BOYCOTTING ELY, NOT THE ANSWER TO MAYOR PETERSEN'S REMARKS

I keep reading on facebook "boycott Ely"

DO NOT BOYCOTT ELY in response to what Mayor Ross Petersen has said about wolf advocates.  Boycotting would not help our wolves.  Wolves exist in and around Ely so refusing to support businesses in that area isn't going to influence the DNR's decision to hunt wolf.  Also, the locals in Ely are already divided over mining, the main reason being people want jobs.  Do you really want to fuel the mentality that the only way for them to make a living is to allow toxic sulfide mining?  You will be, if you refuse to visit and shop in the town.

It is understandable that people no longer feel welcome in Ely nor do they want to spend their money there, but remember that the Mayor doesn't own the town, he just serves it and has already proven he isn't serving it well and that is what you want the people of Ely to see.

If you want to help our wolves then start first by writing the Mayor a letter telling him where you stand on the issue and what you thought about his immature response to the wolf rally and to many of the letters he's already received from wolf advocates.  Second, when you visit Ely start talking, start asking around.  I've not met anyone in town yet that isn't willing to share their opinion on the wolf hunt.  If someone can genuinely say they aren't in support of hunting wolves, spend your money at their business.  If someone tells you they support the hunt then tell them that you will not spend your money in a business that supports killing our wolves.  Those people that support the hunt will come to realize that their position is a mistake and a true supporter of wolves can't fake it.  You'll know where people truly stand.

I understand everyone's frustration.  My knee jerk reaction was never to go back to Ely too but I had to remind myself that the Mayor is the fool.  He knows full well that the town needs the tourism... maybe that's his ultimate goal, to alienate tourists to give more fuel to the idea of toxic sulfide mining.  Don't give him what he wants.

Remember... boycotting a business is effective, boycotting an entire town just hurts individuals that are either unaware, trying to remain neutral or are completely on your side.  Are those the people you want to alienate?