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<br />. <br />, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />November 18, 1998 <br /> <br />Kathy Gaalswyk <br />Central Minnesota Initiative Fund <br />70 SE First Avenue <br />Little Falls, Minnesota 56345 <br /> <br />Dear Ms. Gaalswyk: <br /> <br />Subject: <br /> <br />Elk River Contribution Request <br /> <br />I regret to inform you that the Elk River Economic Development Authority <br />voted unanimously to deny the Central Minnesota Initiative Funds request <br />for an additional contribution in the amount of approximately $14,000. This <br />action was taken by the EDA on Monday, November 9,1998, upon <br />recommendation by staff. <br /> <br />Our decision is by no means a reflection upon the work of CMIF or level of <br />service your organization has provided to our community over the years. It <br />is, rather, a reflection of my attitude and the board's attitude regarding the <br />use of additional taxpayer dollars to fund economic development activities <br />and programs. Taxpayers currently bear a major share of the responsibility <br />of growing the tax base and creating jobs for our residents. <br /> <br />It is appropriate and encouraging that an organization such as the regional <br />initiative funds can promote economic development utilizing sources of funds <br />other than tax dollars. At least I believe this was the initial intent of you <br />organization. I have become somewhat displeased that it appears this <br />intention has changed over the past couple of years with your organizations <br />requests to municipalities and counties for contributions as part of your <br />overall capital campaign. It is imperative that non-taxpayer funded <br />organizations playa larger part in aiding economic growth in every region of <br />this state to help diminish people's expectation that tax dollars will fill this <br />need. <br />