About Me

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I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Candidate Forum Update

I am working on getting the audio from the forum up on the website and will let you know if that is a success....converting the file right now.

My favorite line was uttered by my opponent and I quote: "Mayor Wimmer is doing an excellent job....is great with numbers... and is very good with the Budget"

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

George,

After reading a comment regarding the forum last evening, I wanted to post a rebuttal to the comment that I didn't think taxes were a problem. I believe I stated that I haven't heard a lot of comments from the citizens that taxes were a problem. Also, as a result of this comment, I was prompted to review my tax statements for the past six years. While the "Total Market Value of my home has increased 35 percent during that period, my county portion of the taxes reflect a one percent decrease. At the same time, the Bradford Township portion has increased 10.8 percent and the school portion, 16 percent. I do not feel that we can continue to increase taxes in our county. We do need to find ways to hold the line on taxes -- again without sacrificing essential services.

Gail Genin
District 3 County Commissioner Candidate

Anonymous said...

It seemed like Gail Genin's main points were:

She is qualified for the position because she can commit a lot of time for the position. Yes or No?

And she has no agenda. That sounds familiar to a campaign in the past. Maybe Alan Duff 2006???

Gail just stated in this blog that taxes had a 1-point decrease. That is false. Everyone remembers just last year when we got out tax statements our property values rose considerably according to the County, when the market was crashing and our houses all lost 20-30% of their value. The county raised taxes and the property value. How much will the county taxes be this year due to property values? We need to stop this. Is Gail the answer to stop this?

Can Gail Genin help Isanti? Isanti has not had a representation in the county level for a quarter of a century. It is about time Isanti has some representation.

Anonymous said...

An overwhelming majority of residents and business owners have expressed their concerns about their high taxes to me. I have heard those concerns and have made that my #1 goal as Isanti County Comissioner. In the past 2 years, both Isanti County and Bradford Township taxes have INCREASED by over 10% while Isanti City taxes have DECREASED 14%.

My goal of a ZERO Increase in Isanti County taxes my first year in office is based on a thorough examination of our $33M County budget, including state-manadated programs and discretionary programs which can be streamlined for more efficiencies.

In the midst of our nation's economic crisis, I do NOT believe this is the time to further add burdens to our local tax-payers.

Alan Duff
Isanti County Commissioner candidate, District 3

Anonymous said...

I have also heard a resounding no more tax increases from the fine folks that I have gotten to know on the campaign trail.

The county board raised the levy by 3% this year and last raided the reserve fund so that they did not need to. The valuation increases covered the balance of the out of control spending. Now, in the worst economy since the great depression we are caught without a rainy day fund.

Since my opponent Kurt Daudt took office, county taxes have gone up 15.4%!

I have compiled 53 ideas on how to cut the county budget in areas that we have control over. Buildings and grounds, the county fleet and personnel management are high priorities on this list.

It can be found at: www.jaysenguthmueller.net/issues

Jaysen Guthmueller
Isanti County Candidate for District 4
Athens, Stanford and Spencer Brook Townships

Anonymous said...

I find it interesting that Jaysen Guthmueller goes on and on about his big 53 ideas pitch. If anyone actually researched these "brilliant" ideas, they'd realize the COSTS to convert the county fleet to alternative fuels will cost way more than the county would save.
There is just so many of these 53 "ideas" that are just so silly they're laughable! Deputies driving motorcycles? That'd be practical considering Minnesota weather. So now instead of purchasing one vehicle, you have to buy two. Any idea how much a police motorcycle costs? How about upkeep?
There are so many others...paperless offices. Well, news to you perhaps, but many of the offices in the county are already heading in that direction. It isn't possible for a government office to 100% paperless.
It would take way more space and wasted energy to tackle each and every single issue on this "53 Ideas" rubbish on this blog. Look for a complete story in local newspapers.

George said...

I will assume that you are meaning Mr. Guthmueller's website is rubbish not my blog....

Anonymous said...

Yes of course, George. I am a BIG supporter of you. Keep up the good work and congrats on winning another term as Mayor.

Anonymous said...

On my Blog I have responded to the articles written by the Star and Isanti County News. Please check it out www.rosslorinser.blogspot.com and my web site: www.lower-isanti-taxes.com

Thank you Please vote November 4th.

Anonymous said...

Dear Anonymous,

With 40% savings off of pump prices and government incentives, the cost of conversion would be paid for in a short amount of time and from that point on the county would be saving tax dollars.

Your numerous deptartments going paperless, according to the county board minutes is actually just the county board minutes themselves.

You are purposely missing the intent of these ideas. It is all about getting everyone to start thinking along these lines to help reduce county spending.

Also, it appears that you are using county resources to try and help keep my opponent in office? I don't think that the tax payers would approve of such behavior.

I have receieved numerous supportive emails from Isanti County tax payers that wonder where this type of leadership has been.

It was also very noticable that you did not take on the tax increases over the last four years or the fact that the board virtually depleted the reserve account last year to avoid increasing the levy rate.

So don't throw the baby out with the bath water and please join the movement to help make Isanti County a better and more affordable place to live.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaysen Guthmueller
Candidate District #4
Athens, Spencer Brook and Stanford Townships

Dan Collison said...

I think that would be great if the county ran flex fuel patrol cars and pick-ups. $1.99 vs $2.54 today! Thats a no brianer to me. I run E-85 in my personal truck and it saves me money and supports the farmers at the same time. I only wish it was more available in this area. Cambridge has been replacing their patrol cars with flex fuel cars as they come due for replacement. I am a mechanic on these vehicles and I know there is no added maintainence expense. Far as motorcycles go, 50mpg during the warmer months or 15mpg. The county can purchase at minimum two motorcycles for the price of one patrol car, outfitted price that is. To me this is a no brainer too. Way to go Jason! Any way we can save money it will save tax payers money in the long term. Thats what we need.

Anonymous said...

At least Jayson has the balls to stand up and try to make a difference. This dumb a__ taking a shot at him probably wants his taxes raised again, but can't understand why it keeps happening. You get who you vote for!!