[Winona Online Democracy] The long-time subscribers to this group have seen this dog and pony show before. So for those of you for which this a repeat, my apologies. But it is a great story...and it bears repeating.
I'm not saying it's a holy grail, but I have been exhorting members of this group for years to get a copy of the 1960 City of Winona comp plan and just read the preface. It says everything that needs to be said. Winona is a crescent from Minnesota City to Homer, and it needs I-90 access on the south. To me, that means the gradual absorption of Wilson township by the city (the fingers are there already)...and I believe the local governments in Homer, MN City, and Goodview, as well. We are a single community...I think it's dumb to have all these artificial divisions. I don't understand why folks on the borders of the city don't want a voice on council. Until then their voices will go unheard at city hall. And yes, I think the city would better manage "suburban" development than would the townships and other LGU's...just my opinion. Finally, we need utilities in newly developed areas. Sewer and water...it's a no brainer. Paul Double, whom I respect for many reasons and like for even more, is a false god, however, when it comes to these annexation issues. He is clearly biased in terms of the loosest governance structure possible. He will defend townships to the death. As he did on the municipal board. However, his argument did not prevail...because of a series of extenuating circumstances that I couldn't begin to relay without going to my notes...but the city won. These turf battles are counter-productive and cost us money. They also speak volumes about the effectiveness of volunteer government. Wilson township says they need documents from the city to proceed with an annexation request, but then not does not bother to ask the city for the documents. An important discussion of that same annexation with a quorum of the county board occurred without anyone bothering to inform the public or the media. Maybe it's a good thing to have professionals running things. There's my rant for the evening. Bob Sebo Winona ps...see you at GE04 June 30! _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
