[Winona Online Democracy] There are many jobs in Winona. Fastenal, Benchmark, and others employ a huge number of people. They also have many entry level positions. Those who say there are no jobs are not willing to go through the entry process and learn to work to benefit an employer to the extent they can pay them more.
Jobs are always available. None of the people at the top of any of our major employers started at the top. I am proud to say we have allot of coworkers in good jobs in the Winona area. Winona offers unlimited opportunity, I myself moved here to work almost 25 years ago and it has been good for me and my family. Thanks Tom Severson Severson Oil Co. P.O. Box 736 Winona, Mn. 55987 507 452 3402 ext 214 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of terri hyle Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 10:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Winona] Here Goes (Re:861) [Winona Online Democracy] Actually, renters DO pay property taxes, which is rolled into the rent. The property taxes on rental property I believe are even higher than on homestead property (This was true in the past--not sure if property tax reform changed this). But this cost is passed along by the landlord to the renters. The property taxes that renters pay may be 'invisible', but only if you choose not to see what determines the rent paid. The state recognizes this by offering a property tax credit to renters. Other states do this, as well. It is worth noting that a significant portion of WSU students, and certainly MN SE Tech. students are from Winona and the surrounding area, and are likely to stay in the area, provided that employment opportunities exist for them to do so. And, a number of students from all 3 institutions will locate here, provided opportunities for them to be gainfully employed can be found. Which is partially determined by the willingness of business to locate here, which is determined, in part, to the strength of the community and the amenities offered here, including a well educated labor force, which is of course, dependent upon --get this--an excellent public school system. I am a recent, and much older non-traditional graduate of WSU. In order for me to find employment in my field, I have to travel to Rochester every day, where I work with a number of other (much younger) WSU graduates who have a strong attachment to Winona, but cannot find jobs there. In my family, the issue of employment opportunities is important. None of my 4 children (2 still in college, one of them at WSU, 2 lving out of state) intend to settle in Winona. The two major contributing factors are the lack of job opportunities and this communitiy's contentious attitude toward public education. In many respects, Winona is a wonderful community and a wonderful place to raise children. My biggest struggle in the 17-plus years we have lived here has been the community's attitude towards the school district and school funding. To me, it is the single biggest obstacle to Winona's greatness. And unfortunately, it seems to be an obstacle that too many want to cling to, rather than to overcome. An excellent public school system serves not only the students who attend public schools, but also works together with private and (public) charter schools and home schooled students by providing services and opportunities that those other educational choices do not provide. In Minnesota, public school districts provide transportation, special education and remedial educational services, counseling, and other services. Non-public school students are able to participate in educational offerings such as band, orchestra, foreign languages, etc, as well as extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. This allows the non-public schools to focus their monetary resources on their core curriculum without the expense of these 'extras' which so many students and families find essential. Winona is blessed with many fine attributes--3 institutions of higher learning, cultural opportunities, many wonderful churches and community organizations, parks, nice neighborhoods, and a beautiful setting. It is also home to some of the brightest, most creative, nicest children and young people I've ever met. They have impressed me over and over again, not only with their many accomplishments in all areas of achievement, but in their dedication to their family, community service and to their friends. It has been popular in recent times to refer to children as our 'greatest natural resources,' or our 'best assets.' I think that's all wrong. It is our job as adults, parents, grandparents, community members to devote necessary resources to equip the children and young people with the education and skills that they will need to make their way in the world. Natural resources are something to be held in trust, to be explored, used as best suits the needs of the community and of future generations. Children are aggravating, expensive, intelligent, affectionate and individuals They are blessings in our lives. Children are to be cherished, loved, and educated. They are not 'the future.' If they are to enjoy a future, they need the best possible foundation upon which to build their own future, including an excellent education. Terri Hyle _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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
