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OpinionAnother opposition to moratoriumTo the editor: Iím opposed to the moratorium established under the ìemergencyî provisions of Minnesota Stature 394.34, a state law permitting interim zoning. On Jan.21, I told county commissioners the moratorium was not fair because it was passed in the middle of the night, gave no warning, no written notice was sent to families effected by it and its passage was not preceded by public hearings. I told Commissioners the moratorium was like going fishing with dynamite instead of a pole ñ unfair to other fisherman and fish alike, too sweeping and not justified by the facts. I told Commissioners this moratorium is like a Coast Guard cutter blowing a boat out of the water without first ordering the boat to ìheave toî and firing a shot across its bow. Grossly Unfair. Is there a threat to public ìsafety, health or general welfare threatî in Chisago County so grave it demands a hold on development for a year or two in 5 percent of the County? Are fish dying in the St. Croix and Sunrise Rivers? Is the water table infected with toxic chemicals from a 1,000 broken down septic systems? Are the river waters catching fire from oil slicks?ÝIs well water unsafe? What facts demand the moratorium. ìTake our word for it,î doesnít justify a moratorium. Iíd like to remind our Commissioners that it takes courage to practice Democracy, to let ìWe the peopleî have a say in the way our community develops. Yes. I am a realtor. Yes. I ran a Ralph Nader Consumer Advocacy Group in ë91 and ë92. Yes. I love the outdoors. Yes.ÝI want fresh water, healthy rivers and streams. ìWe the peopleî deserve fullÝinformation about the ìemergencyî facing our families and friends. Tom OíMara ©ECM Post Review |