To the Editor:
I'm a member of the Jordan High School graduating class of 1944 that gathered at the Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Club in September to celebrate our 60-year class reunion.  A poem that I wrote got printed in the Jordan paper.  Maybe you'd like to use it in the Gazette since we all seem to have relatives and friends in the area.
Sixty long years ago,
It seems like yesterday,
And ain't it kind of funny
How time just slips away.

We were the greatest generation,
The Class of Forty-Four,
We worked with farms and factories
And some went off to war.

We built our homes, raised our kids
And tried to do our best
Anything they threw at us
We passed with every test.

Some of us have passed away
Too bad they had to die.
Let's hope that they are happy
In that classroom in the sky.

Now we are all retired
With aches and pains and ills.
We spend our days in various ways
And take our dose of pills.

Cheers to good old JHS,
We had a lot of fun.
Let's give a roar of forty-four,
God bless us every one!

Say hi to my brother when you see him, and Merry Christmas to you and Allan from me and LaVerne.
Jesse Coghill
Jordan, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  Since Rich Gannon sub-scribes to the Gazette, I'm asking if you could give me his mailing address.  The reason for this request is that he, or a consortium of which he is a part, has pur-chased a chunk of the Rock Isle Farm.
This farm was once owned by a Swedish fellow by the name of Andrew Peterson who was an early settler in Lake-town Township, Carver County.  I am the chairperson of the Andrew Peterson ad hoc Committee. 
Our goal is to preserve the buildings on this farm that were once owned by Andrew Peterson.  Our committee is un-der the umbrella of the Waconia Heritage Association.
In April we had visitors from Sweden who own property in Sweden near where Andrew Peterson lived before coming to America.  They looked at the buildings and concluded that they can be saved if new roofs could be put on them soon.  One of these barns is on Rich Gannon's property.
Another member of our committee is the author, Jo Mihelich, and she would like to send Mr. Gannon a copy of her book, Andrew Peterson and the Scandia Story, so he can be made aware of the historical importance of this building and property.
Thanks for your help.
Ron Holtmeier
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Last November I provided the citi-zens of Carver County with some stark facts:
*Carver County taxes are the highest per resident in the Metro area.
*Carver County is spending more money that it is receiving in taxes.  With 2005 there will be 7 years in a row of planned budget deficits.  This is a growing problem that needs action.
*Carver County is taking cash out of the bank to support its high cost structure.
*Carver County capital budgets were slashed to near zero to reduce the deficit and avoid making any hard decisions.  Bonding will be used in 2005 to pay for planned roads and bridges.
What has the Carver County Board done since last November?  Not much.  More of the same.
In September, the Carver County Administrator proposed a 2005 budget and reorganization plan that would result in a $3 million deficit.  In other words, more of the same.
When is the majority of the Carver County Commissioners going to start doing their job?
Government should be focused on serving the citizens and customers to the best of its ability.  The use of Best Man-agement Practices from other enterprises would expedite the introduction of mod-ern management practices, processes, and technologies.  Customer-focused best practices can be the foundation for a more cost effective government.
A high quality of life and excellent services do not need to equate to higher government spending.  Neighboring counties do very well on less money.
Carver County will be holding a Truth in Taxation Hearing on Thursday, December 2nd and will be voting on the2005 budget and levy on Tuesday, December 14th.  Your voice can make a difference.
Tom Kerber
Carver County Treasurer