Erika Zdon for School Board

I hope everyone gets out and votes for Erika Zdon for School Board. A common sense person who will do what she believes is right for our District. there currently is not a single person from the City of Isanti on the School Board.... Erika can be the person from Isanti that will represent the whole District.

County Star Article - Projection: Minnesota cities will be broke by 2015

Interesting article regarding the League of Minnesota Cities report that all cities could be bankrupt by 2015. Cambridge ran budget projects that stated they would be broke by 2015 if they did not raise taxes over the next several years. It is an important article detailing the tremendous challenges we all face.

http://www.isanti-chisagocountystar.com/detail/60962.html?content_source=&category_id=2&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=stories&town_id=

Meeting with Matt Entenza

Was an interesting meeting with Matt Entenza yesterday at People's Cafe in Cambridge. We discussed many topics from local government to health care. It lasted an hour and many local officials regardless of party affiliations attended. As a Mayor we go and listen/speak when we have this type of opportunity.  He seemed to have a pretty good grasp of the issues and listened well.

Main Street Rail Crossing Mess

The City was informed that the Main Street Rail crossing will not be fixed till fall. The BNSF had originally planned to have it done this week but then called the City and said they wanted to do it a week earlier before anyone could be notified or the other subcontractors could be in place. BNSF is extremely difficult to work with and had it been my decision I would have gotten it done when it was offered because unfortunately the city has zero leverage with such a large entity as the railroad. The decision was made by staff and I understand the reasoning but we now still have a terrible rail crossing and I have very little faith we will get this issue resolved in a timely fashion.

***** just got an update that it should happen in September with a 1 days notice. This means that at any point in September we will be notified it will happen the next day******

I want to Stand on my Chair and Yell

Going through the numbers for the sewer and water fund that were tied to the city's debt load and east 65 expansion. The way this was funded by the City and not the developer has hurt Isanti terribly. I voted against this and was also against the city's use of eminent domain to steal land for the use of the development.

I just want to stand on my chair and scream sometimes when I have to fix the problems I warned everyone about. The people that made these horrific decisions are gone but the legacy of destruction will haunt Isanti for years to come. I will have to shoulder the responsibility and blame for fixing these ills. I will be writing more about this as time goes on. My summer and fall will be used up dealing with these issues and very little for campaigning. I have no other choice but to fix Isanti even if I am left behind in the aftermath.

We need to be very clear ****** Isanti can not afford any more crazy spending******* We have a $500,000 hole from non-paid taxes and assessments plus the loss of roughly $500,000 in LGA over the past few budget years. Our total general fund budget is $3,300,000. We are faced with this 30% loss of revenue for 2011. Add the shrinking property tax valuations, terrible financial decisions of past Councils, non-paid taxes/assessments and the State failing to pay us the money owed and you will understand my great frustration with those that promise to spend even more money on fun toys.....

Tax by any other Name

We are in the political season when self-professed fiscal conservatives are using terms like new revenue and investments for the future to mask tax increases. At least be honest and say you are going to raises taxes. I am also concerned by the number of new projects that are being proposed and the candidates proposing them not saying how they will be funded.

This is a critical year to make sure we elected serious candidates who can do the job. Not people that promise a pony in every yard and rainbows in every sky.

Signs Signs Signs

Signs can go up August 1st. If you are willing to host a Mayor Wimmer sign please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com or 763-442-8749.

Minnesota State Government Runs out of Cash

Our incompetent State government is reported to run out of cash in July. The State is looking to do expensive short term borrowing and even more delayed payments. There is plenty of blame for all sides and all political parties but the end result is the same. Taxpayers will have to pay more to get less because of this horrible situation.

The City of Isanti faces tough times and will have to make up for the lies and non-payment of tax revenue due us from the state. We have lower property values, State stealing our tax dollars and the state now charging us for such things as the water we use to fight fires. Our planning has given us a financial cushion to soften the blow but if the state continues their incompetent government we will all suffer.

Where oh where are the Candidates

As of today the only candidates for State Senate, Representative and Sheriff that have discussed Isanti issues with me are Senator Olseen, Representative candidate Jim Godfrey and Sheriff Monson. I hope the rest will show some interest in our great City. If other candidates discuss City issue with me I will let you know and add their website links. We have a lot of excellent candidates out there.... hope they come and discuss the collective issues of the nearly 6,000 people we represent.

http://www.senatorrickolseen.com/

http://votejimgodfrey.com/

http://www.russmonsonforsheriff.com/

Pictures from the Dunk Tank - Kids Day - Outhouse Races

Before the Water Treatment Plant this water was brown 2 years ago - A great success

At the Lions Corn Feed

Pig Roast to Parade

We had over 50 people in the parade with us today. So much fun

Dunk the Mayor

Saturday morning you have a great opportunity to dunk the Mayor. I will be sitting in the Ambassadors' Dunk Tank to help raise funds.

Isanti Rodeo/Jubilee Days

Isanti Rodeo/Jubilee Days kicks off with the Parade Thursday night. The full Schedule of events is at http://www.isantichamber.com/ and http://isantifiredistrict.org/isanti_rodeo_assc_

Do not miss the Community Picnic on Friday at Community Pride Bank and the great free rides and events on Saturday in our revitalized Downtown.

Anyone still wanting to join us for great fun during the parade contact me asap george@georgewimmer.com or 763-442-8749.....