Time for common sense

To the Editor:

On April 2, the Minnesota House Democratic majority unveiled its comprehensive transportation funding proposal for the next two years. Much like Gov. Tim Walz, House Democrats want to raise the gas tax by at least 20 cents per gallon.

That’s unacceptable.

The people I represent, we drive a lot of miles. A 20-cent per gallon gas tax increase will result in a lot of money unnecessarily taken from them at the end of the year. I’m totally against a gas tax increase of this magnitude.

Last session, legislative Republicans passed a law that allows the sales tax dollars collected on auto parts and repairs to be used to fund transportation projects in Minnesota. This is a better approach.

We need to keep it so people in southern Minnesota can afford to go to work and back. It’s time that we use common sense instead of everybody else’s 20 cents.

State Rep. Bob Gunther,

R-Fairmont

Concert aids repairs

To the Editor:

We are grateful that the free will concert held recently at Red Rock Center featuring Fairmont native Warren Nelson resulted in such generous donations for exterior repairs of our 121-year-old building.

We have been blessed with such a structurally sound building requiring minimal repairs since the restoration was completed in 2005. However, there is some tuck-pointing that needs to be done due to weakened mortar joints, along with resurfacing the egress window wells. Contractors are scheduled to begin repairs late June to early July. Repairs at this time are expected to cost the Martin County Preservation Association, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, that manages both Red Rock and the Chubb House, about $10,000. Once contractors begin the process, it is possible they will find more tuck-pointing and repairs that need to be done.

In addition, the MCPA will be responsible for about $4,160 in street assessments from the Red Rock’s sister location, the Chubb House, located at 209 Lake Ave., in Fairmont. The Chubb House is the oldest surviving brick home in Fairmont and was purchased by the MCPA in 1992. This quaint little house is available to tour, and the Chubb House committee hosts a spring and Christmas tea and a lamplight stew dinner in the fall for the enjoyment of the community.

We appreciate the generosity of the community and hope the donations will continue as we strive to keep the Chubb House and Red Rock — both prominent, historic structures — in good repair for all to enjoy for many years to come.

Many thanks.

Sonja Fortune, executive director

Red Rock Center for the Arts

Fairmont