Thursday, July 26, 2012

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#

Monday, July 23, 2012

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 4th 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 21st Century challenges and opportunities and we need a 21st 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 21st 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/

Friday, July 20, 2012

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/

 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

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

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

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=

Monday, July 09, 2012

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…

Friday, July 06, 2012

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…

Monday, July 02, 2012

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.