Letter:Be part of a silica sand mining legislative solution

In any difficult situation you can end up being part of the problem or part of the solution. There are two letters that are perfect examples of this and I urge all of you to read Wednesday’s letters to the editor by Jody and Jim McIlrath and Larry Sonnek (R-E, March 6).

The McIlraths have spent countless hours doing research, conducting meetings, creating a website, sending emails and have come to St. Paul to meet with their representative and senator and have even testified at hearings. We have had many conversations and correspondence along the way.

If you read their letter, you quickly understand the amount of time and effort that has gone into this work. They explain their position and call for action by urging continued bi-partisan effort to reach the desired goal that we all share.

Sonnek, on the other hand, reads a letter he disagrees with (R-E, Feb. 27) and decides to attack one of the most respected and philanthropic families of this community. He states, “Let me be clear. Anyone who thinks all of these areas are adequately regulated is undereducated.”

I feel that a public apology should go out to the Albrechts and I am glad to personally do that for Mr. Sonnek.

He furthers his argument by utilizing incorrect facts. He mixes in partisan shots at what, he can only imagine, is happening in St. Paul because he has neither called, emailed or requested any information on the topic of sand mining from my office and he certainly has not stopped in for a visit.

Make no mistake, one of the most important issues of this area, at this time, is silica sand mining. Sen. Matt Schmit and I have been working with many individuals and agencies to ensure that we have a say in the standards that need to be met if mining occurs here.

In any situation, there will be different opinions and strategies. I commend Jim and Jody McIlrath on their approach and I look forward to working with them in helping to resolve this issue.

Mr. Sonnek is completely wrong in his statement that there is no legislation in the House. In fact, we will all be working off of that legislation as we move forward.

I urge all of you to be part of the solution.

Tim Kelly

Red Wing

Tags: community, letters, opinions