GATZKE, Minn. -- Why aren't the voters of Minnesota better informed on the constitutional amendment? The fluffy name and explanation of it on the ballot might sound good, but Herald readers shouldn't be taken in.
There has never been a shortage of money when creating impoundments and wetlands in the past 30-odd years in northwestern Minnesota. It has amounted to thousands of acres of stagnant water dammed up, of which quite a bit is in areas where nature never intended water to stand for any length of time. This has led to disease that has killed off our moose, and West Nile virus that is killing off many species of birds.
There also have been large numbers of duck deaths from botulism. Nature's design was for water to move and for shallow wetlands to dry up during dry periods, thus interrupting cycles of disease and bad insect development.
Let there be no doubt: More of this shameful management of our environment will result if more money is funneled into the Department of Natural Resources. Why would anyone want this, plus higher taxes? Who's to say our sales tax couldn't be increased any time they want more?
Vote no on the Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural Areas Amendment. It's a long fancy name that means more DNR control .
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I understand the arts are included in the amendment, but this is no place to be playing politics with two different agendas that have nothing in common.
Elroy Aune
