Readers Write (Jan. 7): Courtroom safety, light bulb changes, hunting wolves, organ donations, ice cream factory

Hennepin County Judge Lloyd Zimmerman has raised concerns about security in suburban courtrooms ("Citing weapon risks, judge says no to three courtrooms," Jan. 5).

As a longtime resident of Brooklyn Center, I am beyond offended by Zimmerman's repeated disparaging remarks about the Brookdale courtroom. He is quoted as saying that Brookdale "is the most likely place for a shooting or violence to occur."

He offers no evidence for his inflammatory remarks and, although he is also refusing to hear cases in Minnetonka and Edina, it seems that Brookdale is the only courtroom in which he is concerned about being "carried out in a body bag."

I am in complete agreement with the judge regarding security in all courtrooms throughout the state. Brooklyn Center, like every other city, has its share of domestic violence, but it should not be singled out as if it were the Wild West.

We have a family-oriented, diverse, safe community that is enjoying very healthy growth. We are in a constant battle to overcome the completely unfounded negative press that we receive as a community.

I agree with you, Judge Zimmerman, but please don't throw Brooklyn Center under the bus to have your voice heard.

BONNIE JUDE, BROOKLYN CENTER

I am dismayed at the prospect of incandescent light bulbs not being produced anymore ("Lights go down on the 100-watt bulb," Jan. 2). What is not being mentioned enough is the mercury in the compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

If you break one, you'll be amazed to learn about the proper procedures needed to clean up the breakage. Just read the back of the package of the CFLs, and you'll be surprised.

There's also too little discussion about how to get rid of these bulbs when they burn out, which happens more often than is being sold to the public.

The backers of these bulbs say there is a minuscule amount of mercury in them. Just imagine what the impact on the environment will be when every household here and abroad is using these bulbs and discarding them improperly in the trash.

For now, I'm buying up as many incandescent bulbs as I can.

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Your Outdoors coverage on the Department of Natural Resources considering hunting and trapping of wolves this fall was distinguished more by what it omitted than by what it included ("Wolves into the crosshairs," Jan. 4).

For starters, Minnesota Statute 343.21, subdivision 7, states: "No person shall willfully set on foot, instigate, or in any way further any act of cruelty to any animal or animals, or any act tending to produce such cruelty."

As far back as 1863, Charles Darwin wondered how the cruelty of trapping could continue in a civilized society. My own dog was caught in a leghold trap some 30 years ago.

Furthermore, experience and scientific research, including by wildlife agencies, strongly suggests that trapping has little measurable impact in controlling wildlife populations.

To accommodate the concerns of those with farm animals being killed by wolves, more benign solutions should be applied, such as quickly removing inviting carcasses and using guard dogs for protection.

RICHARD LAYBOURN, BLOOMINGTON

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As we ring in 2012, we are filled with the feelings of promise and hope that a new year brings. For me, 2012 marks the 10-year anniversary of my life-saving heart and kidney transplant.

Not a day goes by where I don't give thanks for my organ donor and her family. Their decision saved my life and allowed me to know what it feels like to be a healthy person.

A new law that went into effect on Jan. 1, known as the "You and $2" program, could significantly increase Minnesota's registry of donors, and help heal people battling organ failure, devastating burns, blindness and other serious conditions.

Minnesota residents may now contribute $2 to support public education about organ, tissue and eye donation when they apply for or renew their driver's licenses and ID cards.

I hope this letter inspires people to register as donors and contribute. With these simple steps, every individual can make a difference in someone else's life and leave a legacy of hope and healing.

NANCY MOHS, LAKEVILLE

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I work near the proposed site and live near the current Izzy's production and flagship store in St. Paul. I often mention Izzy's as a leverage point when telling people where I live.

Having Izzy's near housing supports stronger high-density, mixed-use living that will increase the overall quality and value of life for urban dwellers. Maybe I'll buy a unit in the new housing development. That is, of course, if there's an Izzy's nearby.