Challenging a climate argument

Efforts by St. Paul City Council Member Mitra Jalali to rationalize ripping up Summit Avenue and devastating its canopy of mature trees do not withstand factual scrutiny. Jalali claimed in an interview with Pioneer Press on Oct. 25 that opposition to the plan “denies our climate crisis.” But, she ignores the fact that hundreds of mature trees would be cut down to make way for the project. Each of those trees absorbs 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and releases oxygen in exchange, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cutting down those trees and adding more paving adds to our climate crisis. Leaving the trees in place to thrive is a positive step toward reducing our climate crisis.

Taking account of Minnesota winters and weather, the elevated bike lanes will take little or no auto-commute traffic off the roads. Public transit holds the best hope of reducing auto traffic here.

Jalali claimed that opposition “neglects our infrastructure.” There is no opposition to re-paving and doing other infrastructure work on Summit Avenue – so long as it stays within the current boundaries of the street and does not harm the mature tree canopy.

Proponents like Jalali ignore the fact that Summit Avenue is the architectural heart of St. Paul and an essential part of the city’s identity. Devastating Summit Avenue will not help anyone in the city. Rather, with its architectural heart ravaged, St. Paul will be less attractive to the new businesses and new residents who will pay the taxes to fund the many good deeds that Jalali claims she wants to do.

Finally, in labeling opposition to the Summit Avenue plan “regressive thinking,” Jalali is as guilty as some right-wing politicians in failing to keep discourse about public issues civil. As an elected official of St. Paul, she should be more respectful of the opinions of the taxpayers who fund operation of this city.

Paul W. Berning, St. Paul

Here we go again

Here we go again. District 197 and a host of other school districts in Minnesota are proposing increases in the funding requests for the upcoming years. This is a continuing process, always executed in the same fashion and on the heels of huge inputs of funding from the State Legislature this year.

In this round, District 197, West St. Paul and Mendota Heights, is asking for an additional $731 per year per student as well as a continuation of the “Technology Levy,” however much that is.

How much is the current cost per pupil? Do we know the current cost per pupil? Is it $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 per year? And why do they have the voting for that increase on Nov. 7, when there’s not much on the ballot, which always results in extremely low voter turnout, and the designated voting place is not your regular place to vote, but another local district school?

Several years ago I asked a school board member who was running for reelection why they employed this practice. His response was, “if we did it during a general election, it wouldn’t pass.” Using this refined method, only interested voters who were aware of the election and have a personal stake in the funding would make that “special” effort to locate the proper polling place and cast that up or down vote.

Jim Feckey, Mendota Heights

The money’s never safe

I encourage everyone to vote no for the sales tax increase in St. Paul.

Remember what happened to the rent control. The City Council was to afraid to come up with a solution, so they had the taxpayers vote on the measure. Then when it backfired,  the City Council changed the rent control.

I predict that if the sales tax increase is voted yes, then the City Council will just change what they will use the money for.

Leonard Leier, St. Paul

A balanced example

I am a political centrist. After living in St. Paul for over 30 years, I started a subscription to the Pioneer Press early last year. I have found it to be an excellent newspaper, consistently showing journalistic balance and integrity in its coverage of local, national, and international news.

One example is Frederick Melo’s excellent report, “Jewish groups, protesters call for stronger DFL stance” (Oct. 21). In the highly charged setting of the horrifying events in Israel and Gaza, Melo’s report covers a local event with national and international connections in a balanced and informative manner. It efficiently includes the necessary context and fairly presents differing perspectives.

The events (or individuals) being covered by the paper may at times sicken me, but I very much appreciate having a sound and compelling source of information to read daily.

Peter Langworthy, St. Paul

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