Vote in new Iron County Board members

To the Editor:

Our Iron County Board overwhelmingly approves committee recommendations with little discussion of the full board. While it makes meetings quick and easy, some necessary questions are not being handled properly.

The board admits to not reading or knowing what they were signing with the lease for Gogebic Taconite. I was at the yearly budget meeting, which lasted less than 20 minutes, accepted with very few questions.

At the candidates’ forum in Hurley, my representative said he likes having the work done in committees because he doesn’t like disagreements of the board made public. We need board members who are willing to ask questions and do independent research. That’s why I’m voting for Richard Thiede.

At the citizens forum in Hurley, it was very evident that the incumbents have nearly given up on promoting tourism or trying to attract new businesses to this county. From the county clerk’s office to the Chamber of Commerce to the school board to the county board, too many representatives feel this defeated way.

It’s time for at least a few people in these positions to represent the rest of us who still have hope for tourism, small businesses and a downtown that is more family-friendly. Iron County is not dead yet. Let’s vote in some new people who have not already given up.

Maureen Matusewic

Hurley