IRRRB retools, hires Range mayor for development

Virginia, Minn., Mayor Steve Peterson, fresh off his re-election last week, has been hired by the IRRRB to fill a new position: Executive Director of Development. This position is part of Commissioner Tony Sertich’s reorganization of the unique Iron Range agency’s management structure. Gone is the position of Deputy Commissioner. Now we find this more focused position dedicated to pursuit of economic development and diversification in this historic mining region.

I find myself in agreement with some of Bill Hanna’s Saturday editorial in the Mesabi Daily News, particularly this section:

Iron Range residents have a right to expect a lot more, especially considering that agency officials and area lawmakers during the last legislative session argued passionately that Republicans cannot be allowed to take any agency funds because they are, in essence, local property taxes.

Well, then those tax revenues must be spent in a much more responsible manner on behalf of Iron Range residents for economic development ventures that will create new jobs.

And this:

This new position can send the right message that the agency has heard the message from Range residents who have ownership of those mining production property taxes that fuel the IRRRB.

More of the same just cannot be an option. 

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