Accuracy essential in campaign

To the Editor:

I had to respond to Darwin Fox’s statements (R-E, July 10). We need to keep this race positive and focused on the issues. It is also important that all inaccurate information be challenged in any race.

The 800 MHz radio system will be installed in 2009 to replace a 30-year-old obsolete system. At one time, this new system was estimated to cost $6 million. However, with grants the county has received and the location of radio equipment on existing towers, the cost will be approximately $1.5 million. We have three additional grants pending.

How do we pay our share of $1.5 million? The County Board has saved $2.2 million for this project over the past three years. We can now pay for the new 800 MHz system without bonding or raising taxes.

Based on my experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, you cannot afford to have a communication system that does not work or performs poorly when you have people in need of medical attention. Sheriff Dean Albers has the same concern for deputes and citizens. We must give our law enforcement and emergency personnel the best possible communication equipment to keep us all safe.

Scott McNurlin, chief deputy, has researched this topic extensively over four years and knows the costs. There will not be any “hidden costs.”

Regarding the “slide” in the relationship between Goodhue County and Prairie Island Indian Community, Ron Johnson, president of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, reports that the relationship has never been stronger. The reason for this improved relationship is the formal meetings (four times per year) started in 2005 between county and tribal officials.

We need to know the facts so we do not make inaccurate statements. I look forward to a good race and one that we can look back on with pride.

Ron Allen is the Goodhue County District 1 incumbent.

Tags: opinion, allen, fox