Letter to the Editor: Support Dean Thompson for Supervisor

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Harland Nelson of Decorah):

"Dean Thompson richly deserves re-election to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.  It is consistent with his thoroughness and work ethic that he has been busy knocking on voter doors in his district: Canoe and Decorah townships and the city of Decorah.

The present Board of Supervisors has been outstanding for its accomplishments. They work as a team for the good of the county, leaving partisan politics outside the meeting room door. 

They bring different experience and skills to the job.  Dean Thompson's contribution is research know-how, developed and sharpened by his 32 years working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (most of those years—the last 22--at Iowa State University).

For example.   A recent major concern of the Board has been frac sand mining. Aware that it has created big problems in southeast Minnesota and across the Mississippi in Wisconsin, the Board adopted a moratorium on such mining until its possible effects in Winneshiek County could be researched.   As a result of that research, the county Planning and Zoning Commission recommended and the Board adopted new regulations for industrial mineral mining.

Dean Thompson played a major role in the research.  He was named community leader and project leader for all frac sand studies, including the geologic and economic impact studies conducted by the University of Iowa.   He traveled to frac sand mining sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.   He consulted with local people about the effects of this mining on such community concerns as heavy truck traffic on local roads, and air quality.

The whole story of this subject, and Dean Thompson's role, is too long for a letter. The details—including a summary report to the Board and a timeline of decisions, actions, and fact-finding activities—are at the website www.deanthompsonsupervisor.com/frac-sand-mining.

Please vote for Dean Thompson's re-election to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.

His victory will pay off for us all."