opinion
Data and figures on electrical rates
Monday, February 3, 2025 9:56 am
Dear Editor, I would like to offer a more thorough analysis of electricity rates, comparing Alliant’s rates to those of other electricity providers. I will begin with a comparison between Alliant and MidAmerican Energy, the two investor-owned utilities that serve …
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Getting to the table
Monday, February 3, 2025 9:46 am
Dear Editor, I believe more information is nearly always better and, in order to make an informed decision on whether or not to to establish an MEU for Decorah, we would first just have to be at that table. I …
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Some business thoughts
Monday, February 3, 2025 9:37 am
As a business leader in Decorah for over 30 years that has run a $10,000,000 a year business, employed 100-plus people and ran a successful contracting business, I have learned to look beyond what is on the surface. With a …
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Can we have a kind debate?
Monday, February 3, 2025 9:36 am
Decorah residents and businesses are bound by a state contract to be purchasers of electricity from a Wisconsin corporation. The profits from electric use in Decorah contribute to the Wisconsin corporate CEO’s salary and bonuses. Corporate shareholders are also counting …
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‘If you can’t be first, be better’
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:57 am
Sometimes folks seem to believe we journalists are supposed to be all-knowing, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), we aren’t. Take for example, the recent situation at Aase Haugen here in Decorah. The local senior care facility was …
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Alliant and reliability
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:53 am
Dear Editor, As we approach March 4, Alliant Energy is apparently sparing no expense to convince residents that it is the beacon of electric reliability and affordability, and that we can’t do any better. This is the second time since …
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Many chances
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:52 am
I would like to address a common concern I’ve heard about the March 4 referendum vote to establish a municipal electric utility. Some feel that having just “one vote” means they only get one chance to have a say in …
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Economic common-sense – the case for an MEU, Part 3
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:45 am
The vote to establish a municipal electric utility is an opportunity to explore an alternative to save money, invest locally and build resilience for our infrastructure. Opportunity — you never know until you try. Saving Money: I don’t know about …
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A vote for knowledge
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 10:52 am
A yes vote on March 4 is a vote for knowledge. This is a vote for an investigation into the possibility of a local electrical utility, a vote to look further into the costs, to consider where the money will go, who …
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Food for thought
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 10:51 am
It was a bright and sunny noon hour. We were enjoying lunch next to the warm east windows. The sun protected us from the -20° temperature outside. We both hit upon a subject involving food. The discussion took us back to the altar …
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Reader foresees ‘persistent and irresistible’ electric rates, property taxes under MEU
Thursday, January 16, 2025 3:09 pm
In my ongoing pilgrimage toward MEU enlightenment, as I read and ask questions and occasionally get answers on issues as disparate as revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds, assessed value versus taxable value, gross margin versus net margin, levy caps, …
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‘Holiday Lights’ shines again
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:10 pm
As the 20th season of Holiday Lights has now concluded, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the event’s sponsors, visitors and volunteers for another incredible season at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. I have been fortunate to …
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Guardians of Northeast Iowa highlights benefits of services
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
It is a topic which most people glaze over, but the impact of guardians, conservators and trustees is immeasurable. First, the service provided is legally necessary and ordered by the Iowa court system. Guardianship provides decision-making services for highly vulnerable, protected …
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Looking forward to hearing from lawmakers
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
The following is my response to the Iowa Legislative Session of 2025 interview published in the Jan. 2, 2025, edition of the Decorah Leader. State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people …
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The hypocrisy: a rebuttal to Emily Neal
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:07 pm
It’s time to acknowledge a hard truth: the city council is not playing by the rules. As I wrote this letter, the council is down one member, and yet, they continue to push forward with a radical agenda that alienates …