duluth voterduluth duluth voter april 2016 ... members are asked to review the budget and slate of...
TRANSCRIPT
LEAGUE OF
WOMEN VOTERS
Duluth Duluth Voter April 2016
League of Women Voters Duluth ● 32 East First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 ● (218) 724-0132
Our Mission
The League of Women Voters,
a nonpartisan political
organization, encourages the
informed and active
participation of citizens in
government, works to increase
understanding of major public
policy issues, and influences
public policy through education
and advocacy.
In this issue:
Calendar 2 Presidents’ Letter 2 Why I am a Member 3 LWV Duluth Book Club 3 Humphrey Fellows 3 KUMD Radio 3 LWV Committees 4 Observers’ Report 5 Nominating Committee 6 Silent Auction 6 2016-2017 Budget 7 Speakers 8 Legislative Roundtable 9 Naturalization Ceremony 9 Natural Resources News 10 Equali-TEA 11
Officers
Presidents Mary Streufert
Ilsa Hoeschen
Secretary Chelsea Helmer
Co-Treasurers Jane Gilley
Nancy Palmer
Editor Julie Seidelmann
Saturday, May 7
(NOTE NEW DATE)
Harbor City School Theater
332 West Michigan Street
9:30 - 11:30 am
LWV Duluth Annual Meeting, Dinner, Silent Auction
Thursday, May 12
Moorish Room at Greysolon Plaza
231 E. Superior St.
Social Hour & Silent Auction 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Speaker at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Annual Business Meeting
Price $30.00 Reservation required by Friday, May 6
Keynote Speaker
Secretary of State Steven Simon
“The State of Elections”
Secretary Simon has
released a robust list
of new voter outreach
initiatives aimed at
voters with historically
lower turnout rates,
including young peo-
ple, communities of color, and New
Americans. Join us to hear the Secre-
tary’s plans and how we might help
Minnesota be number one again.
More information on page 8.
Register online at www.lwvduluth.org
Pay with PayPal or Check
Or register by contacting Julie Seidelmann at 724-3031 or
348-1209 or [email protected].
Mail check made out to LWV Duluth to
Julie Seidelmann, 1003 Ridgewood Rd.
Duluth, MN 55804.
Reservations require a choice of dinner.
Pork Tenderloin or
Vegan (Stuffed Pepper)
(Please note any food allergies)
Payment must be made in advance.
Members are asked to review the budget
and slate of officers on pages 6-7.
Silent Auction Information on page 6.
Money in Politics Community Workshop
State Representative Paul Thissen will be our guest speaker,. Following his
address there will be a group discussion on possible responses to this issue.
(See page 8 for more information.)
There is no charge for this event.
All LWV Duluth members and the public are welcome.
Calendar
April
4/15 Naturalization Ceremony
17-19 Humphrey Fellows May
5/7 Money in Politics
5/12 LWV Duluth Annual Meeting
5/26 LWV Duluth Book Club
June
6/11 Plant and Book Sale
Dear Members,
We hope many of you were able to attend the Equali –
TEA on March 19th. The Committee did an outstanding
job, once again.
Please note – there is a change of date! The Money in
Politics which was listed in the last Voter on April 16 has
been changed to Saturday, May 7. This change made it
possible for State Representative Paul Thissen to address
the group. He recently sponsored a bill titled “Disclose
Act” which would allow voters to decide if they have a
right to know who is spending money to influence their
vote. This event will take place at Harbor City School
from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Look for more details in this
newsletter.
LWV Annual Meeting and silent auction will take place
this year on Thursday, May 12. We will be in a new venue
– the Moorish Room at Greysolon Plaza. This beautiful,
historic room will be an elegant setting for our annual
gathering. With this being a big election year it is very
fitting to have Secretary of State Steve Simon as our guest
speaker. Secretary Simon recently announced his plan to
reinstate Minnesota as number one in voter turnout
through new steps to increase civic participation. To hear
what these steps are make plans to attend the annual meet-
ing. Details about the meeting and the auction can be
found in this Voter.
League of Women Voters Minnesota has launched a stra-
tegic planning process that will help them focus on goals
for the immediate and long term future. Some of the
questions they are asking themselves include - Is the work
they do pertinent to the communities they serve? How can
they better align with national and local Leagues? What
role can LWV continue to play in the role of legislative
reform, growing the vote and empowering voters to be
well informed about the issues that impact their lives?
Have we accomplished our mission?
Since LWV Duluth is closely aligned with LWV Minne-
sota, as League members we will be asked for feedback at
some point. This work will also help our local League stay
relevant. Stay tuned and watch for opportunities to be
involved.
We are looking forward to seeing you at upcoming
League activities.
Co-Presidents
Mary and Ilsa
Page 2 Duluth Voter April 2016
Presidents’ Letter
LWV Duluth www.lwvduluth.org
LWVMN www.lwvmn.org
LWVUS
www.lwv.org
Diversity
League of Women Voters affirms its commitment
to reflecting the diversity of Minnesota in its
membership and strives to overcome barriers of
gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation,
national origin, or disabilities in the activities
of the organization.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Fifth Annual Perennial Plant and Book Sale
Saturday, June 11; Second Saturday in June
Mt. Royal Parking Lot
Donations of perennials and books greatly
appreciated. Look for more information
in the next newsletter, online at
www.lwvduluth.org and in the E-News.
This is one of our biggest fund raisers.
Your donations and help at past sales have
made this event a big success.
April 2016 Duluth Voter Page 3
Welcome New LWV Duluth Members!
Nykitia Blake
Bonnie Hughes
Penny Cragun
Why I am a Member of
League of Women Voters
By Helen Hanten
Years ago, about forty years I think, a friend invited me
to attend a LWV meeting with her. At the meeting we
focused discussion on an issue which involved recycling
of cans. It is hard now to think that was ever controver-
sial, but a speaker was there to tell us it would take away
jobs. At the end of the discussion we tallied opinions of
the members to be combined with other members in
other groups. I was told the LWV didn't ever take a posi-
tion on an issue until it had studied and discussed it. And
they never supported individual candidates. I liked
this. The more I asked about how the group functioned,
the more I liked it. It seemed well organized and serious
about helping voters make informed decisions in vot-
ing. I still like it. I have maintained my membership all
these years, and although I don't get out to meetings of-
ten any more I do choose to support the people who are
still out there, working hard to help support an
informed electorate.
Discussion Leader– Sally Munger
FFI- Gay Trachsel 728-5478
LWV Duluth
“The Sisters” Book Club
Thursday, May 26
5:30 - Dinner
6:15 p.m. - Discussion
Valentini’s Restaurant
Book: The Boys in the Boat
Author: Daniel James Brown
The Boys in the Boat is the 2016 One Book Northland.
It is the dramatic story of the American rowing team
that stunned the world at Hitler's 1936 Berlin Olym-
pics. The team transformed the sport and grabbed the
attention of millions of Americans. They remind the
country of what can be done when everyone quite lit-
erally pulls together--a perfect melding of commit-
ment, determination, and optimism. The Boys in the
Boat is an irresistible story about beating the odds and
finding hope in the most desperate of times--the im-
probable, intimate story of nine working-class boys
from the American west who showed the world what
true grit really meant. www.duluthpubliclibrary.org
2016 Humphrey Fellows
Alworth Institute International Lecture Series
Monday, April 18
7:00 pm
UMD’s Griggs Center
During their trip to Duluth, the 2016
Humphrey Fellows from the
Humphrey Fellowship Program,
University of Minnesota Law School
will present a program–Human
Rights and the Immigration and
Refugee Experience.
This program is part of the Alworth Institute's Interna-
tional Lecture Series--Monday, April 18 – 7:00 p.m. –
UMD's Griggs Center
Submitted by Liz Taylor
LWV Duluth is on KUMD every
Wednesday for short interviews to
promote issues and events!
Tune in Wednesdays at 8:30 am or
listen online at www.lwvduluth.org
If you have any topic ideas or questions,
please contact: Rosie Loeffler-Kemp at
341-2014 or [email protected]
Page 4 Duluth Voter April 2016
Committee Contact Next Meeting Date
Voter Service: Registration. & New
Citizens Ellen Wiss [email protected]
Meets with whole Voter Service
Committee on as needed basis
Voter Service Melanie Ford 525-2240
International Relations
Co-Chairs:
Joyce Benson 727-2026 (home)
Liz Taylor 393-0703 (cell)
Meet during March/April as needed
to prepare for Humphrey Fellows
visit
Membership
Co-Chairs:
Theresa O’Gara 724-4821
Gail Schoenfelder 525-0529
April 11 @ 1 p.m./Joyce Benson’s
Apt.
Citizens in Action,
Sat. January 28, 2017
Co-Chairs:
Rosie Loeffler-Kemp 341-2014
Ilsa Hoeschen 715 252-4037 Meetings begin in November
Natural Resources
Co-Chairs
Em Westerlund (cell)355-1137
Julie O’Leary (cell) 310-8311
April 4, 6 p.m. Building for Women
Newsletter Mailing Joyce Benson 727-2026 Generally last Wednesday of the
month
Observer Corps Mary Jane Peterson
[email protected] Depends on Board or Commission
Cross Cultural Social Equity
Committee
Co-Chairs
Annie Kennedy 624-4944 (home)
Wendy Champness 491-4887 (cell)
April 2
Building for Women, 32 E. 1st St.
Book Club Gay Trachsel 728-5478 May 26
Plant & Book Sale, Sat. June 11 Gail Schoenfelder 525-0529 April 7, 2p.m. Great Harvest Bakery
in the Plaza
Public Relations
Co-Chairs:
Julie Seidelmann 348-3031
Gwen Thorson 624-4756
As needed
Equali-TEA
Co-Chairs:
Theresa O’Gara 724-4821 (home)
Jean Farmakes 724-4186 (home)
Meetings begin in October
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Become Involved in a LWV Duluth Committee
Please contact the chairs or co-chairs of the
committees if you are interested
in becoming involved or learning more
about their committees.
April 2016 Duluth Voter Page 5
LWV Duluth Observers’ Report
By Mary Jane Peterson
Opportunities for Observers:
The Planning Commission advises the City Council on all planning and development matters including rezon-
ings and issuing special permits. It meets the second Tuesday of every month in the Council Chamber, City Hall at 5
PM. The Parks and Recreation Commission assists the City administration by making recommendations that are perti-
nent to existing or future recreational needs in the community. It meets the second Wednesday of every month at
different locations at 5 PM.
INDIGENOUS COMMISSION: Renee VanNet noted that the Citizens Review Board is working on appointing the
new Duluth Police Chief. Developing a "know your rights" policy with the police. A public forum is being
planned. She noted that the use of rubber bullets is being discussed. Keith Hamre met with the Greater Downtown
Council and City Parks Department on the naming of the park behind the Electric Fetus-Gitchi O'de. Process in-
volves several City groups. A copy of Ethnographic Study of Indigenous Contributions to the City of Duluth was
passed out. Tati Rayal, City Architect, discussed plans for the Chambers Grove Park. Two issues: Gazebo needs to
be replaced and sign could include two names-one being indigenous.
Announcements: April--Collaboration with Canada on victims of sex trafficking.
Submitted by Liz Taylor
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Bob Grytdahl's last day as the Human Rights Officer was Friday, March
11. Discussion as to the process of selecting a new officer. The position is appointed by the mayor and works closely
with the mayor. Human Rights Commission should have a role in the selection. Human Rights Policy, Chapter 29C,
was introduced. Discussion involved the process of receiving human rights complaints and the Human Rights Com-
mission's response. Most citizens are reluctant to voice their concerns. They feel they have little recourse when a
violation occurs. The Commission must work harder to provide an avenue of support. Garfield Flats will provide
housing for low income residents. However, this housing is located in an area where no resources, such as food, are
readily available.
Submitted by Mary Jane Peterson
ST. LOUIS COUNTY BOARD: Commissioner Steve Rauker is now the Chair of the Board, beginning 2016. The
"Consent Agenda" was passed unanimously, as presented. It included a number resolutions from the Health & Hu-
man Services Committee, Environment & Natural Resources Committee, Public Works & Transportation Committee,
and the Finance & Budget Committee. The "Regular Agenda" included 2 items from the Central Management & In-
tergovernmental Committee. One is a 0.5 FTE Public Health Nurse position to coordinate and implement the Minne-
sota Immunization Information Connection regional services to the Northeast region. The second is a 1.0 FTE Health
Informatics Specialist, who will collect and interpret data so community needs can be met. The "Regular Agenda"
also included one item. It authorized a $750,00 apportionment for schools and $349,000 going to townships. It
reduces levy dependencies for "unorganized" townships.
Submitted by Gwen Thorson
DULUTH CITY COUNCIL: Comment from a citizen addressed the issue of damage to the waterfront break
wall. Mr. Montgomery from the Mayor's office assured the council that the situation is under study and measures will
be taken to address the damage. Councilors Sipress's resolution endorsing bee safe policies and procedures for the
city of Duluth was passed unanimously. We must support the pollinator and refrain from the use of harmful pesti-
cides. Purchase and plant bee friendly plants. Councilor Sipress's resolution granting approval of the Lake Superior
Zoo/Fairmont Park concept plan was passed unanimously. The representative from the Zoological Society Board
praised the Council for allowing public input to be an important part of the planning. Council members noted that
this was a difficult issue and were extremely pleased with the outcome. Shrink the zoo footprint and allow room for
more park space. They can now move forward on funding.
Submitted by Jackie Johnson
Page 6 Duluth Voter April 2016
LWV Duluth Annual Meeting Silent Auction
The LWV Duluth Annual Meeting is on May 12! Every year we have a wonderful silent
auction at the event. This auction has become one of our major fund (and FUN) raiser.
We need the help of our members and friends again this year.
Please consider contributing to the auction this year with a donation. Some possible items:
homemade canned goods or baked goods, handmade items, works of art, gift certificates
from your favorite local businesses. Also welcome are gently used jewelry, scarves and
decorative items. Another idea: get together with a friend or friends and create a “basket”
of items, such as, a bath basket, kitchen basket, grandma’s basket. Use your imagination!
When you have decided what you are donating, please call or email Rosemary Guttormsson at 390-8426
or [email protected]. Email should include a description of the item and the retail value. She would like to know
about the donations by May 8. You can also fill out a donation form online at www.lwvduluth.org.
This year we will also arrange for pick up or drop off of some of the items, so we have those items on hand before
the auction. (Except for things like fresh baked goods, those might get “lost” after delivery to Rosemary’s home!)
Officers
President 2016-2017: Maria Isley
President Elect: Chelsea Helmer
2nd Vice-Presidents Membership: Theresa 0’Gara (2015-17)
Gail Schoenfelder (2016-18)
Treasurer: Nancy Palmer (2016-18)
Secretary: Warren High (2016-18)
League of Women Voters Duluth Nominating Committee Report 2016
Elected Directors
Completing 2nd Year Board Terms (2015-2017)
Janet Kennedy (2015-17)
Betty Preus (2015-17)
Susie Darley-Hill (2015-17) -
Completing Liz Taylor’s Term
Elected for New 2 Year Board Terms (2016-2018)
Gwen Thorson (2016-18)
Christina Woods (2016-18)
Theresa Bobula (2016-18) Appointed Directors
(1 Year Position: 2016-2017) Mary Streufert—Past President
Joyce Benson / Liz Taylor
Julie Seidelmann
Sally Munger
Portia Johnson
Ellen Wiss
Appointed Directors Off-Board Positions
Jim Schulzentenberg—Bookkeeper
Melanie Ford—Voter Service Chair
Nominating Committee 2016– 2107)
(6 members: 3 on board / 3 off):
Chair: Mary Dragich (off Board member)
Off Board Members: Barbara Akre and Janet Draper
On Board Members: Gail Schoenfelder, Theresa O’Gara, Mary Streufert
Submitted by Nominating Committee:
Zandy Zwiebel (Chair), Mary Dragich, Ellen Wiss, Gail Schoenfelder, Theresa O’Gara
Suggested Board Slate for 2016- 2017
April 2016 Duluth Voter Page 7
Income
Contributions and Support
Member Contributions $600
Non-Member Contributions $200
Total Contributions and Support $800
Events and Sales
Annual Meeting Dinner (May) $3000
Annual Dinner Auction (May) $3100
Citizens in Action (Jan) $650
Equali-TEA (March) $3400
Plant and Book Sale (June) $900
Total Events and Sales $11,050
Grants
LVVVMN Voter Service Grant $0
LWVUS Grant $0
Total Grants $0
Membership
Household ($80) $1800
Individual ($55) $6300
Limited Income ($10) $100
Student ($25) $250
Sustaining ($100) $1900
Total Membership $10,350
Interest Income
Interest Income $120
Total Interest Income $120
Total Income $22,320
Funds to Balance Budget
Checking $3072
Total Funds to Balance Budget $3072
Total Budgeted for Use $25,392
Expenses—Continued
Committees—Continued
Membership $200
Natural Resources $125
Program Planning $50
Public Relations/Communications $25
Trafficking $200
Voter Service $350
Total Committees $1350
Operating and Fixed Costs
Bank Charge $100
LWVMN-PMP $3770
LWVUS-PMP $6032
Phone $270
Postage Operating $50
Postal Permit $220
President’s Contingency Fund $100
Printing Operating $30
Rent $780
Supplies $100
Website $100
Total Operating and Fixed Costs $11,552
Member Activities
Annual Dinner $3000
Book and Plant Sale $20
Citizens in Action $800
Equal-TEA $2500
Fall Kick-Off $250
Holiday Social $50
Meeting Costs $100
Membership Directory Printing $300
Membership Directory Mailing $50
MN Convention / Council $200
National Convention $4000
Total Member Activities $11,270
Special Projects
Local Study $0
Total Special Projects $0
The VOTER
Voter Newsletter Postage $200
Voter Newsletter Printing and Folding $950
Voter Labels $70
Total VOTER Newsletter $1220
Total Expenses $25,392
Additional LWV Duluth Assets (Totals on 03-01-16):
Checking Account $12,463.92
Saving Account $8,152.07
Total $20,615.99
Expenses
Committees
Cross Cultural and Social Equity $75
Education $0
Health Care $0
International Relations $225
Legislative Roundtable $100
LWV Duluth Budget 2016 - 2017
Page 8 Duluth Voter April 2016
LWV Duluth Annual Meeting, Dinner, Silent Auction
Thursday, May 12
Keynote Speaker – Secretary of State Steven Simon
“The State of Elections”
“Today, I am challenging the people of Minnesota and the thousands of nonprofits and
businesses across the state to return Minnesota back to number one in voter turnout in the
country,” Secretary of State Steve Simon said during his address at the Neighborhood
House in St. Paul. “For nine elections in a row we were number one in the country in voter
turnout. But in 2014, we fell off our perch. I want us to be number one again.”
To bring Minnesota back to the position of number one in voter turnout, Secretary Simon
has released a robust list of new voter outreach initiatives aimed at voters with historically
lower turnout rates, including young people, communities of color, and New Americans.
Join us at our annual meeting to hear the Secretary’s plans and how we might help Minne-
sota be number one again.
Before being sworn in as Minnesota’s Secretary of State in 2015, Simon served in the Minnesota House of Represen-
tatives for ten years representing the communities of St. Louis Park and Hopkins. He also served as Assistant Attorney
General of Minnesota and worked as a lawyer in private practice for several years. He was named a “Rising Star” four
different times by Law & Politics magazine and has received many other recognitions for his work on behalf of Min-
nesotans, including the “Outstanding Legislator Award” from the Minnesota School Board Association and the “Civic
Leadership Award” from the Citizens League.
“Money in politics affects and afflicts every issue that the League of Women Voters
works on and cares so much about. We all know that as long as money flows into poli-
tics at the unchecked rate that it does, the voice of the public will be drowned out by the
special interests. For this reason, the LWV has focused on this as far back as the 1970’s
when the Watergate scandal demonstrated what the effects of unchecked money and
quid pro quo practices have done to undermine governance for the public good.”
Judy Duffy, Advocacy Committee Chair, report to Convention 2012
Since Judy Duffy voiced this opinion at the 2012 LWV Convention a lot has changed
and not always for the better. This event will address the issues involved, how we got to
the point we are at and what we might do to change the future of campaign financing.
State Representative Paul Thissen, will be our guest speaker. Representative Thissen recently introduced the
“Disclose Act” which would allow voters to decide if they have the right to know who is spending money to influence
their vote.
Following his address there will be a group discussion on possible responses to this issue.
This topic was studied by the state and national Leagues. Background information on this issue is available at the
LWVUS and LWVMN web sites. "Money in Politics: Developing a Common Understanding of the Issues" by
LWVUS is a primer for engagement of league members and fellow citizens completed in 2014. This is an excellent
publication. You can also find this publication at www.lwvduluth.org.
Money in Politics Community Workshop
Saturday, May 7
Guest Speaker, Representative Paul Thissen
April 2016 Duluth Voter Page 9
Legislative Roundtable 2016
League of Women Voters Duluth members came to Somers
Hall Lounge at CSS and took advantage of the chance to hear
Duluth's legislative delegation discuss issues prior to the start
of the 2016 legislative session. In addition to Representatives
Jennifer Schultz, Erik Simonson and Mary Murphy and Sena-
tor Roger Reinert, Rep. Rob Ecklund representing District 3A
(replaced the late David Dill) drove down from International
Falls to join us and share his views.
The legislators responded to a total of eight questions on a va-
riety of issues important to the League. The first asked was
about top priorities for the session and as you' would expect,
the priorities for Duluth's bonding requests were strongly sup-
ported. In addition: Rep. Schultz mentioned the St. Louis River
project (funded as a
Minnesota project), the Duluth Steam Plant and defense of LGA; Rep. Eck-
lund's top priority was unemployment insurance for the 2000 miners on the
Iron Range, as well as projects in Ely, International Falls and Voyagers Na-
tional Park; Senator Reinert discussed strategy to try and ensure that some of
the projects that impact Duluth have support from outside the area, as well as
the need to work on issues that may not get resolved this year (short session in
an election year), including drivers licenses, transportation and taxes; Rep.
Simonson discussed the need to play defense on taxes and to make sure the
surplus is not used for unwise tax cuts; Rep. Murphy wants to finish what was
started last session and to move the bills from the conference committees for-
ward.
Senator Reinert was also recognized and thanked for his eight years of service
and attendees enjoyed a piece of cake in his honor. He will be missed!
Submitted by:
Jane Gilley, Sally Munger, Gwen Thorson
\
The Ceremony will be in the newly remodeled Courtroom No. 3 on the second
floor of the Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.
Each LWV member should take the opportunity to witness this extraordinary
event. We will again assist new citizens in completing their voter registration
forms.
If you wish to attend, please contact Ellen Wiss [email protected].
Naturalization Ceremony
The date for the next 2016
Naturalization Ceremony in Duluth
April 15, 2016
1:00 p.m.
Page 10 Duluth Voter April 2016
Listening Session on Waukesha Diversion
Request Draws a Crowd
About seventy people attended the March 3rd Duluth lis-
tening session sponsored by the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources to hear from the public on the City of
Waukesha, Wisconsin’s water diversion application for
Lake Michigan. Following an informational open house
and a presentation on the application by a representative
from the City of Waukesha, twenty seven people spoke
on the record to oppose the application. No one spoke in
favor. In addition to local residents from Duluth and Su-
perior, those providing comments included representa-
tives from state and national conservation organizations
involved in Great Lakes issues, including the National
Wildlife Federation, Minnesota Conservation Federation,
Trout Unlimited, Minnesota Environmental Partnership,
Minnesota Land Trust, Minnesota Center for Environ-
mental Advocacy, Midwest Environmental Advocates,
the Izaak Walton League, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and
Minnesota State Senator Anne Rest, speaking on behalf
of the Great Lakes Commission. Speakers also included
several Wisconsin residents from the Waukesha area who
made the trip to Duluth to speak against the application,
and Wisconsin State Representative Nick Milroy.
Many speakers expressed concern about the precedent
that will be set by the decision on the first water diversion
application to be considered under the Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence River Water Resources Compact if the applica-
tion is not held to the standards set in the Compact. Con-
cerns focused on the large amount of water that Wauke-
sha is requesting in excess of that needed to meet its cur-
rent demand, the expanded service area that the City pro-
poses to provide water for (double its current size), and
whether or not the City has seriously evaluated the alter-
native of treating its water to remove radium, as many
neighboring communities do.
The public comment period for submitting comments to
the Compact Council closed March 14th and all submitted
comments will be available to the public later this month
at www.waukeshadiversion.org. The Compact Council’s
Regional Body will issue its findings on whether or not
the application meets the standards set in the Compact in
April. The Governor’s Compact Council will then con-
sider the Regional Body’s findings and make the final
decision. Approval is required by all 8 Great Lakes gov-
ernors, and you may still register your comments with
Governor Mark Dayton at (651)-201-3400.
Submitted by Julie O’Leary
Mixed Developments on
Copper-Nickel Mining
There were several important developments on copper-
nickel mining in March. On March 3, the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued the
long-awaited decision on the PolyMet Mining Corpora-
tion’s final Environmental Impact Statement for the first
proposed copper-nickel mine in Minnesota. The DNR
announced that they consider the EIS to be “adequate.”
This determination means that the state’s portion of the
environmental review is complete, and while it doesn’t
mean the project has the green light to go forward, Poly-
Met can now proceed to apply for project permits. The
company must file for more than 20 federal, state and
local permits to build the mine. The environmental re-
view must also be approved by the U.S. Forest Service
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A week later on March 7, Governor Mark Dayton an-
nounced that he opposes mining near the Boundary Wa-
ters Canoe Area, where Twin Metal Minnesota has an-
nounced plans to build another copper-nickel mine near
Ely. Citing "grave concerns about the use of state sur-
face lands for mining-related activities in close prox-
imity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness",
Dayton has directed the DNR not to authorize or enter
into any state access or lease agreements for mining op-
erations near the BWCA. The proposed Twin Metals
mine, still in the planning stages, would be much larger
than the PolyMet mine. The company is exploring on
state, federal, and private land southeast of Ely near
Birch Lake and the South Kawishiwi River. Twin Met-
als has applied to the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) to renew two federal mineral leases critical to
the project. A Department of the Interior attorney has
notified the BLM that Twin Metals is not automatically
entitled to renew the leases, which have expired. The
BLM is conducting an environmental review of the pro-
posed lease renewal.
LWVUS Position: Natural Resources should be man-
aged as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosys-
tems…. Pollution of these resources should be con-
trolled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and
biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect health.
Submitted by:
LWV Duluth Natural Resources Committee
News from the LWV Duluth Natural Resources Committee
April 2016 Duluth Voter Page 11
The eighth annual Equali-TEA held at
the Duluth Woman’s Club on March
19, 2016 was a resounding success on
all counts. Attendees celebrated the
passage of the 19th amendment with a
delectable high tea, raised funds to
support LWV Duluth activities such as
candidate forums and voter registra-
tion and enjoyed the company of kin-
dred spirits. The theme of the Tea this
year was, “Women in Law Enforce-
ment”. Several women shared the
highlights and challenges of following a career in law enforcement.
A big thank you goes out to the following for making the Tea a success:
Morning Session Presenters, Kelly Lake, Carlton County Sheriff and Kim
Wick, Duluth Police Department Investigator
Afternoon Presenters, Donetta Wickstrom, Retired Duluth Police Department
and Luanne Johnson, Duluth Police Department
Lou Anne Siefert and her Girl Scouts for serving the tea
Warren High, Distinguished Butler
LWV Duluth Members who worked on the tea: Portia Johnson, Mary Dragich,
Julie Seidelmann, Gwen Thorson, Gail Nouska, Gail Schoenfelder, Nancy
Palmer, Jen McEwen, Anita Gille, Wendy Ruhnke, Mary Evans, Historian/
Mentor: Sally Munger, and Co-Chairs: Theresa O’Gara and Jean Farmakes.
The following information from Police Chief Magazine and the US Department of Justice was presented at the tea by co-chair,
Jean Farmakes:
The origin of women in law enforcement appears to have begun in the mid-1800s
when numerous jurisdictions employed women as police matrons. Their duties were
to work with women and children held
in correctional and mental health facili-
ties.
The first woman hired by a municipal-
ity to carry out regular law enforcement
duties was Lola Baldwin, who was
sworn in as a female detective for the
City of Portland on April 1, 1908. Her
duties emphasized crime prevention
and social work. She never wore a
uniform or carried a gun, and seldom
made arrests. Her office was in the
local YWCA rather than the police station. She was described as a “municipal
mother” who could act as a surrogate parent to protect women and girls from the
moral dangers and temptations of urban life.
By the early 1970s, women made up about 1.5% of all police officers. Today there are close to 18,000 law enforcement agencies
in the United States that employ nearly 800,00 full time law enforcement officers. Approximately 13% of those officers are fe-
male.
Women make up about 1% of the nation’s police chiefs and sheriffs and 2 federal law enforcement agencies, the DEA and the
US Park Police, have been led by women. Although the number of female police officers has increased a great deal since the
1970s, they are still greatly under-represented in the profession as a whole.
Submitted by Theresa O’Gara
8th Annual Equali-TEA
Kim Wick and Kelly Lake
Luanne Johnson and Donetta Wickstrom
Joyce Benson and Sally Munger
Jean Farmakes and Craig Heidenreich
Anita Gille and Gail Nouska
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
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DULUTH, MN 55806
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Duluth
32 East First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
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