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Thanks to Commissioner Walker

To the editor:
I want to thank Commissioner Lora Walker for her leadership at a recent county board meeting when she and the board chair voted for a moratorium onÝon building houses on less than 10-acre lots in the St. Croix scenic overlay area until the Countyís comprehensive plan is complete. The latter shouldÝbe done by the end of the year.ÝThis was a courageous and necessary action to protect this vital and important resource to the county. It was an emergency action, similar to what many other communities have done, including municipalities in our own county. It is a reasonable action, time limited and ultimately will protect the tax payer by preventing costly urban sprawl that has contributed to overpopulated schools, pollution, loss of scenic areasÝand over-taxed local resources.
On almost every survey, the majority of citizens do support such action. All the environmental groups support the moratorium. It does not punish retired farmers, as some have suggested,Ýsince it is time limited. It is a responsible action which unfortunately some short-sighted real estate agents, politicians and developers oppose.
We elected Lora Walker because (she) would do what was right for the majority of taxpayersÝand not be intimidated by special interests. I hope the other commissioners get the message and stand with Lora Walker in this measured and reasonable action to protect the St. Croix River scenic overlay area and the taxpayers of Chisago County. By the way, Chisago is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. I donít think developers or real estate agents really will be hurt by a five- or six-month moratorium on a small part of the county. North Branch is proud of Lora Walker.
Robert G. Walz
North Branch

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