Letter to the Editor: Reed already working for county residents

Carlton County commissioner-elect Dan Reed is not losing time in his efforts to fulfill electoral promises. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Reed buttonholed Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Tina Smith at a conference in Minneapolis and secured a future meeting to discuss federal funding for long-delayed improvements in a stretch of Minnesota Highway 73 at mile markers 18, 19, and 24 in Kalevala and Eagle townships south of Cromwell.

Reed was attending the annual convention of the Minnesota Farmers Union where Sen. Smith had just given brief remarks on the recent election and implications for agriculture. Reed reminded her that, in 2002, $7 million had been obtained for the job but was diverted to a different project. Since then, efforts to correct the problem have failed.

The section of highway in question has two extremely hazardous S-curves, and the sublevel of roadbed consists of logs from the original corduroy road. In winter, the road — which covers swampland — becomes very slick and difficult for car and truck tires to maintain traction. A number of fatal accidents there have been recorded over the years.

Highway 73 serves as a 117-mile scenic route running north-south from Moose Lake to the Superior National Forest and the heart of the Iron Range. It also carries significant commercial and industrial traffic. For most of the distance, it is a straight two-lane road. Drivers new to the area can become used to the unwavering pathway and, despite warning signs, easily lose control on slippery curves.

On Nov. 5, Reed won the seat in District 5, replacing outgoing commissioner Gary Peterson. Through past activity in the DFL, he had established a relationship with the senator and was quickly recognized by her. While there is no guarantee of success, a meeting on the issue will create a record for future reference.

John S. Dugan, Wrenshall