Minnesota 8th District Candidate Rick Nolan - Picking Winners And Losers

EPA rules don't make a difference?  How it affects power and mining.

Here is how a vote might make a difference in Minnesota in regards to your current or future line of employment: Electric plants in the Northland produce electricity for our mining industry in this area and provide local jobs.

Hoyt Lakes Mayor Marlene Pospeck said she is equally concerned about the state Public Utilities Commission’s threat to close Minnesota Power’s Laskin Energy Center in Hoyt Lakes and Taconite Harbor Energy Center by 2016.

http://www.looktruenorth.com/72-elections/us-congressional/20250-nolan-will-fight-for-mining-jobs-who-knew.html 
 
The closing would affect 40 jobs in Hoyt Lakes. And Pospeck said it would have a devastating effect on the city’s property taxes. “Laskin is about 70 percent of Hoyt Lakes’ tax base,” she said.

Those seem to be real jobs we are talking about here.

The state Commerce Department, which intervenes in utility cases, has urged the PUC to require Minnesota Power to shut down by 2017 both units of its Laskin Energy Center and one of three units at its Taconite Harbor Energy Center, and replace their power with new wind farms and natural gas-fired power plants.

But the Duluth-based utility, whose 144,000 customers in central and northeast Minnesota include the power-thirsty mining industry, says the three generators still produce power economically and that the idea of retiring them needs far more study. The three units represent about 13 percent of the utility's coal-based generating capacity.

http://www.startribune.com/business/165526916.html?refer=y

How about the mining industry?

Will there be the jobs if these regulations (BART) are implemented? Does it make some operations cost prohibitive to continue? Good questions, have a look at the Tilden Mine in Michigan for a cost to industry to get an idea of how this would effect mining facilities. It appears to be 35 - 38 Million at that facility along with annual costs.

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; States of Minnesota and Michigan; Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan
Full Report Link:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-08-15/pdf/2012-19789.pdf

The PCA rules approved in April were looser than the state agency's staff originally proposed. They were eased after Cliffs Natural Resources officials said the Hibbing Taconite and United Taconite plants would have trouble complying with proposed nitrogen oxide limits. Critics have said that any tougher haze rules could hurt the state's taconite industry, even forcing some lower-margin operations to close.

Does this sound like it might affect some jobs?

But those tougher limits are now back on the plate, and supporters say the EPA was forced to act because Minnesota regulators "shirked their responsibility."

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_21338933/iron-range-epa-calls-tougher-air-pollution-rules

Who does this affect regionally?
Minnesota .... U.S. Steel, Minntac .......................................... Grate-Kiln Lines 3–7.
Minnesota. Northshore Mining Company-Straight-Grate Furnaces 11 and 12.
Minnesota . United Taconite ................................ Grate-Kiln Lines 1 and 2.
Minnesota... ArcelorMittal Steel ............................................ 1 Straight-Grate.
Minnesota ... Hibbing Taconite .......................... Straight-Grate Lines 1–3.
Minnesota.... U.S. Steel, Keetac ........................................... 1 Grate-Kiln.
Michigan..... Tilden Mining .................................................... Grate-Kiln Line 1.

Some estimated costs:

Cost of Control

Minntac estimated the annualized pollution control cost of installing and operating WWESPs on Lines 3, 4, and 5 to be between $20,000 and $24,000 per ton of SO2 removed. The cost of installing and operating a secondary wet scrubber on these lines was estimated to be between $14,000 and $16,000 per ton of SO2 removed. The annualized pollution control cost of installing and operating WWESPs on Lines 6 and 7 was estimated to be approximately $18,000 per ton of SO2 removed. The cost of installing and operating a secondary wet scrubber on these lines was estimated to be between approximately $12,000 per ton of SO2 removed.

Cost of Control
ArcelorMittal estimated the annualized pollution control cost of installing and operating WWESPs to be about $116,000 per ton of SO2 removed.The cost of installing and operating a secondary wet scrubber was estimated to be approximately $83,000 per ton of SO2 removed.

Cost of Control
Northshore estimated the annualized pollution control cost of installing and operating secondary WWESPs ranged from roughly $180,000 to $540,000 per ton of SO2 removed. The cost of installing and operating a secondary wet scrubber was estimated to be between $140,000 and $420,000 per ton of SO2 removed.

Cost of Control
Hibbing estimated the annualized pollution control cost of installing and operating WWESPs to be about $37,000 per ton of SO2 removed. The cost ofinstalling and operating a secondary wet scrubber was estimated to be between $57,000 and $67,000 per ton of SO2 removed. Given the space limitations and equipment additions that would be required to modify the existing wet scrubber, Hibbing determined that it would be more cost effective toconstruct a new, secondary scrubber; therefore, no cost estimate was provided for modifications to the existing wet scrubber.

The following table illustrates the SO2 emission reductions projected by Tilden with the technically feasible technologies.

TABLE V–B.37—PROJECTED ANNUAL SO2 EMISSION REDUCTIONS
SDA     90 0.03 $38,403,000
Wet Scrubber  80 0.05 7,448,000
WWESP  80 0.05 15,733,000
Dry Scrubber  55 0.11 35,381,000

More Information:
Potential Impacts of the Federal Regional Haze and Best Available Retrofit Technology
Rules on the Taconite Industry in Minnesota
Final Report for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
September 30, 2003
Barr Engineering Company
Project No. 23/62-833
CFMS Contract No. A45712
Report from 2003:
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=2235

(See Attachments I through M for annualized cost figures:)

Minnesota Regional Haze Plan - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/air/air-quality-and-pollutants/general-air-quality/state-implementation-plan/minnesota-regional-haze-plan.html

We end up with this quote from Candidate Rick Nolan in the eigth congressional district of Minnesota.

Rick Nolan: "These [EPA] rules and regulations are not job killers. Quite frankly, they are job creators.”

How so Rick, one industry like wind energy wins, while others in Minnesota who work in these industries lose miserably in the end??   Are you supporting all of the people and jobs in the 8th district Rick and would you be acting responsibly if you were given the chance? Minnesota's mining industry is ranked number one in gross product output - adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the regional economy. Why should we throw this industry away?

http://www.taconite.org/campaign.php

Rather than a win lose approach promoted by Rick Nolan and the democratic party leadership, wouldn't we be better off with a win win approach using all of our natural resources in an effective and common sense manner that allows our business to stay in business? This is after all, real jobs we are talking about now.

Oh, but Rick would support us anyhow right?  Lets have a look at the last pretty much party line vote on the land exchange to support our school children in all of Minnesota.
So, how did the parties vote?

House Vote 568 - H.R.5544: On Passage
Mainly Republican For And Democratic Against.
http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/112/house/2/568

Rick is a good democratic trooper along with the best or worst of them. You can count on his vote against the people,communities and jobs of Minnesota.

Let's just not allow that failure to occur.

Minnesota Politics In The 8th District, Democratic Party Memory Loss At Large

There are a some good stories to have a chuckle with in the 8th district this year regarding how politicians change their tune to fit the situation.

First up would be Jeff Anderson's post primary support of Rick Nolan. Here is this story from the Princeton Union Eagle during the democratic primaries.

http://unioneagle.com/2012/06/former-duluth-concilor-in-three-way-primary-race/

Anderson argues that he, among the DFL candidates, best matches up with Cravaack on the issue of mining — Cravaack has become a very pro-mining congressman, Anderson said.
“I know we’ve mined for a 130 years and I want to see us mine for another 130 years,” Anderson said.
“I want to see us do it safely, I want us to do it the right way,” he said.
“And I believe we can,” he said.

Now I like Jeff in general, he is local and has a good understanding of the area. Too bad he didn't win the primary as he was a viable candidate if a person looks at things from the democratic perspective.


Jeff's take on Nolan during the primaries:

Full Article:
http://www.virginiamn.com/news/article_b5f33326-d152-11e1-848b-001a4bcf887a.html

Anderson argues Nolan is out-of-step with the times.
“A very nice man,” Anderson said of Nolan.
But two years ago voters rejected a Democratic congressman, former Congressman James Oberstar, who was first elected in 1974, explained Anderson.


Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson last week challenged his two opponents to take a definitive stand on a recently-passed House measure, which he supports, that would accelerate the permitting process and also delay a decision on a permanent sulfate standard until a Minnesota study is completed. An amendment to that bill, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012, to speed up the permitting process was steered through by Cravaack.

On Wednesday, party-endorsed Rick Nolan of the Brainerd area said he would not have voted for the measure. “If the bill was for the purpose of expediting the process I’d be very supportive. But it would gut health and safety standards,” he said.

Anderson said both Nolan and Clark are badly out of touch on the copper/nickel/precious metals issue.

“The question is simple. Do Rick Nolan and/or Tarryl Clark believe that we need to streamline the permitting processes and normalize the allowable sulfate discharge levels, or do they not?

“One answer will create jobs. The other will allow them to continue pandering on this vitally important issue,” Anderson said Wednesday.

Cravaack's take on things?

“The bill only waives federal permitting standards when the state standards for permitting exceed the federal standards, thus eliminating extremely time consuming duplication. If state standards already in place exceed federal standards, a waiver could be granted,” a Cravaack spokesman said on Wednesday. In addition, a news release from Cravaack’s office last week said:

“H.R. 4402 maintains full compliance with existing environmental regulations. The bill gives the lead agency the ability to waive duplication if the agency determines the state and federal safeguards are sufficient. Specifically, all existing environmental regulations must meet current federal standards, although certain state standards currently exceed federal standards. In such instances, the federal permitting process could be waved to avoid duplication.”

So how have things changed for Jeff since: 

He is definitely standing behind his man in his series of Facebook photo shots.

https://www.facebook.com/JeffAndersonMN/photos_stream

https://www.facebook.com/JeffAndersonMN/photos

So who exactly is the man he is standing behind? If his previous words are any indication I'd have to go with Congressman Cravaack on this one as his views seem to align more with him than Rick Nolan. ????? Strangely, that does look like Rick Nolan in those photos though.

Jeff should have stuck to his guns, I can't blame him though being a career democratic politician. Guess he is hoping everyone has a short memory about what he did support and who was in touch on things...

Moving along we have Tom Rukavina:

He stands behind his man with this video: He even uses the good old Packsacker insult to indicate that Congressman Chip just isn't one of us. He seems to conveniently forget all the good things Cravaack has done for economic development in this region it seems.



But how do his ideologies stack up with Chip Cravaack? Have a look at this editorial excerpt:
http://www.letfreedomringblog.com/?p=13865

Chip Cravaack’s legislation mirrored the bill that Gov. Dayton signed into law. In fact, Chip’s legislation includes this language:

“(7) The Legislature of the State of Minnesota, meeting in its 87th Legislative Session, passed (and on April 27, 2012, the Governor of Minnesota approved) S.F No. 1750 (Chapter 236), section 4 of which adds section 92.80 to the Minnesota Statutes to expedite the exchange of a portion of the State trust lands located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
(b) LAND EXCHANGE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall consummate a land exchange with the State of Minnesota pursuant to section 4 of S.F No. 1750 (Chapter 236) of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota (section 92.80 of the Minnesota Statutes) to acquire all right, title, and interest of the State in and to certain State trust lands identified as provided in such section in exchange for all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to National Forest System land in the State for inclusion in the State trust lands.

Tom Rukavina voted for S.F.1750. Chip Cravaack authored legislation that made S.F.1750 federal law.

And then we have this opinion from Tom in the Timberjay, a little paper up north where he straightens out a environmental extremist :http://www.timberjay.com/stories/Rangers-dont-want-to-become-sherpas,10578

Next, let’s talk about this absurd statement in Mr. Carron’s letter claiming the bill is “a giveaway to multinational mining companies.” The 93,000 acres of school and University trust land in the BWCAW will become federal land, and the 93,000 acres of federal land in the Mesabi Purchase portion of the Superior National Forest will become state trust land and will be managed in perpetuity to raise income for public education. What bogeyman do you see under your bed here, Mr. Carron? An acre for acre exchange where state land becomes federal land and federal land becomes state land will result in no net loss of public ownership. Why is this such a hard concept for the environmental community to grasp? It certainly isn’t a giveaway to any mining company.

Ely, tower, Winton, Cook Grand Rapids, and the North Shore couldn’t exist without our taconite industry. And the truth is, we are currently mining in the Superior National Forest, and we haven’t harmed it, have we? Minntac, Arcelor Mittal, North Shore Mining, and Mesabi Nugget are all currently operating in the Superior National Forest and it’s their taconite taxes that keep all our communities, including Duluth, alive.

Tom just doesn't seem to agree with the environmentalists that control the Twin Cities led DFL party and the ideology behind that group. The environmentalists want de facto wilderness in Northern Minnesota whether it is called that or not. No mining at all is their intent even if it can be done safely.
You probably won't see this link on the extremist websites:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/polymet-reports-successful-water-treatment-121101047.html

The NorthMet Project''s potential impact on water quality is a key issue in the environmental review and permitting process. The successful pilot plant test is a significant accomplishment, demonstrating that water with elevated sulfate levels can be treated to meet Minnesota''s 10 parts-per-million sulfate standard for waters used for the production of wild rice.

Here is the environmental statement from Rick Nolan's political website who is a product of the Minnesota democratic party machine:   http://nolanforcongress.org/issues

The Environment

The environment, our air, lakes, rivers and forests, are crucial to our 8th district economy.  The degradation of our air and water, along with global warming, threaten the very survival of our species here on mother earth.  We must protect the environment in order to preserve our way of life and our tourism industry.

This sounds all good and nice doesn't it? It is simply a wink and a nod to the environmental extremists that he will back them in all future legislation. 

So if Rick Nolan is to protect the workers in Minnesota they have to have jobs don't they? Seems he kind of forgot about that simple detail. It seems that we should spend 250$ Million to make up for that lack of understanding and as a sideline note, kill any mining and job projects by studying them to death.

How in the end do Tom Rukavina and Jeff Anderson support Rick Nolan.? Not very well it would seem as it looks as though they agree more with Chip Cravaack on what is important to this region.

Tom Rukavina, State Representative District 5A Letter on BWCA/state/federal land exchange

September 24, 2012

To the Editor:

I see one of our new immigrants to Ely, Mr. Reid Carron, is putting out more misinformation on the proposed BWCA/state/federal land exchange. Let me enlighten your readers.

First, Mr. Carron states “current law adequately provides for dealing with school trust lands, no additional legislation is necessary”. If so, I ask Mr. Carron why, after 35 years, has no exchange taken place? I’ll tell you my opinion why, because the Feds, DNR, and most environmental organizations have never wanted an exchange. It’s too big a headache for the Feds and the DNR. And, as for the environmentalists, the real truth is that they don’t want federal land to become state land because they know they’ll have a tougher time suing in state court than in federal court, over activities they don’t like, such as logging, snowmobiling, and ATV use.

Next, let’s look at Mr. Carron’s claim that school trust money is “miniscule”. Every year, the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Anoka-Hennepin School Districts get over $1 million each from that fund. Good management of the timber resources alone from this exchanged land could and should increase those figures exponentially. Maybe $1 million a year is miniscule to Mr. Carron. But to this old, tired, 3^rd generation Ranger, that’s still real money.

Now, let’s talk about this absurd statement in Mr. Carron’s letter claiming the bill is “a giveaway to multinational mining companies”. The 93,000 acres of school and University trust land in the BWCA will become federal land, and the 93,000 acres of federal land in the Mesabi Purchase portion of the Superior National Forest (that’s the unattached portion of the Superior National Forest that runs from north of Biwabik all the way to north of Hibbing) will become state trust land and will be managed in perpetuity to raise income for public education. What bogeyman do you see under your bed here, Mr. Carron? An acre for acre exchange where state land becomes federal land and federal land becomes state land will result in no net loss of public ownership. Why is this such a hard concept for the environmental community to grasp? Because, it certainly isn’t a giveaway to any mining company.

Next, let’s talk about Mr. Carron’s claim that “Ely area residents . . . will lose scores of thousands of acres of Superior National Forest land that are now available for hunting, snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing, and many other recreational pursuits”. While many of the “old immigrants” from the Ely and Tower area must be thinking that you’re talking about the

To the Editor

September 24, 2012

Page Two

original Boundary Waters Act, Mr. Carron, let me assure them that for you to say this about the proposed land exchange bill is an absolute lie. In fact, Ely and Tower area residents will have an easier time recreating on the new state land. But that’s really why you and other environmentalists oppose this bill, isn’t it? Because you know it will be easier to put a snowmobile trail or cut down a tree on state land than on federal land.

Mr. Carron, your letter was, to put it in Range-speak, just a bunch of BS. To imply that any member of the Iron Range Delegation is supporting this legislation because we are stoolies for “multinational mining companies” is nuts. I will never forget the way my father and grandfather were treated by the Oliver Iron Mining Company (while you on the other hand don’t even know what the Oliver Iron Mining Company is). So let me tell you, Mr. Carron, that I am always going to be on the side of the miners and our mining communities, and not your “multinational mining companies”. And while I am no economic genius, I know that without mining and mining companies we have no Iron Range.

So, Mr. Carron, as I’ve said before and I’ll say many times again, Ely, Tower, Winton, Cook, Grand Rapids, and the North Shore couldn’t exist without our taconite industry. And the ugly truth, which the Friends of the BWCA, Sierra Club, etc. fail to acknowledge is that we are currently mining and logging in the Superior National Forest, and we haven’t harmed it, have we, Mr. Carron? Minntac, Arcelor Mittal, North Shore Mining, and Mesabi Nugget are all currently operating in the Superior National Forest and it’s their taconite taxes that keep all our communities, including Duluth, alive.

So in ending, Mr. Carron, while you’re worried about the Range turning into a “Banana Republic”, I’m worrying about a bunch of hypocritical environmentalists who want to turn our proud, productive, mining-based Iron Range into a Bangladesh where we can all be “sherpas” carrying bags and canoes for tourists, and existing on their tips and leftovers!

Tom Rukavina

State Representative

District 5A

P.S. I won’t even get into your outright lie that the Iron Range Delegation killed some proposed land exchange you claimed happened in 1997 because after all, it’s just another lie.

Northern Minnesota Voters Guide 2012

Voters Guide 2012 From The International Falls Journal:

Each of the candidates in races were limited to 500 words in their total responses to the following:
1. Briefly summarize your personal background and experiences.
2. Why are you running for office?
3. What are your priorities?
4. Why are you the best candidate for this office?
5. Is there something else you want to tell constituents about

Full Article Link: http://www.ifallsjournal.com/news/elections/voters-guide/article_e1d78492-03f2-11e2-bc27-001a4bcf6878.html?fb_action_ids=3399457964819%2C3399353402205&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.UGY4Wf7OJWo.like&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%223399457964819%22%3A418924944821526%2C%223399353402205%22%3A350192765071171}&action_type_map={%223399457964819%22%3A%22og.likes%22%2C%223399353402205%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map={%223399353402205%22%3A%22.UGY4Wf7OJWo.like%22}

Embarrass Region Volunteer Fire Department

Providing fire protection and medical care to the Embarrass and surrounding area. Embarrass Fire department - Doing a lot with a little for 50 years.

This is a great group of people in Embarrass who love and support the area community. Want to be part of the team? You can message the department on Facebook to find out more.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/EmbarrassRegionlVolunteerFireDepartment

Precious Waters Flotilla Runs Aground In The 8th District Of Minnesota

Aurora Councilor Dave Lislegard and mining supporters converged quickly to meet the Precious Waters Flotilla Group on Friday, Sept. 22. At its first intended launch point, the precious waters flotilla group ran into opposition from those mining supporters in Aurora, Hoyt Lakes and surrounding iron range communities. Four adult anti-mining supporters showed up. It is interesting to note that these anti-mining folks showed up with a car and used a cell phone both of which are made with iron ore and precious metals. One would have to wonder where they believe these objects come from.  Local property owners were not willing to allow this group to trespass their property and local law enforcement was called to enforce this. Many good points of discussion were brought up to consider that should be thought through in a realistic manner. There is quite a bit of that not happening in certain environmental circles.

First Video Here: Mining Supporters In Place To Greet The Precious Waters Flotilla Group.

Law Enforcement in place to keep things civil and prevent trespassing by this group.

Second Video - A Discussion of issues took place which can be viewed here in this video: 

   

Time For The "Flotilla" To Hit the road and go paddle elsewhere.

Background Article Related to this interaction. Mesabi Daily Article: Mining supporters successfully raised trespassing issue; trip to Twin Cities doesn’t begin in Aurora. http://www.virginiamn.com/news/article_e7652bc0-0529-11e2-b519-0019bb2963f4.html

Minnesota DFL Politics - 8th District, Rick Nolan Clears Up Obama's EPA And Mining Issues

This video is worth a view and you can make your own conclusions.

Nolan Campaign Misinforms Voters, Minnesota 8th District Politics

Article Link: http://chipcravaack.com/2012/09/fact-check-nolan-accuses-cravaack-of-stealing-from-mn-counties/

September 14, 2012

Rick Nolan is saying that because Chip Cravaack did not increase Thye-Blatnik monies to the counties, he is stealing from them.  If passed, H.R. 5544 would keep the Thye-Blatnik payments the exact same.
Claim:

• H.R. 5544 steals federal Thye-Blatnik monies from St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Counties

Fact:

• Thye-Blatnik is a law from 1948 that pre-dates Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) in order to compensate three counties in Northern Minnesota who lost over a million acres of land to the federal government in the creation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and later the Wilderness Area.

• All payments under this formula are offset from PILT payments.

• These payments are similar to payments received by the States of Arizona and New Mexico under the Act of June 20, 1910 (36 Stat. 557).

• H.R. 5544 contains an amendment that would ensure the land transfer would not increase these payments, but it does not decrease current payments. The text of H.R. 5544 does not increase the federal budget or contain any earmarks.

• Payments to Lake, Cook and St. Louis Counties remain unchanged.

Background:

• Rep. Grijalva offered an amendment in committee to prevent increased Thye-Blatnik payments. The amendment was rejected because it also added NEPA back in. Hastings later added in similar language to keep H.R. 5544 from increasing the federal budget through Thye-Blatnik payments.

• Grijalva sent intimidating letters to Lake, Cook and St. Louis Counties asking them what they used their Thye-Blatnik payments for and implying the committee was investigating the validity of those payments:

• “The basic question is why should three counties get special treatment?  In addition, Congress has adopted strict rules against the use of earmarks and amendments have been adopted in the House that would eliminate such targeted use of federal funds.  While it is over 60 years old, Thye Blatnik is an earmark — one that would have likely gone undetected without this legislation.”)

• Then, he had the gall to come to the floor and say he was concerned that the Hastings amendment, which had the same effect as his amendment, would cutpayments by $1 million to those three counties.

• Unbelievably, Grijalva’s state of Arizona has a similar arrangement through the Act of June 20, 1910 (36 Statute 557). Both Thye-Blatnik (1948) and the Act of 1910 predate Payment in Lieu of Taxes (1976), which compensate states or counties for the federal government taking vast amounts of land from the states.

Political Fundraiser For Congressman Chip Cravaack, 8th District, Minnesota

Where: Semer's Beach, Ely, Minnesota When:  6:00pm until 8:00pm

Monday, Sept. 17th, 2012 Semer's Beach Ely, MN Brats & Beans Congressman Cravaack has OUR back Come show that we have HIS back! Directions: Coming to Ely on Hwy 169, at the first stop light turn left on Central Ave and go to stop sign on Camp St. N Central Ave becomes N Pioneer Rd. Continue driving past Wilderness Outfitters, turn left on W Shagawa Rd. Drive .3 miles, turn right on N Lakeview Ave. Drive .1 mile and turn left on W Lakeview Pl.Semer's Beach pavillion straight ahead. Hwy 21 from Babbitt, it becomes Central Ave. At the stop light at Sheridan St, keep going straight to the stop sign on Camp Street. Attend this fundraiser and thank Congressman Cravaack for getting HR 5544 passed in the House. This will swap out the School Trust Fund lands in the Boundary Waters for Forest Service lands outside of the Boundary Waters.

Minnesota 8th District Politics - DFL Candidate Rick Nolan And Fuzzy Math

Does the national democratic party voting record support our economy and the funding of our schools and communities? One might argue exactly the opposite if these mining projects are not brought to fruition.

$1 million a year over the next 6 years vs. the facts below: Here is an interesting type of convoluted logic by Minnesota DFL activist Shelly Mategko:

http://www.ironcountryfreepress.com/?p=246

http://www.ironcountryfreepress.com/?page_id=67

So, how did the parties vote?

House Vote 568 - H.R.5544: On Passage

Mainly Republican For And Democratic Against.

http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/112/house/2/568

Here is where the fuzzy math with Rick Nolan comes in:

Economic Impact Of Mining Which Rick Should Have A Good Handle On:

To date, Twin Metals Minnesota has invested more than $150 million in exploration and project development activities, supporting more than 160 direct and consultant/contractor jobs. Capital investment to develop and build the mine in Minnesota is anticipated to exceed $2 billion. http://ws-wr.com/twinmetals/newsletter/2012/July/article1.html

Employment data show the continuing importance of the mining sector.

Minnesota Mining Employment and Payroll, NAICS Sector 21 2007

Source: MN DEED CEW

Year Average Number of Employees Annual Wages

2000 7,204 $350,473,934

2001 5,923 $294,987,664

2002 5,517 $273,016,618

2003 5,139 $279,122,837

2004 5,219 $295,623,992

2005 5,132 $311,659,581

2006 5,147 $335,058,894

2007 5,224 $342,887,555

2008 5,611 n/a

https://lsbe.d.umn.edu/departments/bber/projects/2009MNMiningImpact.pdf

Twin Metals’ David Ulrich said that these mines will bring in around 5,000 high paying jobs. The average pay for industrial work is $46,000 he said, while the average pay for above-ground mining is $70,000. These jobs will have an average pay of $84,000.
Many of the metals that will be mined are not available in the United States. They have to be imported. This project could make the U.S. self-sufficient for many of these strategic metals.

http://northeastrange.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/twin-metals-underground-mine-plans-could-mean-thousands-of-jobs/

Do very little math and the conclusion is obvious.

Now, which party would steal millions from northeastern Minnesota residents, our economic livelihood, communities and schools if these projects don't get underway?  If one were to follow Shelley’s logic through to a normal conclusion one would be inclined to say the democratic party. They seem to be more interested in locking up state lands in the boundary waters to satisfy the environmental extremist groups.

I don’t believe one can make this type of argument for our local DFL legislators in the State Of Minnesota but one can make this argument at a national level in government. The locals get the big picture, I wish I could say the same for the rest of the national DFL.

Now then, Mr. Nolan. Would you have voted for us or against us on H.R. 5544?

A yes or no answer will do.

Senators Franken and Klobuchar: I’d really like to see successful passage of effective bills supporting the land exchange and streamlining the environmental process. Congressman Cravaack has shown the way, it is up to you to take up the lead now in the Senate.

According to Shelley: http://www.ironcountryfreepress.com/?p=270

Here is Rick’s statement: I strongly support the school trust land swap proposal passed on a bipartisan basis by the Minnesota Legislature, signed into law by Governor Dayton and supported by the entire Iron Range Legislative Delegation. I applaud this leadership. It is long overdue and will be good for increased school funding and for increased growth in the natural resources economy of our district.

I am disappointed that Rep. Cravaack tried to rush a bill through Congress to capitalize on this, however, then stood by while his tea party Republican friends took out provisions that would have provided up to $1.0 million in annual payments to Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. These federal payments were originally agreed to when these lands were permanently taken out of the local tax base many decades ago. Local taxpayers will suffer and it is directly due to Chip Cravaack’s actions.

Rush a bill through? Hmmm, that's a stretch in the federal government with any type of bill.

Now if only Rick Nolan had been able to do what Congressman Cravaack has already done he could have taken credit for it, at least he applauds his leadership. This won’t bode well for Rick though with the democratic environmental radicals. What would you rather have Rick, 1 million a year or a multi million dollar economic impact to our district? I have to say his statement for 1 million a year gets Rick Nolan the Fuzzy Math Award for 2012.

This is about trust and who will do right by we the people in the 8th district and who will actually do the hard work to get us there. Rick Nolan has yet to make that case in my mind and he has a big anchor attached with the Friends Of The Boundary Waters and the other extremists associated with that party. Good job Congressman Cravaack, keep up the good effort, you are doing us right.

Iron Range Economy A Major Concern - Jim Tuomala, Republican Candidate For State Representative House District 3A

Below is a letter to the page from Mr. Jim Tuomala, Republican Candidate For State Representative House District 3A.

Open Letter to Citizens of House Dist.3A

Tuomala for State Representative
House District 3A

Election signs are popping up, promises are being made and political posturing is always part of the show.  Once again, shaping up to be a typical campaign season, but with a unique set of carefully crafted distractions.  So far this year we have had the ostensible   “ War on Women” and when that didn’t pan out, the gender question of who gets to marry whom is serving its purpose to distract the voter from any real issues at hand for which the blame can be squarely placed.

I am talking about the state of our local economy which is supported by some very hard data. Lately, the feel good indicator has been a claim to only 6.6% unemployment in our area. While this may be an interesting statistic, it does not account for under-employment, people who have moved away, people who have quit looking for work or the percentage of retirees in our area. A different picture emerges when we look at other key metrics from the U.S. Census. The annual household income in our area is from 7.6% to 15% below the state average, the incidence of public assistance is nearly twice the state average and our district, now 3A, has once again grown in size due to re-districting caused by a loss of population. These data indicators tell us we are underpaid, out of work and too likely to be on welfare. To support our families we too frequently have to move or accept public assistance. Meanwhile, district politicians are once again fiddling while Rome is burning. Unlike other election cycles in which jobs and opportunities have purportedly been a top priority, this year many state and federal lawmakers remain eerily quiet locally when it comes to pulling the pin on the “mining grenade”.

 Our current situation as stated above has not occurred suddenly- say over the last 8 years and over two separate executive administrations. It has taken decades for our true mess to come to the forefront.  We as local citizens no longer seem to be in control of our own destiny. Instead, we have been led by a nose-ring to the whims of outside radical environmental influences and their DFL co-pilots over the past 40 years.  Exactly what is “acceptable” prosperity in our area is now being dictated to us through our local DFL legislators.  What we can and cannot do for a living is being largely determined by environmental rules regarding logging, mining and farming.  Our local DFL duo, Dill and Bakk , and those preceding them, have not done much during the past  40 years that sustains economics or that promotes prosperity. The recent solutions have been to tax, spend and regulate our area into recovery. Although several “feel good” projects i.e., Giant’s Ridge, IRRB, Discovery Center and bike trails came out of the deal these things are certainly nice to look at and visit but can hardly compare to our true worth in both local skilled labor workforce and natural resource availability. The IRRRB’s only strategy for private sector jobs is to buy them; at stunningly high prices to the taxpayers. The tax money used to fund these projects has been a great waste. Job creation has been geared more toward low level service industry incomes rather than middle class skilled labor employment opportunities.  The difference is politically obvious to me since there must be sufficient low income earners at the polls as well as controlled growth of the more independent middle class.

Unfortunately it is the family unit that suffers the most in our area when it isn’t necessary in the first place. We have not been taken seriously for a long time. I think we need new leadership to re-focus our efforts on our traditional careers of mining, logging, papermaking, farming, and tourism. Once back on solid economic footing in our area we need to diversify with technology and other opportunities. These will come along naturally with an economically viable area similar to our North Dakota neighbors while sustaining us better locally during the typical up/down cycles.

Tuomala for State Representative
PO Box188
Babbitt,MN. 55706

http://www.votejimtuomala.com/index.html

Jim can also be followed on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/TuomalaForStateRepresentative

District 2142 enrollment up - News: ipad, education, teresa strong, kim johnson, st. louis county school district

St. Louis County School District 2142 is becoming an education destination on the Range now, compared to some dark days it endured five-six years ago. Enrollment is up, and some academic recognition came from the state late this summer.

New schools, enhanced technology, better instruction and personalized student focus are all factors that District 2142 officials say are showing results.

District 2142 enrollment up - Mesabi Daily News: News: ipad, education, teresa strong, kim johnson, st. louis county school district:

St. Louis County Schools 2012 TV Commercial ( District 2142 )

Environmentally Responsible Mining In America - Minnesota 8th District Politics

This is an excellent read considering mining in Minnesota and how it relates to the politics of mining and jobs in Minnesota and in particular the 8th District. Environmental extremists such as the "Friends of the Boundary Waters" and Conservation Minnesota would have us believe the world is ending when it is just not the case. Jeff Anderson and Chip Cravaack believe it can be done safely. The article below seems to bear this out.

Environmentally Responsible Mining Operations: The Norm

It is important to emphasize that the sulfide mining operations singled out for discussion in this paper in no way detract from the environmentally responsible operations of the dozens of other metallic mining operations reviewed and, in some cases, visited during this survey. In many instances, the mines not specifically described in this paper display even higher levels of environmental awareness and proaction than those discussed. The vast majority of these mines have been in operation between five and ten years. During their operating periods, many have not exceeded any environmental standards and have maintained sparkling compliance records. Some, while excellent examples of environmentally sensitive operations, have had unexpected, and mostly minor, system upsets causing short-term exceedences of standards for which they were issued regulatory notices. This situation is not atypical for all industries, municipalities, and indeed, even U.S. natural resource regulatory agencies. Without exception, the operators at these sites responded aggressively and effectively to correct the noted problems. In most of these cases, the identified issues created regulatory compliance problems (i.e., an arbitrary standard may have been exceeded) but did not result in significant impairment of environmental resources (e.g. wildlife, air, soil, water, etc.) or jeopardy to public health and safety. 

Full Article:  http://technology.infomine.com/enviromine/publicat/enviroresponse.html

Full Site: http://www.infomine.com/

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll - Rasmussen Reports

Try number two on the Presidential tracking poll, thanks for the feedback.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Minnesota Politics And 8th District Bicycle Riding, Anderson and Cravaack Lead The Way.

It turned out to be a very nice day today, Aug. 4, 2012. Our family took the trip over to Hibbing to participate in the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail bicycle tour from Hibbing to Virginia. This is not particularly consequential but along the way I did an informal survey of the number of political  and other signs along the route. Many thanks to the volunteers of the Mesabi Trail ride by the way. A very nice job done by everyone and it is very much appreciated!

The number one sign in the 8th district race on this route was Jeff Anderson. Following was Congressman Chip Cravaack. Third was Rick Nolan with a sign on the east end of the range and a few scattered around the Hibbing - Chisholm area. What should really worry Tarryl Clark supporters was that I didn't see a single (not one) sign of hers the whole stretch from Babbitt-Embarrass to Hibbing. At least the TV stations are making some money from her campaign.

It also seems that folks over there support mining as well. I did see a fair number of the "We Support Mining" signs.

The last thing that was interesting besides the beautiful views on the bike ride was the amount of construction happening. Along the trail was what looked to be a Magnetation operation with recycling and reclaiming of old tailings piles for the iron within to say nothing of the jobs generated.

By Mountain Iron, you can see Minntac in operation and the wind generators in operation along the side. These generators use iron and the precious metals involved in upcoming mining projects on the range.
Menard's has recently opened in Virginia supported by the mining dollars the industry provides. There was a lot of traffic in Virginia today.

Another  large building is going up near Virginia. I believe this is the new P&H (Joy Global) facility which assists the mining industry throughout our area and is a worldwide company.

You  can see the signs of change and prosperity all around us if you look close enough. Let's keep the ball rolling in the right direction this election season and elect pro mining candidates. Congressman Cravaack and candidate Jeff Anderson come to mind as the best options for jobs. I'd hate to have to watch this die on the vine with incorrect policy in the future.

BWCA land swap: Star Tribune Off Base Again.

Editorial By Tom Rukavina:

To say that the editorial "Scrutiny needed on BWCA swap" (July 16) was filled with inaccuracies is being kind.

BWCA land swap: Newspaper's all wet

Article Link Below: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/163781446.html?page=1&c=y#

Minnesota DFL Primary Politics - Jeff Anderson Support Continues To Grow In The 8th District

 The people of the 8th district in Minnesota are getting the big picture in regards to who will support this region in terms of communities, schools, jobs and the people in it. Jeff Anderson is originally from Ely and understands these issues. He has the support of local mayors and legislators from throughout the region who actually live and work here.The lip service being paid to it by opponents Nolan and Clark just won't help pay the bills. Goals such as improving education are great, I don't think that there is a democrat or republican who would disagree with that. To disregard the opportunity of more jobs that help pay the taxes that fund our schools and communities is nothing more than sitting on our hands with lofty ideals with little in the way of solutions or funding to help after the election promises are over with.The state of educational funding is that inadequate in this district and throughout the state for our schools. Studying mining with a research facility (Rick Nolan) that already exists is wasting that funding and insults the professionalism of our current researchers at NRRI and the University Of Minnesota- Duluth & Twin Cities. It is already world class, how much more improvement do we need? Partnering with the blue green alliance (Tarryl Clark) is nothing more than allowing the environmental extremists in the DFL party to write the future of OUR area. It is not about the science, that process is in place now. It is about overregulating and stalling development to mollify the DFL environmental activists which support Nolan and Clark. The reality on the ground in the 8th district is that we need these mining projects and the Twin Cities DFL doesn't really care about that one way or the other or the people in it. We need to support a candidate who does care and please remember to vote for Jeff Anderson in the primary on August 14th.

For more information on Jeff Anderson please visit: 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jeffanderson.org

Candidate Website: 

http://jeffanderson.org/

Some of the many endorsements of Jeff Anderson Below:

Former State Representative and Majority Leader Tony Sertich of Chisholm,
“Jeff Anderson has been my friend for over a decade. He was raised on the Iron Range, was elected to serve one of the largest cities in Minnesota, and proudly served our country in the military. Jeff has focused his campaign on supporting good jobs, education for our children, and standing up for our seniors. That is why I caucused for him this year.  Jeff has both a business and service background.  He knows our region and the opportunities and challenges we face. I am happy to endorse my friend and fellow Ranger Jeff Anderson to represent us in Congress.”
State Representative Tom Rukavina of Pike Twp.,
“I’m proud to support Jeff Anderson. He’s a fourth generation Iron Ranger from Ely. He’s done a great job representing the largest city in our District, Duluth, as President of the City Council. And most importantly, he, at his core, supports jobs in our natural resources economy–jobs that have been essential to our collective well being for over a century. I’m for my neighbor, my friend, and a great young person dedicated to representing us who is tough, smart, honest and who I know will be loyal to all constituents in the Eighth District.”
Duluth Mayor Don Ness,
“Jeff is a friend, but that’s not the reason I’m endorsing him for Congress. I believe Jeff Anderson should be our next Congressman because I know how much he cares about this region and public service. But most importantly, we need a candidate that can win, Jeff is that person – he has the energy and passion needed to win this race. Join me in voting for Jeff Anderson at your DFL Precinct Caucus on Tuesday, February 7th!”
State Senator Roger Reinert of Duluth,
“Jeff is a friend, a peer, and a colleague. His experience in the business world, his service in our country’s armed forces, and his experience as a local elected official are just the combination I want in my next Congressman. Jeff isn’t trying to rekindle the past, or get a fresh start in a new district. Jeff is a Northlander. He understands the challenges and opportunities that we all face, and I know he will use this firsthand knowledge to put northern Minnesota back on track to prosperity. Jeff is a leader in Duluth, and he will be a leader for our district in Congress.”
State Representative Carly Melin of Hibbing,
“Jeff is one of us. Growing up on the Iron Range and being an elected official in Duluth, Jeff has the ability and integrity to bridge this district together. This election is about middle class families, taking care of our senior citizens, and making sure future generations have the same opportunities that Jeff and I enjoyed growing up in Northeastern Minnesota. Jeff has shared with me his vision for economic development and job growth across the Iron Range and the entire 8th district; and I am confident in his ability to fight for the future prosperity of our region. Jeff Anderson is, and will continue to be, a tireless advocate for northern Minnesotans.”
State Representative Tom Huntley of Duluth:
“We need a strong local voice to stand up for us in Washington.  I was impressed with Jeff’s work on the Duluth City Council.  He knows the issues that affect Northern Minnesota.  Jeff is a part of the next generation of leadership that will serve us well for years to come.  He truly is one of us, for us.”
Former State Senator Jerry Janezich of Chisholm,
“Jeff Anderson is one of us.  He’s a 4^th Generation Iron Ranger.  His Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather all worked in the mines.  His family still lives in the house his great Grandfather built in Ely in 1880.  He knows the district – the obstacles we face and the opportunities we have because Jeff and his family live them.
Jeff is running the campaign necessary to beat Tea Party Representative Chip Cravaack, and I plan on being apart of that, every step of the way, that’s why Jeff is my guy.”
Former State Senator Ron Dicklich of Pengilly,
“Jeff is the best person to work for us on the problems of today and for our needs of the future!”
Ely Mayor Roger Skraba,
“This is simple, Jeff is the guy who should represent us, because he is one of us. He’s always been here. His family has always been here. He is a 4th generation Ranger. His dad, grandfather and great grandfather all worked in the mines here. We don’t have to worry about Jeff losing sight on the Northland’s priorities because this is the only place he has ever called home. I know him, and I trust him to fight for us. That’s why he’s my guy. That’s why he is our guy!”
Two Harbors Mayor Randy Bolen,
“When it comes to local issues no one is going to be a stronger advocate for Northern Minnesota communities and jobs than Jeff. He knows the opportunities we have and the challenges we must overcome, because he’s one of us. He’s is the leader I want fighting for us in Washington.”
Cloquet Mayor Bruce Ahlgren,
“Jeff Anderson knows the issues communities, families, businesses and seniors face here in the Northland, because he’s one of us. He understands that all of our communities must work together to improve the region. He has been a leader in Duluth and I know he will be that same kind of leader for our region in Washington. Jeff is the leader I want fighting for us in Washington.”
Virginia Mayor Steve Peterson,
Chisholm Mayor Mike Jugovich,
Babbitt Mayor Glenn Anderson
Buhl Mayor Craig Pulford
Hoyt Lakes Mayor Marlene Pospeck ,
Saint Louis County Commissioner Frank Jewell,
“I support Jeff for his solid, no nonsense approach to serving people from all different walks of life. His perspective, having grown up in Ely, served in the military, and worked as part of the business community in Duluth, brings a wide range of experience to the critical issues we face.”
Duluth City Councilor Sharla Gardner,
“Serving with Jeff on the Council, I’ve experienced first hand his collaboration skills and tireless advocacy for the people of Duluth.  I know he will take this commitment to serve the people of the 8th District 200%.”
Duluth City Councilor Tony Cuneo,
“I’m supporting Jeff because I’ve seen Jeff’s strengths as a leader.  Jeff is intelligent, listens, and is always willing and able to communicate with any member of our council.  Jeff’s ability to build friendships with any of his colleagues will help tone down the increasingly bitter, negative atmosphere in Washington, and his willingness to see all sides of an issue can help bring actual solutions to our nations issues.”
Duluth City Councilor President Dan Hartman,
“Having seen first hand the work Jeff has done on the Duluth City Council, as well as a number of boards and commissions within the region, I am confident that he will make a great member of Congress. We need to put a new candidate in that seat who understands the district, and who will fight for all of us, and I know Jeff is that person.”
Duluth City Councilor Patrick Boyle,
“Our city and region are facing 21^st Century challenges and opportunities and we need a 21^st Century leader to work for us in Washington.  Jeff has proven to be that leader here in Duluth and I know he will bring that same attitude, work ethic and know how to represent our region well in Congress.”
Duluth City Councilor Emily Larson,
Duluth City Councilor Jennifer Julsrud,
Former Duluth City Councilor Jackie Halberg,
Former Saint Louis County Commissioner and DFL Executive Director Gary Cerkvenik of Britt,
“I’m for Jeff Anderson because he has the integrity, spirit, and work ethic we all want in Congress.  Most impressively, Jeff respects our history but is also representative of a new generation that needs to take charge of our country.  He is a true gentlemen who listens and has the background as a veteran, businessman, and local official to bring a new perspective to Washington.  I’m proud to support him.”
Virginia School Board Member Kim Stokes,
“Jeff Anderson is the leader we need in Washington. Whether he is doing business across the district, leading countless charitable organizations in the region or standing up for working class families, Jeff is a champion for the Northland. When it comes to our children, our middle class families, and our seniors, no one will fight as hard for us as Jeff. I wholeheartedly support Jeff Anderson for US Congress.”

Organizations:
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
“We chose to get behind Jeff now, because he is a life-long resident of the district who truly understands the challenges and opportunities we all face.  We need someone who will fight for us, not just on fire issues but on all issues that are important to residents of this district, and I am confident that Jeff is the right person to lead this charge.
- Duluth Local 101 President Erik Simonson.
“The International Association of Fire Fighters has a long history of supporting candidates that support fire fighters and their families.  Your commitment to first responders, public safety and core services will transcend into a positive and consistent voice for the constituents of northern Minnesota.”
- IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger

The International Association of Boilermakers
“Jeff is behind us 100% in our fight for progress in the always changing labor movement and his belief in mining and energy job creation goes hand in hand with our philosophy as a labor organization,”
-  John Weinhandl, Jr., Political Action Committee Chairman.
United Transportation Union Alumni Endorse Anderson 
“We have chosen to support your candidacy for Congress because you have proven time and again that you stand with labor and working families.  We need new homegrown leadership to fight for our region and workers interests for the long haul.  Most importantly you understand the 21^st Century opportunities and challenges our region and workers face.
Even though Congressman Cravaack is Vice Chair of the Sub-committee on Aviation it is clear he has no vision for the future of transportation or our region. Your plan to connect Northeastern Minnesota to larger markets will not only benefit us immediately, but will improve our region far into the future.  As president of the Duluth City Council, you led the effort for Duluth’s support of the Northern Lights Express.  You have been a leader in Duluth for constituents and we are confident you will be the same strong leader for our region in Washington D.C.”
-  President Paul Fish

Duluth Law Enforcement Union Local 807
“We are endorsing Jeff today because we have worked closely with him in the past and we know that he is a young, energetic, smart and passionate leader who will look out for the best interests of all the people in the district. As a native of Ely and a current resident of Duluth, Jeff knows what life is like in northern Minnesota and will represent our region well.
- Local 807 President Tim Maida


http://jeffanderson.org/slider/what-people-are-saying-about-jeff-around-the-district/

Minnesota DFL Politics – Rick Nolan Comes Up With “Innovative” Existing Solution To Mining Jobs

How in touch is Rick Nolan with the 8th District and jobs? It seems the only creative thing being done here is to find a new way to spend taxpayer dollars and further delay mining projects in Minnesota. Perhaps he might be trying to advance his career a little though.

Opinion piece from Northeast Range Minnesota:

Link>>>  http://northeastrange.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/minnesota-8th-district-politics-rick-nolan-comes-up-with-innovative-existing-solution-to-mining-jobs/

 

We Support Mining! Signs Are Available For Minnesota

If you would like to show your support for responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and the jobs that mining supports you can act now!

Signs are available from the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota. You can contact them here to request a sign.

http://www.taconite.org/contactus.php

Related link: Become a supporter on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/wesupportmining


Why is this important to Minnesota? 


In Minnesota, the iron mining industry contributes to the local communities, region and state through jobs, production taxes, education programs and scholarships.
Minnesota’s Iron Mining Industry Statistics*

Direct employment	4,215 individuals
Average wage and benefit package	$100,000/year
Total hours worked:	8.9 million hours
The region's mines provide the highest paying technical jobs in the region.
Industry vendor employment	13,000 individuals
Iron mining is the main economic engine of the region - making other businesses and jobs possible
Financial impact	$3.1 billion/year
Minnesota's mining industry is ranked number one in gross product output - adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the regional economy. Domestic iron ore production is important to the security of our country.

Taxes
Production tax	$73.1 million payable 2012
Royalty payments	$34.3 million payable 2012
$49 million was paid in 2012 to state education programs by Minnesota's mining industry
K – 12 education	$36.6 million/year**
University of Minnesota trust funds	$12.4 million/year**
*Source: Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, 2012 **Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2012
Looking forward
$94.1 million in production taxes estimated for 2013 - a $20 million increase. Production taxes are paid in lieu of property taxes. The increase is due to a three year average dropping 2009, which was marked by low production due to recession.
Estimated taxes from 2012 production, payable 2013:	$94,100,000
Distribution to Range schools:	$15,843,000
LGU's, counties, IRRRB and others:	$78,257,000

Iron Range Minnesota Mining, Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

We all support mining whether we realize it or not.

If you drive a car, use a computer or cell phone, have plumbing in your house, watch TV, wear jewelry, cook with metal pans, own a lawn chair, have glass in your windows, have a furnace, air conditioner or wood stove, paddle a canoe, use electricity or use a refrigerator, you support mining.

Article Below:
Twin Metals | Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

Minnesota Mining – Rukavina delivers reality check to environmental extremists

Tom Rukavina’s correction of Mike Hillman and Bob Tammen which reflects the current citizen backlash against environmental extremism in a recent letter to the Editor of the Timberjay. Mining of this type of rock strata has been going on for decades in the region’s back yard including Babbitt, Ely, Eveleth, Soudan, Virginia, Hibbing, Keewatin etc… where many people from all over the area work and live, not sure what the difference would be now but they don’t want you to know that or the other information about new mining techniques readily available on the Internet now…

Full Article link below:

http://www.timberjay.com/stories/Taconite-dollars-keep-the-tourist-economy-afloat,9995?content_source=&category_id=51&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id=

Spectrum Health Companies sets forum July 16 in Babbitt, Minnesota

Spectrum sets forum July 16 in Babbitt - Mesabi Daily News: News: assisted living, spectrum health, virginia mesabi daily news,: BABBITT — Spectrum Health Companies will hold a community forum in advance of opening its 38-bed assisted living facility in Babbitt. The meet…

Cliffs Natural Resources donated $25,000 toward flood relief.

Cliffs Natural Resources like always is being a great community partner.

Article from the Mesabi Daily News.

Region slowly recovering from flooding - Mesabi Daily News: News: weather, disaster_accident, duluth minnesota, cliffs natural resources inc., st. louis county: Hard-hit Northeastern Minnesota continues making progress recovering from the megaflooding from 10 inches of rain June 19-20 in the Duluth are…

We Support Minnesota Mining!

Show your support for Minnesota Mining! Signs are popping up all over Northern Minnesota!

We support environmentally responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and jobs that mining supports.

Website Link>>  We Support Minnesota Mining!

 

Does the DFL need a reality check in Congressional District 8?

A good read from Examiner.com for those of you voting.

The DFL's actions suggest that the DFL has written off destinations like Barnum, Bigfork and other parts of the district. Is it because they know that they only control Duluth and the North Shore. The DFL's actions suggest that the DFL understands that their fidelity to the anti-mining, anti-logging environmentalists is hurting them with Iron Range voters.

Chip Cravaack stays in touch with his constituents

Full Article Link Here:
http://www.examiner.com/article/chip-cravaack-stays-touch-with-his-constituents

Habitat For Humanity - Volunteer Opportunity

I wanted to drop you a note and let you know we are getting much closer to completing the Myer’s home in Babbitt and we could use some extra help to finish strong.  We have some wood trim that needs stained, varnished and installed, some laminate floor that needs installed, a garage roof that needs re-roofed and some misc. painting.

Could I ask you to organize a small group or encourage individuals to give us a hand?  They can call our office @ 866-749-8910 to find out more information or schedule a time.

Tom Long

Resource Development Manager

North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity

Cell Phone (218) 750-7391

Phone: (218) 749-8910

Toll Free: (866) 749-8910

Fax: (218) 742-9799

Email: tom@nslchfh.org

Web: www.nslchfh.org

Who best represents the Range? Conservation Minnesota or the GOP?

Article From True North:

This is a must read if you wish to have a job in Northeast Minnesota. Have a look at who and what is behind the scenes in the politics of Northeast Minnesota.

Conservation Minnesota, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy are targeting the proposed PolyMet mine near Hoyt Lakes and the proposed Twin Metals mine near Ely.

The bottom line is this: The Rangers can vote for DFL candidates that align themselves with anti-mining special interest groups from the Twin Cities. Otherwise, they can vote for GOP candidates that will vote to improve the economy on the range.

Full Article Here:

http://www.looktruenorth.com/48-limited-governement/local-control/19681-who-best-represents-the-range-conservation-minnesota-or-the-gop.html

Chip Cravaack & Local Republicans Campaign Hard In Northeast Minnesota - Democrats a No Show

Local Republicans showed up in force to campaign in Babbitt, Minnesota for votes. There wasn't a democrat candidate to be found on June 24th at the Peter Mitchell Days Parade which is very interesting in Northeast Minnesota. The Cravaack supporters definitely made it known that they will support mining here which is good to know. Other Republicans campaigning for votes were local Jim Tuomala and Jennifer Havlick. The Republicans of this area don't appear to be taking any votes for granted and it is good to see they are receptive to the needs of it. Babbitt, Minnesota is located near Ely, Minnesota and both have a rich history in mining and is a way of life in the Northeast of Minnesota.