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!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Mandatory Drug Tests for People on Public Assistance?
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fond du Lac Tribal Chair Addressed SLC Board
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Painful decisions made - some commissioners giggle in the background.
"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.
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.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On going Discussion About Old Jail
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.
Friday, April 17, 2009
What's Up With Two County Administrators At Once?
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....
“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....
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Iron Range Youth In Action Program Discussed at Committee of Whole Meeting
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!
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!
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