Continued: South letters

Don't punish good snowmobile users

We live in the Midwest to enjoy the great outdoors, right? We live here to enjoy the snow whether that be skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling.

We live right on a snowmobile trail and as a business owner and avid snowmobiler, I love the sound of sleds going by. Why? Because that means there are people out enjoying our weather AND they are spending money in an otherwise slow economy. These snowmobilers are buying gas, parts, apparel, a bite to eat at local restaurants, new sleds, etc. Instead of trying to limit and/or eliminate the sport, why don't we celebrate it!! Your [Jan. 27] article said it's the best snow in the last six years. Which means it's something we have to listen to or see once in a while, not every year, mother nature doesn't provide snowy seasons every year.

There may be a few snowmobilers that just don't get it. But should we then limit those other tens of thousands that do get it and are helping to keep this economy going?? I hope not; my business depends on them.

HOLLY HELMS

Balsam Lake, Wis., (formerly of Farmington)

As a snowmobiler, it annoys me that a few of us stupidly insist on driving through marked private property. Furthermore I agree with a speed reduction around Kathy Vargo's home, although 25 mph is somewhat excessive. What irks me about this article are the references to "outsiders" riding in their communities and everyone's right to peace and quiet. First of all, as a resident of south Minneapolis, I notice a lot of you "outsiders" clogging the highways that run through my community, but I don't complain. Secondly if anyone is offended by a few sleds running by their house a few weekends once every four or five years (due to our lousy snowfall), I invite you to move to my community. There are no snowmobile trails here. Just a great big airport where airplanes loudly take off and land nonstop, day and night, 365 days a year, filled to capacity with many, many "outsiders." I knew the airport was here when I moved here so I don't complain. You knew the snowmobile trails were in your communities when you moved there, so please, stop complaining. Oh, and by the way, I didn't qualify for the MAC's sound abatement program. I live one block outside of the abatement zone.

PAUL LAUER Minneapolis

Outer-ring areas being 'citified'

First let me say that I have ridden snowmobiles in Scott County for over 33 years. I am a member of the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. I participate in civic projects for PLSA and have been a trail groomer.

I am 71 years old, not a spring chicken. I also fly hot-air balloons in Scott County. So between snowmobiles and balloons I am acutely aware of landowner issues and landowner rights. We can't have our fun without their help.

When I moved to this area, like most people doing the same, it was to escape the "city" way of life and be able to enjoy the country. But people just keep coming, city people and inner-circle suburban people. People who do not understand gravel roads, wells, septic systems. They have no idea what a township is or how it is governed. They set out to "citify" our country way of living, and unfortunately they have succeeded for the most part.

All that said, I was enraged at the rage and meanness shown by some of the people mentioned in the snowmobile story. Their comments are full of exaggerations at best and lies at worst.

In particular, I object to the comment about "saloon runs." It is fair to say there used to be a lot of that but seldom do you see intoxicated riders these days. It is the same as the car. That misbehavior has declined for good reasons to a point where many DUIs end up as major news stories. About 10 years ago, or so, when the top-of-the-line sleds were reaching 100 horsepower and more, there were tragic stories of how horsepower and alcohol do not mix.

The point was made and many hard-drinking riders changed so dramatically that they don't even consider drinking anymore.

MARTY CODDINGTON

Spring Lake Township

Plush Vikings seats or safe bridges?

Before I can even consider agreeing to spend Minnesota's tax dollars to build a new dome for the Vikings, I'd first like to bring up a few concerns. First, how can a new dome be a priority when Minnesota has so many other suffering public programs? School systems, for example, are still undergoing tremendous cutbacks at the horrible cost of ill-prepared students; future generations of academics, leaders, engineers and health professionals, are not receiving the education they deserve. Secondly, is this tax money going to take the place of money that could be going toward our neglected interstate system? Personally, I'd rather Minnesota's bridges were safe than sit in golden seats at a Vikings game. Especially since their past and current records hardly warrant any extra money. How many times have they won the Super Bowl now? Finally, I won't pretend I know everything about this proposition, so if it turns out that a new stadium would, in fact, be more beneficial than detrimental to our state's economy, then my suggestion to the panel currently discussing this is as follows: Take the time and money to make the new dome environment-friendly. Don't make the mistake of neglecting these types of issues any longer. If we're going to invest in this project, we need to be smart. Rebuilding in 15 years because of environmental reasons would not only be embarrassing, but would negate any profits this new dome might bring to Minnesota.

LAURA DEES

Northfield