opinion
Reader foresees ‘persistent and irresistible’ electric rates, property taxes under MEU
Thursday, January 16, 2025 3:09 pm
In my ongoing pilgrimage toward MEU enlightenment, as I read and ask questions and occasionally get answers on issues as disparate as revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds, assessed value versus taxable value, gross margin versus net margin, levy caps, …
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‘Holiday Lights’ shines again
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:10 pm
As the 20th season of Holiday Lights has now concluded, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the event’s sponsors, visitors and volunteers for another incredible season at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. I have been fortunate to …
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Guardians of Northeast Iowa highlights benefits of services
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
It is a topic which most people glaze over, but the impact of guardians, conservators and trustees is immeasurable. First, the service provided is legally necessary and ordered by the Iowa court system. Guardianship provides decision-making services for highly vulnerable, protected …
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Looking forward to hearing from lawmakers
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
The following is my response to the Iowa Legislative Session of 2025 interview published in the Jan. 2, 2025, edition of the Decorah Leader. State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people …
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The hypocrisy: a rebuttal to Emily Neal
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:07 pm
It’s time to acknowledge a hard truth: the city council is not playing by the rules. As I wrote this letter, the council is down one member, and yet, they continue to push forward with a radical agenda that alienates …
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Rx for what’s ailing you — the writer’s prescription
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:11 pm
We may not realize that politics is one of those human issues that can implode on us. There comes a time when this realization hits rather hard. This last election was one of them. There is a remedy to help …
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Lawmakers should move past the stigma of cannabis products
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:10 pm
To the Editor: It is time for Iowa and its leaders and the country as a whole to legalize/decriminalize the evil weed, as some still say, aka marijuana and most all CBD products. Minnesota has done it as has Missouri …
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Current electric prices high, but service reliable
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:10 pm
This is just my opinion. I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with me, especially the city council. So be it. Alliant and MiEnergy out of Cresco — which I’m on — they’re both high, but they are reliable. …
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Reader foresees recession under next Trump administration
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:09 pm
I’ve had conversations with concerned people about protecting retirement funds, so no funds will be lost, wondering how to protect funds. I lost funds during the Repubs’ recessions. It took Clinton and Obama eight years each to regain what was …
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Why vote yes to the municipal energy utility referendum
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:08 pm
Dear Editor, Thank you to the Decorah City Council for exploring the feasibility of a municipal electricity utility and for offering residents the opportunity to vote yes on the upcoming referendum in March. There are confusing and conflicting opinions about …
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Apples, oranges, MEUs
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:07 pm
I wish to add some extra context to Dan Baldwin’s letter in the Jan. 2 Leader, regarding his opposition to Decorah’s March 4 vote to authorize continued exploration of the feasibility of a Municipal Electric Utility. I appreciate Dan’s numbers …
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Part 2: The Case for an MEU — Trust.
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:06 pm
I’m having trouble trusting Alliant Energy. The information presented in their recent ads and posted on their website is the same misinformation from 2018 when they spent six figures dividing our community on false pretenses. They appear to be up …
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I’m glad there’s discussion, but I gotta’ add one point of clarity
Saturday, January 4, 2025 11:31 am
I have to admit I’ve never seen a letter to the editor submitted as part one of three before — never even heard of such a thing. So, by extension, I have to admit I’ve never considered addressing it as …
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Reader cites city property taxes in predicting high rates under proposed MEU
Saturday, January 4, 2025 11:30 am
To the editor: On the question of a municipal electric utility, “Decorah Power,” I bring numbers, a couple observations and a question. Numbers first. For ease of comparison, I’ll refer in each case to the 12-month period beginning on July …
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A response to Daniel Baldwin’s letter
Saturday, January 4, 2025 11:30 am
I’m writing to respond to a recent letter to the editor submitted by my good friend and former Luther College colleague Daniel Baldwin. I am responding as a private citizen and not in any official capacity as the chair of …