ST. PAUL -- The Pawlenty administration is looking to involve Minnesotans in a decision about how a proposed, and increasingly controversial, new state park would look.
The Department of Natural Resources and an advisory committee are seeking public input into a new park along Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota. They say they want to hear what kinds of amenities people would like to see in the park.
Information about the proposal and a link to send comments are at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_vermilion .
Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced a plan to buy about 3,000 acres for a major new state park. But right away, even a legislative leader in Vermilion's back yard opposes the project.
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, said money would be better spent on education, transportation, health care and other important matters.
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Since the Aug. 1 Minneapolis bridge collapse, legislators are wary of spending funds for projects that are not essential. Ask the Minnesota Vikings, whose quest for a new stadium was roundly rejected in recent days.
Lawmakers must approve any new state park.
Minnesotans have until Dec. 31 to send their input.
Cross safely
One of Minnesota's most-ignored laws has drawn the attention of a key state senator.
Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, complained that many motorists ignore a law requiring them to stop if people are in crosswalks.
"As of late, I've heard of far too many close calls between cars and pedestrians," Murphy said. "To protect lives, especially during these months of icy road conditions, we need to exercise responsible behavior."
Immigration added
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A Minnesota Senate committee will have the specific task of looking into immigration issues.
Sen. Ann Rest's State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee will take on those responsibilities, which previously did not fall under any committee chairman's jurisdiction.
"Policies that concern the daily lives of immigrants to Minnesota seem to be an appropriate addition to the committee's jurisdiction," said Rest, a New Hope Democrat. "Overall reform of U. S. immigration laws, however, including border security, requires federal action."
Even if the federal government controls most immigration laws, many state laws touch on the subject. Beginning when the 2008 legislative session begins Feb. 12, those bills will make a stop in Rest's committee.
Minnesota Capitol Bureau reporter Scott Wente contributed to this report.
