Readers Write (Oct. 15): Vikings stadium, Chevy Volt, BWCA mining, Campaign Finance Board

The Star Tribune Editorial Board's relentless advocacy for a downtown Minneapolis Vikings stadium has become tiresome ("A costly time bomb in Ramsey County," Oct. 13). Prime editorial real estate is given over to this argument on a regular basis, when there are many more important issues to weigh in on.

Speaking of real estate: Inserting the requisite disclosure, toward the end of these editorials, to acknowledge that the newspaper might gain financially from a stadium deal being struck involving property the paper owns near the Metrodome doesn't make the blatant politicking any more palatable.

If, on the other hand, a stadium ends up being built on the site of the current Farmers Market, where throngs now mingle happily on weekend mornings during the months when we are free of snow buying fresh produce, listening to music, and breathing in the smells of cilantro, bratwurst and corn, in this reader's opinion, Minneapolis would have lost rather than gained a unique asset.

MARTHA DAVIS BECK, MINNEAPOLIS

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The proposed new Vikings stadium should be built in downtown Minneapolis.

The current proposal for Arden Hills has infrastructure costs of $130 million to $180 million. Minneapolis has the infrastructure in place, and there is ample transportation and parking.

The Vikings promote a new stadium in Arden Hills as a destination for football, shopping and restaurants. Do we need another destination when we have the Mall of America, both downtowns and the Dales? And with Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, Target Field and TCF Bank Stadium, do we need another entertainment venue?

We would be wise to fully use the facilities we already have.

GEORGE HORNER, MINNEAPOLIS

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About a year ago, I sent a letter to the Star Tribune questioning whether anyone would buy the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt, which cost $41,000 at that time. Few cars were bought, and here we are again. The new Volt from GM is out, and it will cost $47,000. Doesn't GM see a problem here?

KIM M. HUNTER, BROOKLYN PARK

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As someone who personally values the pristine natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, I was delightfully surprised to learn that Minnesota officials recently postponed mineral prospecting on private lands ("State officials postpone leases for copper-nickel prospecting," Oct. 6).

This is a step in the right direction. By postponing the sale of leases that permit drilling, state officials effectively took preventative action against mining companies that are threatening the health of the BWCA.

But the conversation surrounding this decision has largely focused on property rights, all but excluding the environmental narrative. It is important that we, as citizens and lovers of this great state, promulgate the environmental side of this issue. Let's advance the narrative of a clean, safe Minnesota for humans and the environment alike.

GRACE CAIRD, ST. PAUL

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Regarding the editorial counterpoint by John Helmberger ("Campaign Finance Board oversteps authority," Oct. 14): Let the sun shine in on campaign finance.

Let donors and potential donors to campaigns and referendums understand that sending in money to support a candidate or cause is a public act every bit as visible as marching in a parade, speaking on a TV or radio broadcast, posting an entry on a blog, or holding a neighborhood meeting.

Elaborate schemes to hide sources of campaign contributions are intended to let donors mask their identities while they attempt to influence the outcome of elections. We have a right to know when a large organization such as a union or corporation or when an individual donates sums of money to support a campaign.