Letter: Take shortsightedness to task

To the Editor:

I must express my extreme disappointment at the loss of the vineyard dream for Red Wing. What a shortsighted decision by the Port Authority!

They will argue some defensive rhetoric, but I have no doubt they did not bring an open, progressive view to the negotiating table. In this very unsettling economic time, when will Red Wing have a similar opportunity? A seasoned, respected business family was willing to risk taking a large loan to create a "Welcome Center" business on the edge of town that would have assured a positive flow for the business and tourist industries of Red Wing.

The Port should have bent backward to accommodate this proposal. They were very aware of citizen support of the project, as well as various elected boards and commissions. A lost tax base, and lost dreams.

I noted another "short-sighted" opinion in a recent letter by Dale Hoium (R-E, March 21). He expressed anger at the recent legislative decision to increase the gas tax.

I am a commuter and also do not wish to pay more at the pump. However, the gas tax is the "workhorse" of the transportation fund. It has not been increased for 20 years. As most travelers, I am aware of roads in dire condition in need of repair. What is the alternative to a tax? Keep borrowing and adding more debt to our children's future? Where does the funding come to fix the now impaired Highway 23 bridge in St. Cloud?

I think there is misplaced anger. I think collectively we need to blame the oil industry for these exorbitant and unnecessary prices! They have their rational for the increase, but so high? They seem to be making a pretty darn good profit ... billions each quarter. The increased tax designed for safety may not have stung if the oil industry would just stop "robbing" us.

Tags: opinion, vineyard, gas, tax, asp