Posted 1/24/01 Response to trail signage article of January 3 To the editor: My response is in regard to the January 3rd Sunrise Trail signage article. The article explained how our Chisago County Commissioners agreed to install signs along Sunrise Prairie Trail to inform us the land was acquired for future transportation. Then, they proceeded to ìworryî about what the signs would look like i.e., metallic or wooden. Let me make this point clear because apparently certain Commissioners ìjust don't get it.î It wouldnít matter if the signs were neon flashers ñ youíre still missing the point: Donít develop the trail into rail! Commissioner Vande Kamp (representing North Branch) said it would be a disservice to residents living along the trail not to notify of the Countyís future plans for the land. Wait just a minute, the land was purchased for the direct purpose of transportation 10 years ago according to the article. The ìdisserviceî has already occurred as many newcomers to the area built homes along what is perceived as a safe, family-oriented recreation trail. According to County zoning officials, over 500 building permits have been issued in Lent Township and Stacy during this same period. Apparently, its quicker to build 500 homes than it is for our Commissioners to agree upon simple language for informational signs along a trail. Perhaps, many homes wouldn't have been built if signs were installed years ago? Much of the land adjoining the trail is either zoned residential or agricultural not commercial or industrial. Our ultimate goal should not be to detract from the residential nature of the area or to intimidate the current or potential new homeowner. To that end, many neighbors living along Sunrise Trail have joined in support of its continued recreational use, not just for many years to come but forever. I recently made a formal request to keep those same residents informed of any steps in the planning process which may affect them (via the Rush Line Corridor newsletter) and requested that they also be included in the planning process, but only received excuses about budget constraints to mail the newsletter from Commissioner Tom Delaney (representing Lent Township) also a member of the planning group. I couldnít be more tired of hearing him say ìhow far off these things areî and how he forecasts just what will happen and when. How can he make these claims, or represent unknown interests, unless this commissioner holds a device to predict the future? Offer support beyond fortune-teller guesses. Undoubtedly this will not happen, as recent public record shows a clear lack of support for significant issues facing his district. In fact, he wonít even vote! Commissioner Delaney, itís results we expect; not excuses. Fortunately, when I approached Congressman Oberstar about the newsletter issue he was overwhelmingly supportive. Iím told residents will receive these newsletters shortly. I ask that when our public officials act in their official capacities to vote these and other similar actions into public record that they do so with the understanding that public really means public. Even though land is set aside for ìpotential use many years from now,î please keep in mind that your respective terms last four years and that the next elected official could have proposals regarding your ìtransportation land.î Commissioner Ben Montzkaís comment about the trail seemed most reasonable: ìwhen and if it is used for transportation, he will regret it.î Commissioner Montzka (representing Wyoming and Stacy) should be commended on his leadership. He advocates for his district ñ arguing the trail makes our community a stronger, more viable place and provides for better health and livability. Thanks for not supporting this motion. Lora Walker Lent Township ©Post Review