This op ed piece in the Trib’s Business North Section is likely part of the drum roll to support the Red Plan and the Promise that requires an operational levy to pass. Frankly I don’t disagree with very much of what its author, Rob West, said. For instance how can you argue with this:
“…we’re attracting young entrepreneurs who start businesses as well. Many are attracted by the quality of life we enjoy. Many come for an excellent two- or four-year education and stay. They find good jobs, pay taxes and raise their families. All the foregoing contribute to the economic prosperity we all enjoy. But make no mistake: Each is concerned about the future of our public schools.”
But Mr. West dismisses as divisive people who have complained about the theft of their vote and the excess of this spending and also the threat to the financing of the classrooms which comes with the likely defeat of an operational levy. Mr. West doesn’t see the forest for the trees. He sees the pretty trees (the new buildings) but doesn’t see that DDT is killing the animals.
I don’t know how many people will read Mr. West’s piece but a lot will read the very different letter to the editor in the same paper by Cathy Wright. She writes:
“I tried calling School Board members to get the following questions answered, but I wasn’t given what I would consider honest, straight answers from the people who so forcefully are supporting the red plan.” This is a common complaint.
You can also read Mr. West’s piece on the Duluth Business blog
