August 1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that a democracy is very inefficient in many ways." And I guess he's right. The time wasted is made up with the justice gained. It's much better to be slow and sure than I quick and sorry. At the last Planning Commission and Council meetings, our now city planner Orly& Miller has really come across as knowledgeable, fair, and practical. He reminded everyone that the real reason for granting setback variances was for "hardship" rather than esthetic $ and that "hardship" must relate to "the characteristics of the land." On the other hand, he pointed out that "strict enforcement of ordinances encourages mediocrity." This brought up the question then ofs Wby have ordinances if variances are routinely ' granted? Apparently the problem goes back to the seller of a lot. He understandably never points out to the buyer that although the lot may contain the minimum square footage required by Arden Hills, the lot itself may be strangely shaped. There are lots that will take only a certain style house, perhaps a style not desired by the lot purohaser. (For instance there was the young couple that had a lot that would take only a long, narrow house. They were already living in a mobile home.) So if you plan on building a new home in Arden Hills, better make sure your dream house will fit on the lot you buy. 1-1 Received some critical letters -to -the -editor this month (my husband refers to them ' as my "fan mail") on the article suggesting that the school board members shouldn't all be educators. The writers objected to the fact that I put forth my opinions on this matter in the Town Crier rather than writing a letter to the New Brighton Bulletin. Both of the angry letter writers are employed by School District 621 and both live on Indian Oaks Trail.' Here are some exoerptss "One of the efforts of a public school in a free society is to teach students the in- equality of pro -judging a person because of his associations, his jobs, his religion, or his ethnic background. Let each person 'prove' himself before the voters. I find your bditorialt, if that is what is is, offensive to the democratic spirit in Arden Hills." That one was from Bill Feyereisen. This next is,from Tim Glaros. , "I was dismayed at the use of this otherwise very informative publication for your personal f orwn. I don't believe the Town Crier is the appropriate place for your editorial statements." , 'Nell. The original purpose of this newsletter was to get information to the residents of the Village in a manner interesting enough that it would be read. It is very difficult to be interesting and to ' please all of the people all of the time.' One of my very first ' instructions was to criticize where I felt it was needed. The Tarn Crier is not here to pat everyone, on the back or to be blindly supportive of every activity. I truly didatt realize that this particular article would be offensive to anyone; in fact, it was sort of a 'filler' item. And, although I editoralize in practically everything I write, this was the only thing that stirred up anger. I did receive one letter agreeing with my remarks from Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Peterson on Edgewater. They saids "By the way I agree with your comments that we need sante people with broad experience that are not educators, on the Mounds View School Board. �xve no complaints about past school boards, but I think the majority on a school board should con- sist of people not associated with education directly..... or with firms that sell products ' to the educations marts^ t- Un the other hand, one or two members should be or have been educators. I believe the net result would be that the views of residents would be given more serious consideration..." , The Petersons have a good point. Being or not being an educator is oertainly not the �oon__l__y�� reason to vote or not vote for someone; however, it is important. Contrary to what Mr, Fyereisen says, anytime a person mares a choice about anything (his associations,his jobs, his religion), that person is making a eta-toment about himself and can be evaluated on that ' basis. In Roseville, my son's orthodontist has been elected to the school board. Judging his on the basis of his job, he will no doubt get everything straightened out.