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I am not one to speak out and ask people to vote a certain way. I feel everyone has a right to vote as they choose.

However, when I saw the sample ballot and the Constitutional Amendment on it — I have to speak out.

As a county commissioner, I care deeply for the people of this area and for the prosperity and well-being of our local communities. So, what I am asking, is that you all do your own homework and research what this will truly do.

It is on the ballot as:

Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal

It states:

Shall the MN Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural area; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?

Sound great doesn’t it??… Who would vote “no” to clean air and water?

But, my gut told me to check into it … and when I dug deeper — this is a very deceptive statement.

It is not simply a renewal, there are enormous changes in it …

If you vote no to this — you are not against clean air and water — who would be …?

What you would be voting no to is them changing the rules without you being fully informed. Voting no would leave the rules as they are now.

As the rule stands now — money goes to all of the above plus allows small cities and towns such as Albert Lea, Clarks Grove, Manchester, Alden, Hayward, Glenville and Emmons to petition for funds to upgrade their water and sewer systems. This is a huge need all over the state.

If you vote yes to this amendment — that option will stop.

Also, if you vote yes to this amendment, it will put the decision making on who gets what funds and how much in the hands of an appointed committee, that will have no accountability to the voters.

We need more accountability — not less!

If you vote yes — it will be locked in until 2050 before any changes could be made. That is far too long and much damage could be done and be irreversible.

There is plenty of money in the trust fund to keep the funding going as is until our elected and accountable representatives can get better ballot language written to present to voters.

Please know what you are voting for — don’t just read what they chose to put on and feel you have to agree. Do your research — consider voting no, it does not mean you are against clean air and water — quite the contrary — it means you don’t want funds wasted on pet projects that serve no valuable purpose, and that you want accountability.

If you are unsure when you go vote — leave that portion blank — that is your right as well.

Dawn Kaasa
District 2
Freeborn County commissioner