Patrol eyes letter threatening Pawlenty

06/15/2005

Star Tribune
June 15, 2005


A letter passed around Lake Elmo recently has drawn the attention of the State Patrol because it contains a threat against Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed Tuesday.

The letter refers to the protracted court battle over development between the Metropolitan Council—the regional planning agency whose members are Pawlenty appointees—and the city of Lake Elmo, spokesman Kevin Smith said.

The letter, which started making the rounds last month, says that plans have been made for Pawlenty’s “untimely termination” should he interfere with the city’s plans. It is signed “POOLED: Property Owners Orchestrating Lake Elmo’s Development.”

The threat refers to proposed development in the city’s Interstate Hwy. 94 corridor, south of N. 10th Street. The Met Council battled Lake Elmo over regional development goals until last summer.

Then the Minnesota Supreme Court confirmed the council’s authority, sending city leaders back to the drawing board to come up with a comprehensive plan that was in line with Met Council guidelines.

Under the new plan, which has not yet been finalized, business development in the city in the next 25 years will be focused in the I-94 corridor. The plan tentatively calls for 1,300 workplace units, along with 3,700 residential units with sewer service.