Guest views: Some select views on the new year

Once again, the Pine Knot News reached out to elected officials and other area leaders to solicit their New Year’s wishes and/or predictions, with the request that they share their thoughts on things within their own sphere of influence in 75 words or fewer. To find out what they said, read on.

Carlton County District 1

Commissioner and chairman Dick Brenner

I’m really hopeful for 2023 and I hope our economy turns around. In the county, the big thing moving forward is getting closer to the completion of the new Justice Center. And we’re going to have to continue dealing with the proposed green cemetery. We will certainly look at the current ordinance to deal with the issue in the future.

Carlton County District 5

Commissioner Gary Peterson

With the largest surplus in Minnesota history, I am hoping the state will share some of that money with Carlton County, paying for state unfunded mandates that the county has to cover the expenses.

Community Memorial Hospital

CEO Rick Breuer

My wish for 2023 is that community members and organizations build on the many collaborations and partnerships formed during the pandemic. We can accomplish so much more when we work together. Happy New Year.

Carlton Superintendent

John Engstrom

The state has a significant surplus, and there are also many pressing needs. All businesses seem to be understaffed. That is certainly true for those serving our most vulnerable populations, including those with mental health issues. I hope that some of the surplus can go towards attracting and retaining staff in those areas. In my opinion, an investment in mental health infrastructure would yield positive long-term dividends across the board.

State House District 11A

Rep. Jeff Dotseth

I send my best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2023 to residents of the newly configured District 11A. My prediction for the new legislative session is most of the decisions we make this year will relate to the state’s $18 billion surplus — with seemingly 18 billion ideas for how to use it. More than a prediction, I guarantee I will make choices that reflect the desires of area residents to revitalize our region.

Cloquet Mayor

Roger Maki

One of my goals for 2023 is to acknowledge the contributions to Cloquet that have been made by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. I am working to have some Ojibwe artwork placed at City Hall and I think this will be accomplished soon. In my first term, we were able to have the Tribal flag placed in the City Council Chambers and also had a drum ceremony for Native American Heritage month.

Carlton County Attorney

Lauri A. Ketola

Going into 2023, the County Attorney’s Office is focusing efforts on addressing domestic violence. There is significant collaboration with community partners to improve how all members of the criminal justice system respond to domestic violence. We have all seen the significant impact of domestic violence on the entire family, especially the children. My prayer is that the generational cycles of domestic violence are disrupted and children can grow up in a loving and nurturing environment.

Cloquet Community Ed

Director Erin Bates

For 2023, I think more people will realize the importance of experiences rather than of “stuff,” choosing quality of life over quantity of possessions. I hope more people will take the time to enjoy life’s moments, move away from social media and back towards in-person socializing, creating a better commUnity for all of us.

Cloquet Area Fire District

Chief Jesse Buhs

My wish for 2023 is that people consider joining their local fire department. No matter where you live in our region, there is a volunteer, paid on-call, part-time or full-time opportunity to fill a critical emergency response role as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic. Make a difference in your community when family, friends and neighbors need you the most.

Cloquet Sappi Mill Managing Director

Tom Radovich

Sappi Cloquet Mill will be celebrating 125 years of operation in 2023. We will be planning a number of special events during the year to showcase the evolution from a ground-wood newsprint mill to a world-class pulp and paper mill with a diverse product line. I predict that in 2023, Carlton County residents will have a better understanding of what we do and how our products touch their everyday life.