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(Sandy.Please cony this for each council member to be added to the minutes of February 3. 2004. Thanks.) Comments to City Council and Open Forum February 3, 2004 Regarding: Highway 371 Option Vote From: Joanne Johnson i I am going to do something that I guess is irregular. I am going to indicate my vote on the highway issue now so that I can give my reasons for my decision. I feel that I owe this to my constituents as well as to myself. This issue has been the most difficult decision I have had to make since I have been a council member. It is difficult because I am not going to vote my conscious on this one. Personally, I genuinely believe that the by-pass option in the long run will preserve the up-north atmosphere of Pequot Lakes. I believe that with the proper planning and zoning ordinances and marketing strategy we can make Pequot a destination that will bring tourist to our area because of who we are and what we are, and that we can offer a unique experience to anyone, tourist and residents alike that will make them want to come to our area. I am deeply concerned about the cost that the through-town option will immediately incur upon the city which is already struggling to keep our heads above water without additional burden to our taxpayers. However, having all of these personal concerns, I feel that I have an obligation to the people and taxpayers of Pequot Lakes who elected me to represent them in matters such as these. I have had many phone calls, a-mails and letters from constituents expressing their opinions on this issue. Overwhelmingly, the comments have been in favor of the through town option. These comments have come from both business and residents. Yes, I have had a few comments in favor of the by-pass and their comments have been not only valid but echo some of my concerns as well. I asked residents of Pequot Lakes, who had not expressed their opinions publicly what their preferences are. Most of them, omittedly who did not have an economic state in either option, said they were neutral on the subject. My vote will be based on the majority of comments that I have had from both those who have a definite economic state in the options and those who are simply residents who are concerned with the future of Pequot Lakes. The businesses in Pequot, almost without exception, have said to me that their livelihood depends upon the through-town option. I have been told of the economic vulnerability of these businesses and the impact of the by-pass option to these businesses. I feel that I was elected to represent the people of Pequot Lakes. I therefore feel that I cannot superimpose my personal feelings on this important matter. I will vote for the through-town option.