To the Editor:
The impetus to build an indebt the City of Victoria for a $5 million hockey arena is completely delusive.  The project-ed usage of the hockey arena is not guar-anteed by anyone of the four mentioned hockey associations, three of them from outside the City of Victoria, for a period of five to seven years as reported.
If contractible, will an amount and period of time be enforced and if not, what recourse will the city have?  The name changed to field house from hockey arena is not coincidence, but misleads you to believe that hockey isn't the driving force, when in actuality that is the fact.
The income projections are purely speculative and will not even pay for the debt service on the amount financed.  So where does it leave Victoria but to raise taxes if the debt service yearly is in the area of $90,000 for an unspecified period of years?  Where is the fiscal responsibili-ty of our elected city council?  After all, the vote was 3 in favor, 2 opposed, and as of now one councilmember has resigned.
Keith Geske, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I'm a bit baffled of our town's politics lately.  I'm referring to the Victoria Ice Arena or Field House which happens to be a "done deal," a "great asset to Victoria," and "economically good for Victoria."
Why wasn't there a feasibility study done?  All the other projects in Victoria had this study completed.
Whatever happened to public hear-ings before an important project was granted?  With all the other projects we were given an opportunity to voice our concerns or voice our input.  So why haven't our voices been heard?
What happened to the process that the town of Victoria is so proud to have and treasure?
Why are we being subjected to addi-tional taxes when we hardly receive any benefits?
Why put the town of Victoria into big money debt?  People are laid off, about to lose their jobs, and corporate America is cutting back.  There is a recession in this country and our elected officials from Victoria want to double or even trouble our debt?  Hey, people, this is our debt that we have to pay for.
Why can't we have an honest and open debate?  If the merits warrant, then let the project go ahead, not some closed door deal.
A very concerned citizen of Victoria,
Sally and Doug Rees, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
We enjoy your paper very much and share it with our daughter in Carver, who usually receives it later than current news, so we are enclosing a check for a sub-scription for her and also a renewal for ourselves.  Thank you and keep up the great work.  God bless.
Sincerely, Jocelyn Reus, Pine River, Minnesota

To the Editor:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Did I learn that in school?  Meant to write this sooner.  I read your newspaper from cover to cover, just being a small town person. 
In your last issue in the obits I see the name "Pottebaum," and know that one of my grandparents from northeast Iowa was related.  My sister graduated from Briar Cliff in 1961.  We had the Franciscans (Dubuque) for all 12 years.  There was no kindergarten then.
Read the obit and said to myself, "What's this doing in the Gazette?"  Sent a few of my relatives a copy.  Keep up the good work.
A fan, Carmen Doughty, Excelsior, Minnesota

To the Editor:
We are students at the Chaska High School and we are participating in an ex-change program to Spain in June, 2002.  During the course of our 18-day trip, we will be learning about the Spanish culture by spending five days with a Spanish family, attending a Spanish school, visit-ing various cities, and touring several landmarks in Spain.
All students who are attending this trip have been studying the Spanish lan-guage and culture for the past three years.  Needless to say, we're excited for this educational opportunity.
In order to make this trip more affordable and accessible, we will  be doing a variety of fundraisers.  We are seeking donations to help us in this effort and would appreciate any gifts, promo-tional goods, services, or gift certificates that your business would be willing to give.  These would then be raffled or auctioned off.  In appreciation for the con-tributions, the names of all donors will be publicized at the fundraising event.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us at 952-556-7400.  Thanks for your support.
Janet Kading and Nancy Flom, Spanish students, Chaska High School

To the Editor:
Thank you for the photos.  It was such a joy to see Natalie in color and so awesome to see Frankie and me together.  Wow!  What a memory of her and me, FF and JJ.  We are such good pals.  What a gift she gave me in confidence and self worth.  Her love was like liquid gold medicine on the wounds of my childish angst. 
And Natalie, with the look of pure joy in her face.  May I strive to always bring joy to that little face.  Thanks so much for taking the photos and sending them to me.
Also, I just looked at your fall photos in Autumn's Aura on your website.  Made my heart sing 'cause I take soooo many photos of views from my Silver Lake house and I never see any other neighbors running around with a camera taking photos there.  It is as though I cannot get enough of the sun on the lake, the waves, and the trees and the white house and the lawn furniture beckoning me for a summer scene.  So glad you walked around your home and showed me all the views.
Love, Janie Jasin, Victoria, Minnesota

Click here for more February letters to the editor.