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From: Mark Olson
I grew up in Winona and visit every summer. As a kid growing up in Winona, I used to hike the bluffs above the lake, going to Devil’s Cave, Kitchen Cave and the top of Sugar Loaf. There used to be trails all along the bluffs where kids could hike all day long without hearing the cars or seeing other people.
Now there are people who want to turn those beautiful bluffs into their yards. They’ll put up fences, cut down trees and, of course, demand that they be provided water, sewer, electricity, and fire protection. When we look up from our houses to see what used to be beautiful bluffs, particularly in the fall, we will now see houses dotting the bluffs, with their lights glaring at night and their windows looking down on us during the day.
The kids won’t be able to hike anymore, the trails will be blocked with fences and signs. As the electricity, water, and sewer are brought in, whole pathways of trees will need to be taken out to run the poles and dig the trenches. What was once a beautiful bluff will be nothing more than mowed grass on a hill with huge retaining walls to keep the places from sliding down.
Each of us, who can look out our windows or up from our bike rides, will lose the view we once all shared so that a few people can have their million dollar view. Sometimes the price of progress is too high and we need people who will protect the 99% of us who just want to enjoy the beauty that God blessed us with. Remember that when you go to the polls, vote with a conscience and you may see the results.
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