Readers write (Oct. 28): Vikings, prepaying for gas, flu prevention

The Vikings want a new playground in Arden Hills. A new casino at Block E has been mentioned as a potential funding source. Well, Mr. Wilf, why don't you sit down with the Block E development team and offer to build a casino next to your planned facility in Arden Hills?

I can't think of a better location. A stadium development would offer many of the things needed to make it attractive for a casino. Large parking area available. Utility upgrades. Open space. Farther from Mystic Lake. Freeways are in place. Captive audience on fall/winter weekends. Facilities would compliment each other. People arriving could go to the casino before and after a event at the "playground." Tax dollars and new development come into the northeastern part of the metro area.

If a major development is being planned for the Arden Hills site, lets do it right. Money to pay for the stadium would be made right next door and just shoveled into the stadium.

STEVE SOEFFKER, GLENCOE, MINN.

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Gov. Dayton,

I heard a media report this morning that I can only hope is horribly in error. It said you'd consider using Legacy funds for a new Vikings stadium. This is not right and is a terrible breach of trust and a violation of the intent of the Legacy Amendment. Doing this would have long-term ramifications about the public trusting its government. The public would likely not vote again to voluntarily be taxed for schools or libraries or our environment if you and other stadium boosters follow through with this. You will force Minnesotans to try to sue their state to stop this.

GISSLEN LEE, MINNEAPOLIS

Another stupid idea from our local elected officials. I live in Coon Rapids, and we certainly do not need a local or state law requiring prepayment for gasoline ("Prepay may become only way," Oct. 27). Station owners can certainly require prepayment for gasoline. I have no problem with that any more than I find it to be a problem when a restaurant doesn't accept checks. They have the right to do what they want. But let's keep government out of the problem.

HAROLD OLSON, COON RAPIDS

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Starbucks is sued because a tip jar on the counter is too tempting for thieves. Now we should prepay for gas because crooks just can't resist driving off without paying. What next? Must I chain down my lawn ornaments because someone might trip and hurt himself while stealing a flamingo?

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If gas stations complain that legislating a prepay requirement is too much government intrusion, maybe the government should stop using its police to investigate, its courts to prosecute and its jails to punish those who drive off without paying. If the government has to clean up the crime, it is only fair that the gas stations do their best to prevent the crime.

LAURA FINGERSON, EDEN PRAIRIE

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The article failed to point out the cost of police and subsequent prosecutorial response for the 492 reports of fuel theft cited in Coon Rapids in 2010, but it is important information when weighing the benefit of a prepayment ordinance or other action taken by the municipality.

If station owners and the industry association cannot get it done internally, legislation becomes inevitable. If it leads to a less-risky, profitable business style for station owners and the less-costly enforcement of a low-probability prosecution of a nonviolent crime for the municipality, there is return on investment for both parties.

TIM KLEINPASTE, MINNEAPOLIS

It comes as no surprise to those of us who practice natural health that the flu shot isn't as effective as the "experts" have been claiming ("Flu shots fail almost half of us," Oct. 26). What is more unfortunate is that the director of the infectious diseases division at the Minnesota Department of Health says it is the only tool in the toolbox. Taking Vitamin D, eating fruits and vegetables, washing your hands, and avoiding sugar and alcohol have all been proven to improve health. Perhaps those tools got left in the back of the truck and the toolbox got stolen?