Room with a View

It seems like the Star Herald?s editorial page goes through ebbs and tides ? many good letters to the editor and then all of a sudden, none.I love it when our readers are brave enough to express their opinions on our pages. I congratulate those who do, even if I don?t agree with their message. Just for the record, I really dislike the letters that have more innuendo than substance, and use sarcasm rather than just state their point. Newspapers aren?t supposed to make readers work that hard to understand, and nobody likes to spend their time reading deeply between the lines. I?ve compiled excerpts from my favorite letters published in 2003. These are well-written letters that clearly state an opinion and show us the true purpose of an editorial page:
I always thought the Christmas season went at least through New Year?s Day. How come the Luverne city crews took the Christmas decorations along Highway 75 down the day after Christmas? What kind of impression does this give to the many, many cars going north and south as well as local residents? Betty IvelandLuverne
I also find it ironic that Mr. Sandbulte and the Republican Party are opposed to abortions, but clearly don?t care about the American people without: health insurance, medications, food, homes and jobs; and then they still claim to be Pro-Life. They are willing to give the wealthy every tax break in the book but won?t spend a nickel to take care of their own citizens. They are just Pro-Birth, NOT Pro-Life!George Gronholz Luverne
Our pool/fitness center will be adding new dry land equipment to open new options for exercise. We would like to challenge the pool/fitness center administration and management to create new options for water exercise. Linda Bakken, Elaine Harms, Connie Wieneke. Tara Block, Jenny Braa, Harveen Gluf, Suzanne Gluf, Marge Harms, Kathleen Jacobsma, Bonita Jacobsma, Karen Jarchow, Karla Kvaale, Tonya Light, Stephanie Morgan, Deb Vogt
The recent traffic crash that took the lives of four teenagers from the Worthington area was a tragedy. It is made more tragic by the fact that the losses would probably have been prevented through the use of seatbelts. Sadly, this crash underscores and continues a long pattern of teenage traffic fatalities in Minnesota ? for the last several years, traffic crashes have been the leading cause of deaths among teens in our state. Kathy Swanson
The worn out policies of the DFL have done nothing more than enslave and create dependents out of those less fortunate. DFL is like Robin Hood, stealing for those who have to give to those who have not, but the truth is, Robin Hood is still a thief!Rev. Jeffrey A. LeeBlaine
Now that the issue with Mike Gangestad has been resolved, I think that somebody should be looking into the supervisor of the utility department, Red Arndt.He (Red) seems to always be able to point a finger at someone else when something goes wrong, but when all is well, Red is the first to take credit for it. ? What this position requires is someone to be available when needed ? because it could be and can be deadly. By the way, what kind of qualifications does a person in Red?s position need? Wouldn?t you need an electrician?s license, lineman?s license and be a people person (someone who listens to the residents of Luverne and his employees?)Gary Shamatt, Luverne
I thought it was a misprint in last week?s news article that stated Mr. Hylen is getting a $40,000 plus severance package (wages, insurance, sick leave, vacation pay). Can this be true? A mediator just found him to be in the wrong in regard to firing Mike Gangestad, which in turn will cost this city more than anyone will ever know. It kind of makes me wonder why the City Council would be so forgiving and just let him leave his job without any reprimand. This almost seems like a reward for a job done poorly.Lee BittermanLuverne
It is with great dismay that I have watched the events unfold in Luverne in the past few weeks. With the departure of Matt Hylen as our administrator, we have lost a talented and enthusiastic worker for Luverne.First, let it be understood that a binding arbitrator?s decision carries weight only because both parties agree to abide by the decision. ? Secondly, it should be no secret to anyone that Mayor Gust has wanted to get rid of Mr. Hylen from the beginning of his term. Why? Because Mr. Hylen did his job in putting together the Jubilee Tax Increment Project which citizen Gust opposed and which he now occupies.Jim KirchhoferLuverne
This is the third year that Fledgling Field will have alfalfa growing there.I was told, after the first year, that it wouldn?t be there the next year. Well, that didn?t happen and it?s still there. ? Let?s make Fledgling Field a park for children or build a funeral home.Karen MartensLuverne
The other day I called our local radio station to request a song by the Country music group, "The Dixie Chicks." I was told that they could not play any Dixie Chicks songs. ?For you that are unaware of what this is all about, let me explain. Some months ago the group, The Dixie Chicks, made a statement about Bush. ? After that remark, virtually all of the radio stations in the country stopped playing their music. So much for freedom of speech.I read just recently where a woman in Iraq was jailed for making negative remarks about Saddam Hussein. Well now, what makes that country so different from ours? She was jailed, the Dixie Chicks are being put out of business. Sounds quite similar to me.Leroy HeerenLuverne
Rock County seems to want to discourage growth. When the Chairman of the County Planning and Zoning Board said he doesn?t like to see housing developments, one mile outside the city limits of Luverne, that is not a good omen. ? There are many building sites in Rock County overlooking the beautiful Rock River Valley. Many of these sites are on marginal land which has poorer productive capabilities. ?These strict interpretations of the zoning laws are just discouraging growth in Rock County. Gene AshbyRural Luverne
Is the council that afraid of listening to concerns that we, the public, have on staff reduction and other budget cuts that they are proposing? I thought the council was elected to listen to our concerns. Apparently, I was wrong.Troy ThoneLuverne
The new Sioux Valley Hospital in Luverne will be good for business and employ up to 230 people. But before the area people dig out their hard-earned donations for the fund-raisers aimed at raising $1 million, I hope Sioux Valley will publish the yearly pay of its Top 10 highest-paid executives. Marvin KroontjeMagnolia
I was so saddened by the tragic news of the death of Randy Scott of Hardwick. Randy was my childhood friend and I have many happy memories of those innocent days in the ?60s.? It?s not too late for Congressman Janklow to live up to his actions and forfeit his office since he no longer deserves the public?s support, respect and confidence.Bruce W. "Buzz" AndersonEagan