LETTERS to the editor

Utility bills misleading

Cloquet’s water and sewer rates increased this past month. The city included an explanation for the rate increase, and I think they are misleading us. The note said: “Prior to 2018, the City had not increased water rates since 2010 and sewer rates since 2014.” Unless you think about it closely, you’d think rates hadn’t increased in at least five years. But it actually says that rates increased just last year. Water and sewer went up just last August. I had to read it several times before I realized they were trying to trick us by disguising the increase of just six months ago. The city should be straightforward about it and just say something like this: “Water and sewer rates just increased six months ago and unfortunately they are increasing again.”

Then it turns out we’re being overcharged for water, if I were to follow the formula the city included with the rate increase notice. So I called city hall, and was informed that there is a monthly state fee of 55 cents added to the water portion of the bill. It is not shown on the bill. More misleading. I wonder how many residents are aware of this. If the state requires this fee, why is it hidden?

With four newly-elected members on the city council, I’d say the voters in the last election indicated they want things to be more clear. The city should make our utility bills more transparent.

Dan Unulock, Cloquet

Citizens must be vigilant

A big thank you to Wade Lamirande for sharing what happened to him over the last two years.

It’s sad to know that some people in Cloquet are intimidated by the police. I received a personal message from a police officer telling me that everything I have said about the police department and former mayor and city councilors were lies.

I filed a complaint against this officer with the city administrator, who turned it over to the police chief, who sent me a letter telling me my complaint had no merit. Does this sound like the fox guarding the hen house, as they used to say?

I have had a police car come up behind me and turn on their flashing lights, then quickly turn down a side street. Whatever the reason, it felt like I was being told to shut up.

As you can see, I am not easily intimidated. It only makes me stronger because I am telling the truth, even though some people have tried to shut me up for two years. And I am not alone.

Residents must all stay strong and continue to attend the Cloquet City Council meetings.

Justice will prevail.

Lea Ann Walsh, Cloquet