I'm one of the 60,000 residents of Crow Wing County. Ms. Nystrom indicated at the Nov. 10 county board meeting that it's her job to represent the 60,000 residents of Crow Wing County, not individuals who spoke at the meeting in opposition to the integration of community services and probation, not individuals who wrote letters expressing their concerns. I'm confused. I believed that as citizens of the county, we should speak at the meetings to have our voices heard, that we should write letters to our commissioners and public officials. Is this not the case? While I didn't speak at the meeting or write letters, I share the belief of the many who expressed valid concerns about the integration of services. I share the opinion of the business analyst who couldn't recommend integration because of the financial risks associated with the withdrawal from CMCC. I share the belief of those that are concerned about destroying a successful department by integrating it with one that is struggling. I'm one of the 60,000 resident's voice that was not heard, represented or respected by the commissioners.
Several board members, prior to their vote, spoke to their disappointment in the community members at the meeting in October and those who attempted to speak Nov. 10. What I heard was people speaking passionately about what they believed to be right and true. Ms. Nystrom also commented that she "listened" while people spoke in opposition for three hours. Yes, you may have "listened," but you did not "hear." I'm one of the 60,000 residents who was not heard. I'm one of the 60,000 residents who was disregarded and scolded.
Commissioners, you are correct about one thing. It is disappointing. However, it is not the behavior of the residents of Crow Wing County that is disappointing.
Lynn Miller
Baxter
