To the Editor:
Fine art to nourish our souls, pure water for quenching thirst, and the opportunity for deeply breathing in the great outdoors - what could be more vital to a rich, rewarding, and healthy life?
On Nov. 4, you have the chance to register an important vote on the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Voting yes to this would mean dedicating three-eights of a penny of sales tax for the next 25 years. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever are just a sampling of the types of organizations that support this amendment.
In our own community, we have wonderful, dedicated folks and arts-rich centers such as the Fairmont Opera House and Red Rock Center. These organizations and many others, care deeply about offering the arts to our local citizens, as well as increasing opportunities for our children with regard to fine arts education. Voting yes to the amendment would mean that our arts organizations, as well as organizations dedicated to clean water, natural resources and outdoor heritage, would be able to continue their important mission.
As an advocate for the fine arts and the great outdoors, I'm excited about what this could do to preserve and promote our precious Minnesota's culture, environment and heritage. Not only am I excited by the obvious benefits of this amendment to preserve and promote but I am equally excited about how it could help stimulate the economy. Minnesota's Arts and Culture Economic Impact Study (presented to legislators in 2006) shows that in Minnesota, the arts and culture are a significant industry that makes over $838 million worth of economic impact and provides over 22,000 Minnesota jobs. In challenging economic times like these, it is extremely tough to think about dedicating even three-eights of a penny of sales tax. It is, however, encouraging to think of what this investment could do to stimulate the economy locally and within our great Minnesota area, as well.
Here's how it will appear on your ballot Nov. 4: "Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural Areas." Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate funding to protect, enhance and restore our wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game and wildlife habitat; to preserve our arts and cultural heritage to support our parks and trails; and to protect, enhance and restore our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater by increasing the sales and use tax rate beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eights of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034?" Yes; No.
If you skip this question on the ballot, your vote will count as a "No" vote.
Wherever you stand on this issue, I encourage you to exercise your right to vote. My hope is that your vote will reflect a desire to preserve Minnesota's clean water, great outdoors and fabulous fine arts, now and for the future generations to come.
Rochele J. Franzen,
Prairie Lakes
Regional Arts Council
Fairmont