With all the special treatment given to Tom Micheletti and Julie Jorgensen -- co-presidents and co-chief executive officers of their little, private company, Excelsior Energy -- it's unfortunate, but not surprising, that after 10 years and $40 million in taxpayer money their Mesaba project has gone nowhere.
Now it appears maybe, just maybe, there are reasons why taxpayers of Minnesota are justified in believing all was not as it seemed. Two excellent articles in the News Tribune by reporter Peter Passi ("Millions in public money spent, but power plant still just a dream," Aug. 21, and "Project seeks lifeline in more funding, new fuel source," Aug. 22) raised questions that should be addressed. Charlotte Neigh, co-chairwoman of Citizens Against the Mesaba Project, also has raised questions that deserve answers.
I am outraged that somehow Excelsior has been able to reap the benefit of $40 million it received without public scrutiny. Why the apparent cover-up? State Sen. Tom Bakk's explanation was ludicrous when asked about doling out the public money.
It's really unfortunate the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, at its meeting Oct. 20, didn't support a transparency issue by reversing its 2008 decision and did not react favorably to state Rep. Tom Anzelc's request for a board resolution to pursues legislation restoring the authority of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act over Iron Range Resources' files that relate to its borrowers.
I look forward to the Iron Range Resources making things right. In my judgment, total transparency regarding all projects receiving public dollars is essential.
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Bruce Valine
Hibbing
