January 2nd 2007 Council Meeting

The new City Council will be meeting 7pm on January 2nd. I will be sworn in and officially start my Mayoral duties. The Council will be discussing several items of note.

• Council Committee Assignments
• Citizen appointment to open seats on EDA, Planning Commission and a possible open Park and Recreation seat
• Discussion and direction on the special election ordinance, primary ordinance and if there will be an appointment.
• Goal Setting

The Council Committee assignments are important to the proper function of City government. I have asked each incoming and current Council members for their desired appointments. I have been able to appoint everyone to their top selections. I have also made sure that each Council member will be working with each other on different committees. This will ensure a better working relationship than previous years. It is important that we each have a chance to work with each other.
The Council will be interviewing and selecting members for EDA and the Planning Commission. There also maybe a seat opening on Park and Recreation but we have not heard back yet from the individual. It is critically important that we select people for these bodies that will help reform and move our City forward.
There will be discussion on a proposed special election ordinance and primary. I strongly believe we need to have a special election ordinance on the books to make sure our elected officials are elected not appointed. The quoted cost of $500 to $700 for the special election is far less than some detractors had been publicizing. If the majority of hte Council decides to make an appointment then there needs to be agreement on who would be appointed. The need for a primary should be obvious to everyone after the debacle of 7 candidates for Council leading to small vote totals for successful Council Candidates. With totals hovering around 20% and under Council members are serving while having 80% plus of the voters not having chosen them. This should never happen again. We will also be discussing if an appointment will be made for the short term or the remaining two years. This will go hand in hand with the special election ordinance discussion.
The last item is goal setting. I am hoping to have intense goal setting sessions to layout the 2007 agenda. We have significant issues that need to be resolved. I will be explaining these in my State of the City Address. I hope all members of the Council will want to participate in this critical step forward in Isanti's future.
It is important that everyone that can make the meeting should be there. This meeting will set the tone and determine the City's success for the next year. Any questions please let me know..... george@georgewimmer.com or 763-444-7158.

Upcoming Post

I will be posting the agenda for the January 2nd Council meeting. This meeting is important because it sets the tone for the coming year. We also do Board and Committee assignments. This puts the City organization together for the forth coming year.

I will be posting my State of the City Address on the 4th of January. I will be discussing the City's current position as well as laying out my 2007 agenda.

I have started receiving request to speak in front of area groups and clubs. If you wish me to speak to your group please e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com

Merry Christmas

A few quotes for the day.



“I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” ~Taylor Caldwell


“Christmas gift suggestions:To your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” ~Oren Arnold

Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~Richard Lamm

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W.J. Cameron

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~ Dr. Seuss

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to put our love into words. ~ Harlan Miller


Merry Christmas Everyone

Special Election/Appointment

It was a pretty interesting discussion tonight about the appointment/special election options. Some of my fears were realized. When discussing the appointment process Council Member Johnson did not want the appointment to happen the first meeting in January. Why you ask. He will be on vacation. Then the discussion moved to what appointment process would be established. This opened up into maybe interviewing possible candidates for the position. I stated that the only appointment that should be considered would be the third place finisher. This then turned into a discussion by some that well the election was so close maybe picking him is not the fairest and the Council should pick the "best" candidate. This is one of the reasons why opening it up to a purely appointment process is so dangerous. Once Pandora's Box is opened you can not close it. The main reason for making an appointment is ensure we have enough Council members at meetings to conduct City business. If the Council decides to wait to make an appointment through some ridiculous interview process it will be over a month to make the decision. In that case lets pass a special election and primary ordinance and choose that way.

Council Member Johnson then said well special elections usually have low turn out. This is correct but if he worried about a small portion of the population making the choice then he should be more concerned about 4 Council members making that choice.

Council Member Elect Duff's wife, also current EDA Chair, was at the meeting tonight and echoed her husband's concern about the cost of an election. Staff estimated the cost on the high end to be $700.

I wanted to try and find a solution that would be the best benefit to the City and make an initial appointment until the Council could agree on a primary and special election ordinance. This however seems difficult at best. The introduction of appointing anyone but the third place finisher gets us back to "the good ole days "when friends were appointed to open seats. I will not tolerate such a process.

The Council has made 7 appointments in the last few years to fill open seats. This process must end. We must ensure fairness and transparency in our City Offices.

Council Work Session

The Council will be getting information tonight on the proposed commuter rail line, Special Election vs appointment and a library update at the December 18th Work session.

The rail line update will be the first item and pertain to the proposed commuter uses the rail line in Isanti. We will also be updated on the City's involvement and what it would take for a rail stop in Isanti.

The next topic is a difficult one. I have been arguing for a special election to fill the remain two years of my Council seat. With the City Attorney opinion this seems to be less likely of happening. First the Council would have to approve a special election ordinance. We would need to state the circumstances under which an election would occur such as time left on position. This will be tough under ideal circumstances and near impossible if there is not Council agreement. In all fairness to the Council it would be appropriate for each Council Member to weigh the pros and cons of any proposed idea for the ordinance to make sure it is right. Another issue with a special election to fill the Council seat is that the City does not have a primary ordinance. This is critical because a number of anti-special election individuals seem to be thinking of making any special election into a mockery. This would be done by having 20 or 30 people pay the $2 each to sign-up for the election. Without a primary ordinance this would cause a circus like environment. The past election with 7 candidates led to low percentage candidates winning elections. When someone wins with only 15 or 20 percent of the vote that means 80 to 85 percent did not want that candidate. With many individuals running this would be even worse.

I am going to propose the Council appoint the third place finisher Jeff Kolb and we work this year to get a primary ordinance and special election ordinance on the books so we do not run into this problem in the future. It was not an issue in the past because seemingly no one thought appointing elected officials was an issue. We need to leave this process in the past after the election reforms are completed. I do not like this decision but it appears to be the only practical option left.

I am not sure what the library update will be until I hear it tonight along with the rest of the public as no written material was provided.

December 19th City Council Meeting

The City Council will be discussing a few items of note at the December 19th meeting. We may be able to discuss a few settlement offers on the Eminent Domain taking, 2007 Budget and Tax Levy and the two new planned rail signal arms planned for Isanti Parkway and South Passage.

The city will hopefully have most if not all negotiated settlements to the disastrous takings of private land for the east 65 development. I voted against this last year and have felt strongly that any use of eminent domain to take private property rights would have to pass a very high bar of public necessity making it virtually impossible. The situation in this case did not come anywhere near that bar. I hope we can put this sad chapter behind us as a City and never go down that road again.

I have written and spoken quite a lot about the failures of this current budget and levy. I will be voting against the increase spending in the budget and the lack luster property tax reduction of just over 3%. I had proposed a 12% reduction with several needed spending cuts. I will work in 2007 to limit any excess spending and try to rein in extra cost.

Isanti Parkway will be receiving a crossing arm at the railroad tracks in 2008 and South Passage will be receiving its control arm in 2009. This is a long process because the majority of the money is from MnDot with smaller matching funds from the City. These control arms will help improve safety at these critical rail crossings.

Recognition of Mayor Apitz Service

You are invited to attend a
Social Recognition for
Isanti Mayor, David E. Apitz

Thursday, December 21, 2006
4:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Isanti City Hall Council Chambers
110 1st Avenue North
Isanti, MN 55040

Isanti County Comprehensive Plan

Isanti County Parks and Recreation will be holding a Public Work Shop. It is open to the public. We hope everyone that can make it will show up to voice their opinion. This is to help form the Isanti County Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

The meeting is as follows:

Thursday January 25th 7pm

Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Any questions please call:

Isanti Parks and Recreation at 763-689-8220

Isanti County Active Living by Design at 763-552-3254

Isanti County Christmas Project

The Isanti Lion's Club is doing their annual Isanti County Christmas Project. You can read more about this tremendous effort at http://www.isanticountynews.com/readersforum.html under the title Be a Christmas Hero this Year.

As a child that grew up with very little this project is near and dear to my heart. These gifts simple gifts can make a big difference in the life of a child. Knowing there are others out there willing to help gives you hope.

I would like to thank Tom Pagel and the Isanti Lions for their great work.

Open EDA and Planning Commission Seats

The City of Isanti is currently taking applications for open positions on the EDA and Planning Commission. If you have any questions please let me know.

If you would like an application please go to City Hall or Call Irene Bauer at 763-444-5512

Office Hours

Office Hours

I will be holding office Hours at Isanti City Hall as follows starting in January:

Monday 2:30 to 4:30
Wednesday 12:15 to 2:30
Friday 12:15 to 2:30

Other times by appointment. You may schedule a time by e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com or calling me at 763-444-7154. No matter how great or small your issue may be I would like to hear it. The next great idea may "walk in off the street".

A Sign of Tough Times

The Council certified the cites delinquent water and sewer charges last night. The number of accounts and dollars not paid were off the charts. Several hundred percent above last years total. This is a sign of the number of home owners in difficult financial situations and foreclosed homes. We need to track this carefully as we are setting city policy and budgets.

Pedestrian Bridge

I was happy that the Council passed the Pedestrian bridge location by a vote of 5-0. We will now begin the process of applying for federal money to fund the project. A pedestrian bridge over a high traffic highway such as 65 is considered a high priority project for transportation funding. This is still a long process but the initial hurdle has been jumped.

2007 Street Improvement Update.

The 2007 Street Improvement Project was voted down again last night. After much debate I was unable to convince the Mayor and Council members Johnson and Larson that county 23 and 5 needed sidewalks more than low traffic City side streets. I offered a comprimise resolution which would have passed all the needed sewer and street construction and left the sidewalks out. This failed on a 2-3 vote.

I am disappointed that we could not pass the needed sewer replacements. I hope to take this up again in January.

Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce

The Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Website has a list of great local businesses and upcoming events. Give it a look.

http://www.isantichamber.com/

Truth in Taxation Hearing 12/6/06

The Council will be holding the truth in taxation hearing 12/6/06 at 7pm in City Hall. We will be discussing the 2007 preliminary budget. We will be reviewing the changes needed in the budget to cover the current 20% drop in permit revenue for 2006 alone. The implications for 2007 will have to be analyzed to make sure we are not over estimating this revenue source.

We will also be viewing a 10 minute video of "Fourteen Reasons why Property Taxes vary from Year to Year". I have yet to see the video and will be interested to see what the League of Minnesota Cities has produced.

The meeting will be a preview of the final budget adoption on 12/19/06. Hope to see you there. It should be an educational night.

Items from the December 5th Council Meeting

The City Council will be discussing the proposed 2007 Street Improvement Project again at Tuesday's Council meeting. I will ask that the $126,000 proposed for the sidewalks in this low traffic area be spent for sidewalks and trails along County 5 and 23. I am hopeful we can reach a compromise on this subject so the street project may move forward to replace the last portions of clay sewer pipe in the City.

We will also be discussing the proposed pedestrian bridge. The Park and Recreation Board, which I chair, has asked the Council to approve our selection of option 7a. This option places the bridge on the north side of Broadway and the corresponding ,yet to be named, new road to the east of 65. I have been working to bring a pedestrian bridge to Isanti because it is critically important to provide a safe route to cross highway 65. This project is measured in years not months and I will continue to work hard to make this bridge a reality. We will start the application process for grant money as soon as the Council approves the plan. The City portion of the bridge will be roughly 20% of the cost. The estimated total cost is 1.5 million dollars on the high end. Isanti would pay $300,000 out of the Park dedication fees. These are fees paid by developers not Isanti Tax Payers.

I will keep you posted.

Response to Villages on the Rum Board's Letter to the Editor

I was surprised to see the Villages on the Rum Board's letter to the Editor arguing for the direct appointment to the City Council of Jeff Kolb. http://www.isanticountynews.com/readersforum.html I did not realize Home Owners Associations were so politically active.

Unfortunately there are several factual mistakes in their letter. The upper end of their estimate of $4,000 is equivalent to the cost of a full city election from past years. The exact amount will be forth coming as soon as it is calculated by City Staff. Secondly several individuals have stated they would donate the cost of the election to the City so there would be no expense to the taxpayer. If these pledges fall through I will not take any pay as Mayor until the election is paid for. I have refused pay for my services on the Planning Commission, already saving the City over $500. Lastly if an appointment is decided upon, there is no way to bind the Council to appoint a specific person to the open seat.

The appointment is attractive because it is expedient. There are several issues with the direct appoint however. First we are setting precedent. Jeff’s appointment would be nice because he lost by only a few votes to the second place finisher. What if he had lost by 300 votes? What is the standard or does it not matter. Secondly we are looking at the law and without a special election ordinance on the books the Council may not be able to even call a special election. Thirdly as I have stated if the appointment option is decided upon then the new Council may appoint anyone they choose. I, as many others, would hope if the Council chooses to make an appointment then it would be the third place finisher. Lastly the vote was for two Council positions not three. 1305 people voted on election day, this equates to 2610 total Council votes because each person could vote for two candidates. The vote was so split the first place finisher received only 18% of the 2610 possible votes. 17.5% of the total votes were cast for no candidate. 13% were cast for the second place and third place finishers.

It would be the fairest to let the voters make a first choice to serve on the Council not to take the third choice from a past election. I would like to see a consensus pick from the whole City. How long is to long for an appointed position. If the seat had come open with three years left do we take the third place finisher from the last election even though it is a year old? We are setting City Policy and must make sure it is correct.

We need to take a breath and let all the facts come forward before some start making erroneous assumptions. If allowed by law we should call for a special election. We are setting precedent for future Councils. Our greatest right is to vote for our leaders not to allow others to appoint them. With no cost to the taxpayers why not allow the Voters of Isanti to exercise their rights. Perhaps I am wrong, but it is odd to be forced to make the arguement that voting for an elected official is the right thing to do.

Thank you

I want to thank the Citizens of Isanti for letting me serve. I have been blessed in my life and hope we can all take a moment to reflect on our blessings. We are spending another Thanksgiving and holiday season with brave men and women in harms way. Please reach out to our Veteran families.

In the post immediately after this one I have published a couple Presidential Thanksgiving Decrees and the first ever Thanksgiving Decree with a couple quotes mixed in.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

The First Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:

The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.

-Date: June 20, 1676
-By: Governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts

*

President Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.
- Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation October 3, 1863


Once, when my feet were bare, and I had not the means of obtaining shoes I came to the chief of Kufah in a state of much dejection, and saw there a man who had no feet. I returned thanks to God and acknowledged his mercies, and endured my want of shoes with patience
- Sadi, The Gulistan

Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
- Galatians 6:9

For flowers that bloom about our feet;For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;For song of bird, and hum of bee;For all things fair we hear or see,Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."
-Anonymous


Since the Pilgrims observed the initial Thanksgiving holiday in 1621, this occasion has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country.

One hundred and twenty years ago, in the midst of a great and terrible civil conflict, President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to remind those "insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God" of this Nation's bounty and greatness. Several days after the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving.

Every year since then, our Nation has faithfully continued this tradition. The time has come once again to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, an occasion for Americans to express gratitude to their God and their country.In his remarks at Gettysburg, President Lincoln referred to ours as a Nation "under God."

We rejoice in the fact that, while we have maintained separate institutions of church and state over our 200 years of freedom, we have at the same time preserved reverence for spiritual beliefs. Although we are a pluralistic society, the giving of thanks can be a true bond of unity among our people. We can unite in gratitude for our individual freedoms and individual faiths. We can be united in gratitude for our Nation's peace and prosperity when so many in this world have neither.

As was written in the first Thanksgiving Proclamation 120 years ago, "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God." God has blessed America and her people, and it is appropriate we recognize this bounty.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in the spirit of the Pilgrims, President Lincoln, and all succeeding Presidents, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1983, as a National Day of Thanksgiving, and I call upon Americans to affirm this day of thanks by their prayers and their gratitude for the many blessings upon this land and its people.

-Thanksgiving Day Proclamation 1983
-By: Ronald Reagan

2007 Street Improvement Project

We had the discussion on the 2007 street improvement project. Unfortunately we were unable to come to agreement on taking the money for the sidewalks on the low traffic streets of Elizabeth and Broadway areas and use it to build sidewalks on busier streets such as county highway 5 and 23. I had asked for this but the Council voted 3-2 to keep the $126,300 for the sidewalks in this area instead of along 5 and 23.

The street project had to pass by at least a 4-1 vote, so the whole project failed on the 3-2 vote. The parts of the project centering on replacing bad clay sewers, road repair and such needs to pass the Council. We also need to follow through on extending sidewalk along 5 and 23. I will be asking to have this item brought before Council when I am sworn in as Mayor if an agreement can not be reached before.

City Hall Rain Garden

The Cambridge Star is running an article on rain gardens. I have proposed Isanti City Hall include a rain garden to capture its water run off. The City is planning on installing gutters to City Hall. The rain garden would capture this water in an environmentally friendly manner. Another benefit to the rain garden is the aesthetic appeal it will have.

Rain gardens have tremendous benefits. Using City Hall as a pilot project will help show residents the ease and benefits of using rain gardens. Here is a link to Minneapolis rain garden information. http://www.ci.mpls.mn.us/cso/rain-garden.asp

There are many sites with useful information. Please explore these option and contact me with any questions.

Economic News

Interesting economic news showing housing will continue its decline.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ECONOMIC_OUTLOOK?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

2007 Street Improvement Project

The City Council will be discussing and voting on the 2007 Street Improvement Project on November 21st. This covers the areas in an around Elizabeth and Broadway. I have spoken against adding new sidewalk at a cost of over $126,000 on these low traffic streets. This area of Isanti is one of the few that have mature trees that would be destroyed in the construction of the Sidewalk. The 126,000 plus would be much better spent on sidewalks and trails along County Highways 5 and 23.

Monday Workshop

The Council will be meeting for a workshop Monday at 7pm. We will be discussing Isanti's qualification for state aid money now that we have a population over 5,000. This will add a bit more state money to our streets budget.

The other issue we will be discussing is a proposal from PCS Wireless to lease space on the Water tower for a cell antenna.

Signs

If there are any stray signs left anywhere please let me know. Thank you.

Open Seat Update

It is starting to look as though the only way a special election can happen is if the council passes an ordinance setting the parameters of a special election. We are still waiting for the official comments form the City Attorney but state law seems to say that unless called for by city ordinance the only time you have a special election is during a general election.

That would really only come into play if a person was appointed before a general election not anytime after. I will be asking that the Council discuss an ordinance for special elections and for setting primaries.

Setting the rules for a primary is important so we do not run into the issue of so many candidates in a general election and candidates being elected with less than 20% of the vote. This is part of the overall City Reform package. It is important we get it right so a good precedent is set for future generations.

Open Seat

There is a strong push on to appoint someone to the open council seat in January. If the Council decides to appoint there is no guarantee that the person appointed would be the third place finisher Jeff Kolb. I like Jeff. He would make a great choice for Council. The Council could appoint anyone they choose however.

Before there is more thought given to appointment vs the special election I am asking for, lets wait to get all the relevant information. First we have to have a decision from the City Attorney on the legality of appointment and a cost quote on the election.

The person will serve for two years; this is to long for an appointed person. Once a person is appointed they will have the power of incumbency if they choose to run for election again. We are also setting a precedent for Councils to come. Elections are the only way to ensure legitimacy. We may not always like the results but we must protect the democratic process.

As we get all the information I will update you.

Budget Issues

Isanti's building permits and revenue are down 40% year to date. This has been a significant source of revenue for the last 5 years. We will be faced with tough budget decisions.

This is again proof positive that the city's spending spree has to end. The final budget will be coming up in December. We will need to cut back on city spending or we will have undue burdens going into 2007.

After specific cuts are made we will need to focus 2007 on long term financial planning and commercial growth. Isanti has a glut of existing homes, newly built homes and over 500 approved platted homes in the pipeline. This will cause home values of existing houses to decrease. Another side effect as people are unable to sell their homes they will rent them. To high a percentage of rental properties cause problems of its own.

The Council must move quickly to address these issues.

Thank you

I want to thank all the volunteers and supporters that worked hard for our win on November 7th. I am humbled by the level of support I received from Isanti voters. Our specific agenda of Citizen Safety, Economic Reform and Responsible City Government and all it entails led to our success. We have a lot of hard work to do in the years to come but together we can lay the foundation for Isanti’s future.

The Council will be meeting in January in goal setting sessions. I will lay out specifics of the agenda at that time. In the past two years the goal setting session lasted 4 hours on one day. The amount of work we have to do will determine how many day long sessions we will need to get the work done. The success or failure of the goal setting sessions be critical to our future.

I will also want to hear from those with suggestions for improvements. I will be meeting with individuals and groups to discuss the Agenda and listen to outside analysis. If you would like to be part of that process please let me know.

I will keep you updated

e-mail change

My e-mail has changed to george@georgewimmer.com

Any questions let me know.

Veteran's Day Quotes and Speeches

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,Is their monument to-day, and for aye.
~Thomas Dunn English

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.
~José Narosky

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
~Elmer Davis

But fame is theirs - and future days On pillar'd brass shall tell their praise; Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -"These for their country fought and bled."
~Philip Freneau

Freedom is never free.
~Author Unknown

I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.
~Gary Hart

When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?
~George Canning

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.
~Michel de Montaigne

I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?"
~Eve Merriam

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
~Cynthia Ozick

Lord, bid war's trumpet cease;Fold the whole earth in peace.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
~Maya Angelou

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.
~Chinese Proverb

The most persistent sound which reverberates through men's history is the beating of war drums.
~Arthur Koestler, Janus: A Summing Up

The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.
~Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. ~G.K. Chesterton

In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
~Mark Twain, Notebook, 1935

How far that little candle throws his beams!So shines a good deed in a weary world.
~William Shakespeare

In war there is no prize for the runner-up
- General Omar Bradley

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.
- General Douglas MacArthur

I know not with what weapons World War III will befought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
- Albert Einstein

You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.
- Jeannette Rankinfirst woman Member of Congress

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? Whatis it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty orgive me death!
- Patrick HenryMarch 23,1775


President Reagan's 40th Anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1984)

We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For 4 long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved, and the world prayed for its rescue. Here in Normandy the rescue began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.
We stand on a lonely, windswept point on the northern shore of France. The air is soft, but 40 years ago at this moment, the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June, 1944, 225 Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion: to climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. The Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here and they would be trained on the beaches to stop the Allied advance.
The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers -- the edge of the cliffs shooting down at them with machineguns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After 2 days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.
Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.
Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Stephen Spender's poem. You are men who in your ``lives fought for life . . . and left the vivid air signed with your honor.''
I think I know what you may be thinking right now -- thinking ``we were just part of a bigger effort; everyone was brave that day.'' Well, everyone was. Do you remember the story of Bill Millin of the 51st Highlanders? Forty years ago today, British troops were pinned down near a bridge, waiting desperately for help. Suddenly, they heard the sound of bagpipes, and some thought they were dreaming. Well, they weren't. They looked up and saw Bill Millin with his bagpipes, leading the reinforcements and ignoring the smack of the bullets into the ground around him.
Lord Lovat was with him -- Lord Lovat of Scotland, who calmly announced when he got to the bridge, ``Sorry I'm a few minutes late,'' as if he'd been delayed by a traffic jam, when in truth he'd just come from the bloody fighting on Sword Beach, which he and his men had just taken.
There was the impossible valor of the Poles who threw themselves between the enemy and the rest of Europe as the invasion took hold, and the unsurpassed courage of the Canadians who had already seen the horrors of war on this coast. They knew what awaited them there, but they would not be deterred. And once they hit Juno Beach, they never looked back.
All of these men were part of a rollcall of honor with names that spoke of a pride as bright as the colors they bore: the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Poland's 24th Lancers, the Royal Scots Fusiliers, the Screaming Eagles, the Yeomen of England's armored divisions, the forces of Free France, the Coast Guard's ``Matchbox Fleet'' and you, the American Rangers.
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love.
The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
The Americans who fought here that morning knew word of the invasion was spreading through the darkness back home. They fought -- or felt in their hearts, though they couldn't know in fact, that in Georgia they were filling the churches at 4 a.m., in Kansas they were kneeling on their porches and praying, and in Philadelphia they were ringing the Liberty Bell.
Something else helped the men of D-day: their rockhard belief that Providence would have a great hand in the events that would unfold here; that God was an ally in this great cause. And so, the night before the invasion, when Colonel Wolverton asked his parachute troops to kneel with him in prayer he told them: Do not bow your heads, but look up so you can see God and ask His blessing in what we're about to do. Also that night, General Matthew Ridgway on his cot, listening in the darkness for the promise God made to Joshua: ``I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.''
These are the things that impelled them; these are the things that shaped the unity of the Allies.
When the war was over, there were lives to be rebuilt and governments to be returned to the people. There were nations to be reborn. Above all, there was a new peace to be assured. These were huge and daunting tasks. But the Allies summoned strength from the faith, belief, loyalty, and love of those who fell here. They rebuilt a new Europe together.
There was first a great reconciliation among those who had been enemies, all of whom had suffered so greatly. The United States did its part, creating the Marshall plan to help rebuild our allies and our former enemies. The Marshall plan led to the Atlantic alliance -- a great alliance that serves to this day as our shield for freedom, for prosperity, and for peace.
In spite of our great efforts and successes, not all that followed the end of the war was happy or planned. Some liberated countries were lost. The great sadness of this loss echoes down to our own time in the streets of Warsaw, Prague, and East Berlin. Soviet troops that came to the center of this continent did not leave when peace came. They're still there, uninvited, unwanted, unyielding, almost 40 years after the war. Because of this, allied forces still stand on this continent. Today, as 40 years ago, our armies are here for only one purpose -- to protect and defend democracy. The only territories we hold are memorials like this one and graveyards where our heroes rest.
We in America have learned bitter lessons from two World Wars: It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. We've learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.
But we try always to be prepared for peace; prepared to deter aggression; prepared to negotiate the reduction of arms; and, yes, prepared to reach out again in the spirit of reconciliation. In truth, there is no reconciliation we would welcome more than a reconciliation with the Soviet Union, so, together, we can lessen the risks of war, now and forever.
It's fitting to remember here the great losses also suffered by the Russian people during World War II: 20 million perished, a terrible price that testifies to all the world the necessity of ending war. I tell you from my heart that we in the United States do not want war. We want to wipe from the face of the Earth the terrible weapons that man now has in his hands. And I tell you, we are ready to seize that beachhead. We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace, and that they will give up the ways of conquest. There must be a changing there that will allow us to turn our hope into action.
We will pray forever that some day that changing will come. But for now, particularly today, it is good and fitting to renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it.
We are bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We're bound by reality. The strength of America's allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe's democracies. We were with you then; we are with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny.
Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: ``I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.''
Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their value [valor], and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.
Thank you very much, and God bless you all.

Interesting Election Facts

I found the voter breakdown interesting. There were 1305 possible votes for Mayor of this 79 people did not vote for either candidate. This equals 6% of the people that showed up to vote did not like their options.

This is more profound for the Council Race. There were 2610 possible votes because each person had two possible Council votes. 459 votes were not cast for any candidate. This equals 18% of all that showed up to vote did not like the options. This could be one person voting for no one so two votes not cast or a person only voting for one candidate and one vote not cast. With such a close council race this matters greatly.

Thought you might be interested......

E-mail List

I have had numerous request about being added to the e-mail update list.

If you would like to be on the e-mail/blog update list, send me an e-mail request. The e-mail list is confidential and all updates are sent "blind" so no one knows you are on the list. Send to george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us simply click on the link.

Special Election

There will need to be a special election to fill the remaining two years of my Council Seat. When I have all the details I will post them.

Hard Fought Race

I would like to thank Mayor Apitz for a hard fought race. Mayor Apitz has served Isanti for over two decades and deserves to be thanked for his dedication.

Signs

I will be out to pick up my signs tomorrow. Thank you to all those that hosted an election sign.

Election Results

The results are in from Isanti City Hall as reported by the City Clerk.

Mayor's Race

George Wimmer ---864
David Apitz --------353

Council Race

Alan Duff----------478
Sue Larson--------347
Jeff Kolb----------334
Jim Kennedy------311
Steve Rask-------253
Dan Collison------253
Sean Stevens-----162

On to Victory

Reform is in the air, we only need to seize it and bring home Victory. It is an exciting time to be involved and for us all to help shape our future City. Everyone should be aware of the stakes of this election by now. We either win or the entrenched powers will be all the stronger for having beaten back reform. On to Victory!!!

I will have election results here as soon as they come in.

Polling Place Rules

Some quick Tuesday polling place rules.

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=138415

Get out and Vote Tuesday

We have less than 36 hours till the polls open on Tuesday. Less than 36 hours to bring true reform and change to Isanti. Everyone knows what is at stake. We must continue to work to the very end. Talk to your friends and neighbors and get out the vote on Tuesday.

We have laid out a clear agenda for progressive reform vs the Mayor's business as usual approach. There will be clear choices to make for Isanti Mayor and City Council. It is in the voters' hands to determine our future.

Everyone should be on the lookout for any last minute shenanigans. Onto Victory Tuesday.

Churchill Quotes

As some may know Sir Winston Churchill is a personal hero of mine. If you get the chance read the "Last Lion" two volume biography of Churchill by William Manchester. I thought I would list a few of his most memorable quotes to give us all a break from election postings for a day.

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others.
Winston Churchill

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Winston Churchill

Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.
Winston Churchill

Danger - if you meet it promptly and without flinching - you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!
Winston Churchill

I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.
Winston Churchill

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
Sir Winston Churchill, Speech, 1941, Harrow School

Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
Sir Winston Churchill, Hansard, November 11, 1947

I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this Government: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat."
Sir Winston Churchill, Hansard, May 13, 1940

All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Sir Winston Churchill

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Sir Winston Churchill

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
Sir Winston Churchill

He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.
Sir Winston Churchill

History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.
Sir Winston Churchill

I have always felt that a politician is to be judged by the animosities he excites among his opponents.
Sir Winston Churchill

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
Sir Winston Churchill

It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.
Sir Winston Churchill

Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.
Sir Winston Churchill

Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
Sir Winston Churchill

The price of greatness is responsibility.
Sir Winston Churchill

There are a terrible lot of lies going around the world, and the worst of it is half of them are true.
Sir Winston Churchill

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Lady Astor: "Winston, if I were your wife I'd put poison in your coffee."
Winston: "Nancy, if I were your husband I'd drink it."

Full Page Re-elect Ad

I was a bit surprised by the full page joint ad in the Star from Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson. They bizarrely draw Cambridge into our election. They also seem to make the argument that everything is great and no change is needed. This however is then contradicted by their statement that if anything bad has happened it is not enough to make a change.

The only issue these two seem to think there is in Isanti is me. They state that everyone needs to follow a "common thread". Of course it must be their common thread. They make a statement about "negative" ads. I wish they would have been more positive last year when they tried to use the power of the Council to silence me. See http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/10/council-history.html for more details.

The three points this high priced full page ad makes is that Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson are tragically out of touch, have a large campaign war chest and they make my point that they are tied at the hip. The good-ole-boy/girl network is alive and well and can only be stopped at the ballot box.

High taxes and fees, brown/radium filled city water, transportation, rising crime, anemic commercial/industrial growth and no financial planning are issues they seem not to acknowledge.

They write that this election is not about reform or change. They want to keep the "train on the track". Their track is taking Isanti off a cliff. I could not have made my points about these two any better than they did in this expensive full page ad. Thank you.

This November 7th you will have a clear choice between progressive reform or business as usual. Now is the time to make a choice for the future of Isanti. I ask for your support to reform Isanti. Together we must preserve Isanti's Traditions while planning for the future.

25,000 and Counting

We have official gone over 25,000 page visitors. The last few months have generated a lot of visitors because of the campaign. The numbers per month have finally surpassed last years high month.

Last years high month was generated after the Mayor and Council Members Johnson and Larson obeyed Iverson's request to try to silence my Blog. That City "investigation" showed the extent of the relationship between the City's largest developer and the majority of three on the Council.

I believe the Blog has been an incredible communication tool. The e-mails and phones calls generated from Blog readers has helped me tremendously.

Jaysen Guthmueller Guest Writer Vet Benefit

I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support at the Vietnam Veteran's Benefit. My understanding is that it was the largest event to date at Spectacular Events, who by the way did their usual fantastic job. The food was great as well as the service. Thanks Carol and Dave!

The final numbers are in with the group raising about $9500.00 after expenses. The political candidates and business community were definitely there in full force. Thank You for the support!!

I would also like to thank Isanti City Council Candidate Alan Duff for his hard work in lining up 40 people to attend and support our Veterans.

Also, a special Thanks to you George for helping to keep the event in front of your loyal Blog readers and for sponsoring a table.

Thanks to Isanti City Council Candidate Jeff Kolb who graciously donated his time to help set up on the day of the event.

Thanks to County Commissioner Candidate Glen Holmstrom who sponsored a table.

The only down side to the event was that someone walked off with a 15" LCD Konka TV without paying for it. I personally hope that when whomever stole it, watches that TV, that they think about the needy veteran that will not be able to be helped because they decided that they needed the TV more than the veterans group. I hope your mother is very proud of you. You make me ill! If anyone happens to come across an extra TV that meets the description, you can call Ray Anton at 763-689-9684.

There will be no questions asked and the identity will remain confidential.On a much happier note, the most gratifying comment that I received was from one of our Chapter members who said, "You know most of the time when Vietnam Vets get together it is doom and gloom or negative but this was a celebration and I had an absolute wonderful time.

Thank you very much!"My comment back to him was, "No, Thank-you very much for your service!"My intent was for this to be a celebration and judging by the success it will become an annual event.The real benefits that will come from this event is for VVA Chapter #684 to have the resources to lend a helping hand to a veteran in need! Thanks again to everyone that helped to make this a very special event!

Jaysen GuthMueller

Election Results

I will be posting the election results on the Blog as soon as they come in.

Vote for Progressive Reform

We have four more days until the election. We will have the historic opportunity to reform our City. Four more days until the Citizens of Isanti take back control from an elite click. We must lower our high taxes and City fees, clean up our water, provide a safe city and direct our efforts and resources to dramatically improve our commercial/industrial base. We must pass a comprehensive Conflict of Interest Policy to rid Isanti of the destructive influence of money and power on City Council decisions.This is a grass roots campaign, I do not have big money backing my run for Mayor. Our ideas of reform however will win out over any amount of money thrown at us. We are fighting for:

Citizen Safety

Traffic Mitigation
Improved Policing
Safe Routes for Children
Mosquito Control

Economic Reform

Tax and Fee Reductions
Growing Isanti's Business Districts

Responsible City Government

Development Impact List
City Ordnance Reform
Residential Handbook
New Comprehensive Plan
Safe Guarding Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods
Board and Commission Reform

This November 7th you will have a clear choice between progressive reform or business as usual. Now is the time to make a choice for the future of Isanti. I ask for your support in my efforts to reform Isanti. Together we must preserve Isanti's Traditions while planning for the future.

Pedestrian Bridge

I had two great meetings the last few days regarding the proposed pedestrian bridge across highway 65. We have been discussing the placement of the bridge along Broadway or just north of the old burger top property. Met today with the developers of the piece of property to the east of 65. The meeting went very well and I believe will lead us to a common vision of the much needed amenity. The new school and residential development east of 65 will more than double Isanti's population.

The bridge would not be built for a number of years but we must complete the planning process now so we may start to apply for federal funding. Federal and state funding should pay 80% plus of the project cost.

Having this planned now will allow for the commercial developments to incorporate the bridge into there plans.

We must provide a safe option to cross 65 since the City made the decision to develop east of 65.

I will keep you updated as new information comes available.

Drug Bust

There were several big drug bust the last week in our Isanti community. The police departments involved have been working hard to make us safer. I have been working hard the last two years to improve our City Police force. This includes improved technology and additional Police Officer. The Council on a vote of 3-2, Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson voted against adding a new police officer that would be on the job today.

They instead voted for an administrative Assistant. The latest string of big arrest point to the significant rise in area crime. Check out www.georgewimmer.com for the police report of 2005. I bring this up to illustrate that priorities matters and votes matter. We will be making a decision November 7th for who will lead Isanti.

Here is the link to the various area drug bust:

http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/November/1crimes.html
http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/November/1marijuana.html
http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/November/1meth.html

Mayor's Race

I have a few Mayoral positions I will bring to Isanti if elected.

I will layout the frame work with City staff for a 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 year budget. This coupled with a Capital Improvement plan will set Isanti on long term financial footing for years to come. Currently the city does no long term planning leading to poor decisions.

Decisively change Isanti's current lack luster approach to bringing in new businesses. We need to have a trained person focusing like a "laser" on economic development. This is will include an aggressive marketing plan aimed at strong industrial growth and needed commercial businesses. Isanti currently spends less than .001% of the City budget to bring in new businesses.

I will have set office hours so any Citizen or Taxpayer may come talk with me. This will open up the communication process so everyone is treated equally no preferential treatment is given to the wealthy and powerful.

I will begin a Mayor's award for the best yards in Isanti. I have been pushing for a Community Service Officer to enforce Isanti's nuisance ordinances. I also believe we need to positively reinforce those home owners that are doing a great job with their yards. Each month of May, June, July, August, September and October yards would be nominated and the top three winners named and published and granted donated monetary awards.
I believe strongly we must have positive reinforcement as well as a proactive Community Service Officer to ensure great looking yards that benefit everyone.

If elected Mayor I would ask that an advisory body be created each time the City builds a new building or does significant remolding. A prime example of where this would have been helpful is the building of City Hall. This project was over $500,000 over budget and still has significant problems that need to be solved.An advisory body would be made up of volunteers that work in the construction trades. These individuals would not be bidding or working on the City project and could give advice and help manage the project. Experts in the field could point out potential pitfalls and help the Council pick the best options available. This would be a common sense step that can ensure the success of future projects including the upcoming liquor store remolding/expansion.

I want to talk about environmental concerns. Isanti needs to look at opening up and changing landscaping and drainage standards. This could include varying landscaping or the use of rain gardens to help control water run off.
We must seriously explore all solutions to our environmental concerns. Wildlife corridors and environmentally sensitive development will ensure a city that will be prosperous, safe and beautiful for generations to come.

Reform Isanti

Reform Isanti

Whether you plan to live in Isanti the rest of your life or just a few years, we must plan now to control how growth will affect our property values, taxes, and City fees. Isanti needs a leader with a plan and ability to implement it.

Isanti faces specific challenges:
Increasing Crime
High Taxes and Fees
Lack of City planning
Apathetic City Government

I have laid out a progressive agenda for Isanti. My agenda centers around three guiding principles:

Citizen Safety
Economic Reform
Responsible City Government

We have an opportunity and responsibility to reform Isanti. In 2001 when I moved to Isanti the City’s per capita debt was $400. Today it is $2500 per person. The city’s population increased by 100% yet our debt has increased by over 500% in the same time period. This will limit Isanti’s ability to do important public projects.

Our current Mayor voted against my 12% property tax decrease in order to continue high levels of unnecessary spending. Isanti's spending has exploded by over 40% in the last two years alone.

It has been stated by Council Member Johnson that the apparent reason he and the Mayor along with Council Member Larson voted to increase taxes two out of the last three years is that Local Government Aid (LGA) is down. Either he does not understand or is porposely not telling the truth. Isanti's LGA has increased by almost 100% in the last few years. Here is the breakdown:

2004 $311,664
2005 $434,633
2006 $546,860
2007 $603,536

There is roughly a 51% per person increase in the same time period using the state demographer's population numbers.

The Mayor failed to support my efforts in the last year to bring financial planning, capital improvement planning and maintanaince cost tracking to City Hall.

Crime has skyrocketed, go to http://www.georgewimmer.com/Police%20Report.html ,to learn more.

Isanti is going in the wrong direction. We must complete the Development Impact List, Residential Handbook, City Ordinance Reform, Long Range Financial Planning and establish protection for unique Isanti neighborhoods.

This November 7th you will have a clear choice between progressive reform or business as usual.
Now is the time to make a choice for the future of Isanti. I ask for your support in my efforts to reform Isanti.

Together we must preserve Isanti’s Traditions while planning for the future.

Halloween

Everyone have a safe Halloween and try to stay warm.

Communication

I have been asked if I will continue to write the Blog after the Mayor's Race. I believe the Blog is an important communication tool. As Mayor, the Blog becomes even more important to discuss the city's issues.

I will continue to find as many ways possible to talk with the citizens of Isanti.

Brown Water Update

The brown water is from a flow study being done by the City. This is another example of poor planning. This study could have been done during the previous hydrant flushing. That way the pain of another day of brown water could have been prevented. It may seem like a small detail to some but it is a quality of life issue. We pay high water fees and should receive the benefit of good service.

We must send the message that poor planning is a thing of the past.

Any questions please let me know. 763-444-7158 or george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

Brown Water

I have received reports of brown water again....third time the last few weeks....I have brown water at my house.

We need to get serious as a city about our water quality. The two fold issues of Radium and "heavy" undrinkable brown water has to be solved. Isanti has extremely high fees for water and yet it is barely usable.

Water quality needs to be a top priority.

Vietnam Veteran's Benefit

The Vietnam Veteran's fundraiser was a great success. Jason Guthmueller did a fantastic job organizing this event. I do not have the final number for money raised but over 300 people attended. The silent auction was also a great success. It was fantastic to thank all the terrific Veterans that attended the event. 100% of the net proceeds go to support local Vets.

State Senator Nienow, Representative Eastlund, DFL State Senate Candidate Rick Olseen, DFL Rep Candidate Jabas, Council Member Larson, Council Candidates Duff, Kolb and Rask were in attendance. I was happy to see the great show of support from these individuals.

I had great time at the event and want to thank everyone involved. Council Candidate Duff did a terrific job finding sponsors for 5 tables of eight people each. Mr. Duff is a Veteran himself and worked very hard to help make this event a success. I hope it becomes a yearly event.

Vietnam Veterans Fund Raiser

I am going to keep this as the top entry on the blog until the event sells out or until the event date. This is an incredibly worthy cause and deserves top billing.

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Vietnam Veterans Chapter #684

Presents a Benefit Dinner & Dance100% of the net proceeds go to support local Vets!

Join us for an evening of fine dining with your choice of either a steak or chicken dinner followed by the sensational sounds of
CHACE ROBERTS!

Date: Friday, October 27 @ Spectacular

Events, Isanti Social: 6:00 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm Dance: 8:00-12:00 Tickets: Dinner/Dance $35.00 Dance Only $7.00 · Every paid dinner ticket will receive a door prize courtesy of Grand Casino Hinckley!

Event Proudly Sponsored by: Jaysen Guthmueller’s American Family Insurance

Tickets available at: Minnco Credit Union’s 4 locations – American Family Insurance- Isanti DJ’s Grill House & The Isanti Chamber of Commerce or by calling 763-444-4554

Election Day Registration

This is from the Minnesota Secretary of State Office Website:

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=12&select_faq_by_faq_cat=2#38

Q: Can I register to vote on election day?

A: You can register at your polling place on election day. You will need one of the following to verify your residence:
Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card, or receipt for one, with your current address
Tribal ID**
If the Minnesota license, Tribal ID or MN State ID has a former address, you may bring a recent utility bill* to use with your license
“Notice of Late Registration” postcard
U.S. passport with utility bill*
U.S. military photo ID card with utility bill*
Prior registration listed on roster at former address in precinct
Oath of a registered voter in precinct ("vouching")
If you are a student, you can use...
Student ID, registration, or fee statement with your current address
Post Secondary Student photo ID with utility bill*
Post Secondary Student ID if you are on a student housing list on file at the polling place
Someone who is registered in the precinct where you live who will vouch for your residence

*Note: The utility bill must have your name, current address, and be due within 30 days of the election. Utility bills may be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, cell phone or cable TV

Safe Routes Grant

The Park and Recreation Board, that I chair, is applying for a Safe Routes grant. This could be up to $175,000 for a project. We have focused our attention on filling in gaps along the highway 5 sidewalk system. This will extend sidewalks from Hillock Ct to the Elementary school along the north side of highway 5.

The other gap to be filled is from the strip mall (Subway) in front of the apartment building on the south side of 5 to the newly constructed Federated Co-op building. This will create a safer route for children in this area walking to the elementary school. There is no City or County right of way in this area and an agreement on a purchase price would need to be negotiated with the private land owners. It is far from certain and is generally the most expensive part of this type of project.

The final Park and Recreation decision will be in November and then passed on to the City Council for Final approval. We will also be asking the County and School Board to pass resolutions supporting our grant application. This intergovernmental support can be a plus when applying for grants.

I am dedicated to bring safer routes to Isanti. We owe it to all our citizens and especially our children and seniors to create safe routes along our busy streets and highways.

If you have any questions please e-mail me at george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us or call me at 763-444-7158.

Absentee Ballots

If you are going to be gone or hunting on November 7th remember to vote by absentee ballot. This can best be done in person at the County Auditor Office. For more information on absentee balloting please review this link at the Secretary of State's website:

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=211

LGA Numbers

I thought it would be good to show the LGA, Local Government Aid, numbers for the last 4 years. Council Member Johnson said that the City LGA went down in his Letter to the editor. He seemed to use this as an excuse for the Mayor voting for higher taxes. Here are the numbers

2004 $311,664
2005 $434,633
2006 $546,860
2007 $603,536

Isanti's LGA almost doubled in the last 4 years. Honesty and ethics matter, remember that when you are voting on November 7th.

Council History

I thought it might be good to refresh everyone's minds of some of the tactics used by my fellow Council Members to intimidate and silence me. This link also shows the "special" relationship between Isanti's Biggest developer, Brian Iverson, and the majority of three, Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson. Mr. Iverson asked to have the City silence me and these three obeyed in lock step. My response to this is at the end of the article.

15 days away from sending a message that reform is here to stay.

http://www.hometownsource.com/2005/september/22blogging.html

Eminent Domain Vote

I wrote this Editorial Last year after the Kelo decision in the Supreme Court. This is important because it was Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson that voted to use this terrible tool against a 74 year old couple. These three voted to take away the property rights of this elderly couple and move their highway 65 access to Brian Iverson's property line. This added great benefit to his development.

These same three realigned a road for Mr. Iverson. This action put the road entirely on another property owners land and giving Mr. Iverson more buildable land. This again shows the "special" relationship between Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson. We must stop abusing the City's power to benefit the largest developer. This is just wrong.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

In the recent Supreme Court ruling KELO ET AL. v. CITY OF NEW LONDON ET AL, individual property rights have been severely curtailed.

Justice O'Conner Writes:"Under the banner of economic development, all private property is now vulnerable to being taken and transferred to another private owner, so long as it might be upgraded i.e., given to an owner who will use it in a way that the legislature deems more beneficial to the public"

The idea that local government is allowed to take the private property of person A and give it to person B or developer/corporation B is contrary to our very liberty. When we buy our home we believe we have certain inalienable rights. One of these rights surely must be the decision to keep it or sell it as the owner wishes. Alexander Hamilton said that security of property is one of the great objects of government. This has been dealt a death blow in the name of Progress. Justice O’Conner also states there are two conditions on the exercise of eminent domain. These are “the taking must be for public use” and “just compensation”. She further adds:

Together they ensure stable property ownership by providing safeguards against excessive, unpredictable, or unfair use of the government’s eminent domain power particularly against those owners who, for whatever reasons, maybe unable to protect themselves in the political process against the majority’s will.I do not deny the fact that in certain extreme situations the government may need to take property. This bar however is to be set extremely high. The bar should not be the simple act of enriching one person, developer, or corporation.

Justice O’Conner also makes the follow important point:

"Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms. As for the victims, the government now has license to transfer property from those with fewer resources to those with more. The Founders cannot have intended this perverse result."

This perverse result is the enemy of the democratic process. The rich and powerful should not have more power in the political arena. Each citizen has one vote and should have equal influence. The large corporation or developer never has their property taken from them and given to the small homesteader. There is no equality or justice in this process.

The only benefit I see coming from this tragic decision is that perhaps more citizens will vote. The vote is important because local governments must still make the final decision to take property from A to give to B. Ask those who run for local office what they would do. It is in the city councils, county boards and school boards that the decisions that most affect our lives are made. Yet these offices are the most neglected in our electoral process. Many go unopposed and unchallenged. It is detrimental to our democratic process to have elected officials who are never challenged or have to answer the hard questions.

Citizens need to go to their city council, county board and school board meetings. You need to be aware of the decisions that are being made in your name. Make your voices heard and participate in the democratic process we have as our birth right. We are truly blessed to live in this country but we also have a great responsibility to ensure that we preserve these liberties to the generations yet to come.Eminent Domain and Voting In the recent Supreme Court ruling KELO ET AL. v. CITY OF NEW LONDON ET AL, individual property rights have been severely curtailed.

Rebuttal to Council Member Johnson's Letter to the Star

This is my rebuttal to Council Member Johnson's Letter to the Star that is published in the Voter Guide. He states I make City Staff nervous and have the wrong priorities for Isanti city spending and taxes. The only ones getting nervous are Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson. I was surprised that the Star did not give me a chance to rebut his letter attacking me in the voter guide. More prospective voters will read the guide versus the normal paper. I am hoping the Star will publish my rebuttal at the very least in the normal paper. I hope this will bring better balance to this situation.

I would have found Council Member Johnson’s letter funny if it were not sad. Let us take this point by point.

Isanti City spending has increased by over 40% in the past two years. Mayor Apitz, Council members Johnson and Larson voted for a tax increase but were bailed out when the final numbers came in from the County Assessors office. My point of the extra $350,000 the city collected last year is we need to give it back before it is spent. The Liquor fund has over $850,000 and growing. In my 12% property tax reduction plan I wanted to use $175,000 from the excess taxes and fees and $200,000 from the Liquor fund. This would still leave $175,000 in the excess taxes and fees and $650,000 in the liquor fund. The real issue is Mayor Apitz and Council members Johnson and Larson want to spend all this money. Council Member Johnson was wrong about the LGA Isanti Has been given. It has risen dramaticly the last two years. He either does not understand or purposely did not tell the truth.

The vote on the Administrative Assistant position was for a total cost of $54,000 in the 2006 budget. This includes salary and benefits. This was chosen over a police officer that would be on the job today. Mayor Apitz and Council members Johnson and Larson voted against the officer position in 2005. This election year they have changed their tune.

These three have voted in lock step for every developer proposed project. What Council Member Johnson did not say in his letter was that he and Mayor Apitz make money off this development. Johnson owns a cabinet shop in town and the Mayor owns and operates Apitz Painting. This is a conflict of interest. Council Member Johnson has done work directly for Isanti’s biggest developer, Brian Iverson, and still votes in favor of all his projects.

Council Member Johnson also praises council Member Larson. She believes the citizens of Isanti are not taxed enough. She states this in her own campaign material and I quote, “We need to be realistic and understand that in order for our city to continue to be increasingly viable and economically sound that taxes will need to increase”. I could not disagree more.

The choice is clear, business as usual or progressive reform. If you want a city run for big developers and want high taxes then you should vote for Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson.

We need to reform our City Government and bring long term financial planning to Isanti. Priorities matter.

City Building Committee

If elected Mayor I would ask that an advisory body be created each time the City builds a new building or does significant remolding. A prime example of where this would have been helpful is the building of City Hall. This project was over $500,000 over budget and still has significant problems that need to be solved.

An advisory body would be made up of volunteers that work in the construction trades. These individuals would not be bidding or working on the City project and could give advice and help manage the project. Experts in the field could point out potential pitfalls and help the Council pick the best options available. This would be a common sense step that can ensure the success of future projects including the upcoming liquor store remolding/expansion.

How the Lack of Financial Planning Hurts Isanti

I want to touch on the 2007 street improvement project which came before the Council tonight. The 2007 street improvement project has raised concerns with me. In our previous conversation about this topic I stated I did not approve putting in sidewalk along the Elizabeth/Broadway corridor. This is a quiet low traffic area of town that does not need sidewalks that will destroy mature trees. $126,300 would be saved if the sidewalks were left out of this $2,109,125 project.

The City’s Finance Director stated if this total debt was incurred by the City, taxes would have to increase by 3.64% to cover the debt payment for this one project alone. Isanti’s excessive spending spree the last few years is finally coming home to roost. Mayor Apitz and Council Member’s Johnson and Larson voted to approve this spending without showing any cost offsets. We have to make choices of where to spend our City's limited resources. We can not simply increase taxes everytime the Council wants to spend money.

It was also stated tonight that Isanti will not be retiring any debt for years to come. This will mean that City debt will continue to grow as a portion of our budget. It is currently the second largest line item in the budget.

I hate to always have to say it but the lack of long range financial planning has put Isanti into a debt/tax spiral. The amount of debt incurred in the last few years makes virtually any new project impossible without significant tax increases. The increase in City spending by over 40% in the last two years alone must end.

If Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson’s spending is allowed to continue taxes will increase dramatically. Council Member Larson’s own re-election campaign material states and I quote “We need to be realistic and understand that in order for our city to continue to be increasingly viable and economically sound that taxes will need to increase”. I could not disagree more.

The surest way to destroy industrial and commercial growth in our City is to raise taxes. High taxes and fees will scare away any potential business. Isanti needs to encourage healthy business growth to bring balance to our tax base and lower the burden on home owners.

We must also remember that property taxes are regressive. Poor and rich alike pay the same rate. Each property tax hike hurts a poorer home owner much more than higher income classes. In one action of a property tax hike the Mayor and Council Member Larson hurt future business growth and the poorest of Isanti home owners alike.

Candidate Forum

The Candidate Forum was a great success. Unfortunately there was not a big crowd. The questions ranged from high levels of current taxation to support for greater police protection.

I stated my positions of offering a 12% tax reduction that the current Mayor did not support. The police protection question brought us back again to the 2005 budget battle in which the current Mayor voted for a $54,000 Administrative Assistant instead of my proposed police officer position.

The questions we were asked showed a clear difference in our positions.

I would like to thank the Chamber for conducting this event in a fair and transparent manner.

Candidate Forum

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Candidate Forum will be October 12th 7pm at the Isanti Middle School. City Council, Mayoral and Sheriff candidates will be present.
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Election Quotes

An election is coming. Universal peace is declared and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry. ~T.S. Eliot

The politicians were talking themselves red, white and blue in the face. ~Clare Boothe Luce

If the World Series runs until election day, the networks will run the first one-half inning and project the winner. ~Lindsey Nelson

Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. ~Sydney J. Harris

A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election. ~Bill Vaughan

It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting. ~Tom Stoppard

Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason. ~Author Unknown

Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote against. ~W.C. Fields

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. ~George Jean Nathan

There are always too many Democratic congressmen, too many Republican congressmen, and never enough U.S. congressmen. ~Author Unknown

Do you ever get the feeling that the only reason we have elections is to find out if the polls were right? ~Robert Orben

Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you. ~Author Unknown

Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least. ~Robert Byrne

Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work. ~Michael Novak

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it. ~Alexander Woollcott

People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing. ~Walter H. Judd

If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates. ~Jay Leno

The problem with political jokes is they get elected. ~Henry Cate, VII

The most important political office is that of the private citizen. ~Louis Brandeis

Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong. ~Richard Armour

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other. ~Oscar Ameringer

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress? ~Author Unknown

Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so. ~Gore Vidal

When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I'm beginning to believe it. ~Clarence Darrow

We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs. ~ Will rogers

Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few ~ George Bernard Shaw


A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation. ~ James Freeman Clarke


People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election. ~Otto von Bismarck

Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion. ~ Edmund Burke

From time to time, life as a leader can look hopeless. To help you, consider a man who lived through this: Failed in business at age 31. Defeated for the legislature at 32. Again failed in business at 34. Sweetheart died at 35. Had a nervous breakdown at 36. Defeated in election at 38. Defeated for Congress at 43. Defeated for Congress at 46. Defeated for Congress at 48. Defeated for Senate at 55. Defeated for Vice President at 56. Defeated for Senate at 58. Elected President at age 60. This man was Abraham Lincoln.

Business/Industrial Sub-Committee

I have been working on the Business/Industrial Ordinance Sub-committee. We are making great strides in streamlining and creating more understandable ordinances. This work has been going on for several months and there is still a lot to do. I will be posting more on specifics and if you have any questions please let me know.

Contact Information

Contact me

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george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

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763-444-7158

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P.O. Box 25
Isanti, Mn 55040

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See my news and notes at
georgewimmer.blogspot.com

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Read my Agenda at www.GeorgeWimmer.com

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To subscribe to my e-mail updates
write to george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

Candidate Forum

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Candidate Forum will be October 12th 7pm at the Isanti Middle School. City Council, Mayoral and Sheriff candidates will be present.

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Everyone should try to attend no matter who you support. This gives a great opportunity to see Candidates in action. This is a forum not a debate. The difference is Candidates can not ask each other questions or challenge each others answers. I wish someone would hold a debate so we can a more in depth process.

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The other limitation will be time. Only a few questions and answer will be given since there are so many Council Candidates. Another good reason to bring the primary process to Isanti.

I hope everyone can make it to this important Candidate Forum.