We didn’t even need that ethics report
Would we have needed a House Ethics investigation to prove whether Matt Gaetz was fit to serve as attorney general? Several congressmen have disclosed his inappropriate behavior on the House floor. Under the law, sexual harassment is “unwelcome sexual conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, interferes with job performance, or affects employment.” Trump declared he is going to protect women. If ever there was a man from whom women need protection, it is Matt Gaetz. Why did those who witnessed the images and heard Gaetz’s comments fail to report this crime? Is this how you represent the rule of law? Do you not understand how this behavior impacts the women in your life?
I have yet to meet a woman who hasn’t experienced sexual harassment. Matt Gaetz is unequivocally unfit for any public office.
Sarah Koper, St. Paul
Stop it with the taxing!
I lived most of my life on the East Side of St. Paul. Which brings me say this to the St. Paul City Council and Mayor Melvin Carter: Stop raising property taxes to create a charity city.
The city council has this desire to have a city that gives to those less fortunate, which I wouldn’t have a problem with if the money they were giving away was money from private donations. Instead, they are increasing the property taxes for the city residents and finding additional ways to “franchise fee” utility-tax the heck out of the residents. To think Xcel Energy is the one who’s going to absorb this new fee is laughable.
In the end, the great residents of St. Paul can go 10 miles east and pay less property taxes in Woodbury and have a better life. For instance, a $250k home in St. Paul and Woodbury has a major price difference in what residents pay yearly in property taxes. Woodbury residents pay $2,700 while St. Paul residents pay $3,250 per year.
St. Paul needs to stop taxing the life out of their residents.
Nicholas Torntore, Lino Lakes
An alarming increase
After receiving and reviewing my proposed 2025 property taxes, I gasped at an alarming 15.38% increase over 2024 for my parcel. I reluctantly scrutinized the itemized list of where our sacred dollars are spent. My personal school tax increase is over $400.
Which got me to thinking what this increase is for. There was no explanation for it. So, I surmised the increase must be to actually, rather than figuratively, purchase a back-fill supply of disinfectant, and waive additional celebratory food truck socials honoring the excellence of a school district with proficiencies of 35% in reading and 25% in math (according to Public School Review). That’s still some darn expensive disinfectant. Maybe St. Paul could beg for a discount on disinfectant from Ecolab just before they skip town for the burbs.
Mark Kirchner, St. Paul
No fees unspent
The disconnect of the St. Paul City Council never ceases to amaze me. The City Council has seen a new revenue stream appear from what was once a dry riverbed, Xcel Energy franchise fees from November through April. Xcel and it’s customers have had a pass on these fees since 1979.
Let’s get that money while we can, our constituents won’t mind another expense for the greater good we are fighting for. As stated by Council Member Saura Jost, “I think it’s in the council’s best interest not to leave any money on the table. We don’t know how much money we can anticipate.” Seriously? The first estimate had $1.5 million coming in, then it was $3.25 million and then revised to $4.25 million. Why not leave that dough in the taxpayers pocket instead of redistributing the franchise fees in the name of equity, funding new departments and green initiatives that will never pay for themselves. That seems to be a spending problem and not a revenue problem.
Missing the potential amount collected by almost three-fold might indicate that these are not the most competent people to be in charge of the purse strings. Not spending money is also a responsible act. The land grab has got to stop somewhere, but it won’t. The cost of franchise fees is passed on to the consumer, it’s only $30-$40 a year to the consumer and the council can spend your money a lot wiser than you can, or so they think.
Thank you Mr. Frederick Melo for continuing to bring these enlightening reports of an ever-expanding city government.
Mark T Schroeder, West St Paul
Where’s the tree?
This time of year we all look forward to our family traditions. Generations singing the same songs, eating traditional foods, laughing at some of the quirky stuff introduced by the younger generation. Positive change is good. It allows for discovery and growth.
Easy for a liberal to write, until it comes to the strobelike holiday tree they put up in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul.
What happened to the beautifully lit evergreen of years past. Much has already deteriorated and disappeared in our contemporary times. But did they have to replace a beautiful evergreen tree with a neon tree?
Ursula Krawczyk. St. Paul
Sainted
I have been working in the Social Service industry for a while now and have found that navigating through the world of meeting the needs of those less fortunate is not an easy task.
In doing so, I met a woman who is a senior and does not have a lot of “financial” wealth but has whole lot of “compassion” for those who are in need.
There isn’t a moment when Carol Brown isn’t trying to go above and beyond for those who are in need of assistance. From giving rides, distributing food, to lending a helping hand when she is able. She is truly a Saint among us. Thank you, Carol, for being an amazing giver to humankind.
Maureen Vossberg, Bloomington
Sainted
To the Good Samaritan who rescued our grandson, Aiden, from a terrible bike accident on Friday, Nov. 15 on the Jefferson Avenue hill at 8:45 in the morning … we are beyond grateful, as is his mother. You not only took him to his school but your presence gave him great comfort (he was so happy you reached out as he said he felt so much better in your company).
Unfortunately in the chaos of the moment, no one got your name. Please know you are a special angel, and may you be rewarded for your kindness.
Sharon and Cliff Knippel, St. Paul
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