Letter to the Editor - Killing the Golden Goose

We cover Decorah because we love it. Show your love back — donate today. Dear Editor, It is somewhat laughable that a Luther College professor would write about not supporting city facilities, considering Luther College doesn't pay taxes to the city. Oh, they receive services. If the fire alarm goes off, the trucks roll up the hill and deal with it. But Baldwin suggests that because he doesn't understand the three approaches being considered by the city as solutions that no one should vote for the bond. The fact is, Baldwin submitted his letter to the editor prior to the well-advertised learning session hosted by the city manager and fire department. Rather than holding his opinion until he received all information, he made it clear that he's not willing to support anything because there isn't a set, "no changing" plan. In other words, he doesn't value flexibility within the constraints of a budget. Surely, if the Nordic Choir was provided a lump sum he would want flexibility to spend it the way he saw best, to create the best benefit to the choir he conducts. Why wouldn't we extend this same grace to the people that will use this building? If there is one thing you can bet on is that the Decorah Fire Department will be incredible stewards of the "people's money," just as they have before. When buying or building the apparatus they have purchased they have spent MANY long hours thinking through how to make the most of space and getting top of line value, while still finding ways to keep the costs affordable to the people of Decorah. Why does Baldwin think that it would be done any other way this time? Furthermore, Baldwin's suggestion that this is the wrong year for a referendum is ridiculous for two reasons. 1. Building costs go up EVERY year. Waiting another year will likely force the cost from $18.8 million to well north of $20 million. Look at every other bond referendum that failed the first time, and was increased the second time around. 2. If this is truly as important as Baldwin suggests then voters can make an effort to vote. Democracy is not a matter of convenience, and with the early voting options as they are it is very easy for people to make their vote count. While I don't live in Decorah, I want to see what is best for Decorah. Too many people forget that Decorah has something that every other small community would want. Major drawing power. While I understand no one wants to waste money, the good people of Decorah need to realize that investing in their community is the only way to not kill their golden goose. I strongly encourage you to look past the short-sited opinion and VOTE YES to the ballot on Nov. 4th. As we saw from the Tuesday learning session, which was covered extremely thoroughly by both DecorahNews.com and the Decorah Leader, there is very clearly a plan in place, but having flexibility is key. Nathan Olson Cedar Rapids, Iowa Editor's Note: For clarification, Luther College is billed by the city when the fire department responds to false alarms on campus.