ST. PAUL – State Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, issued the following statement regarding a recent New York Times Magazine story which included a quote from Minnesota environmentalist Reid Carron disparaging miners: “They want somebody to just give them a job so they can all drink beer with their buddies and go four-wheeling and snowmobiling with their buddies, not have to think about anything except punching a clock,” Carron said.
“The sad thing is Mr. Carron’s insults are far too typical of the anti-Iron Range crowd,” said Swedzinski, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Mining, Forestry, and Tourism Commerce and Regulatory Reform. “It’s disgusting to hear these extreme environmentalists openly attack thousands of hard-working Minnesotans. Farmers are disparaged as well at times by these same groups.
“Miners are good, honest people waiting for government to finally get out of the way so they can get to work in modern facilities, continuing the proud legacy of mining in our state. Mr. Carron is now backtracking after catching backlash for his comments, but I think he made it pretty clear how he really feels. This should only add inspiration for us to do good work for the mining industry during the 2018 legislative session.”
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