To the editor,
Regrettably, I find myself writing this letter to respond to charges made by the mayor (Bob Anderson) in a private interview with The Journal and then published without comment from me. I am referring to the mayor’s charge that I, Councilor Gail Rognerud and EDA (Economic Development Authority) Director Shawn Mason have worked against him as mayor and that is why he shuts us out from his circle when working on city business and does not speak to us outside of official business.
I am a person who respects the democratic process and once the election was over, I embraced the vote of my constituents and called Mayor Anderson to welcome him aboard. I also told him that if he works with our skilled staff, there is nothing that can stop us from realizing our full potential as a city of economic vibrancy. Just lately, when I introduced him at the “Medical NAFTA” meeting in Fort Frances on July 3, I complimented him on his value as a well-connected city official because I know that if he chooses to be an ally in getting cross border shared medical services over the legal and regulatory barriers that prevent us from sharing services, that we have a great advocate at our side.
In our discussion on the airport, I have only tried to address how we are going to pay for the airport reconstruction. The city council, unanimously, has voted that we consider alternative funding methods with the airport commission; but these proposals have run into a stone wall at the airport commission, of which Mayor Anderson is chair.
I have no secret agenda. My only wish is to work for bettering our city as an independent, valiant fighter for the best interests of our city residents. Whenever the mayor chooses to do that, I am on his side. Believe me, I am much too busy solving problems and considering solutions to have time for conspiracies. People who know me know that I say what I believe is true and expect the same from others and that I listen to people who disagree with me and can change my opinion when convinced another view is better.
Of course, the council has honest differences of opinion on what is best for the city, but at no time have I taken these differences personally as long as accusations that impugn the character of myself or my fellow councilors or city staff are not involved.
I would say the same for Gail as a long term, successful city councilor and all my fellow councilors, including Paul Eklund and Pete Kalar. Gail has served as councilor for 30 years because she has ethics that are unimpeachable and motives only to serve the interests of the people. She is a model for me to follow and anyone seeking to serve.
Cynthia Jaksa
West Ward Councillor
International Falls, MN
