshops that are not shown on
public access television.
“Itʼs absolutely outrageous that county government would try to restrict citizen access to a county meeting,ʼʼ Skwira-Brown said. “Theyʼre saying if you
canʼt attend their entire six-hour meeting during a work day, then you canʼt have access to what they do. Thatʼs ridiculous.ʼʼ
Skwira-Brown said the entire discussion of the tribal lands issue has been posted on the groupʼs Web site and that no member of the group edited the
audio or sent it to tribal ofﬁcials.
“We did not edit that recording. The entire,
45-minute conversation (on tribal lands) is on our Web site,ʼʼ he said, adding anyone could have obtained the recording from the county or the Internet
and edited it.
Based on Nelsonʼs complaint, County Board Chairman Dennis Fink requested County Attorney Melanie Ford to investigate whether the board could ban
private citizens from recording meetings.
Ford said Thursday she had not yet rendered an opinion.
While board workshops are informal discussions, they are clearly open meetings because there is a quorum of the board present, according to
Minnesotaʼs Open Meeting Law.
We Are Watching members say they record meetings so county residents can hear and see what their commissioners do and say.
“They [the County Board] have the ability to stream all of their meetings live onto the Web, they just arenʼt doing it,ʼʼ Skwira-Brown said.
Commissioner Steve OʼNeil expressed concern that the board might try to exclude any public scrutiny.
“We should make our meetings as open and transparent as possible,ʼʼ he said. “No one should intentionally portray what we do out of context, and I donʼt
know if thatʼs what happened or not… But it doesnʼt matter. We shouldnʼt try to stop anyone from recording our meetings.ʼʼ

County Board Considers Hiring New Administrator

2009-02-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb 3, 2009 the County Board discussed candidates to replace current Interim Administrator Al Mitchell. Candidate Kevin Gray received four votes as the number #1 candidate, thus appearing to be the top choice of the majority of the commissioners. Commissioner Forsman indicated that the voting on this matter was clearly a "North/South issue" with the "southern" commissioners not supporting candidate Dicklich as their second choice.

After further voting, Ron Dicklich was the Board's 2nd choice.

We Are...Being Watched? Citizen watchdogs are asked to release their membership information to the County Board

2009-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Zenith City Weekly covers the recent request by some Bord members to provide a "membership list" of the WAW group. Read about it in their on-line edition from January 20, 2009

Nelson Suggests That No "Recording Devices" Be Allowed in Board Workshops

2009-02-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

At their county Board meeting on Feb 3rd Commissioner Keith Nelson indicated that he was disturbed that the WAW group had video-taped a recent County Board Workshop. He asked that the Board consider banning all "electronic recording devices" from Board Workshops. Other commissioners indicated concern that this would prohibit the press from recording meetings as well. Some commissioners then indicated that it would be OK for the press but not for a "private party" to record Board Workshops. They directed the county attorney to research this issue and they will consider making a policy later.

Code of Conduct Changes Proposed

2009-01-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

I noticed there's proposed changes to the code of conduct. http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/Departments/Administator/BD%20Wkshp01-20.pkt.pdf

The board seems to want to make it harder for employees and members of the public to report violations like harassment and conflict of interest and engaging in political activity on the county dime/time.

I think the County has a duty to investigate any suspected impropriety.

http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/C.O.W/Committee%20of%20the%20Whole%20for%201-27-09/01-27-09/09-026.pdf

WAW To Hold Press Conference on Tuesday, Nov 18th

2008-11-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Citizen Group Grades County Board Members.

Join us !!! Stand for Accountability, Stand for Transparency, Stand for Justice!

Press Conference: Report Card on Performance of County Board

Tuesday, November 18th

9am on the steps of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth

For more than 14 months the We are Watching Campaign has been following the actions of the St. Louis County Commissioners. We are watching will present a report card on each commissioner’s performance in key areas related to transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.

At the time of the group’s formation, over two years ago two St. Louis County employees had reported sexual harassment and the subsequent investigation by the county appointed independent agent substantiated the charges of harassment. One complainant has lost her job and the other fears the loss of her job - she is currently unable to work because of events surrounding the harassment.

While our goals encompass more than the sexually inappropriate behavior and racist comments which served as a catalyst for this campaign, it is with renewed outraged that we call on citizens of St. Louis County to speak up for justice for the two women who, after being subjected to sexually inappropriate behavior have had their lives unraveled and their livelihoods taken away. We ask you to stand with us and symbolically, with these employees on the steps of the County Courthouse.

Following the Press Conference, greater detail regarding each rating will be available on the 18th at our website www.northernmnnews.com

You may email questions to wearewatching@northernmnnews.com

If you are unable to attend the press conference visit our website to participate in action steps aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and ethical behavior in county government.

State to move forward with BWCAW land exchange Timberjay Article

2008-11-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 14, Issue 9

State to move forward with BWCAW land exchange
By Marshall Helmberger

For the first time, representatives of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say they plan to meet officially with the U.S. Forest Service over their plan to conduct what would likely be the largest land exchange in state history.

They also indicated their intent to seek support from the state’s congressional delegation for the exchange, which would swap about 93,000 acres of state school trust land in the Boundary Waters wilderness for an estimated 200,000 acres of the Superior National Forest outside the wilderness area. State officials hope congressional action will allow them to circumvent Forest Service opposition to the idea as well as the cumbersome federal regulations related to such exchanges.

for the rest of the article go to :
http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=26

SLC rejects request by US Steel TIMBERJAY Article

2008-11-04T09:37:00.001-08:00

http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=4826

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 19, Issue 44

County board declines to add Three Bays lots
By Marshall Helmberger

The St. Louis County Board has declined a request by US Steel to increase the number of lakeshore lots at the company’s proposed Three Bays development on Lake Vermilion. At the same time, the board did amend several other conditions that had been imposed on the development project by the county’s planning commission.

Officials from U.S. Steel appealed to the county board on Tuesday, seeking to overturn five of the conditions that the planning commission had set when it gave approval to the Three Bays project back in April.

The county board rejected US Steel’s request to expand the number of lakeshore lots from the 62 approved by the planning commission, to 65.

Legal counsel for the planning department had noted that US Steel’s legal arguments in support of more lots was in direct contradiction of longstanding county policy as well as state law.

US Steel did make some progress on other issues, particulary on the question of dockage. The planning commission had limited the number of docks per lot to one, but Tuesday’s discussions produced a potential compromise that allows for two straight docks or one dock with a T-shaped structure at its end.

Commissioner Mike Forsman said the new dock agreement will be much stricter than what is currently in effect in many areas of Lake Vermilion.

“The docks’ issue is spelled out. It’s going to look structured along the shore and there won’t be a proliferation of docks,” he said.

He added that the DNR will be very involved with dock regulations as it has been, especially in regard to sizes and lengths.

The county board also considered changes related to the covenants that would be incorporated along with the proposed development.

County Planning Director Barb Hayden emphasized that the discussions at Tuesday’s meeting are only recommendations. The planning department will work with the attorneys to finalize the wording of the conditions for board consideration at their next meeting on Nov 4.

Forsman said he feels good about the progress.

“I believe that on Nov. 4 we will have a final document signed, sealed and delivered, and this particular chapter of the board will be over,” he stated.

Even so, the future of the Three Bays project remains in question. The Minnesota Legislature has authorized purchase of the land in question from US Steel for creation of a state park. But talks over that land purchase made little progress this summer and were suspended by US Steel in September. State officials say they hope to restart negotiations, possibly next year.

BWCAW Land Swap

2008-11-04T09:11:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Volume 14, Issue 9

Separating facts from myth on BWCAW land swap
By Marshall Helmberger

Separating fact from political spin is never an easy job, and that is especially so when it comes to the proposal to exchange state of Minnesota land in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a major chunk of the Superior National Forest. Legislators and the DNR have made a number of claims about the value of a land exchange, versus the alternative of selling the state’s 93,000 acres of school trust lands in the BWCAW (see story, page 5).

Few, if any, of the claims of legislators actually hold up under inspection, and a number of factors argue strongly against the idea of a exchange.

Here are just three examples of the myths behind the legislators’ arguments and the actual facts of the issue.:

‰ Myth: A land exchange would yield the most revenue for the state’s school kids.

Reality: A land exchange would actually mean far less for the state’s school trust fund than an outright sale of the state’s holdings in the BWCAW. The state’s recently completed appraisal put the value of the state’s school trust lands in the wilderness at about $72 million. Selling the land outright would immediately increase the size of the school trust by about 15 percent and accumulate an extra $3.5 million a year, assuming just a five percent annual average return.

A land exchange, by contrast, would yield nothing to the school trust initially. And even if the state could obtain 200,000 acres from the Forest Service (which is probably little more than a pipe dream), that land would generate a relative pittance for the school trust— no more than $650,000 a year based even on DNR’s optimistic estimates. Based on the DNR’s actual track record on the management of school trust lands, we could expect the 200,000 acres to yield significantly less than $650,000— probably half of that figure.

Over 25 years, an exchange would likely generate about $12 million for the school trust. During that same period, an outright sale would generate about $160 million for the school trust. If it’s really a matter of generating revenue, this is a no-brainer and it is fiscally irresponsible of legislators and the DNR to pursue such a reckless course.

‰ Myth: This land exchange is needed to help consolidate land ownership patterns, which would make management more efficient.

Reality: It’s absolutely true that better consolidation of ownership would be a good thing for both the Forest Service and the DNR, not to mention the counties. Each entity has scattered lands that intermingle with mixed ownerships, making access more complicated. But there is nothing that prevents the DNR and the Forest Service from sitting down and working out smaller land exchanges right now to consolidate ownership, regardless of what happens to the lands in the BWCAW. The DNR hasn’t pursued that option.

‰ Myth: DNR control of lands now managed by the Forest Service would boost the amount of logging substantially, helping to revive the region’s struggling wood products industry.

Reality: It’s possible that DNR management of these lands would increase harvest levels incrementally, but the impact on the region’s timber market would be so insignificant, that it would be virtually undetectable. The Forest Service’s La Croix District, on the west end of the Superior National Forest, currently puts out about 32,000 cords per year on approximately 160,000 acres of productive land base, or about .2 of a cord per acre per year. The DNR puts out about 400,000 cords per year on its productive school trust land base of 2.38 million acres, or about .168 cords per acre per year. Even assuming that the land the state might receive from the Forest Service is significantly more productive than other school trust lands, it still is highly unlikely that DNR management of this land would yield anything other than a trivial amount of additional timber.

And this deal gets worse. Not only would the land exchange shortchange the school trust, it would cost the counties, especially St. Louis County, several thousand dollars a year in federal funding. Counties receive money from three sources: Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes, (or PILT); the 25 percent Fund; and Thye-Blatnik funds. Under the plan envisioned by area legislators and the DNR, most of the federal land that would go to the state would come from St. Louis County, which means the county would lose the majority of its PILT and 25 percent money. This would easily cost the county about $400,000 a year. Lake County would also stand to lose some of this money, though not as much as St. Louis County. This is one reason why the counties have been less than enthusiastic about the land swap proposal in the past.

While the transfer of state lands in the wilderness to federal ownership would mean an extra $250,000 in Thye-Blatnik dollars, that increase wouldn’t come close to making up for the lost PILT and 25 percent funds. Over ten years, the counties could easily see a net loss of $2.5 million.

And if the DNR and legislators have their way, we could lose substantially more federal funding. That’s because the DNR is planning to seek congressional action to circumvent the federal government’s regular and very cumbersome land exchange process. The state’s congressional delegation has been reluctant to go this route in the past, because they worry it would bring attention to the Thye-Blatnik funding. The BWCAW is the only wilderness in the country that receives such funds, and our congressional delegation would just as soon leave sleeping dogs lie. Given the budget-cutting mood in Washington, the Thye-Blatnik dollars could easily be cut off, a move that would cost the three Arrowhead counties about $2.1 million a year.

That’s probably one of the reasons Congressman Oberstar says he doesn’t favor congressional action on this issue, at least not now.

To put it all in perspective, the proposal by the DNR and legislators for a land exchange will cost the state as much as $150 million in lost revenue over 25 years, cost the counties millions in lost revenue, and will likely yield little or no additional timber. This proposal isn’t just bad, It’s utterly irresponsible. It appears area legislators and DNR officials are essentially putting their egos ahead of the public interest. Unless they can shelve the false rhetoric and come up with a legitimate explanation of why the state should surrender so much money at a time of fiscal crisis, this proposal should go absolutely nowhere.

Nov 4 St. Louis County Board Mtg

2008-11-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Today's board meeting is currently being broadcast on Cable Channel 7

AGENDA
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/Agendas/age11-4.pdf

9:30 A.M. USS Appeal of April 10, 2008, Planning Commission Decision – Three Bays on
Vermilion Development
9:35 A.M. Public hearing, pursuant to Resolution No. 538, adopted October 14, 2008, for
Submission of 2009 Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and ESG Funds. {431}
9:40 A.M. Public hearing, pursuant to Resolution No. 539, adopted October 14, 2008, to
consider the adoption of the fee schedule for various County services for the year
2009. {432}
AT THIS TIME CITIZENS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ADDRESS THE
BOARD ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA. [Speakers will be limited to 5
minutes each]
FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, CITIZENS WILL BE ALLOWED TO
ADDRESS THE BOARD AT THE TIME A MOTION IS ON THE FLOOR.
CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of business submitted on the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA
http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/Portals/0/Agendas/cag11-4.pdf
FOR THE MEETING
OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
November 4, 2008
County Board Room, Room No. 200, St. Louis County Courthouse, Duluth, Minnesota
RESOLUTIONS FOR APPROVAL:
1. Applications approved for abatement of taxes.
2. Appraisal report for sale of timber, as submitted by the Land Commissioner.
3. Workers’ Compensation Report dated October 24, 2008, as submitted by the County Attorney.
4. Applications for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor.
5. Application for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor. {Change of officers}
6. Applications for license to sell tobacco products at retail, as submitted by the County Auditor. {Licenseholders were issued tobacco violation citations}
7. Amendment to Ordinance No. 46 for rezoning the N 1/2 of SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 lying east of County-State Aid Highway No. 4, Section 14, Township 58 North, Range 16 West (Biwabik) from SMU-11 to MUNS-4.
8. Amendment to Ordinance No. 46 for rezoning GL 2, the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4, and the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 5; GL 2, GL 3, GL 4, GL 5, GL 6, GL 7, the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4, and the E 1/2 of the SW 1/4, Section 6; the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4, and GL 1, Section 7; the E 1/2 of the W 1/2, and the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4, Section 8; and the N 1/2 of the NW 1/4, Section 17, all in Township 61 North, Range 15 West (Kugler), from FAM-3 to MUNS-4.
9. Repurchase application approved for John Stepan to purchase the NE 1/4 of SE 1/4, Section 30, Township 61, Range 15 (Town of Kugler), for the total consideration of $2,828.39.
CONSENT AGENDA
St. Louis County Board
November 4, 2008
Page 2
10. Repurchase application approved for Judy Bechtold to purchase Lot 13, Block 4, Merritts First Addition to Mountain Iron, City of Mt. Iron, for the total consideration of $4,531.75.
11. Repurchase application approved for Terry and Mary Johnson to purchase Lot 19, Block 5, Virginia/Rainy Lake Cos Addition to Virginia, for the total consideration of $8,851.05.
12. County Auditor authorized to grant a utility easement to Lake Country Power over: All that part of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4, Section 16, Township 55 North, Range 16 West, for the total consideration of $146.00.
13. Approving the reclassification to non-conservation and sale of state tax forfeited parcels located in that part of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26, Township 63 North, Range 12 West, lying west of the west right-of-way boundary of County Highway 88; and that part of the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 lying north of County Road 115 in Section 15, Township 62 North, Range 17 West; for the total consideration of $160,662.51 for Parcel 1; and $14,003.90 for Parcel 2; funds for the two parcels totaling $174,666.41 to be deposited into Fund 240.
14. Designation of Broeker Road (C.R. 626) as a Minimum Maintenance Road beginning at the SE corner of Section 30, Township 59 North, Range 21 West, and running westerly on the section line one-half mile terminating at the South quarter corner of Section 30, Township 59 North, Range 21 West; and further, that the Public Works Department immediately erect signs on the roadway.
15. County officials authorized to execute an agreement with the University of Minnesota for payment for C.P. 3769, NOvA Project Easement to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources whereby the University of Minnesota will reimburse the amount of $37,385.68 to the County and authorizes the revenue to be deposited in Fund 200, Agency 203204, Revenue Object 583100, and payable from Fund 200, Agency 203204, Object 636500.
16. Lawful Gambling License Application approved for Voyageur Trail Society, Inc., to operate out of: Ash Ka Nam, Unorganized Township 68-19, Pull Tabs, renewal; The Dam, Leiding Township, Pull Tabs with dispensing device, renewal; Frontier Resort, Unorganized Township 69-19, Pull Tabs & Bar Bingo, renewal; Kec’s Cove Resort, Kabetogama Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Norway Point Resort, Leiding Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Rocky Ledge, Kabetogama Township, Pull Tabs and Tipboards, renewal; Sportsman’s Last Chance, Portage Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Trails End Resort, Portage Township, Pull Tabs, renewal; Voyagaire Lodge, Crane Lake Township, Pull Tabs, renewal.
CONSENT AGENDA
St. Louis County Board
November 4, 2008
Page 3
17. Chair of the Board and County Auditor authorized to execute the Lobbying Services Agreement with Arrowhead Counties Association which would use the services of St. Louis County’s lobbyist to further Arrowhead Counties lobbying activities at the State Legislature during the 2009 legislative session not to exceed $16,000 (excluding the County’s in-kind contribution of $2,000).
18. County officials authorized to enter into an agreement with the Town of Fayal whereby the township will pay the project costs for M.P. 6723-56473, C.P. 56473, and other costs detailed in the agreement or incurred by the County. Revenue budgeted for expense in Fund 200, Agency 203203, Revenue Object 551537, in the amount of $30,000 and project payable from Fund 200, Agency 203203, Object 652800.

Link and Article by WAW in DNT October 28, 2008

2008-10-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Opinion Page : http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/group/group/Opinion/

The specific article : http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/76813/

Text of the Article

Published October 28 2008
Local view: Don’t get rid of Kron and Sweeney — they play positive role for county
We are writing in response to the News Tribune’s editorial endorsements last week of the challengers running against St. Louis County Commissioners Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney.

We are writing in response to the News Tribune’s editorial endorsements last week of the challengers running against St. Louis County Commissioners Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney.

Since August 2007, our We Are Watching Campaign has consistently attended County Board meetings and workshops. We have closely monitored the actions of commissioners and have seen, firsthand, the work of Kron and Sweeney, including during some very difficult discussions. We have been impressed with their integrity, thoughtfulness and advocacy on behalf of the residents of their districts and St. Louis County. Hence, it was with a combination of shock and dismay that we read the News Tribune’s endorsements.

We acknowledge the News-Tribune’s prerogative to endorse any candidate, but on the basis of observing board meetings and the conduct of board members for the past 14 months, we found the newspaper’s choices perplexing. Just months ago, the editorial board wrote of Kron: “Last year ... longtime Commissioner Bill Kron stood as one pillar of decency and common sense. ... St. Louis County should be excited about re-electing him.”

The board chairman cannot control the behavior of other commissioners or control others’ actions outside of meetings. When individual commissioners make racist comments, wear sunglasses to meetings, commit acts of harassment or belittle substantiated charges of sexual harassment, they, not the board chairman, are responsible.

Commissioner Kron initiated the effort to create an enforceable code of conduct well before the sexual harassment cases were reported.

Commissioner Sweeney, the only female board member, brings much-needed diversity to the board and has significant knowledge of the law regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Commissioners Kron, Sweeney and O’Neil supported a more stringent code than was eventually adopted.

Kron, Sweeney and O’Neil voted for sanctions against those found to have sexually harassed. They used their votes to stand up for moral integrity.

Commissioners Sweeney, Kron and O’Neil supported utilizing existing county administrative staff to fill the interim administrator position rather than hiring recently defeated County Attorney Alan Mitchell at a substantially higher rate of pay.

The current budget is fiscally responsible and has been carefully developed in light of numerous state and federal mandates, meeting the needs of the citizens and taxpayers of St. Louis County. In the past year, the board has cut more than 55 positions, most without layoffs, protecting much-needed services expected by the residents. Given the complexity of the county budget, it strikes us as naļve that Kron’s challenger, Chris Dahlberg, who has apparently not attended any County Board meetings, would be able to achieve his promised cost savings.

Commissioners Kron and Sweeney bring balanced, innovative and respectful styles to governing. Both are willing to listen to constituents and colleagues. The News Tribune, with its endorsements, seems to favor a loud, abrasive approach. Anyone interested in seeing what that brings can watch video of Sweeney’s challenger, Sam Haddad, testifying to the board in January 2008. It’s posted at northernmnnews.com.

Dahlberg held public office for a brief time as a Duluth city councilor. He is remembered for using a city credit card at a Hooters restaurant and for delays in reimbursing the city for credit card charges. We believe further due diligence of Dahlberg’s candidacy is warranted, particularly in light of the nature of problems that have plagued the County Board to date.

One of our concerns from the very beginning of our scrutiny of the County Board was that busy constituents hear only sound bites may not be aware of the “rest of the story.” We urge voters to resist the temptation to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Those commissioners responsible for the embarrassing problems are not those up for re-election this year.

It is part of the mission of We Are Watching to provide an avenue for residents of St. Louis County to be more aware of the actions of their commissioners. We encourage readers to examine the records of Commissioners Kron and Sweeny — and of their challengers — more closely.

We believe these incumbents should remain on the board and in county government as responsive, reliable and ethical influences.

KATHY HELTZER and KEVIN SKWIRA-BROWN, both of Duluth, submitted this on behalf of the grassroots We Are Watching Campaign. The group formed 14 months ago and continues to monitor the St. Louis County Board to enhance public awareness and increase accountability and transparency in county government.

Tags: local view, opinion

great editorial in the paper today!

2008-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the great editorial in today's paper. When I read the papers endorsements I was wondering if they were actually informed... I wondered if they knew what went on in the County meetings. Your editorial will set them straight I hope.
Thanks again,
Sandra

Board Update for Sept 9 2008 Board Meeting

2008-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

At their Board meeting on September 9th the SLC Board discussed the proposed county budget and increase in tax levy. The administration proposed an overall property tax levy of 4.88%. This includes “special levies” that support items such as wages for sheriff personnel and Health and Human Services costs caused by reductions in Federal Health and Human Services grants.

Many factors have already impacted the 2009 budget, including increased costs for utilities, gas, diesel. It was noted that the majority of the services provided by SLC are mandated services.

Information about the budget can be found on the St. Louis County web site.

The largest part of the county budget goes to Personnel Services at 47%. The proposed budget is at $352 million.

Administrator Mitchell indicated that a recent survey of MN counties showed that 11 of the 15 counties that responded were proposing a levy greater than SLC, 3 were lower.

The Board has a workshop scheduled for Sept 16th at which time they will discuss specific program cuts.

Sept 2nd County Board Update

2008-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

At the September 2nd County Board meeting We are Watching SLC spokesperson, Kathy Heltzer, addressed the County Board regarding concerns about Commissioner Forsman’s disparaging comments towards “illegal aliens”. She indicated, in part, “We are a land of immigrants. St Louis County was built by immigrants from many countries. With the exception of Native Americans, most of our families and ancestors immigrated here from someplace else seeking a better life.”

She went on to ask that comments such as those made at the August 12th meeting become rare or non-existent.

Commissioner Forsman defended his statements, again indicating that he believes “illegal aliens” will come to St Louis County and that there is a difference between “legal and illegal” immigrants.

Disappointing Comments by Commissioner at Aug 12th Board Meeting

2008-08-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

I was disappointed (but unfortunately not shocked) by the comments made by Commissioner Mike Forsman at the August 12th County Board meeting in Mt. Iron. To see for yourself, look here at the video.

The Board was discussing a bid by a company for "budcapping" to protect trees from damage caused by deer on county land. Apparently only one company was interested in the $98,000 contract and this lead Commissioner Forsman to share "only is opinion" with respect to "illegal aliens" who he believes are employed by Superior Forest Products (an Arkansas company). While he admits that this information was provided to him "3rd hand" he does not hesitate to tell the public that these people "avail themselves of of social services" and are generally problematic.

Never mind that County Attorney Ford pointed out that the contract could easily include a provision (or maybe it already does) prohibiting the hiring of undocumented workers.

Here we are, almost a year after the "We are Watching" campaign was started in response to inappropriate conduct by two of the commissioners regarding sexual harassment and then the lack of action by four of the Board members to do anything about it and we still have some commissioners boldly making comments that degrade people of color, specifically immigrants.
Let us not forget Commissioner Nelson's "slavery speech" that proceeded the sexual harassment complaints......

Perhaps when these commissioners are up for re-election in 2010 the voters will give serious consideration as to if they are the best folks to continue representing them after all.

County Board Meeting Update-July 1, 2008

2008-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

County Board Meeting Update-July 1, 2008
• Chris Jensen pharmacy contract delayed
• EEOC Complaint Still of concern

At their Board meeting on July 1st the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners voted to table the decision regarding the pharmacy contract at the Chris Jensen Nursing Home (see Blog entries for April 3 and June 2, 2008). Reasons cited for the delay included the absence of Commissioner Nelson, due to illness, and questions other commissioners still had regarding the contract. The decision will be considered at the next meeting scheduled for July 8th in Duluth.

Kathy Heltzer, We are Watching Spokesperson. addressed the Board regarding the recent Committee of the Whole meeting during which time the Board discussed the refusal of the County Administrator to place the County Attorney, Melanie Ford, on the Board agenda. County Attorney Ford had asked to speak to the Board regarding the most recent complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (see Blog entry “Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges” dated June 5, 2008) Administrator Mitchell refused to place County Attorney Ford on the agenda and Commissioners Nelson and Fink supported his decision. As a part of the discussion, Administrator Mitchell indicated that there had been a meeting of the “Ethics Committee” as indicated by the “Code of Conduct” although there were no minutes of this meeting and no record of the content or outcome of the meeting. It was clear that this was the first that the county attorney had heard of such a meeting! This raises obvious concerns regarding the ongoing conduct of some commissioners, especially related to the EEOC complaints and the handling of these complaints prior to their being filed with the EEOC. These were the very issues that prompted the “We are Watching” campaign’s inception in August of 2007.

We are Watching

2008-07-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

As we continue to watch the County Commissioners both we and the commissioners benefit.

Openness helps strengthen government.

Re-naming Big Island

2008-06-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was sorry to hear that at the May 27 County Board meeting in Hibbing the SLC board voted to rename Big Island at Pelican Lake "Big Strand Island" after the person who sold it (I understand it was sold and not donated) to the state. This issue came up several months ago when Commissioners Nelson and Forsberg mentioned that Rep. Rukevina wanted this to happen as he had indicated to Mr. Strand this would happen and he expected commissioners to make sure it would happen. Commissioners asked Bois Forte elders for feedback and they responded by suggesting that if the island name was going to be changed, they would like to see it go back to the original Indian name, Gitchee Miniss. Several commissioners ignored the Bois Forte elders request as well as feedback of members of another family who had connections to the island who spoke against it being named Strand Island. SLC Board went ahead and changed the name to Big Strand Island. It seems to be another slap in the face to our Native American brothers and sisters whose ancestors inhabited this land long before any of us newcomers. The process appears questionable to me. I am pleased that Commissioners Sweeney and O'Neil voted against the change, but unfortunately their votes did not prevail.

Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges

2008-06-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.northernmnnews.com/page2.html

Some of these charges have now become Federal EEOC charges.

The details are important

Of particular relevance to worksite behavior http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf
Page 8, 15, 17 of the pdf give details the actions that brought about part of the complaint against Raukar.

Reported advances, attempts to glean information about personal interactions with other employees and his attempts to quiet the person who complained.

http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
The Fink Investigation
EEOC charges have been filed.

Chris Jensen Pharmacy Contract Re-Visited?

2008-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on June 10th the St Louis County Board will decide if the Falk's Pharmacy contract for providing service to the Chris Jensen Nursing Home will be considered by the Board at their subsequent meeting or not. While there seems to be overwhelming evidence that Falk's is no longer the best option for the county, some Board members continue to support them.
Consider the following:

It is estimated that the county would save $60,000-$100,000 a year by switching to another vendor
Every other nursing home in Duluth has switched from using Falk's
The SLC Jail discontinued it's contract with Falk's years ago
The last Chris Jensen Director and also senior staff have consistently indicated that their facility would be best served by getting a new provider of pharmacy services
For several years there have been concerns about the number of mistakes made; overall service has not been good

Falk's has not kept up with the technology that is presently the industry standard

So, why are some commissioners still wanting to stick with Falk's? This is a mystery! Contact YOUR commissioner to let them know of your concern. Come to the Board meeting, see democracy in action!

What's Up With the Pharmacy Contract at Chris Jensen?

2008-04-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 18th, Board members discussed whether to keep the current pharmacy contract with Falk's Pharmacy or go with PharMerica, a company that apparently submitted a bid that could save the county $100,000 a year for better service ! Their new County Administrator, Al Mitchell, strongly supported going with PharMerica, as did three of the seven Board members. This seems like kind of a no-brainer. See video footage of Chris Jensen Administrator, Norma Brendle telling the Board what she thinks.

Very interesting and somewhat of a mystery as to why folks who are usually VERY interesting in saving the county money (remember the famous food and beverage inspection issue-claiming to need to save money by sending this duty back to "state inspectors" who are not exactly "available" the same way that local folks were) now think we should "go local" at significant increased cost! Contact your Commissioner to see what the deal is! This will likely be re-visited in coming months.

County Board Considers "Contracting Out" Management of Chris Jenson Nursing Home

2008-04-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 1st the County Board discussed contracting out the management of the Chris Jenson Nursing Home to Ecumen Services, Inc.

This contract would be at the cost of $300,000 a year ($25,000/month)

Staff from Ecumen indicated that typically 80% of nursing home costs are salaries. They indicated they will take a close look at the present budget and compare what is happening at Chris Jensen with other nursing homes. They will evaluate all areas of Chris Jensen. They will prioritize identifying a leader and also having a good relationship with the county board. When asked about management of other county-run nursing homes they indicated they presently manage homes in Lake County and also in Grand Rapids. (among others) . They will focus on trying to "maximize reimbursements".

This contract will not have any "direct effect" on other current contracts at Chris Jenson (according to County Administrator Mitchell). In the future, however, other contracts might be re-considered to create cost savings. (Mitchell)

The expectation is that the Board will find out how to run Chris Jensen more efficiently. This should include a variety of areas. (Mitchell says we need someone to look at the "long term plan")

Committee of the Whole voted to send this to the Board without recommendation.

County Board Gets Update on “Minnesota’s Shrinking Government”

2008-03-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11th the Board heard from a consultant to the “Property Tax Study Group” which is made up of counties, cities and school districts in the Minneapolis/St Paul and Duluth area. The presentation clearly articulated how the State of MN has increasingly taken a greater share of taxes with counties and other local governments getting a lesser share. At the same time, they are mandated to increasingly provide more and more services to residents.

The Board struggled with how to get this information out to taxpayers/residents in a way that they could understand. They were frustrated that the press did not stick around for this meeting where the presentation occurred. (note to the Board: this presentation was on the agenda for 11am so if you had figured out how to actually have it at that time maybe the press would have reported on it!)

Commissioner Fink suggested that this presentation be timed to coincide with when people pay their property taxes in the hopes that folks will pay attention then. He indicated, “When the public is interested we ought to tell them what they need to know”.
Commissioner Kron suggested they send out a newsletter with the headline, “State raises your property taxes”.

The Auditor indicated that property tax statements are going out right now so if they wanted to draw attention to this issue now might be the time.

Commissioners asked appropriate questions and participated in a respectful discussion about this issue.

Request for Free Conveyance of Tax Forfeited Land by the Duluth Board of Education

2008-03-11T12:44:00.002-07:00

A representative from the Duluth Public Schools came asking that the county convey a piece of property (110 feet x 125 feet) by Lester Park School to the District. They want to put a parking lot there. Commissioner Fink spoke against this, indicating that he was concerned about the lost revenue to the county in that the District was not going to break ground until 2011. Debate ensued and the rest of the commissioners thought it made sense to go ahead now, versus making the District come back later. Fink than launched into a story about property in his district that belongs to the school district and how maybe the county might want to make a trade down the road. He was unhappy that folks had made light of the small amount of revenue that SLC was getting from the Lester Park area property and then everyone apologized for having said this. (Commissioner Forsman had done a little math and figured out how much it had cost them in employee time while they debated this issue)

Commissioner Nelson Recommended to Serve on the Advisory Committee to the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

2008-03-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

At their next Board meeting, Commissioners will vote to appoint Commissioner Nelson to this committee.

Respectful Workplace Training

2008-03-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Al Mitchell encouraged all commissioners to attend this training. So far O’Neill is the one commissioner who has attended. Encourage your commissioner to go!

Duluth Budgeteer Weighs in on the Alan Mitchell Appointment

2008-02-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

Our View: Where's the logic?

Budgeteer News
Published Friday, February 08, 2008

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What are five of the seven St. Louis County commissioners thinking?

We refer to the five — Dennis Fink, Bill Kron, Mike Forsman, Keith Nelson and Steve Raukar — who voted in favor of hiring former (defeated in last year’s election) County Attorney Alan Mitchell to serve as interim County Administrator at a salary of $2,605.50 per week. In addition to his generous salary, Mitchell will receive full health-care benefits, a county car and compensation for his daily trip from his home in Hibbing.

Granted, the position of County Administrator is important. The county employs approximately 2,000 people. It has a massive budget.

It also has two deputy county administrators: Lisa Potswald and Gary Eckenberg, both whom applied for the interim position along with Mitchell and at least one other person.

Let’s ponder this. Here are two people who have been assisting the current county administrator (Dana Frey, who’s leaving for a job in Bosnia) with all the tasks of running the county for years (Eckenberg for more than four years, Potswald for two and a half).

If the commissioners find the two deputy county administrators so incompetent, then their next step should be to fire both of them. Obviously, they can’t do their jobs, otherwise the board wouldn’t have needed to hire an attorney to do the administrator’s job.

Then there’s the money.

At the county’s current pay scale, we understand that it would take a new county administrator nine years to reach what they’re paying Alan Mitchell to fill in until someone suitable is found. St. Louis County has never even had a county administrator stay long enough to earn that kind of money.

Why would you not save yourselves some money, at least in the interim, and appoint one of the existing deputies — who likely is competent, otherwise he or she would have been fired before, we assume — to fill the position until you’re ready to hire someone permanently?

It boggles the mind.

Here’s the clincher: Mitchell also has agreed not to apply for the permanent county administrator post as part of the agreement.

Huh? Do they want us to applaud that?

If he’s that good — so good that Commissioner Forsman started recruiting him as soon as he heard Dana Frey was leaving — then he darn well ought to be allowed to apply for the job.

Thumbs down to the fabulous five who voted for this gross misuse of taxpayer funds.

And kudos to Commissioners Peg Sweeney and Steve O’Neil for sticking to their guns and voting against this blatant cronyism.*

* Cronyism is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as “favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.”

County Board Passes Code...Work Not Over

2007-12-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Kudos to all of the "watchers" who stuck with it and encouraged the SLC Board to adopt a Code of Conduct at their last meeting of 2007 in Ely on December 18th. After a 4-hour discussion and a number of amendments to actually give it some "teeth", the Code passed unamimously. It was clear that Commissioners Nelson and Fink did not support it, but they realized they no longer had the votes to defeat it.

Recognition should go to Comissioner Bill Kron who chaired the meeting with respect and grace, at one point preventing Commissioner Fink from cross-examining members of the public who came to speak in favor of the Code. Commissioners Sweeny and O'Neil had always supported the Code and, in the end, Commissioners Rauker and Forsman indicated their support as well.

This is an excellent first step in restoring some civility to this Board but it will clearly continue to be necessary to watch for some time into the future,

One issue scheduled to be on the Board meeting for their January 15th meeting is with respect to the re-naming of an island in Commissioner's Forsman's district. The Bois Fort Band of Ojibwe has indicated they would like for the island to be named "Gitchi Miniss", which translates to "Big Island". Apparently there has been some "agreement" made with a local family who "sold" the island to the State of Minnesota to have the island named for themselves. Stay tuned....

Meeting in Ely on the 18th

2007-12-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

It is unfortunate that the St. Louis County Board so often finds it necessary to undertake controversial votes at the meeting just before Christmas which is so often in Ely. I'm sure they have not noticed the difficulty folks have getting to that remote destination at this time of year.

It is also unfortunate they have not noticed that the code of conduct they are proposing to vote on lacks the important qualities that would serve to protect the county and it's employees from the repercussions of the behavioral antics of the commissioners.

The County is put in the spot of being a parent just realizing it is responsible for the acts of it's charming youngsters. Bullying and sexual harassment come home to roost in the pocket books of the voters. I suppose these fellows think that they can keep the raise to the county coffers under 5% and we'll all go back to sleep.

But I think some of the folks just look like they're sleeping. I think they care.

Mandatory sexual harrassment training

2007-12-12T09:22:00.001-08:00

I agree with Sandra about the concerns that this code gives no clear policy for violations. A clear policy is critical and I believe is required by law.
Another concern is that #6 Educational Programs only encourages attendance at trainings. I believe sexual harassment training should be required at least once every 2 years. Other trainings should be encouraged as well. Many professions have requirements for regular trainings.

new code

2007-12-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

This is my least favorite bit of the code proposed by Commissioner Nelson:

CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Stat. 375 gives the Board power to set up its own rules and regulations in response to a complaint on a case-by-case basis with the advice of its Affirmative Action Officer and Administrator as the Data Practices Officer.

What's yours?
Sandra

Board Budget Workshop on Dec 7th

2007-12-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

At the recent Board workshop on December 7th, the commissioners discussed the budget. There was a lengthy discussion regarding cutting the county attorney's budget related to victim services, specifically a half-time position for a county attorney to work with crime victims/witnesses. At the same time, they discussed providing funding for the "air show", which Commissioner Sweeny pointed out seemed a bit out of sync with the "priorities" of the county in terms of limited resources. County Administrator Dana Frey questioned whether it was even legal for the county to give money to the Air Show and said he would get a clarification on this, seeing as they were not really "purchasing" services.

There was also a healthy debate on providing funding for a homeless vets project and whether or not they should "earmark" funds in the budget for this, as well as for the Air Show, Historical Society, and Vets Memorial Hall. Commissioner O'Neill advocated for the Vets Housing project (MACV) but was questioned by Commissioner Nelson on this. Apparently Nelson was not ready to commit funds to this in the budget. He did indicate that Commissioner Fink (who was unable to attend) felt strongly that the Air Show should be funded and the attorney position for victim services should be cut!

It is certainly interesting that the County Attorney's office is targeted, following the investigations into those sexual harassment complaints against Rauker and Fink back in the summer of 2007. Apparently prior to that they had actually supported funding for this position!

Other "expenditure reduction options"" included $30,000 in out-of-home placement funds and $30,000 in "non-mandatory training". There was also brief discussion on raising the salaries for the Sheriff and County Attorney in that a comparison with other elected officials in that same job category indicated they were both underpaid at present.

Stay tuned, as the budget should be formally adopted at the upcoming Board meting on December 11th.

As for that "Code of Conduct".....that is apparently on the agenda for the "Committee of the Whole" meeting on the 1th as well!

We are Still "Watching" the County Board

2007-11-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

I attended the Board meeting today in Hibbing, as well as Day One of the county Board workshop last week in Eveleth on November 19th. I am pleased to report that the "watchers" seem to still be in regular attendance at these meetings. I am sad to report that the proposed "Code of Conduct" does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon....maybe the Commissioners will surprise us, perhaps as a "New Year's Resolution"....and actually enact a Code! OK, so I am not holding my breath on that one.

At today's meeting they spent about 40 minutes discussing the re-naming of an island in a a lake in Commissioner Forsman's district. It initially appeared to be a mystery as to why this was so pressing right now, why they had received a letter from the DNR and why the State Legislature had actually passed a bill regarding this issue. Commissioner Nelson, after probably half an hour of discussion, indicated that a family had requested the island be re-named after themselves and their legislator had worked to pass the bill. Apparently folks had not really clued in Forsman on this and there was not anyone there to address the issue from the public, thus the matter was continued until they meet in Ely on December 18th. If you have never been to one of these meetings you really should go!

Last week at the Board Workshop they again tabled the Code of Conduct discussion. Interestingly, Commissioner Fink has requested that under the section regarding "consequences" for violating the Code an option be added for the Board to "do nothing". Seems a bit ironic but so it goes! Take a look at the We are Watching web site for additional information, including copies of the latest versions of the proposed "Code" including separate documents for employees and elected officials.
http://www.northernmnnews.com/

follow up on the video

2007-11-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

This article was in the comments sections to the Nelson video. I thought people might not see it there, so I posted it.
I was shocked by Nelson's behavior. It shows we need that code and we need to keep watching.

From an Ely voter:

From the Ely Timberjay - the editor of that newspaper knows right from wrong!

Code of conduct-Voters have a role to play in stemming board immaturity

“Professional behavior demonstrates to the public and all public servants that it matters how we do business each day. It is a public commitment to doing our work in a professional, respectful and lawful way.”

Those are the two opening sentences of a proposed new code of conduct for St. Louis County. Unfortunately, it appears those words may be setting the bar too high for some on the county board.

It was just a few weeks ago that it seemed the St. Louis County Board was poised to adopt such a code of ethics in the wake of sexual harassment complaints against two sitting commissioners.

But if the comments of some board members at their Oct. 16 meeting to discuss a draft of the conduct code are any indication, don’t hold your breath. Professional and respectful behavior isn’t likely to return to St. Louis County Board meetings any time soon.

Far from serious discussion, some board members made it clear they’re in no hurry to reform themselves. One commissioner suggested they should refer the matter to another meeting— preferably sometime next year. Commissioner Dennis Fink, who recently caused a stir by throwing a book at Commissioner Peg Sweeney during a board meeting, nitpicked over individual words, headings and definitions.

Perhaps definitions wouldn’t be such a bad thing for some on the board. The code after all, uses words like respect, trustworthiness and fairness—and some on the county board act as if they were out sick back in first grade when such concepts were taught to the rest of us.

The code might also encourage maturity, since there’s a disappointing lack of it as well among some on the board. Some commissioners are still in a snit over having to take legal advice from a woman, of all things. It’s time to get over it.

Sadly, it’s not clear how much difference a code of conduct will actually make. While the many conscientious county employees and officials will easily comply with the document, such individuals don’t need a piece of paper to tell them how to show respect for others. But from the bullying and immaturity exhibited regularly by some commissioners at board meetings, it’s going to take more than mere words to get them to change their ways.

It’s going to take voters to finally ask themselves if this is the kind of representation they really want on the county board.

The article can be found at the following website http://timberjay.com/current.php?article=3818

November 12, 2007 7:18 PM

Nelson

2007-11-12T15:44:00.001-08:00

The video quality is poor but you can hear every word. Keith Nelson begins with a whining plea that "these are gooood people" he's referring to himself and Dennis Fink. He then comments, as a member of the public leaves the room, that the person, who is a union leader, doesn't have to 'tell you how to vote on this one so he can leave the room' implying that another commissioner is in the pocket of that union leader. It is a calculated political assault. Another commissioner raises a protest as does the chair of the board but Nelson talks right over them. He ignores their point of order. He uses bad grammar. It's that comment shouldn't have come out, not came out. But he was right.... it shouldn't have.

He goes on to dispute the right and propriety of other members of the board to debate over his proposed resolution.

Chairman Kron is forced to explain the basic function of debate in democracy.

Representative Rukavena must be very embarrassed to have such a strange champion.

He says NOT THE EIGHTH COMMISSIONER.... what on earth does that mean?

Nelson Disrespectful

2007-11-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me that a few of our our elected county commissioners can be so rude and disrespectful to others even when we are watching. Maybe they don't even know that they are being rude. Nelson was disrespectful (to say the least) Sweeney for a good part of the afternoon at the November 6th committee of the whole meeting. He even accused her of looking at a watcher to have him tell her how to vote! and through most of his tirade he turned his back to her. If people aren't able to attend the meetings, it would be good if you could watch some of theses antics on PACT and see for yourself how St. Louis County citizens are represented. It is downright embarrassing.
CJMcD

Any news on the Nov 6th Board Meeting?

2007-11-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Does anyone who went to the meeting on Tuesday have any first-hand information? I understand that Commissioner Nelson demonstrated very disrespectful behavior, especially towards one commissioner.

Forsman again on real sexual harassment

2007-11-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

At yesterday's County board meeting (November 6) after a statement by Kevin Skwira-Brown on the Code of Conduct, Commission Forsman commented again on why he believes the sexual harassment commissioners Fink and Rauker were accused off did not count as "real" sexual harassment. In his opinion it did not meet federal guidelines. I was not sure what he meant by that, but I wanted to share with you all that It was dishartening to hear him talk about what happened in this manner. A code of conduct remains to be much needed.

Commissioner Forsman Comments on “Real” Sexual Harassment Complaint

2007-10-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

At the recent County Board workshop on October 16th Commissioner Forsman again commented on sexual harassment complaints filed against County Commissioners Rauker and Fink, even after County Attorney Melanie Ford advised him not to do so.

The Board met in closed session to discuss litigation pending against the county pertaining to a pending sexual harassment complaint between county employees. Prior to this session, during the County Board workshop, Commissioner Forsman referred to that matter as a “real” sexual harassment case, not to be confused with the cases that were brought against commissioners, which he apparently does not think were “real”.

This only reinforces the need for some training for these commissioners, as well as a “Code of Conduct”.

Thoughts from the recent County Board Workshop on October 16th……regarding that “Code of Conduct”

2007-10-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

I attended the recent County Board workshop where the first item on the agenda was the proposed “Code of Conduct”. It quickly became clear that the majority of the Board members (AKA Fink,Forsberg,Raukar,Nelson) have no intention of adopting any such Code anytime soon.

Commissioner Fink immediately indicated that he objected to the statement “Each public servant is expected to model respect, trustworthiness and fairness in all county related activities and relationships” under the broad heading of “Respect”. He did not believe that “respect, trustworthiness and fairness” were related to one another! Additionally, he requested that the document have a “definitions” page so everyone would know what these terms mean.

Some commissioners were concerned that language about “prohibiting” specific types of behavior should not be in the Code. Another area of controversy was with respect to the proposed Ethics Committee and review panel. Some commissioners were very concerned that these bodies might actually have the ability to investigate complaints and make recommendations regarding action. They clearly were threatened by this concept.

It should be noted that Commissioner Fink was especially challenging at this meeting, questioning most aspects of the draft Code but when asked how he would improve it, responded, “I have no recommendation” and “That was not my responsibility” (to come up with alternative language).

Specific language regarding harassment included the statement, “The County is committed to ensuring that no employee feels endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”. Some commissioners objected to the term “feels” and thought an employee needed to actually “be” endangered or unreasonably uncomfortable in their workplace”.

All in all it was a disappointing session but one that just reinforces the need to keep “watching” the County Board.

If it smells like a rose....

2007-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

If County Commissioners are not employees why does the county deduct Social Security, FICA and why are they covered by employee health care.

Draft Code of Conduct To Be Considered

2007-10-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

The proposed "Code of Conduct" has now been made available and will be considered at the upcoming County Board Workshop this Tuesday, Oct 16th at the Public Works Dept. conference room located at 4787 Midway Road, Duluth, MN. The starting time has been changed to 9:00 a.m.

It is important that folks concerned about this issue attend this meeting to let commissioners know that we are still paying attention.

A copy of the proposed Code should be available on the We are Watching web site soon
http://www.northernmnnews.com/

Men As Peacemakers Letter to County Board

2007-10-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Peacemakers call County Board members to account

Men as Peacemakers was founded in 1996 to respond to the noticeable absence of men in peacemaking and violence prevention efforts in the Duluth community. As our group has grown, the areas of our work have grown as well.

In 2005, the Minnesota Department of Health hired Men as Peacemakers to assist in developing a statewide effort to involve men in the prevention of sexual violence. Like any prevention effort, to be effective, we must change the norms that support negative behaviors.

The recent actions of certain St. Louis County commissioners, exempting themselves from responsibility for sexual harassment, were examples of a norm that must change. As board members of Men as Peacemakers, we felt compelled to speak out and let the community know our position on this issue. As leaders, we believe that sexual harassment is wrong and unacceptable under any circumstance, especially by a community leader. Sexual harassment is about the misuse of power and is defined by the victim, not by the offender. In this case, it is about the incredible power elected officials have over those who work for them.

The County Board’s recent decision to develop a policy that will hold members accountable for acts of sexual harassment was an example of how community initiative and County Board response can promote positive change. Changing policy is only one example. Further examples include acknowledgement of the harm that was inflicted and displays of attitudes and behavior that will prevent further harm.

Each time an organization sets and enforces a policy, it changes the way those actions are seen in the community and affects the behavior of others. Elected officials must lead by example. By apologizing and holding themselves accountable for their actions, they can do just that.

Ken Schoen, Patricia Behning, Marcus Brunning, Jim Cherveny, Blair Gagne, Fletcher Hinds, Matt Johnson, Ken Muckala, Deb Sauter, Don Streufert, Robert Wahman and Chuck Walt

Duluth

The writers are board members of the Duluth-based grass-roots nonprofit Men As Peacemakers.

How did today's meeting in Duluth go?

2007-10-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hi there,
I didn't go to the meeting today. Can anybody tell me how it went? Just comment on this post.
Big thanks, Sandra

another sensible editorial

2007-10-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

County Board has the right to remain silent. And should.

Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Probably the most important advice a lawyer can give a client is to remain silent. In criminal cases, any defense lawyer worth anything knows that police and prosecutors mean it when they warn that anything you say can and will be used against you.

The advice is equally invaluable in the civil arena, when a few words uttered by even the most innocent party can end up, rightly or wrongly, being the basis for a large-figure lawsuit. So St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford’s caution to County Board members to cease speaking publicly about harassment cases — out of concern that more may be filed — should be accepted as the good counsel it is.

Should County Board members be able to exercise their right of unfettered free speech? Absolutely. But discretion dictates that the gasoline set off by getting a last word in or lobbing even a justified defensive remark shouldn’t be poured on high-flaming emotions, which are running rampant in county government.

The admonition, by the way, shouldn’t be interpreted as directed to one side of the board or any particular member or members. The entire body would be wise to heed the county lawyer’s advice.

St. Louis County attorney to county board: Stop talking about harassment complaints

2007-10-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you have read the article below, or watched it on our Northern Minnesota news. In case you missed it you can watch it on http://www.northernmnnews.com/. it's the third video clip right after 2 great statements by Kathy and Kevin. Thank you for those by the way.

It was good to see how positive for example Commissioners Kron and Sweeney were. They thanked Melanie Ford for doing her job. Unfortunately Commissioner Nelson's behavior was less than impressive. We will see how it will do this Tuesday, please join us!

Sandra

St. Louis County attorney to county board: Stop talking about harassment complaints

Duluth News Tribune
Published Tuesday, October 02, 2007

To protect the county from more potential sexual harassment complaints, St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford today advised the County Board not to talk about complaints filed earlier this year against two commissioners or about the female employees who filed the complaints.“There’s a lot of talk out there that there could be other complaints,” Ford told commissioners at the end of regular board meeting in Duluth. “There’s a lot of people in the county talking about what’s going on, and there’s even talk about them getting together and filing a complaint.”

Earlier this year, sexual harassment complaints were filed against Commissioners Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar.

Following investigations by Duluth attorney Elizabeth Storaasli, both commissioners were found by the county’s personnel officer to have violated a county harassment policy. However, as elected officials, commissioners are not subject to the same policy that covers county employees.

The board, in two separate split votes, didn’t take disciplinary action against either commissioner.

Further public discussion about the issue — either to media or among commissioners — could lead to additional complaints from the complainants or from others, said Ford.

“I am here telling you that it is a possibility, and I am here to suggest there is a way to reduce the risk of a complaint or lawsuit being filed,” said Ford. “I would suggest you not make your feelings public about the harassment complaints.”

Commissioners Peg Sweeney and Bill Kron thanked Ford for her legal advice.

Kron said former county attorney Alan Mitchell offered similar warnings to the board during Mitchell’s tenure.

“You have told us some areas to be careful of and that is your job,” said Kron.

Sweeney said Ford’s job is to “put up red flags,” to the board and “prevent further victimization of the victims.”

However, Commissioner Keith Nelson said Ford was keeping the issue alive by bringing it up at a board meeting.

For more of this story, read tomorrow's Duluth News Tribune and check back to duluthnewstribune.com.

Clean Water Resoration Act

2007-10-04T19:53:00.001-07:00

I was surprised to hear a County Commissioner speak in opposition to the bill Representative Oberstar has put forth. Our own County Professional Staff has testified in front of a Congressional Committee in support of the bill. It's a very important piece of legislation intended to restore protections for water in our nation. I cannot imagine anything worse than leaving the decisions about what the regulations for clean water should be to a county in Ohio or Mississippi or Minnesota (our standards are already higher than the federal ones) for that matter. We're all connected and the water from our backyard flows into the creeks, streams, rivers and lakes we all drink from.

http://northernmnnews.com/CleanWater.htm

http://www.cleanwateraction.org/national/

another great letter in the News Tribune

2007-09-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

and another great letter was published in the Duluth News Tribune today, keep 'm coming!

Civility was lacking atcounty board workshop

Watching the county commissioners discuss issues at a Sept. 18 workshop turned out to be rather interesting. They expressed some informed opinions, listened to each other, and aside from some personal rants (that are a politician’s prerogative) and some nonverbal posturing when colleagues spoke, it wasn’t too bad a morning. The people around the table were quite aware of those of us there to observe how they conducted business.

Then Commissioner Dennis Fink, after orating at length with a degree of irrationality about the notion of prioritizing correct environmental purchases for county departments, seemed to lose control when Commissioner Peg Sweeney challenged (with just a look) his statement that the county holds $4.2 million of inventory at this time. He shouted that it was all in the budget publication, launched that bound book across the table in Sweeney’s direction, with Commissioner Steve O’Neil helping to bring it to a stop. When Sweeney spoke next, she chided Fink telling him that was childish behavior. He shot back, “Well, just throw it back at me.” (“Sweeney claims Fink threw book at her,” Sept. 26, and Our View, “Mommmmmmmmmmyyyyy!” Sept. 27.)

I also was mystified by the repeated references to people needing social services coming to St. Louis County from Chicago always directed toward O’Neil, who patiently maintained a pleasant demeanor in spite of what began to look like badgering. Ann Busche, director of Public Health and Human Services, explained that St. Louis County is bound by exactly the same Minnesota state rules as the other 86 counties and that the county does not hand out services lavishly. That did nothing to stop the lamentations of helping folks from Chicago while looking at O’Neil.

I expected to see respectful interaction (both verbal and nonverbal) between commissioners. And I expect commissioners to listen to their employees.

Phyllis Mead

Duluth

introductions are in order

2007-09-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I just invited myself to become a blogger on this great new blog, so I figured introductions are in order. I am a 36 year old mother who lives in Duluth. I am sharing the mother bit with you all because it’s is part of the reason I became involved in the “We are watching” campaign. You see, I have a son, and I do not want my son to grow up and behave like some of our County Commissioners, no Fink for a role model please. Also I want my son to be able to stand up for injustices as he sees them. I want County Commissioners to be accountable; they make important decisions that effect all of us. I think that Commissioner O’Neill has been trying to convince the board to hold their meetings in the evening so more citizens could come and listen in, accountability according to this commissioner is a good thing, and maybe this idea should be revisited. Until then I will take time out of my busy day as much as I can and watch our commissioners at work. Do join.

Sandra

Readers' views in Duluth News Tribune on Sept 28

2007-09-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

I was happy to see this letter in today's (Sept 28th) Duluth News Tribune. I could not agree more with what Trevor had to say. Except perhaps with his statement that "His (Forsman's) statement would be expected from a hormone-crazed, 14-year-old boy". If I was a 14 year old boy, I'd object, but then again, I've never been one...
Thank you Trevor!

County Board members attempt to play the victim

St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman’s response to the campaign of the We are Watching group would be comical if it wasn’t so indicative of a serious incapacity to recognize the importance of ethical behavior from elected officials (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5). Residents of St. Louis County should be concerned that an individual with such a deficit wields the power that Forsman does.

If Forsman is serious that he is incapable of discerning the difference between looking at a woman and ogling her, he lacks a level of self-awareness and self-control that would be expected in a responsible adult. His statement would be expected from a hormone-crazed, 14-year-old boy, not an elected official. Perhaps Forsman’s constituents should consider whether this level of maturity is adequate to earn their votes when he’s up for re-election.

Forsman’s accusation of white-male hatred is completely without merit. Certainly he noticed that other white male commissioners were not the subjects of the protest group’s action, but only those who made inappropriate advances on female employees of St. Louis County. This issue is not about white men, it is about men in elected office who have sexually harassed women working for the county.

Finally, Forsman’s suggestion that the We are Watching group and its supporters are analogous to the racist mob who lynched three innocent black men in Duluth in 1920 is completely off base and demonstrates a broad-ranging ignorance of the issues at hand. Holding elected officials accountable for their behavior is not the same as murdering three men because they are African American. Forsman clearly feels like a victim, but he isn’t one, and neither are Commissioners Dennis Fink (“Fink faces accusations of improper comments and stares,” Aug. 16) or Steve Raukar (“County inquiry focuses on hotel phone calls,” Aug. 4). Only the privilege white men hold in this society would allow the consequences of unethical behavior to be mistaken for victimization.

Trevor Swoverland

Two Harobrs

County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues

2007-09-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

FROM THE ELY TIMBERJAY

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 38

County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues
By Nancy Jo Tubbs

Note to County Commissioner Mike Forsman: Lose the sunglasses. A white, middle class, middle-aged ex-Marine with a well paid job and powerful political position doesn’t get to claim victimhood.

By now you may know that Forsman showed up at the St Louis County Commissioners’ meeting in Duluth on September 4 wearing sunglasses after independent investigators recommended that two commissioners, Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar, be censured for violating the county’s sexual harassment policy. With Forsman voting for Raukar and Fink, the commission decided 3-3 in each case, not to censure the commissioners.

The reason for Forsman’s sunglasses: “Because I’m not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” he told the Duluth News Tribune.

Okay, the difference between looking and ogling may be in the eye of the beholder, but in the case of Commissioner Raukar, the charges included unwelcome late night and 1 a.m. phone calls of a graphic sexual nature asking to come to the hotel room of a female county employee. (Raukar said they were just invitations to come down to his room for a drink, for which he has apologized to his family, the commission and the employee.) Forsman would have to stop using the phone to more accurately protest the charges against his fellow commissioner.

Mike and I graduated from high school together and both attend Democratic caucus meetings. I think he’s a good Iron Range representative, and we’re often on the same side of the political barricades, but at times we disagree. After a congenial two-hour conversation this past week in Mike’s kitchen and after reading the investigative reports listing charges against commissioners Raukar and Fink (which you can see at northernmnnews.com), this is one of those disagreements.

Mike, take off the sunglasses, buddy. From here they just look like blinders. The reasons Mike gives for voting against the censure are statements of old fashioned sexism seasoned by paranoia: The women sometimes wore short skirts and revealing tops. They were out to sucker in a couple of nice guys, nail them with harassment charges and come out of the deal with better jobs. Mike strongly believes harassment shouldn’t be tolerated—the kind where the guy is groping his secretary or chasing her around the desk—but he considers Raukar’s and Fink’s transgressions “benign.” Ellen Quinn, then county public information officer, who charged Raukar, isn’t a timid “poster child for sexual harassment,” Mike says, since he noted Ellen didn’t mind telling or hearing a dirty joke in mixed company, was known to aggressively chew out a secretary, and seemed like Raukar’s friend.

I thought we’d finished back in the ‘70s with the goofy reasoning that a woman’s short skirt is a green light for men’s bad behavior. (At the risk of irritating the sisterhood, I do think that women can be kind to their co-workers of both genders by dressing modestly so as not to distract the menfolk.) But, it’s a far stretch to believe that a sane person would go through the misery of bringing sexual harassment charges in the hopes of landing a better job.

“Anyone who has gone forward and actually said the words out loud—sexual harassment— should get the Purple Heart,” JoAnn Burns wrote in Minnesota Women’s Press about her experience as a whistleblower. “It’s lonely. Be prepared for heartache. Be prepared for everything you have done in your life to be dredged up. The company will want to make it look like you have no credibility—the bill you forgot to pay in 1980 will become an issue.”

About 50 members of a new group, We are Watching, showed up September 4 to protest the commissioners’ non-censure vote. Quinn spoke to them and others in the chamber.

“Ask yourself why anyone would bring forth false or trumped-up charges,” she said. “To endure a year-long ordeal, being called a liar and worse in the media, having one’s name exposed in the press? Through no fault of my own, my life will never be the same.”

The listeners applauded.

Forsman said the crowd was made up of folks who are not his constituents—but rather members of the Blue-Green Alliance and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—who looked angry and intimidating.

“This reminds me of the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth,” he said, playing the ultimate victim card. Enough, already, with the dramatizing!

When it came right down to a vote, a key factor for some was that the commissioners are elected officials to whom county employee policies don’t apply. The commission subsequently voted unanimously to develop a code of conduct and ethics that would cover commissioners and other elected officials, the county attorney, sheriff and auditor. Okay. Good vote, Mike.

In our discussion Mike outlined some guidelines he thinks should be in the policy. The behavior would actually need to be “unwelcome.” The victim needs to say “stop it.” And the charges need to be made within a certain time frame. That sounds fair.

Just remember the power differential. In a work relationship, the more powerful person is often unaware of his or her effect on workers down the chain-of-command. If you can have subordinates disciplined or fired, they’re liable to jump to comply even if your behavior or request is inappropriate, untimely or ridiculous. For the person down the ladder, it may seem very risky to question your behavior or say no to your request. Speaking truth to power isn’t easy.

County Administrator Dana Frey was asked by the commission to develop by October 10 a new policy that covers elected officials. The policy should fill in details about the many forms of sexual harassment and require harassment sensitivity workshops to ratchet up everybody’s understanding of appropriate boundaries.

Anyone who is a victim of sexual harassment needs to know that their employer will take their complaint seriously and won’t tolerate retaliation. Those who have done anything that could be considered sexual harassment need to understand that they could be disciplined— even lose their jobs.

It’s time to take off the blinders, toughen up and insist on policy that protects ourselves, the people we love and other members of our community.

Comments from readers

2007-09-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Anonymous said...

What I cannot believe is that this is not getting more coverage in our local media (did you see anything in the paper?) Until more residents tune themselves in to what is happening with the Board, I suppose this behavior will continue. Dennis Fink has obviously not learned a thing from the recent investigation into his other conduct and clearly thinks that any "rules" of acceptable behavior in a civil society do not apply to him.

Kudos to this blog for "watching"!

September 22, 2007 4:23 PM
Delete
Anonymous said...

Fink's behavior is beyond childish--it's getting a little dangerous. I hope this issue gets in to the letters to the editor section of the paper at the very least. There should be NO tolerance of this kind of temper tantrum. In what business place would such antics be acceptable?

September 23, 2007 1:58 PM
Delete

Peg Sweeney Stands for Dignity

2007-09-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

Channel 10 News Reports tonight that Peg Sweeney has requested that Dennis Fink be reprimanded by the St. Louis County board for his inappropriate and rude behavior at Tuesday's County Board Workshop. As reported below, Dennis Fink threw a book at County Commissioner Sweeney. His only reported comment on the matter was directed to Peg Sweeney the next day and he is quoted as saying "If I'd meant to hit you I would have."

There is great support for Peg in the community, and we applaud your dignified response. You are in a good position to demand respectful treatment for all members at all times. No individual should be permitted to intimidate or devalue anyone else who is a representative of any other district, any employee of the county, nor any citizen.

Where is the line these people must cross before the others rise up and say enough?

Another Letter to the Editor Regarding Sexual Harrassment

2007-09-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Readers’ views for Sept. 19
Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007
County Board has duty to lead against harassment

This letter is to express my dismay at the recent situation regarding sexual harassment complaints against two county commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).I have worked for ending violence against women since 1978 and have seen the progress our community has made in the past 30 years.

While there still is work to do, domestic violence and sexual assault are no longer acceptable. State and community agencies have adopted policies against sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and have provided training for their staff on these issues. Duluth and the Iron Range have become known as international models on community response to violence against women. People travel from around the world to learn about this work.

Imagine my surprise when I read articles in the newspaper that indicate some of our county commissioners don’t seem to know what sexual harassment is. It is time for our elected officials to adopt and enforce the same sexual harassment policies that most public and private agencies are required to have.

I assume that St. Louis County commissioners are good people with good hearts or they wouldn’t have been elected. I ask that they do the right thing now, accept responsibility, apologize and attend sexual harassment training. There are many experts in our area who can provide the much-needed training on this issue. The County Board should serve as a model of respect and cooperation that others strive to emulate.

I appreciate that some commissioners understand the gravity of this situation and I thank Commissioners Peg Sweeney, Steve O’Neil and Bill Kron for taking a stand against sexual harassment.

Coral McDonnell

Duluth

Incident at Commissioners Workshop Sept. 17

2007-09-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

To express their opinions and views Mike Forsman waxes poetic about diesels and Dennis Fink uses electrical analogies. I find myself also harking back to my profession while observing the September 18th board of commissioners' Workshop at the Public Works building. As an educator, I gather a lot of information from observations. I would have happily handed out stickers for effort in what appeared to be a civil and even at times informed discussion about environmental practices of the various branches of county government. Apparently some of those boys did their homework.

I was less than pleased with some of the nonverbal demeaning expressions and occasional whispering between a couple of individuals. Perhaps a little talk out in the hallway could have dealt with that irksome behavior. But I really would assign an essay to Dennis Fink (100 words or less) titled, "A Better Way Than Throwing a Booklet at a Peer to Express an Idea" as a result of his harsh words and good aim in responding to a Peg Sweeney comment.

Oh, and the strategy of all strategies in a classroom: I would definitely work out a different seating arrangement.

Phyllis Mead

Ely Timberjay Letters to the Editor

2007-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 17, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 37

Forsman making a mockery of sexual harassment
By Letter to the editor from Carol Orban- Ely, Minn.

I'm surprised that no one else has written a letter pointing out Mike Forsman's dubious contribution to the ongoing conflicts among the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners.

Mr. Forsman voted against censuring either Commissioner Fink or Commissioner Raukar. Not only does Mr. Forsman not understand the seriousness of sexual harassment, he has made a mockery of it.

I met for an hour with Mike Forsman and have read both the redacted April and July reports on the Commissioner Raukar sexual harassment incident and the minutes of the meeting at which the censure of Raukar was voted down before the final report was even submitted.

First of all, he does not believe that the board should have any oversight role by which to police its members. In effect, he does not seem to think commissioners need to answer to anyone except their constituents next election time. He doesn't think a censure should happen, period, no matter what the circumstances. This gives commissioners� aides and assistants basically no recourse, as they would have if a county employee were the alleged perpetrator.

Second, did I say Mike doesn't get it? He does not understand that sexual harassment is a bona fide problem in the workplace. The gall to wear sunglasses to a public meeting as some kind of statement that he doesn't want to be accused of ogling. Even worse is for him to compare the group of concerned citizens who came to the Sept. 4 meeting to a lynch mob. Oh, c'mon. It's downright embarrassing. It's also troubling. That's a slap in the face of democratic principles.

It's true that sexual harassment is often difficult to prove because it is usually done in secret and doesn't leave the kind of evidence that remains after a crime. However, all workplaces are required to have policies and procedures by which allegations can be investigated and perpetrators can be dealt with. Both Raukar and Fink received due process. For a few county commissioners to kill any further action through a procedural technicality is unacceptable, and Mike Forsman was more than happy to go along with it.

I am glad that the commissioners have agreed to draft a code of ethics for elected county officials. I hope we all pay attention as this process moves forward.

Letters to the Editor in DNT

2007-09-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

There have been a number of recent letters to the Editor in the Duluth News Tribune related to the conduct of members of the County Board. Here are some:

County Board members must be held accountable

As a woman, a former employee of St. Louis County and a resident of St. Louis County, I am almost at a loss for words regarding two recent actions — or, more accurately, inactions — of the County Board pertaining to sexual harassment complaints by two female county employees (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).

First, there was the investigation of Commissioner Steve Raukar for allegedly having made sexually explicit phone calls to a county employee. The investigative report recommended he be censured, but Commissioners Keith Nelson, Dennis Fink and Mike Forsman voted down the idea (“Reprimand of Raukar fails on tie board vote,” Aug. 8).
RELATED CONTENT
Duluth News Tribune Web Icon Sept. 13: More readers’ views
Then there was a report by the county that found “some factual support” for allegations by another county employee against Commissioner Dennis Fink, accusing him of engaging in “harassing behavior” (“Fink faces accusations of improper comments and stares,” Aug. 16). Raukar joined Forsman and Nelson in voting against the resolution to censure Fink.

What kind of message does this send to the voters and citizens of St. Louis County, never mind employees who are subjected to this kind of conduct?

I’m fortunate to be represented by Commissioner Steve O’Neil, but this does not give me much comfort, given the present makeup of the County Board and its obvious disregard for women (and men) of conscience in this county.

At the County Board’s meeting on Sept. 4, county residents who have been watching these events and saying to themselves, “I should do something,” did. We launched a watchdog campaign in the hopes of prompting more accountability and civility from the seven-member County Board (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” County residents cannot be silent on this issue.

Kathy Heltzer

Duluth

The writer is an organizer of the We Are Watching group.

AND ANOTHER (FROM NORTHERN SLC)

Time to rein in county’s ‘good ol’ boys’ club’

I want to commend the News Tribune on its excellent coverage of the sexual harassment complaints against two St. Louis County commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5). At the same time, the situation is very sad and troublesome.

Commissioners Steve O’Neil, Bill Kron and Peg Sweeney voted correctly that action of some sort be taken. The remaining commissioners were very wrong in their votes to do nothing. As residents, it’s important we support the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault in its appearance before the St. Louis County Board on Sept. 4 to rectify the lack of a harassment policy that includes elected officials.

Residents should call their county commissioner and demand dignity and justice. The “good ol’ boys’ club” must end.

Dennis Frazier

Zim

AND ANOTHER:

Forsman’s sophomoric outlook was insulting

After St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Forsman appeared at a County Board meeting wearing sunglasses and declaring he is “not smart enough to know when a glance turns into a look and a look turns into an ogle,” I found myself wondering if he, indeed, is smart enough to oversee the county’s business (“Board gets a watchdog,” Sept. 4).

I am insulted as a resident and as a woman by Forsman’s childish response to the very serious issue of sexual harassment, which recently has come to light (“Ford investigates complaints against two commissioners,” May 23).

Forsman’s smart-aleck attitude was something I’d expect from a high school sophomore, not a county commissioner. He should be ashamed of himself, and he should try wearing a dunce cap, instead of the sunglasses, to the next County Board meeting.

Judith Cherveny

Duluth

AND ANOTHER:

Forsman made untenable connection to lynching
The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Inc. board is appalled by County Commissioner Mike Forsman’s comments that the investigation of alleged sexual harassment charges against fellow commissioners reminded him of “the mob mentality that lynched three black men in Duluth” (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).

There is no comparison between the lawful collection of evidence to define specific incidents such as sexual harassment and the extrajudicial actions of a lynch mob that murdered three innocent young men. We who have studied the 1920 lynching consider attempts to draw any parallel as a serious misinterpretation of the heinous crimes against Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie and of the historical impact of lynching on black people.

We call on our elected officials to demonstrate accountability, integrity and character when questioned on existing organizational policy regarding workplace harassment, rather than plead persecution. We urge all citizens to educate themselves about an atrocity that wounded our community in ways that have yet to be healed. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial board members, and the organization’s Web site and discussion guide, all are available as resources, as is Michael Fedo’s book, “The Lynchings in Duluth,” and the memorial plaza at First Street and Second Avenue East.

Treasure Jenkins

A poster commented

2007-09-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe that I live in a day and age when men who believe they have a little power because of their elected position will take advantage of others who they percieve to be inferior. I liken this to what others have called "a good old boys" club. There are many professional, intelligent and respectful people in St Louis County(men and women, in Duluth and on the Iron Range) who feel that the actions of these "men" are absurd and sad. I hope that the code of ethics does what it is supposed to but I am afraid that these so-called officials are fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed by a code of conduct. It makes me sad to see that our local government has been hindered by the actions of these few people.
September 11, 2007 7:30 PM

Almanac North

2007-09-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

County Commissioners appeared on Almanac North to discuss the current situation. Commissioners Nelson and Forsman defended their positions and portrayed the situation as a union activity.

Commissioner O'Neil spoke truthfully and gave hope for progress in formulating a code of ethics that all would abide by.

They gave a phone number for public comment.

Almanac North 728-0070

Call and tell them what you think of the County Commissioners

Residents speak out to county board-Ely Timberjay

2007-09-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

It looks like the "We are Watching" campaign is getting some coverage in the Ely area as well...maybe Commissioner Forsman will get some calls and e-mails from voters in his district...we can only hope! Here is the article from the Timberjay:

Saturday, September 08, 2007 Volume 18, Issue 36

Residents speak out to county board
By Marshall Helmberger

There were more angry words at this week’s St. Louis County board meeting, but in the end commissioners found agreement on the need for better behavior from the county’s elected officials.
St. Louis County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to direct the county administrator to work with other elected county officials to draft a code of ethics. The board gave County Administrator Dana Frey until Oct. 10 to report back on his progress. Currently, county ethics rules apply only to employees of the county, but not to elected officials.

The vote came following an at times contentious county board meeting during which as many as 50 county residents turned out to voice their frustrations with the board and its handling of recent sexual harassment complaints against Dennis Fink and Steve Raukar.

The residents were part of a newly-formed organization calling itself “We Are Watching,” whose mission is to increase public awareness and involvement over county decision-making. Members of the group wore scarlet A’s during the meeting, to underscore their desire for accountability from the board and they called for a code of ethics for commissioners.

Group spokesperson Kathy Heltzer, a UMD employee, said frustration with the board has been building for months, but that the board’s refusal to take action on harassment reports was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” “We felt it was a matter of social justice. We just can’t sit by anymore,” she said. Heltzer said the group hoped to improve the level of debate at the county board. “We’re not attacking anyone, but we want to raise the bar, to be more civil.”

The group has also launched a new website at www.northernmnnews.com that will provide updates on county board actions. The website also provides links to two recently completed county investigations into allegations against Raukar and Fink.

If the group hoped to tone down the rhetoric at board meetings, at least one commissioner wasn’t willing to follow along. Commissioner Mike Forsman lobbed several verbal grenades during the day, at various points referring to the new organization as a “mob,” and accusing three fellow commissioners of serving as puppets for the AFSCME union, which represents many county employees. Forsman also said he recognized some members of the newly-formed group, who he said were part of a blue-green coalition that has supported progressive Democrats at DFL conventions. Forsman said many of them appeared angry and he said he was fearful at times for his safety during Tuesday’s board meeting. He said the group shared the same mentality that led to the lynching of three black men in Duluth in the early 1900s. “Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I saw a mob in front of me,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

Commissioner Steve O’Neil said he found the group respectful, even though some members were clearly upset. O’Neil said most in the group were older women. “It wouldn’t be a group I’d be fearful of,” he said.

But Forsman’s fears have prompted other unusual actions— such as wearing sunglasses whenever he’s in Duluth. Forsman, who charged Tuesday that county government has become hostile to white men, says he’s wearing the glasses to protect himself from false charges that he might be ogling women.

“It’s a safety thing,” said Forsman. “When I’m in Duluth where the blue-green coalition and AFSCME are based, I’m worried they may use something like that against me because I’m not following their agenda.”

O’Neil said he’s seen no indication that AFSCME has taken any interest at all in the sexual harassment issue. “They’ve never spoken to me about it or been present at any meetings on it,” said O’Neil. Neither of the women who filed the actual harassment complaints were members of a union. “I really don’t know what Commissioner Forsman is talking about,” O’Neil said.

Forsman’s actions left others perplexed as well. He drew fire from fellow board members for wearing the sunglasses and his comments likening citizens addressing the county board to a lynch mob, were panned in a Duluth News-Tribune editorial on Wednesday.

Kevin Skwira-Brown, a St. Scholastica instructor and member of We Are Watching, said Forsman’s comments reflect the kind of language that has raised concerns with many in his group. “When a commissioner accuses others of being puppets when they stand up for human rights, or a mob that lynches people, we’re really getting off track,” he said.

Skwira-Brown said the tone of the county board has become the issue, not disagreements among board members. “There have been some simplistic attempts to frame this as a north-south division or a union issue. I think all of that is really unfortunate as well as inaccurate. I believe people across the county share a desire for greater decency,” he said. “I think this is an opportune time to raise expectations about how we conduct dialogue.”

Ethical Code of conduct important

2007-09-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

An ethical code of conduct is important for all people in any part of a society...respect for gender, respect for economic status, respect for cultural differences, respect for age differences, respect for intellectual differences. Intimidation and harassment cause ugly situations. We need a positive environment to work and play in, to gain the respect of other Minnesotans. Have we not learned from the lessons of the movie "North Country"?? CW

We're Watching St. Louis County: September 4th County Board Meeting in Duluth

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

We're Watching St. Louis County: September 4th County Board Meeting in Duluth

September 4th County Board Meeting in Duluth

2007-09-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today we had many people attend the County Board Meeting in Duluth and speak to the Board regarding our concerns with respect to the sexual harassment investigations and their lack of respect for each other, as well as their constituents in recent months. The Duluth News Tribune had an excellent article this morning that folks should take a look at http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/

It is especially important that folks continue to monitor these meetings, as well as contact their county commissioners to let them know that "We Are Watching"!

Commissioners Budget Meeting Today

2007-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Mary said...

Today at the Budget Workshop, after a question from a commissioner about which jail needed improvements to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities), Commissioner Mike Forsman from Ely laughed and said, "that's the sexual harassment jail."

It appears to me that there is a concerted effort on the part of some commissioners to minimize the sexual harassment issue and turn it into crude humor.

August 30, 2007 8:17 PM

Workshops Very Important ! A point made by a contributor

2007-08-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

Anonymous said...

It's even more important to have observers at the Board workshops than at County Board meetings. The regular meetings are taped and shown on public television. The Board workshops are SUMMARIZED in minutes, but some Board members are regularly disrespectful to their staff and one another in these sessions, knowing that there is no record of their behavior.
August 25, 2007 9:45 PM

Article from Duluth News Tribune

2007-08-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

Report flags loophole in St. Louis County harassment policy
Lee Bloomquist Duluth News Tribune
Published Thursday, August 23, 2007
St. Louis County declined in 1998 to investigate an employee’s allegation of sexual harassment against Commissioner Steve Raukar, according to an investigative report on a complaint against Raukar this year. The county clearly took the position nine years ago that complaints against county commissioners would not be investigated or commissioners disciplined, the report said.

However, the report concluded, county employees are entitled to protection from sexual harassment by third parties, no matter who the alleged harassers are.

In the wake of recent sexual harassment complaints against two commissioners, Raukar and Dennis Fink, some have expressed concern that there is no harassment policy for elected county officials.
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Duluth News Tribune Talk About It Icon Talk: Should St. Louis County commissioners be subject to a harassment policy? Why or why not?
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Raukar investigation
Duluth News Tribune PDF Icon Fink investigation
Lee Bloomquist Archive
“If there is no policy in place and there is no recourse, then something is very wrong with the system,” said Candice Harshner, executive director of the Duluth-based Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault. “If this [the 2007 allegation] hadn’t been investigated, none of us would have known what allegedly happened.”

In 1998, Alan Mitchell was county attorney and Julie Brunner was county administrator. Brunner, now executive director of Minnesota Council of Health Plans, said she doesn’t remember a sexual harassment complaint from 1998. If she had received one, though, she would have referred it to the county attorney, she said.

Mitchell, contacted on his way back from a motorcycle trip out West this week, said he doesn’t recall a complaint being made against Raukar in 1998. However, if a complaint were made, it was county policy that the complaint not be directed to the county attorney, he said.

“If there was a complaint, it would not have been made to me, but to civil service,” said Mitchell.

Tony Bruno, the county’s civil service director and affirmative action officer in 1998, said his office would have looked into a complaint had one been received.

“Of course we would have,” said Bruno. “The alleged complaint was made to Julie Brunner. It was never made to the civil service. Whatever happened between Julie and the complainant, I don’t know, because it was never brought to me. If there was a complaint, it should have been brought to me, but no complaint was brought to civil service in 1998 — either written or verbal.”

Report: Employees due protection

Although county commissioners aren’t subject to the county sexual harassment policy, county employees are entitled to the protection of the policy, said the report, issued in July. Commissioners can be investigated and subject to discipline at least to the same extent as other third parties, clients, spouses, customers and suppliers, according to the report, written by investigator Elizabeth Storaasli, a Duluth lawyer.

Storaasli represented their incoming County Attorney Melanie Ford this year in a suit challenging her salary and budget reductions after defeating Mitchell last fall.

Ellen Quinn, the county’s public information officer, confirmed to the News Tribune this week that she made an oral report to Brunner in 1998 of an alleged sexual harassment incident involving Raukar.

Quinn said she is also the employee who filed a complaint against Raukar in February following an early morning phone call he made to her in a hotel room on an out-of-town trip. Storaasli’s investigation into that complaint found that Raukar “engaged in sexual harassment in the form of verbal contact by telephone including sexual advances or propositions.”

Quinn said she is gratified that action was taken on her 2007 complaint.

“I appreciate the courage Melanie Ford displayed in bringing these things forward, particularly early in her term,” she said.

commissioners answer to voters

Over the past two weeks commissioners have decided on split votes not to censure or discipline Raukar or Fink. Some commissioners say that as elected officials, they and the county attorney, auditor and sheriff historically haven’t been subject to the county’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Though they receive full-time paychecks from the county, some commissioners say they’re subject to the will of the voters.

Commissioner Keith Nelson said the votes not to censure Fink or Raukar aren’t a reflection of the seriousness of the allegations but of the current county policy.

“Should there be a code of ethics for elected officials? Yes,” Nelson said. “I absolutely have always believed that. But should we have a policy that is retroactive and looks like the employees’ [policy]? No.”

Harshner said the County Board should have a code of conduct and ethics.

“I would think that anybody should be [subject to a harassment policy],” she said. “If you work anywhere in the county, they are all in the same workplace. Saying you’re not subject to it is like saying that county employees aren’t protected by commissioners if something like this happens.”

According to the 2007 investigation report:

Raukar allegedly called a county employee one afternoon when he was at a conference in 1998 and said, “We should go out and have a few drinks and go dancing.”

A day later, the employee received a call from a person who also was at the conference, saying that Raukar had asked that person, using crude language, whether he had had sex with the employee Raukar called on the phone. The woman said she reported the remark to county officials. Raukar said he had no recollection of such a conversation and said it did not happen.

However, the report said the record confirms the conversations and that Raukar’s alleged telephone call and alleged statements in 1998 constituted sexual advance and unwanted verbal contact about body or appearance.

Raukar could not be reached for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.

Victims’ advocates concerned

According to the report, all county commissioners were informed of a sexual harassment training session in 2004. Commissioner Peg Sweeney was the only commissioner to attend the training, according to the report.

Mitchell was a strong supporter of the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault during his tenure and in his recent re-election bid, as is Ford, Harshner said. But representatives of the group plan to appear at the Sept. 4 County Board meeting in Duluth to express their concern, she said.

“Any time you have allegations of sexual harassment, it concerns us a lot,” she said. “It’s disconcerting to have these allegations out there, much less to have them substantiated.”

Commissioner Bill Kron, chairman of the board, said he plans Sept. 11 to reintroduce a measure that would implement a code of conduct and ethics for all county employees, including elected officials.

Board members would be asked to sign it on a voluntary basis because, Kron said, a future board can’t be bound by a current policy. All county employees will be asked to read and sign the code of conduct, which would include a provision against sexual harassment.

LEE BLOOMQUIST can be reached weekdays at (800) 368-2506, (218) 744-2354 or by e-mail at lbloomquist@duluthnews.com.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48698§ion=News

Meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30

2007-08-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

Kathy Heltzer said...

We are hoping that many people will attend the Board meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30am at the Courthouse in Duluth. It is important that citizens (voters) voice their concerns with respect to the recent actions by the Board regarding the sexual harassment investigations.

August 24, 2007 7:39 PM

Malfeasance

2007-08-24T15:37:00.001-07:00

http://ros.leg.mn/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP&year=2006§ion=375#stat.375.09.0

Laws Regarding Counties

2007-08-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

http://ros.leg.mn/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP&year=2006§ion=375

The laws regarding recall and impeachment are in here

Upcoming County Commissioners Meeting

2007-08-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

9:30 courthouse on Thursday August 30th
Budget Workshop

This is a workshop, they don't take formal action but often informally get a sense of who's on what side.

These meetings need observers.

St. Louis County Official Website

2007-08-24T13:06:00.002-07:00

http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/SiteMap/HomePage/tabid/53/Default.aspx

This is the one that's current.

St. Louis County Official Website

2007-08-24T13:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/slcportal/SiteMap/HomePage/tabid/53/Default.aspx

This is the one that's current.

The Full Reports on Raukar and Fink

2007-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

www.northernmnnews.com
http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf

We Are Watching St. Louis County

Destruction and Subsidy Cycle

County Board Considers Resolution Against Voter ID Requirements

We Are Watching's Website

Fink Reminds Us He Voted Against the Adoption of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness

WAW Asks Board to Address Comissioner Fink on Fish Lake Issue

We are Watching Speaks to County Board on Fond du Lac Land Sale

St. Louis County Board Reconsiders Fond du Lac Land Sale

Commissioner Nelson Again Misinformed

Mandatory Drug Tests for People on Public Assistance?

Fond du Lac Tribal Chair Addressed SLC Board

Painful decisions made - some commissioners giggle in the background.

On going Discussion About Old Jail

What's Up With Two County Administrators At Once?

Iron Range Youth In Action Program Discussed at Committee of Whole Meeting

County Board and Jail Demolition

County Attorney Cautions Board About "Banning" Recording Devices at Public Meetings

County Board Meeting Feb 17, 2009

Nelson Should Be Concerned About Content of Meetings, not the fact they are recorded-DNT Article

County Board Considers Hiring New Administrator

We Are...Being Watched? Citizen watchdogs are asked to release their membership information to the County Board

Nelson Suggests That No "Recording Devices" Be Allowed in Board Workshops

Code of Conduct Changes Proposed

WAW To Hold Press Conference on Tuesday, Nov 18th

State to move forward with BWCAW land exchange Timberjay Article

SLC rejects request by US Steel TIMBERJAY Article

BWCAW Land Swap

Nov 4 St. Louis County Board Mtg

Link and Article by WAW in DNT October 28, 2008

great editorial in the paper today!

Board Update for Sept 9 2008 Board Meeting

Sept 2nd County Board Update

Disappointing Comments by Commissioner at Aug 12th Board Meeting

County Board Meeting Update-July 1, 2008

We are Watching

Re-naming Big Island

Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges

Chris Jensen Pharmacy Contract Re-Visited?

What's Up With the Pharmacy Contract at Chris Jensen?

County Board Considers "Contracting Out" Management of Chris Jenson Nursing Home

County Board Gets Update on “Minnesota’s Shrinking Government”

Request for Free Conveyance of Tax Forfeited Land by the Duluth Board of Education

Commissioner Nelson Recommended to Serve on the Advisory Committee to the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

Respectful Workplace Training

Duluth Budgeteer Weighs in on the Alan Mitchell Appointment

Our View: Where's the logic?

Budgeteer NewsPublished Friday, February 08, 2008

RELATED CONTENT

County Board Passes Code...Work Not Over

Meeting in Ely on the 18th

Mandatory sexual harrassment training

new code

Board Budget Workshop on Dec 7th

We are Still "Watching" the County Board

follow up on the video

Nelson

Nelson Disrespectful

Any news on the Nov 6th Board Meeting?

Forsman again on real sexual harassment

Commissioner Forsman Comments on “Real” Sexual Harassment Complaint

Thoughts from the recent County Board Workshop on October 16th……regarding that “Code of Conduct”

If it smells like a rose....

Draft Code of Conduct To Be Considered

Men As Peacemakers Letter to County Board

How did today's meeting in Duluth go?

another sensible editorial

County Board has the right to remain silent. And should.

Duluth News TribunePublished Wednesday, October 03, 2007

St. Louis County attorney to county board: Stop talking about harassment complaints

Duluth News TribunePublished Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Clean Water Resoration Act

another great letter in the News Tribune

introductions are in order

Readers' views in Duluth News Tribune on Sept 28

County commissioner gets touchy over X-rated issues

More Comments from Readers

Comments from readers

Peg Sweeney Stands for Dignity

Another Letter to the Editor Regarding Sexual Harrassment

Incident at Commissioners Workshop Sept. 17

Budgeteer News
Published Friday, February 08, 2008

Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Duluth News Tribune
Published Tuesday, October 02, 2007