Posted 9/5/01 Encourages citizens to attend city council meetings To the editor: Apathy is what led to the takeover of the city of North Branch and Chisago County by the developers. City Council meetings, for the most part, are boring. Many times it seems like the inner workings of the city are Greek. Iíve sat through planning commission meetings, city council and council work sessions wondering, ìcouldnít I be doing something better with my time?î I believe it was time well spent. I had no idea how much of a difference just a few people could make. When we elect new council members and a mayor, it isnít over. We must make sure they are doing what they promised. Thatís why we elected them. Many times they arenít. When we are disappointed itís our own fault. Oh, so and so is a nice guy ñ he will do the right thing. Maybe 50 years ago that was the case. Today, outside pressures are great. In a small town it is particularly difficult. That wonít be the case if our current council has their way - this will be a large city. Everyone deserves to make a living but not at the expense of everyone else. The big ideas coming out of the council and planning department are expensive. Grow, but at a slower pace. A new development, Wood-duck Ponds, was denied last Monday night but will be brought up Sept. 10 ñ 7 p.m. again. The council passed Casselberry 6 with 55 houses to be built. How many kids will this bring into an already burdened system? The council must think the school referendum is a shoe-in. If the council doesnít think the excessive growth has anything to do with the referendum failing, they arenít on the same page as the majority. Yes, the cost factor is primary, but continued blindness, when it comes to growth, figures in big time. Take some time out and attend the council meetings. Itís the second and fourth Mondays of the month ñ 7 p.m. ñ City Hall. Agendas are available the Friday before at City Hall. Get involved and make a difference. The thoughts of the council are nobody cares so they must be dong a good job. Let them know. Barbara Burrington North Branch Citizens For a Better City ©Post Review