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November/December Update:
We have been very busy these past two months, hence a two-month update from the Board.
1. Several actions taken in response to the Rice County Planning Commission’s proposed changes to the county feedlot ordinance:
Hilary Ziols read the following statement on behalf of the LWV Northfield/Cannon Falls at the Nov. 15th Rice County Commissioners’ meeting:
”We urge the members of the Planning Commission to take into consideration the needs of all residents of Rice County when deciding on their recommendations for the proposed changes to the feedlot ordinance.
In the zeal to open up restrictions on feedlot operators, care must also be given to assuring that the environmental, health and economic requirements of Rice County in total are not overlooked. Such dramatic changes as no set backs and the extraordinary increase of number of animal units allowed on even smaller parcels of land have the potential to negatively affect all Rice County residents.
After extensive review, The LWV adopts position statements. I would like to quote our agricultural position, which we would hope the Planning Commission members echo:
' The League of Women Voters supports of a system of sustainable agricultural production which provides safe, healthful food and which preserves and protects the state’s human and natural agricultural resources and enhances the environment.' "
Suzannah Ciernia and Stephanie Hendrickson, along with about two dozen others, held a press conference at 12:30 p.m. on the same day outside of Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault to promote the LWV’s commitment to public and environmental health. They had speakers address how the proposed changes could pose health risks to county citizens through such means as airborne toxins and contaminated wells. The event was reported in the Northfield News and possibly in the Faribault newspaper as well.
Statement was sent by Kathy Tezla as a Letter to the Editor for the Northfield News.
2. Discussion/Action of the Special City Council Meeting (Nov 1st) and the City Council Meeting (Nov 5th) and potential follow-up action by the LWV at both Board Meetings:
The Board spent a great deal of its meeting time exploring the potential role it could take, if any, in response to the current “crisis” in city government. All agreed that any action must be consistent with the LWV’s by-laws, in keeping with the LWV’s traditional role in the community, and maintain rigorous neutrality. The Board approved Suzie Nakasian’s proposal that the LWV organize a community education initiative to improve public awareness of the history and function of the City Charter and the structures of governance it outlines for the City of Northfield. A working group consisting of Suzie Nakasian, Eve Webster, Tripp Ryder, and Barb Wilson from the Board, and Elaine Thurston, drafted a written proposal entitled “Community education initiative to promote public awareness of the City Charter and Northfield’s structure of governance". Suzie and Eve presented the proposal at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Northfield Charter Commission.
A Dec. 4 special meeting of the Northfield Charter Commission was called to continue discussion with LWV representatives (Suzie and Eve again) regarding a collaborative education initiative focused on the city governance structure and the role of the Charter. The Commission moved to accept the LWV recommendation that they write an open letter to the community about the Charter to be enclosed with the City’s January water bill. They further moved to appoint a subcommittee to work with LWV representatives in drafting a letter for consideration at the next meeting on Dec.18. Eve read a list of points being considered for the letter. Suzie stressed that although the letter would be signed by the Commission, LWV representatives had been asked to continue to make recommendations regarding its content.
3. Membership Update/Student Involvement in LWV:
Eve Webster managed a LWV table during St. Olaf’s Political Information Fair held on Nov 6th. Several students signed up to receive more information from the LWV.
Kathy Cooper’s motion that we provide a $500 grant to the Civic Honor House at St. Olaf specifically to support their participation in the LOTT program and their wider campus outreach on behalf of the LWV (one of this group’s by-laws) was approved.
4. Immigration Study Update Consensus Meeting, Nov. 26th:
Janet Petri and Kathy Tezla conducted the consensus meeting. 21 were in attendance, 17 of which were voting LWV members. Dr. Kathy Tegtmeyer-Pak, St. Olaf Political Science Professor, provided an update on the current U.S. immigration issues and answered questions throughout the very tedious process of responding to the long list of questions. The results of the consensus will be provided after the state League has tallied the results.
5. Re-activation of the Action Committee:
Hilary Ziols’ proposal to re-activate this Committee was approved by the Board. Hilary will work out the wording of the Committee description for further discussion at the January 3rd meeting.
6. Judicial Concurrence Process:
The Board voted to conduct the Judicial Concurrence Meeting in January. Hilary and Judy Covey will conduct two meetings that will be held at Judy Covey’s home, 611 St. Olaf Avenue: Saturday, January 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m., and Tuesday, January 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hilary will prepare and send out post cards and post the announcement on our web site.
7. Action taken on Special Election for Neuville Senate Seat:
The Board discussed what role the LWV might take in the upcoming Special Election, and the challenge to voter education posed by the election’s short time line.
Eve drafted a letter that Kathy, working with Pat Kriesel, PR Chair, will distribute as a Letter to the Editor to all the District 25 newspapers.
Suzie proposed that the LWV become active in addressing the problem caused by the short election schedule for those who wish/need to vote via Absentee ballot. She offered to draft a set of LWV “How-To” Vote via Absentee Ballot, for distribution through the local media and college networks.
Both of these documents will also be posted on our web site.
Allene Moesler will contact the LWVMN about interview questions and get them to Eve, who will contact Paul Hager and Amy Gage about taping a candidate debate.
PLEASE NOTE:
While Kathy Tezla is out of the country from December 13 through December 28th, Eve Webster, VP, will be the contact person for the LWV should any clarification of the update be needed or should new issues needing our attention emerge during Kathy’s absence.
