Board and Commission Reform Explained

Isanti has a diverse population of home and business owners. We have all walks of life in our 5,100 population. I believe our Citizens should serve on all boards and commissions. If those that live outside the City limits want to help improve Isanti I encourage them to give expert opinions and advice on whatever topic they choose to help with.

I do believe it is also appropriate for someone living in Tier one to be able to serve on boards and commissions. Tier one is a zone around Isanti that is not yet part of the City but the City has zoning control. The people who live in this area are impacted directly by City decisions and should have the opportunity to be represented.

Eliminating Conflicts of Interest is the key to fair and transparent government. We must ensure each and every citizen and Taxpayer, rich or poor has the exact same voice in the decision making process.

All appointed members of boards and commissions should be required to participate in continuing education. The laws and regulations pertaining to City ordinances and policies change yearly. Economic Development and planning constantly evolve. It is important we give our appointed members all the tools necessary to make the correct decisions for Isanti.

The Economic Development Authority should be made apart of the Isanti City Council. Dramatic reform needs to occur in this area. Our Downtown and Industrial Park need a dramatic retooling.

The process currently of giving $1 an acre land with tax abatement to businesses providing a few $8 an hour jobs must end. We need to change the existing land granting and wage/job goals of our industrial park. We must retool to attract larger job and tax generating businesses.

The second part of this process is to work in partnership with a reinvigorated Chamber of Commerce. I would like to see Chamber input into planning/zoning, economic development and City tax and fee policy and receive advice on the types of businesses to attract to Isanti.

Another reform to Boards and Commissions is defined terms and rotation of members at the end of terms. The Planning Commission is an open ended appointment. We should have defines terms and open the seat up to the application process. This does not mean that the current member whose term is ending can not reapply. The current custom is simply to ask if the person wants to stay and if so they may stay until they wish to leave. This also seems to apply to the Park and Recreation Board.

The EDA members have set terms. If the EDA is not rolled into the Council these terms should follow the above stated process.

If this reform occurs it will open the process to all that want to serve this great City.

Any questions or comments please let me know. Only together can we make Isanti a community for generation.