By John Howe

Yes, Red Wing is very concerned about funding for public safety; however there are other issues that weigh on city leaders.

Most important is the permanence of high-level nuclear waste at the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant. The city should be involved in this process. For anyone to suggest that the city is throwing money away, simply does not understand the ramifications.

The city continues to be informed and create opportunities to share concerns on behalf of area residents. Everyone should read the state administrative law judge's conclusions in his submission to the PUC. The judge found that the majority of Red Wing's requests were reasonable.

Xcel is a valuable part of the city's economic community. It provides a critical need, plus many high paying jobs and significant tax base. The city is committed to the success of the plant.

The question comes down to fairness and planning for the future. Xcel has received huge property-tax breaks through class rate reductions and pollution control exemptions. Xcel's tax bill has been reduced $13 million on an annual basis compared to what it paid in 1995. Current estimates reveal that the nuclear plant is only taxed on approximately 15 percent of its actual market value.

If it was taxed at true market value like you and me, there would be a greater than 75 percent reduction to all other local property taxpayers.

Xcel has received increased rate revenues through the PUC without any benefit going to host communities. What's more disconcerting is having no plans for the nuclear waste that will be created through the up-rate and license extension other than to store it on site.

Even if Yucca Mountain opens, the waste that will be produced is currently not eligible for storage there. We must develop a plan for this nuclear waste.

It is no longer acceptable to say is a federal problem. It is our consumption that created this waste and it is our responsibility to deal with it.

Hopefully, by educating legislators we can have a positive impact on our future. Minnesota needs options and we definitely need to work together to solve this very difficult issue.

John Howe is the mayor of Red Wing.

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