After reading Mayor Petersen’s vicious attack in the Timberjay, I have a much different image of a place I have enjoyed visiting on numerous occasions.

I could hardly believe the blatant racism that surfaced in his reference to the workers at a building near his office, and then at the total negativity of his references to a group that I understand is trying to raise awareness of potential downsides to mineral exploration in the area.

Certainly a public official is entitled to his personal opinions about any social or economic issue, but the tone of this letter was way off and should not be expressed by someone who represents the city.

Public dialogue should not take the form of name-calling and divisive references. I trust that these words do not reflect the people of Ely that I have come to know.

Leslie Amundson

St. Paul, Minn.