SESQUICENTENNIAL PLANS
That's a birthday bash?
Do I note a touch of disdain in your Jan. 1 report on what public money we're going to spend on celebrating the state's birthday? Just how much do you think we should spend on such a minor event? After all, Minnesota's bicentennial is a mere 50 years away. To spend almost 40 cents each would obviously be a crushing blow to taxpayers. Think of a family of four already struggling to afford the newest cell phones for the kids and an impressively sized HDTV for the family room.
I don't know whether it is more disappointing to see so little interest in what should be our common history on the part of Minnesota's current residents or to find so little ability on the part of our current "leaders" to arouse more than 14 cents apiece worth of enthusiasm for that history.
I do know I wouldn't expect much of either group if they were planning my next birthday party.
HAROLD W. ONSTAD, PLYMOUTH
License plates and more The Sesquicentennial Commission owes a great debt of gratitude to the fine work being done by executive director Jane Leonard and her staff as we enter this special year for Minnesota. They encourage everyone's participation, formally and informally, and are coordinating a great number of events across the state for the next year.
Legislators on the commission -- there are eight of us -- will indeed be submitting a proposal to produce sesquicentennial license plates for the public to purchase as one way of participating in the celebration of Minnesota's statehood. The sesquicentennial logo is very striking and many have asked about using it on a special license plate. We have been promised hearings early in the '08 session.
In addition, there will be a bill introduced asking for appropriate supplemental funding so that the necessary operating expenses of the office can be supported throughout the year. We look forward to a favorable response from both the Legislature and the governor.
SEN. ANN H. REST, D-NEW HOPE;
