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Letters to the Editor

Reducing income tax will have negative impact

To the Editor: When thinking about tax policy, thinking about what revenue stream is the fairest and based upon people’s ability to pay is extremely important. I found quite the contrast on Tuesday’s Oct. 25 front page of the Independent on headline stories of gubernatorial, Scott Jensen’s thoughts for phasing out the state income tax and the Q & A on the Marshall school referendum interview with Superintendent Jeremy Williams.  I noted in the interview that the primary source for funding for schools is from the state and the largest source of funding is our income tax. Most ...

Learn more about school referendum

To the editor: As a counselor and advocate for Marshall students, I have the privilege of witnessing how strong support for our schools can shape lives. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, residents in our district will make a big decision for our district. Voters will decide whether to reinstate an operating levy of $675 per pupil. With no current levy in place to help fund general education, inadequate state funding and soon-to-expire COVID relief funds will soon leave a gap in funding of nearly $2 million. A new levy would help protect class sizes, pay for classroom expenses, and maintain the ...

Protect the children

To the editor: The Oct. 11, 2022, issue of the Independent carried an article by columnist George Will entitled; ‘Why the West must stop Putin’s drive to export Russia’s cruel pathologies’. This article listed at least 15 incidents of Russian cruelty ranging from pushing people through a hole in the ice to drown like rats, to decapitation and amputation of genitals, etc. Is our country much different? Over the last 30+ years, I have written many letters in various newspapers opposing abortion. Some of them had graphic descriptions of abortion techniques such as the ...

Attorney general race: It bares repeating

To the Editor During the debate between Attorney General Keith Ellison and his challenger Jim Schultz on Oct. 23, Mr. Schultz said the attorney general should not be “suing egg producers in Minnesota.” Why did Mr.Schultz mention this? I’m glad Mr. Ellison explained the case, and it bares repeating. In 2021, the Attorney General’s office sued the large agribusiness corporation Sparboe Farms for price-gouging with extreme price increases that Sparboe put into effect on their eggs during the height of the pandemic — roughly a 200% increase. Sparboe profited $2.1 million ...

Bring drivers educationto classes

To the editor: With widespread discussion of worker shortages, it may be worth taking another look at one of the recent changes in Marshall’s community. For years, driver education classes were offered through the high school, providing students with a chance to get the training they need to become licensed drivers as part of the curriculum. It is now offered through Marshall Community Services, at a significantly higher cost to the learner. Most Minnesotans can earn their license for around $70, but the course in Marshall costs $335. This price can place a license well out of the ...

Draper for Lyon County commissioner

To the editor: I am writing in support of Todd Draper for Lyon County Commissioner in District 2. I have known Todd my entire life as we were both raised and currently work in Lake Benton. In 1997, Todd invited me to join the Fire Department because he said it gives you great pride to give back to your community that has given you something all your life – and he is right. Todd’s integrity and hard work ethic have helped make this community what it is today and he will most definitely do the same for the residents of Lyon County. Todd has participated on several boards and ...