To the editor:

I was appalled to read the Chisago County Press of Jan. 6 and find that Bob Gustafson was voted in as chair and Mike Robinson, who was chair this last year was voted in as vice chair. I know that Lynn Schultz is new as a commissioner but I feel in this case common sense and tradition was definitely NOT utilized. From what I understand there are no set of rules as to how commissioners are nominated. I see with the new Board this vote could be clearly construed as a power play. In reading the Chisago Press it clearly states that under normal conditions, it was Rick Olseenís turn as chair or at least vice chair. I am very concerned as a citizen of Chisago County that integrity and honesty will not be the driving force in vital decisions for the citizens and tax payers of Chisago County. It is becoming very obvious if you are not in the loop some actions are overlooked. Someone elseís might be scrutinized.

I also would like to say if there are no rules as to nominating I would like to give you the definition of integrity. From Webster Dictionary, it is the steadfast adherence to a strict or ethical code. I only hope that integrity is something you all, as commissioners of our county, practice in all your decisions. We tax payers pay for your salaries, per diems, mileage, etc. And other than an outburst of developers building a glut of homes that do not help to cut taxes, our county is left without new business enterprises. Creating new jobs for our citizens by providing new industry would help to elevate some of the tax burden. As commissioners we need you to work for all citizens/taxpayers of Chisago County to build a solid tax base that is going to help reduce taxes and create new jobs. Not tax them to death, citizens have not the luxury as you do to vote in a mileage raise or what ever else to meet their financial needs.

Other than a city trying to annex in a township to help pay for their enormous debt and developers building a glut of new homes and walking away with their pockets full of monies, I see nothing on the horizon that is going to help curb or cut taxes for the taxed poor citizens of Chisago County. I would like to have our commissioners present, at an up coming meeting, their ideas to help make this an affordable county to live in and not just for the rich.

I also would like to say if there are no rules as to nominating commissioners, I feel the vice chair, at least, should be reconsidered.

Sharon Helgestad
Center City

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