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State Representative Paul Thissen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5375
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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PUT THE BRAKES ON TAXPAYER FUNDED PARTY
Lawmakers call M.A.C.'s $110,000 party on the runway an irresponsible use of taxpayer money
ST. PAUL - State Representatives Dan Larson, Ann Lenczewski, Paul Thissen, & State Senator Jane Ranum today called on the Metropolitan Airports Commission to cancel Saturday's taxpayer funded "Ready for Takeoff" celebration. The M.A.C. will be spending $110,000 of taxpayer money to help pay for this event. Speaking in a residential area the Lawmakers said the party, taking place on the new north/south runway is an irresponsible use of public money.
Larson said the M.A.C.'s timing is horrible. "We're not against celebrations, but with Northwest in bankruptcy and it's mechanics on strike, I can't think of a worse time to throw a party on the runway and charge taxpayers," he said.
"The fact that they are celebrating something that will have a negative impact on tens of thousands of residents is inappropriate. Additionally, this improper use of $110,000 in taxpayer money is just the thing former Chief of Staff McElroy should be investigating as he heads up the Governor's new initiative on government waste and inefficiency," Lenczewski added.
M.A.C.'s party comes as promised sound insulation for homes in the path of current runways has yet to be completed. "It really makes me wonder where M.A.C.'s priorities are. If they have extra money sitting around, that money should be directed toward insulating the homes that will feel the effect of this new runway." Thissen said.
The new north/south runway will expand air traffic at MSP and make it even noisier for people living in homes M.A.C. has yet to insulate. "It really feels like the M.A.C. is dancing on our graves," Larson added.
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