Coming out of left field

The Fairmont City Council this week took a big step toward asking the state auditor to conduct an audit of the local Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the liquor store, dating back to 2002. This raises big questions.

The specific focus tells us someone thinks they know something. What do they think they know? Why not say it?

2002? 2002? Are past city officials also harboring concerns? What are they? Why didn’t they express them? Why don’t they?

How much is all of this going to cost? The city is audited every year. Why do it again?

Why humiliate them?

The City Council’s majority trio this week also chose to pursue an investigation of city staff, namely who knew what about some criminal cases that exceeded their statute of limitations under former City Attorney Elizabeth Bloomquist. Despite grandstanding about the alleged victims in these cases, the trio apparently no longer care about the cases themselves. Rather, just what city staff knew.

Again, some council members think they know something, but will not offer details to the public. Councilman Tom Hawkins says he is sure city staff knew. So why doesn’t he take action? Is it important to first torture the entire staff?

A great American story

If you have not seen the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith, you should. It is a great story about the agony and ecstasy of the American dream.

The real-life inspiration behind the story, Chris Gardner, will be in Fairmont on Tuesday, speaking at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairmont High School auditorium. Sweet Financial Services of Fairmont gets the credit for bringing him to town. Kudos to the firm for its efforts.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to (507) 235-5587 or by emailing marsha@sweetfinancial.com

Radical power play

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz backs a radical environmental agenda, as revealed by his decision this week to require makers of cars to sell more electric vehicles in the state.

Because he knows he is violating tenets of freedom, Walz is pretending that his action is market-based. It’s not.

It’s also not democratic. Walz has bypassed the Legislature in his environmental hysteria. Walz defends himself by saying the plan does not need lawmakers’ approval. Which is not reassuring.

Walz is doing it all to save the Earth. What a guy. Glad he is there to think for us and “solve” all of our problems.