As the state representative for District 23A, I represent the community of Lafayette. You are well aware of the controversy surrounding the proposed placement of wind turbines in this community by the New Ulm Public Utilities Commission (NUPUC).
My conversations with some of the affected landowners convinces me that their opposition is not economic in nature. These landowners express to me their substantial distress resulting from what they perceive to be threats by the New Ulm utility. They do not wish to encumber their land, they tell me, in part because of the deep roots that their families have had in this area for generations. Representatives of some who signed the original agreements say they were told they had no choice but to sign. Some of these points were included in a landowner letter to the utility and the city council. Landowners submitted comments to the PUC. Recent items in the New Ulm Journal (e.g., October 29, 2009) reiterate landowner opposition. In all, this situation has raised significant questions regarding protection of landowner rights and the process and the communication that the public utility appears to have invoked.
Re-opening of Highway 169 in St. Peter
My concerns are not related to the development of wind power in Minnesota: in general, I support the creation of alternative, renewable energy sources. In the Lafayette Township situation, however, the strong landowner resistance I have heard from my constituents–together with my review of PUC documents and press coverage–leads me to conclude that the draft site permit should not be issued and this project should not go forward without landowner approval. The September 4, 2009 Office of Energy Security (OES) “Comments and Recommendations” document records the same opposition I am hearing: (more…)
While knocking on doors during my first campaign, I was often asked this — even before issues or ideas came up.
In my classes at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., students and I talk about logical shortcuts people sometimes use to resolve complex questions. Basically, a person focuses upon an either-or question because there’s little time for or interest in studying an issue in depth.
“Democrat or Republican” can become a logical shortcut — and an understandable one at a front door, when people may not have the time or desire to engage in a longer discussion.But while this question may be reasonable at a front door, it’s more troubling (and even more prevalent) on the front page.
After I was elected to the Minnesota House, I noticed that newspapers include “DFL” or “R” after the names of state representatives and senators. I became Rep. Terry Morrow, DFL-St. Peter.
Below is Terry’s letter to MnDOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel regarding Highway 14 federal funds (November 12, 2009):
Dear Commissioner Sorel:
I write to express my deep concern regarding an apparent failure at MnDOT to utilize federal funds secured for work along Highway 14. Please reference Congressman Tim Walz’s letter to you dated November 10, 2009. The letter details the Congressman’s work in securing approximately $315,000 in July 2008 for the North Mankato-New Ulm section of Highway 14. U.S. DOT confirms that the funding did exist and was allocated to Minnesota in FY 2008.I request that MnDOT take all necessary steps as soon as possible to recover the $315,000 in federal funding. I also ask to be kept informed as the funding is recovered and on MnDOT’s plans for its prompt use.
I have positively commented upon MnDOT’s leadership and its efforts to create a sound plan for multi-modal transportation. At the same time, I trust that my very strong frustration upon hearing this news about unused Highway 14 funding is appreciated and understood at MnDOT.
My constituents and other Minnesotans are aggravated and discouraged by the continuing lack of progress on Highway 14 between North Mankato and New Ulm, where endemic safety worries do not seem to be adequately addressed by P3 or other innovative funding plans. I do not disparage the attempts to leverage funds. But MnDOT has not yet explained how it will address transportation needs where safety and not economic development is the primary concern. (more…)
