StarTribune.com
sixth042308

Home | Politically Connected | National Politics | U.S. House

The past resurfaces for DFL candidate

Elwyn Tinklenberg ran into questions at a forum about his work as a consultant after he left MnDOT.

Last update: April 23, 2008 - 5:01 PM

Taconite tailings are seldom an issue in the Sixth Congressional District, where about 170 miles separate St. Cloud from the Mesabi Iron Range.

But taconite got dug up at a DFL Party luncheon forum Tuesday featuring congressional candidate Elwyn Tinklenberg, whose consulting firm advises a University of Minnesota research institute on potential uses (such as road construction) for the millions of tons of waste rock mined each year.

Former federal judge Miles Lord, who 30 years ago famously stopped Reserve Mining Co. from dumping tons of carcinogenic tailings in Lake Superior, distributed a letter at the luncheon and made statements essentially accusing Tinklenberg of helping spread "deadly taconite tailings" in Minnesota and across the country.

Tinklenberg defended the work, saying that the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth had tested the rock and found it safe, and that his role has been limited.

"It is not our project," he said. "We've only been asked to explore markets."

Tinklenberg, who hopes to win the DFL's endorsement Saturday in Coon Rapids to face Republican incumbent Michele Bachmann, is a former mayor of Blaine and served as Transportation Department commissioner under Gov. Jesse Ventura. After leaving MnDOT, Tinklenberg created a firm specializing in transportation and land-use issues.

Mining companies have used taconite tailings on roads in northeastern Minnesota for decades, said Don Fosnacht, director of NRRI's Center for Applied Research and Technology Development.

The rock used today comes from the western Iron Range, which doesn't have the asbestos-like fibrous material found in the eastern Range mines. Moreover, western rock is hard as nails, which would make it tough to spread in particle form, Fosnacht said.

In the meantime, he said, scientists are examining minerals in the rock to see if they might present any health issues.

Janet O'Connell of Lake Elmo, who also asked questions of Tinklenberg at the luncheon, said that more research must be done on the possible ties between taconite and cancer. She developed an interest in the issue after it came out last year that 35 Iron Range miners died of mesothelioma between 1997 and 2005.

"My concern is, if they use [taconite tailings], what's going to happen to my children and your children," she said.

Kevin Duchschere • 612-673-4455

 

Subscribe

Campaign finance information through Mar 31, 2008

District 1 Total raised
Brian Davis, R 
$222,590
Dick Day, R 
$226,387
Randy Demmer, R 
$223,316
Mark Meyer, R 
$27,390
Timothy Walz, D* 
$1,609,046
$2,308,729
District 2 Total raised
John Kline, R* 
$842,793
Daniel Powers, D 
$2,000
Stephen Sarvi, D 
$114,946
$959,739
District 3 Total raised
Terri Bonoff, D 
$472,137
David Dillon, I 
$31,297
James Hovland, D 
$139,621
Jigar Madia, D 
$362,445
Erik Paulsen, R 
$772,199
$1,777,699
District 4 Total raised
Edward Matthews, R 
$5,805
Betty McCollum, D* 
$373,682
$379,487
District 5 Total raised
Keith Ellison, D* 
$708,728
Barbara White, R 
$8,650
$717,378
District 6 Total raised
Michele Bachmann, R* 
$1,539,273
Robert Olson, D 
$268,368
Elwin Tinklenberg, D 
$260,943
$2,068,584
District 7 Total raised
Collin Peterson, D* 
$723,355
$723,355
District 8 Total raised
James Oberstar, D* 
$1,183,796
$1,183,796
Search
contributions
Last name:
Employer:
Zip code:
Advanced Search

President data includes only information from Minnesota contributors. House and Senate data is for Minnesota seats only. More info

Shopping + Classifieds
Renter's Reward

Get $125 When You Move

No catch. We pay renters when they sign a new rental lease. Learn more.
Coupons and Deals

Save Your $$ With Coupons

Discounts on services, entertainment, dining, gifts, and more. Start saving!

Win a season pass to Music at the Zoo!

Win a season pass to Music at the Zoo! Enter by midnight on Thursday, July 10, 2008.

See all contests