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My Name is Brenda Anderson
. I own a 16 year business in Duluth , and this is my busiest time of year, which is why I was unable to be there today in person. I am, however, passionate about this issue so I have asked members of the “Let Duluth Vote” group to read this statement on my behalf.

“I have been the contact person for the “Let Duluth Vote Group”. It has been my name and phone number that has been published in the Duluth News Tribune, web sites, fliers, petitions, television and radio interviews. I have received hundreds of phone calls from concerned citizens over the last two months. So many that I had to add an additional 1000 minutes to my cell service. I have spoken to citizens from all parts of town, all social-economic backgrounds, and all age groups. Although I have been hearing many thoughts and ideas from these folks the main two recurring things I have heard is that they are appalled at the amount of money to be spent on this plan, and secondly, that they are angry that they are not allowed to vote on this huge amount of money. The group that I have heard the most from is Senior citizens. I have received phone calls from Seniors that initially just really wanted to sign the petition, knowing full well that it held no “legal” weight, but willing to do anything to be “heard“. Most of these seniors, once they signed the petition, wanted to bring it to their friends and neighbors to sign. I had one 82 year old lady who walked her neighborhood for two days getting signatures, talking with people she had never spoken to before in her life - simply because she was so passionate about the right to vote on this issue. This lady got 150 signatures and shared with us that only two out of 150 people approached did not sign, and even those two people admitted it was because they were teachers (current or retired) and did not want to be seen as against the district. Most people who sign ask to take a petition to circulate, as well as some yard signs. I have spoken to many working families that have shared that they simply are not financially able to pay higher taxes because they already live paycheck to paycheck. These same citizens don’t understand why they are not allowed to vote on this issue.

As far as Petitioners, I would like to share that the number of people willing to jump in has been amazing. Duluth School Plans have had their share of controversy, especially when you ask which schools should stay open and which should close, however, this issue has been uniting rather than dividing because it is an issue a clear majority of the citizens agree on. They all want to vote on this huge amount of money to be spent. Their money! Money that will be on their taxes for the next 20 years. They all feel like their constitutional right, the right to vote, is being taken away from them. I have heard frustration, anger, hopelessness. This is a simply unacceptable way to run a district.

In closing, today, our group will show you 289 pages of signatures. This represents just over 3000 signatures from Duluth Citizens. This is just a sample of Duluth voters who feel that no one is listening to them. The “Let Duluth Vote” Group has already placed more “let Duluth Vote” signs then most of the City Council Candidates, & more than at least one mayor candidate. This is one issue that citizens from all parts of town can get behind and support. They all want to vote on this issue. We have had to reorder signs again, recently, because of the high demand for them. Make no mistake; this is a hot, hot, controversial issue right now in Duluth . Everyday, the number of citizens who are speaking out on this issue are growing. Every day more people begin to realize that something they thought they would get to vote on, is being pushed through without a referendum.

I know I honestly speak for large numbers of Duluth Citizens when I ask you please do not approve this Red Plan with its huge financial burden. Together we can find a plan that is a compromise. A plan that costs much less, addresses programs first, and then buildings, and preserves some of what Duluth citizens value most…our neighborhood schools. We respectfully ask you to please “Let Duluth Vote”.

Thank you

 

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