Renwick Dam Rehab Project

I’ve expressed some of my feelings concerning this at meetings and in letters to the papers, so I’ll try not to be repetitive. I have some thoughts and concerns I’d like to share with you.

First, I have to say that Icelandic State Park is a beautiful facility and certainly an asset to the area, even to the state. I know of no one who would knowingly put that, or the city of Cavalier, or downstream property owners at risk. Where folks seem to differ is in how they feel the dam should be fortified and who should be responsible for the local match portion of the expense.

My belief is that those who pay an assessment for a project should: 1)benefit from the project, 2) be allowed to have input in deciding how the project is done, and 3) be offered as much information about the project as they would like to have, from the entity proposing the project and assessment.

I attended very few meetings on the Renwick Dam rehab project because, due to my location, I really didn’t feel that my input deserved consideration. Obviously I was not serving District 10 in the ND House at the time. What I remember very clearly from my limited participation is that the meetings were not conducive to public input. You could submit a comment or question in writing at the end of the meeting with no chance for follow up or rebuttal of the committee’s answer or comments.

I have witnessed situations where federal government agencies use these “public meetings” to direct a consesus that supports the plan that agency wants. It’s difficult for local officials to argue when a federal government employee, with all the credentials, says you should do it his way and promises federal help for funding if you do.

Whether or not this was the case with the Renwick meetings, I am concerned that the people in Pembina and Cavalier Counties who will be assessed for the rehab project are not being well served. I would much prefer that a project of this magnitude be brought before the people for approval or disapproval through a vote. There would have been more than adequate time to apply this process had the controlling entities chosen to do so. Local officials would have known the sentiment of the public as a result.

If the present plan is the most effective, economical, fair and beneficial way to proceed with the Renwick Dam rehab project, prove that to the people and let them vote. All cost and funding issues should be addressed and re-addressed as the project proceeds, as this is necessary knowledge in making an informed decision.

One more issue that surfaced once again as a result of water issues is that of County Commissions of one county assuming taxing authority in a neighboring county, and some people thought they saw an opportunity for this to happen. One doesn’t have to envision too many scenarios to realize the absurdity of such an arrangement. And I believe the mere suggestion flies in the face of the structure of government envisioned by our forefathers and defies reason.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments concerning this or the subject of your choice!

Regards,

CDD

Summer Events

It has been an enjoyable but busy summer, taking in events and campaigning. I have enjoyed seeing many of you at meetings, fundraisers, parades and fairs! I apologize for not getting to every event that I would like to be at, but can only be in one place at a time. As harvest approaches I’m realizing more time would really be a nice thing to have!

My colleagues tell me I missed a great parade in Park River. However, I was able to participate in several very impressive parades at the following towns: St. Thomas, Walhalla, Bisbee, and Mountain. I also spent some time at the Pembina County Fair in Hamilton. I’m always impressed with the small-town ND spirit that shows in the work that folks are willing to put into organizing these events! That is one of the elements that makes ND such a great place to be!

I was also honored to be a part of the ground breaking for the new facility at Maple Manor in Langdon. It was great to have the Governor there and it’s exciting to see Maple Manor moving forward on a new concept in senior living. My wife, Alice, our youngest daughter, Gabrielle, and I had the privilege of entertaining at the Maple Manor annual Luau fundraiser as “Special Delivery”.

“Special Delivery” also hosted the 8th Annual Gospel Music Extravaganza in the Cando City Park. It was fun to have Rep. Dave Monson and his wife, Mary, there for part of the day.

The Munich Volunteer Fire Dept. steak fry was another enjoyable evening. A 9-county meeting in Devils Lake, an advisory board meeting for the Langdon Experiment Station and a number of other events have kept the schedule quite well filled. Then there are all those annoying little things like, trying to make a living… : )

I do regret that I haven’t devoted more time to updating this site. I’m going to be attempting to change that starting now! In the very near future I intend to speak to several issues including the Renwick Dam Rehab project and the idea of a state-owned oil refinery.

Thank you for faithfully checking my website. I will make every effort to provide more timely updates from now on. I also hope to see many of you and visit with you at upcoming community events and/or during the door-to-door campaign.

More to come – soon! Best regards, Chuck