Saturday, October 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Fink Reminds Us He Voted Against the Adoption of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
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.
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
We are Watching Speaks to County Board on Fond du Lac Land Sale
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,
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,
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
St. Louis County Board Reconsiders Fond du Lac Land Sale
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Commissioner Nelson Again Misinformed
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!
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?
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.
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