Letter to the Editor: City council candidates need to say how they'd vote on Menard's application

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Bob Puffer of Decorah):

"I've recently engaged with a candidate for City Council asking what they'd do about Menards' proposed building on the floodplain behind Walmart. In our back and forth conversation we disagreed sharply on what role the Council should play:
 
•    His contention is the Council should not be involved -- it would be up to the Zoning Commission to approve or deny Menards' request.

•    My contention is the people of Decorah perceive a clear danger in Menard's building on land adjacent to Walmart that has recently and historically experienced massive flooding issues.  Proceeding with Menard's proposal to raise the grade of these thirty acres presents new flood risks to a large segment of Decorah residents.

If a Council member or candidate claims RIGHT UP FRONT they "don't have the power to influence the Menard's decision," then they are not the person Decorah is looking for. Decorah will be looking to their City Council members for leadership in protecting their community from any threat. That may not be a legal capability but would surely include advocacy at all levels and to the greatest heights to guarantee our citizens' well being. I'm confident Decorah will not vote into office a  candidate lacking the desire to provide that leadership and protection.

I invite all candidates to weigh in on this matter -- tell the voters how you feel and what you're planning to do about it."