(DISCLOSURE: I am Tom Anzelc’s campaign manager and was aware this was coming).
This morning, State Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL-Balsam Township) issued a letter to Iron Range Resources Commissioner Sandy Layman expressing strong concern over the Office of the Legislative Auditor review of Iron Range Resources loans totaling $9.5 million to Excelsior Energy for the Mesaba Energy Project. He’s calling for a special meeting, stronger definitions of lobbying using public dollars and a plan to recover Iron Range funds from the company in the event of bankruptcy. Here is Anzelc’s letter, which he has released to the press:
Dear Commissioner Layman:
I have carefully reviewed the findings of the OLA regarding the $9.5 million in loans that Excelsior Energy, Inc. obtained from the IRR. I have also telephoned Chair and Representative David Dill (on 9/28/08) to request that he call a special and urgent meeting of the IRRR Board to discuss with you and your staff the specifics of the Agency’s response.
I am particularly concerned, as is the public, that lobbying reimbursements be further defined and itemized. Excelsior has had 18 lobbyists who have consumed public tax money to finance further procurement of more public tax dollars! Also, full public discussion of yet another extension of the loan agreements needs to occur.
Lastly, there are troubling signs that this project puts public tax dollars, administered by IRR, at extraordinary risk and that the Agency and Board must aggressively pursue repayment should bankruptcy occur. Our Iron Range Citizens know all too well the perils of corporate bankruptcy.
Sincerely,
Tom Anzelc
I wrote a column (before I know Tom was doing this) about the topic that ran yesterday. As you’ll see, my philosophy on this project is similar to Tom’s which is why we have become such fast political pals since we met at Balsam Township’s precinct caucuses in 2006. And my apologies for all of my conflicts of interest on this story. It just happens to be news that is relevant to the Iron Range and state.
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