Letter: A vote for Drotos is a vote for health

To the Editor:

Goodhue County is a rich and diverse environment envied by many and enjoyed by those who live here. I have yet to hear a visitor to the area mention anything but praise for the beauty of Goodhue County. I couldn’t agree more.

Frac sand mining threatens our county’s reputation.

Over a year ago a moratorium was placed on frac sand mining at the request of the citizens. A mining study committee was authorized. Between $70,000 to $90,000 of taxpayer money was spent to research the viability of frac sand mining in Goodhue County. The results of the so-called study angered many local residents who were shocked to learn of potential 16-hour days of mining six days a week, 200-400 trucks per day on county roads for 20-plus years, the degradation of our beautiful landscape, our water, our health and our property values.

This is not the Goodhue County I want to live in.

If elected county commissioner, Paul Drotos has promised to vote for a ban of frac sand mining in Goodhue County. During the League of Women’s Voters candidate forum, Commissioner Ted Seifert labeled Drotos’ stance as “extreme.” Moments later, he then backpedaled stating that if the recently reinstated mining study committee showed that frac sand mining would hamper the environment or the health of citizens he too would vote to ban it.

The mining study committee and Seifert have had over a year to study the health and environmental impacts of frac sand mining. Numerous examples of the hazards pile up by the day. Rivers are being poisoned. Properties are being even more devalued. And OSHA has long determined that frac sand dust is a cancer causer.

These are basic truths that can be “researched” in a matter of minutes.

We have fundraisers and walks to support victims of cancer. Why would any county official even consider inviting an industry that causes it? Now that’s what I would call extreme.

Make the correct choice for our health and our county Nov. 6. Vote Paul Drotos for county commissioner.

Rob Meyer

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters