September 12, 2003 at 9:39 a.m.
Thinking about 9-11
Thinking about 9-11
There are events and meetings scheduled on Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Flag Dag and I’m sure many more. 9-11 is recent and at the forefront of our memories and rightfully so, but the other days mentioned have as much or more significance. So, what is the solution? Force people to not do other things? That kind of goes against all that we stand for. As parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors, I think it is our duty to instill in our young people the importance of all of these days set aside to remember those who helped create and preserve all of the wonderful freedoms that we are still able to enjoy.
We will all do whatever we will do today (9-11), but I’m hopeful that we will all take some time to remember those lost and especially those who are serving in the military around the world.
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In this space one year ago I wrote for the need for the citizens of Chisago County to have to bite the bullet and take on some increased tax burden to help fix the infrastructure of the county. The County Board again seams to be set on holding the line on taxes and opting instead for employee reductions, program curtailments, and basically putting off major capital improvements until who knows when. Anyone who knows me or have read this column know that I’m certainly not a tax and spend liberal; in fact, I’m usually criticized for being too conservative. But there comes a time when you have to pay the piper.
People who visit here and traverse our county roads comment about their dismal conditions and with our continual growing population they will only get worse. If we can show that we are running at an efficient rate and present the straight facts on the needs of major projects, the majority of people will see the needs and understand the need for funding. They won’t necessarily like it but given the facts most will support the projects.
It is unfortunate that at all levels of government that pettiness, parochialism and personal agendas get in the way of making the system work for the rest of us. It is a difficult task for any unit of government to gain the confidence of the populace when they can’t find common ground amongst themselves. I have still a glimmer of hope that the people we elected will somehow find the where-with-all to do what is really the best for the majority of those they represent. If not, I imagine they will all take their bat and ball and head for home.
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As we get older we are faced with the fact that those older than us will be leaving this earth. This past week the Chisago Lakes area lost one of those people who only comes along very seldom. Harold Karnowski has been a fixture in the Chisago Lakes area for over 45 years. Through his work, his civic and volunteer activities, and especially with his sense of humor, he touched so many of our lives. These people who put so many things ahead of their own lives are leaving us much too rapidly. I hope we can all learn important civic lessons from people like Harold. Thank you for all your contributions and your friendship, you will be missed.
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As summer winds down, the celebrations shift to a fall motif. Coming soon we will be able to enjoy the Amador Apple Fest, North Branch’s Fall Festival, Lindstrom Hay Days and more. Watch for details and get out and enjoy these events this fall.
Included in this Press is our annual Falls Sports Preview, highlighting our athletic programs and athletes. These young people work hard and put on a great show at their events. Get out and enjoy a few events this fall. Thanks to Andrew Vitalis, our sports editor, for all his hard work on the preview––it looks great. Thanks, too, to all the coaches, athletes and especially our loyal advertisers, whose support make the preview possible.
On the subject of sports, last week we introduced a Chisago County Press Pro Football Contest. All you have to do is pick the winners and get the form back to our office and you could win a world cruise or some other nice prize. Look for the form in this Press and join in on the fun.
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