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Upset Commissioner Walks Out of Meeting After Listening to Anti- Sulfate Mining Activists

By KBJR News 1
April 19, 2011 Updated Apr 19, 2011 at 9:39 PM CDT

DULUTH, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) - The St. Louis County Board held its first evening meeting this year.

One topic got so heated, a commissioner walked out after disagreeing with what activists had to say.

About 50 residents filled the Central Hillside Community center tonight, many telling commissioners about issues that matter to them.

Homelessness, racial equity and health care were among the topics, but several anti-sulfide mining activists were among the first few speakers.

Commissioner Mike Forsman of Ely, walked out of the meeting, saying he wasn't going to take part.

Even with the heat, one commissioner said evening meetings are good way to hear from more people.

"We're having a night meeting to kind of reach out to the public, to the citizens of St. Louis County, invite them to come and share their thoughts with us," said Steve O'Neil, chair and commissioner.

Traditionally the county board meetings are held at 9:30 a.m.

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