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.