Thanks to those of you who attended and hosted events for National Night Out!
Dear Neighbors,
On Tuesday, I attended a number of neighborhood events around our community celebrating the 2015 National Night Out. National Night Out is a nationwide event held each year to promote community and civic engagement.
Thanks to those of you who hosted and attended one of the many events that took place around Maple Grove and Osseo. It was great to meet with constituents and listen to their questions, comments, and concerns about state government – particularly public safety issues.
Attending these events and meeting with individuals and their families serves as a reminder of how special our community is.
In an announcement on Monday, the DNR declared walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs closed because walleye harvest by anglers has exceeded the state’s allotment for 2015 by more than 2,000 pounds.
This news is particularly devastating to businesses and fishing resorts on the lake as they are now set to lose substantial business.
Governor Dayton has suggested a possible special session to address the problems facing the lake and the local economy. However, I am not sure that this is the best approach to solving the problem. Instead, legislative leaders have assembled a working group of local Lake Mille Lacs business owners, legislators, and agency experts to develop a long-term solution fixing the problems the DNR’s mismanagement has created for the lake.
I believe that this approach is a much better option and am hopeful that this group will develop long-term, sustainable methods to ensure that Lake Mille Lacs can continue to be a strong economic asset for the state and one of the premier walleye fishing destinations in the country.
On Saturday, August 8, I am scheduled to speak to the Maple Grove Critical Thinking Discussion Group. The meeting will take place at the Maple Grove Community Center between 10:00 and 11:45 in the morning. I plan to speak about my experience as a first-term legislator and various legislative issues. The meeting is open to the public and I urge you to attend if you are available.
Please continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts on transportation, education, or other concerns that impact our state and community. You can reach me via phone at 651-296-5502, or via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dennis