Schools are key to quality

Soaring high: Goodhue County residents know the value of great schools. That's probably the No. 1 reason Zumbrota-Mazeppa voters this week joined Red Wing, Lake City and Cannon Falls districts in having passed a levy referendum since 2006.

• Which program should Goodhue County cut funding to first if commissioners must keep trimming the budget?

Xcel’s proposals will benefit city

Questions have been raised recently about our proposals to extend the life of the Prairie Island plant by 20 years and increase its output, and the impact they will have on the Red Wing community and its ability to provide public safety services in the event of an emergency, as well as our overall contribution in taxes to Red Wing and other government entities.

Computers help kids explore their world

Last month a unique partnership between business — IBM Corp. — and nonprofit — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation — focused on a common desire shared by parents and educators in the region: that all young children are well prepared for a life of learning.

Don’t just print more money

Is the economy nearing the tipping point? In the 1970s the Feds increased the printing of money by 13 percent. The result was inflation. This inflation led to interest rates at 20 percent.

Now is not the time to wait

Six months ago I shared my great confidence in the course our commander in chief was charting to achieve victory in Afghanistan.

Urge council to reject port’s levy hike

Even with the public’s concerns over the yet unknown methods to be enacted by the City Council to resolve the issues of the Port Authority’s fiscal instabilities, the council will vote on Resolution 6040 proposing the 2010 Special Taxing District Levies — Port Authority General Levy in the amount of $325,000.

• Click for city comparison figures

Port Authority is in systemic failure

Change is hard for everyone when the status quo seems such a safe haven. Hard economic times call for tough, timely decisions.

What’s with the balloons?

I saw the picture in the Oct. 31/Nov. 1 Red Wing Republican Eagle. I believe that Domestic Assault Awareness Month was a good thing.

Follow the lessons of universal caring

There is one very important voice missing from the health care debate. It was the first loud and clear voice that said medical miracles were not reserved for the rich and the privileged.

Salute plans for Armory

Red Wing area residents will miss the National Guard Armory when it closes for renovations, but certainly not as much as if the Armory were closing for good.

Interstate cooperation must go beyond rhetoric

A month ago, when Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Minnesota was pulling out of income-tax reciprocity with Wisconsin, there was disappointment and frustration from residents and legislators in both states.

Port Authority lacks effectiveness

In recent weeks there have been several meetings concerning the current financial crisis facing the Red Wing Port Authority.

• PDF: Port Authority cash flow 1999-2009

Bakk has qualities state needs

In 2010, Minnesotans will elect a new governor. It’s been more than 20 years since a Democrat held this office and we need a bold leader who will move the state forward.

It is not just about the money

Yes, Red Wing is very concerned about funding for public safety (R-E, Oct. 28).

Balance care of self and others

When building our house 19 years ago, friends introduced us to the “Golden Triangle” of construction: cost, quality and time.