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Government waste or quality of life investments?

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Star Herald Editorial

It’s always trendy to criticize government — its taxes, spending and general overreach and control over the lives of hard-working American citizens.
And, sometimes criticisms are warranted.
But sometimes government does accomplish good things, and this week the Star Herald shines light on a few government projects with positive impacts on the community.
For example, we have an update on the Rock County Food Shelf’s renovation of a city-owned building.
The city of Luverne purchased the former dental office in 2017 for $36,000 and added it to the stock of property for potential development.
Yep. It was more government spending on more city property to be maintained by tax payers, and more reasons to criticize “the government.”
For the casual observer, the story might end there. But those paying attention to the long game can see the end result of that investment.
Often the city buys blighted property and improves the lot for sale to a business that constructs something with taxable value. Everybody wins.
But there are other investments that pay dividends in ways without dollar signs.
Like the city’s investment in the former dental office building on West Maple Street.
As we’ve been reporting, the city will lease it to the Rock County Food Shelf for $1 per year.
Will the taxpayers get a return on that $36,000?
That depends whom you ask and what you consider to be a “return on investment.”
The Food Shelf operators can now do more with their volunteers and their donations, and they can help more local families access fresh meat and produce in an atmosphere with some semblance of dignity and grace.
While the public-private arrangement is new to the food shelf, it’s not a new concept for local government.
The city has several arrangements with non-profit organizations that operate in city properties.
Examples are the Palace Theatre, Redbird Field, Blue Mound Ice Arena and the Carnegie Cultural Center.
Examples of more direct subsidies are the pool and fitness center, the city park and pocket parks and the Luverne Loop Trail. All totaled, they take a respectable bite out of the city budget.
Are these losing propositions?
That depends whom you ask and what you consider to be a return on an investment.
The city calls them “quality of life” investments. Considering the positive impact of these investments on local culture, recreation, health and wellness, what would you call them?

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