Another Success

I wanted to highlight another success on our reform agenda. For years the City Council has leased City property for farming with no competitive bid process. I moved last year to change this but unfortunately staff did not get the bidding process prepared in time for 2008. I personally dogged the issue this year and the bid package was prepared. The results are even better than I could have hoped for.

The previous payment was $2898 or $35 per acre. The high bid for 2009 was $7,310.50 or $89 per acre. This is a success and helps add revenue to the City in a time it is desperately needed. We need to change the mentality of doing business as usual. This is the real benefit beyond the dollars gained.

We can add this to our long record of achievements in just 20 months in office. To learn more goto:

http://georgewimmer.com/record.html

We are making great progress moving Isanti forward into a better tomorrow. In 41 days we will be asked to keep progress going or vote to return to the dark days of the past. The days when City debt grew per person from $400 to $2,5000 - when City taxes grew by 87% - when developer friends were subsidized at the expense of taxpayers - when in the face of rising crime a $56k administrative assistant was chosen over a police officer - when a 70 year old couple could be robbed through the use of eminent domain of their lifelong nest egg - when the public trust is shattered by my opponent by the use of a City credit card for personal use and the filing of a mileage reimbursement for a trip that was never driven.

This is the record of my opponent. The 10 years my opponent has served on the City Council has been marred by these poor decisions as well as voting to keep an ineffectual city administrator and City engineering firm that was not full filling the needs of our community.

Thankfully we have been able to move our City forward. We were able to hire a great City Administrator and City Engineer. We have been able to correct a number of the past failings in the last 20 months but much more needs to be done.

We have an opportunity to continue to improve the Council and City Government. Our track record speaks for itself. What part of my record does Ms. Larson not like:

• 14% Tax Cut
• First time in modern history cut in city spending
• Ending their years of exploding budgets
• Making residential development finally pay for itself
• Long Term Financial Plan
• Stronger ethics and conflict of interest policy
• My vote to replace our former City Engineer
• My repeated votes to protect Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods
• My fight against their use of Eminent Domain to hurt a 74 year old couple by taking their property rights and using them to help their friend Brian Iverson.
• Challenging Mr. Johnson for a conflict of interest when he was voting on Brian Iverson issues even though he had been working for Iverson.
• Catching Ms. Larson filing a bogus expense report to be paid for a trip she never drove.
• My votes to block wasteful spending
• My votes blocking the needless spending of $2,000,000 to replace the existing liquor store, adding debt and having the harmful affect of raising taxes to fund this construction because the liquor store fund would have been completely drained except for operational funds.
• My vote to add police protection and the 17% cut in crime
• My vote to protect our Citizens from cancer causing water
• My push to lower our water rates
• My work to bring in high paying jobs
• The over 300 new Jobs in Isanti since my swearing in. Isanti had 1132 at the end of 2006 and as of June 2008 we had over 1460, a 29% increase in 18 months. This number will only grow with Isanti Retail Meats and the High paying jobs of Ever Cat Fuels
• Working along with Landmark Bank and City staff to bring Ever Cat Fuels to Isanti and our being awarded the Economic Development Association of Minnesota's Business Recruitment Award. Raising Isanti's profile throughout the state as a City where businesses want to go.
• My work to market our city
• Tax Abatement and Revolving Loan Fund to promote business growth
• My work on the Isanti Retail Meats as a future lynch pin for Downtown
• My creation of the Mayor's Great Yard Award to honor our Citizens great work
• My creation of the Mayor's Employer Recognition Award and Lunch
• My development of the new Isantian
• Transparency in government so the rich and powerful do not rule the City but each Citizen has an equal voice
• and on and on and on

We have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. We need to make sure we continue our reforms and do not allow the mistakes of the past to darken our brighter tomorrow.

Puck Drop

Shaking hands just before the Puck Drop

Heart Breaker for Owls

Behind the scenes with the Color Guard

Great Crowd

Hudson Crusader Bench

Great fast action tonight

Home Crowd Cheering our Owls

Our hometown Owls lost a heart breaker tonight 6-5 in a shootout. It was a great night of hockey and they made it exciting. We had a huge crowd and we need to keep coming out to cheer our home team on. They are now 1-1 and have scored 15 goals in 2 games.

To learn more about the Owls go to http://www.minnesotaowls.com/

MnDot delays 65/5 Project

MnDot just informed the City that the 65/5 intersection project has been delayed till next year. The initial word is that the signal light polls will not be in on time. What type of incompetence is there that we find this out 3 days before the project is to start. The pre-construction meeting was held and everything was a go at that time. 

The City and School District has spent quite a bit of time, energy and dollars preparing for this important project. I have communicated my frustration with our legislators and MnDot. 

MnDot's Press Release

Minnesota Department of Transportation

News Release

Sept. 19, 2008

Contact: Judy Jacobs, Communications - 218-828-5706

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Highway 65 turn lane, traffic signal installation in Isanti delayed until spring 

ST. CLOUD, Minn. - ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Work on Highway 65 in the city of Isanti, scheduled to begin Sept. 22, will be postponed until spring 2009 because of a delay in materials shipments from a supplier, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said today.  

The project includes installation of a new dual-turn lane on the northbound lanes of Highway 65 and the replacement of a traffic signal system at the intersection of Highway 65 and Isanti County Road 5. The delivery of the traffic signal system is not expected to arrive until December.

"We regret the delay on this important highway improvement project, and ask for the public's understanding and patience," said Cal Puttbrese, Mn/DOT district construction engineer.

Utility work on the shoulder will be completed this fall as planned, with no anticipated impact on traffic, Puttbrese said.

Knife River Corporation of Sauk Rapids is the prime contractor for this $750,000 safety improvement project. Work is expected to begin May 1, 2009.

For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information, visit www.511mn.org. 

Work Zones. Pay Attention or Pay the Price.

####

Historic Main Street Picnic

Isanti's Historic Main Street Revitalization One Year Anniversary Picnic

Where: Main Street in front of the Mural

When: Noon - 2:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 26

What: Free Picnic, Mural Dedication, Presentation to the City

Please bring your own lawn chairs.

Picnic Sponsored by: Community Pride Bank

Questions please call Jan Peterson of the Chamber of Commerce at 763-444-8515 or Jaysen Guthmueller at 763-444-4554

Communities Investing In Families Repost/More Information

Click to Enlarge

Why we need my Isanti Initiatives

The latest national housing numbers show we are still trending downward in housing. The number of building permits for single-family homes dropped to a 26 year low. Actual new home starts fell to a 17 year low. The permit number is a good indication of future new home starts. I mention this to reinforce the fact that we will be dealing with the negative impact of the housing collapse for several more years. 

This is one of the main reasons for my Long Term Financial Plan and budget strategy. Fiscal discipline is important in any economy but doubly so in our current situation. We must continue to be aggressive in growing our business community as this is the key to future success. 

We must also embrace my Isanti Initiatives such as using our City website to conduct business. We need to allow application and payment for everything from building permits to dog licenses. Most of our residents are unable to come to City Hall between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm and must take time away from work. Doing this will cut the need for City staff time saving money for our Taxpayers. We should be looking at doing what many cities and government agencies have done - retrofitting our vehicle fleet to natural gas. This can help save fuel cost and is more feasible for a group of vehicles that can fill at a central location. We need to work with our surrounding cities and county to do cooperative buying to lower overall cost from everything from office supplies to road repair materials. 

We must change the way we look at how we do business as a City. There are many efficiencies to be gained and tax dollars saved. The possibilities are endless if only we are open to change and not locked into doing business as usual. 

We have had great success in bringing in new businesses to Isanti and growing jobs, services and tax base. We must prove we as a City are good stewards of the taxes paid by residents and businesses alike. 

Candidate Forum

Thursday, October 9th the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Candidate Forum at the Isanti Middle School Auditorium from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Should be an interesting evening. 

September 16th Council Update

I had the great privilege tonight to honor our Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels program. The Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Catholic Charities, Glenda Reynolds and all the volunteers should be recognized as providing a vital service to the City of Isanti.

I invited the Minnesota Owls to tonight's council meeting so the Council could officially welcome them to our great community. I will be dropping the first puck at Saturday's home opener - I told the Owls that I threw out the first pitch for the Redbirds and they went deep into the playoffs so I have high expectations. Having the Owls and their 24 home games plus playoff games will add tremendously to our City. The Owls will be working with our youth hockey league. I am excited to have the Owls in Isanti. Check out their website - http://www.minnesotaowls.com/

We finished a few items the Council has been working on for some time. The Council approved $309,050.75 to correct deficiencies in Iverson's developments. This work is to be completed this fall to bring the projects into compliance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and City requirements. 

The Council agreed to an agreement regarding the Bike/Walk Trail between Isanti and Cambridge. The agreement covers design, construction and maintenance of the trail. The Council confirmed my appointment to represent the City of Isanti on a joint Advisory Committee that will oversee the project and future trail operation. The trail is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

The Council approved a design change in the Water Treatment Plant that will save the City approximately $85,000 per year in operation cost. The Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to be pumping treated water by the fall of 2009. 

Pic from Music Fest

Announcing participants and the winner of the Governor's Chili Cook off, with a little help from our Ambassadors. S.T.A.R.T. is in the back ground - they were fantastic. 

More and more stolen Signs

Unfortunately it appears the idea that it is just random "kids" stealing my signs does hold up in the recent events. My signs are stolen and others it is flanking are left in place. It is silly to steal signs since it really fires up the people who had them stolen. I placed 6 more signs out yesterday, 3 of which were requested after neighbors had their signs stolen. If the signs did not cost so much I would not be concerned.

Communities Investing In Families

Click to enlarge

Isanti Fall Music Fest

The Isanti Fall Music Fest will be held from 2pm to 11pm Saturday, September 13th at the Rodeo Grounds. I am honored to give the official welcome and will have a campaign booth throughout the event.

Sponsored by the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce.

Crafters 2-6pm

Governor's Deer Opener Chili Showdown 3-6pm

Skate Board competition and demonstration 4-6pm

Chicken poop roulette 2-6pm-----it is a sight to see

Cupcake Walk 2-6pm

Moonwalk 2-6pm

S.T.A.R.T. classic rock band 6-8pm

Christina Rayne Band 8-11pm

Vendors and games will also be offered throughout the day.

Food vendors include:

Isanti Lions - hot dogs and nachos and cheese

Olimae's - corn roasting and mini donuts

SugarPie Concessions - misc (hot dogs, brats, mini donuts, chips, pop, water, etc)

The Taco Shoppe - deep fried tacos

Cooties - pronto pups and beverages

Pizza Man - assorted pizza

MOCA 99 Axillary - sloppy joes, baked beans

The Concession Monkeys - misc (brats, hot dogs, all the usual)

Primary Results

The results as reported are:

County Commissioner---top 2 move on

Candidate---Bradford----Isanti------Total

Alan Duff---------51--------165-------216--35%

Gail Genin-------99--------65--------164--27%

Tom Anderson--73--------32--------105--17%

Ralph Johnson--42--------28---------70--11%

Tim Swanson----41--------23---------64--10%

City Council-------top 4 move on

Jeff Kolb---------181---35%

Ross Lorinser---129---25%

Jim Kennedy----99----19%

Steve Rask-------84---16%

John Booth------24----5%

Primary Update

As of 2:45 pm today there were only 152 voters that cast ballots in the City of Isanti. In the 2006 election nearly 1300 Citizens cast their ballots in the November general election. This year the numbers should shatter that mark.

If you want your candidate on the ballot this fall you need to vote for them today. 

Isanti Retail Meats Pictures

Isanti Retail Meats' Drawing

Telling the Isanti Retail Meats Story

Group picture showing the link with the School District and County

Go Vote

The Primary election is Tuesday. Decisions are made by those who show up. Primaries have one thing in common, incredibly low turnout. Your vote matters in all elections but perhaps even more in a primary. We all have different candidates we support and desire their victory. Get out and support your candidates and vote.

Website Issues Resolved

Website issue taken care of.

Website Issues

Website Issues.

I am having the site host look into why my website is not working. I hope this issue with get fixed ASAP. 

Isanti Retail Meats Ground Breaking

We are breaking ground today at 30 West Main St for the new Isanti Retail Meats. This is an exciting project that will lead to further economic renewal in our Historic Downtown. I am proud to have been working on this project from its inception last year. Past chamber President Jaysen Guthmueller and I had visited the owner of Isanti Custom Meats as part of our business retention and expansion visits.

The first words out of the owners mouth is what did I do wrong. He was assured that we were there to help him and only wanted to know what he needed. He was excited by this new approach to Isanti businesses. He talked about having a retail outlet in Downtown Isanti to accompany his existing business. City staff and I worked on this immediately. 

Now a little over a year later the project is ready to break ground. Seems long to some but in this economy the fact we are able to continue to grow our City's business sector in a downtown is borderline historic. 

Isanti Retail Meats will add much needed jobs, services and traffic to continue to move forward into a better future for all our Citizens. 

September 2nd Council Meeting Audio

The audio is up from the Septmeber 2nd Council meeting, including the budget debate, at

http://www.cityofisanti.us/govern_citycouncil_audio.php .

I hope everyone takes the time to listen.

2009 Budget Update

We had an active meeting tonight debating the budget and levy. There were many strong opinions shared but it was all done in a respectful and professional manner. The audio should be posted in a day or two on the City website (www.cityofisanti.us) so you will be able to listen first hand. The Finance Committee which is composed of select city staff, CM Kolb and myself worked the last few months on several budget scenarios. The scenarios had a 3% increase, 0% increase and a 3% decrease to help frame the different options and cuts that would be needed to match the different levels of spending.

I recommended that we pass the 3% decrease option with two additional changes. The first change was to use the technology fund, which is financed by the cable franchise and not tax dollars, to pay for the $14, 245 in technology improvements for 2009. The other item was a bit more difficult. I recommended that the City no longer fund the Administrative Assistant position in 2009. Eliminating this position would save the City $56,000 in 2009. The 3% decrease option already had the elimination of a PT police secretary position. 

In 2007 we eliminated one of the two building inspector positions because of the decrease in activity. I followed the same logic in trimming these cost.  Both positions were hired in 2006 when city activity had already been on the decline. I voted against adding extra staffing at the time for the same reason I recommend that we cut the positions tonight. It was made clear tonight that this in no way  reflects on the individual people holding these positions but that this was a financial decision. 

I discussed that Isanti needs to reduce spending to live within our means. I used the example of our surrounding cities and their budgets compared to their tax bases. I used the 2007 numbers for East Bethel, Cambridge, North Branch and Isanti.

East Bethel $4.6 million budget and a tax base of $11.6 million or a 40% budget/tax base ratio.

*

North Branch $4 million budget and a tax base of $9.6 million or a 42% budget/tax base ratio.

*

Cambridge $5.6 million budget and a tax base of $7.5 million or a 76% budget/tax base ratio.

*

Isanti $3.5 million budget and a tax base of $3.9 million or a 90% budget/tax base ratio.

I have used many different numbers and examples to illustrate why Isanti needs to cut spending and reduce our tax and fee burden on our residents and felt this ratio really shows how Isanti stands out compared to our region. 

After much discussion CM Kolb and Duff motioned and seconded the necessary Council resolutions for the budget and levy to be passed. Many difficult decisions had to be made but the final votes were unanimous.

One more word on property taxes. I have for years tried to stress that essential regressive nature of property taxes. This means rich or poor you pay the same rate. Property taxes hurt the poor the hardest. Many of our working families feel the dramatic pain of increased property taxes whether it comes from a higher levy rate or a higher assessed value from the county assessor. Property taxes are one of those issues that our state's political parties agree needs to be fixed even if they do not see the same solution. We need to protect our tax payers, especially those among us that are most vulnerable, our seniors on fixed incomes that can be quickly taxed out of their homes. 

Now the good news. We have cut spending and taxes each of my 2 years as Mayor. Spending was cut by 3% and the levy rate was cut from 59.886% to 55.51%. The levy rate cut equates to a realized 7% City property tax cut if your 2008 and 2009 assessed value stays the same. Last year I promised to work to lower taxes from the 65% rate we had when I was sworn in to the state average of 55% in 3 years. We are but a fraction of the way there in just 2 years. I promised to cut spending and work to have Isanti live within it's means - we are well on our way. 

Another piece of good news is that we were able to keep an enhanced economic development marketing program in place. We will have more resources to continue to attract businesses to Isanti and those new businesses will enjoy lower tax rates along with the rest of the residents of our great City.

Stolen Signs

Another few days of stolen signs. Looks to be about 2 dozen from at least 4 different candidates... If you have had a sign stolen please let the candidate know so they may replace if possible.

Please report anyone who has stolen signs as this is not only harmful and costly to a candidate it is also limiting the free speech of the property owner. 

September 9th Primary Repost

The September 9th primary will play a critical role in City politics. The primary will reduce the Council contenders from 5 to 4 and more dramatically the field of 5 Commissioner candidates to 2. Turnout will be the name of the game so I thought I would pass on a few stats:

Minnesota had a 78% turnout in the last presidential election year in 2004. This is a great rate which we will most likely beat this year. Primaries however are a bit more lackluster. When only a U.S. Senate race is in contention and no governors race on the primary ballot the turnout is just 17%.

In 2004 Commissioner Pagel received 1206 out of 1594 total votes cast in Isanti and 1487 out of 1904 in Bradford in an uncontested race.

The area has grown considerably in the past 4 years and the City of Isanti total vote share has increased. But if we simply extrapolate the 2004 numbers and take 17% of the total votes cast we end up with only 595 votes deciding the primary. Each voter will be asked to vote for 1 candidate in the Commissioner race and 2 in the Council race in the primary. Each candidate will have to work hard to get their voters to the polls. I hope this energizes the district into greater voter turnout as our Citizens takes a look at each candidate and what they have to offer.

Our participatory democracy only works if we participate by knowing the issues, candidate history, candidate positions and then go vote.

Commissioner Poll Results

I want to first state this is not a scientific poll but a fun exercise. Remember the primary is September 9th. Polls open in the City at 7am and close at 8pm. Decisions are made by those that show up.

Alan Duff-----------136---44%

Gail Genin----------85---28%

Timothy Swanson-48---16%

Thomas Anderson-19---6%

Ralph Johnson-----18---6%

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day

The last 2 days have been filled welcoming back and thanking our wonderful teachers and staff. I had the honor of speaking at the official welcome back to District teachers and staff Wednesday morning at the High School in Cambridge.

Today at Community Pride Bank's welcome back lunch for Isanti teachers and staff I presented our 3 school principals with Mayoral Proclamations. I would like to thank Community Pride Bank for hosting an amazing thank you to our hard working teachers and staff.

Isanti Redbirds

The Isanti Redbirds, our great hometown team, continue their great run.

http://isanticountynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4156&Itemid=1

Their website:

http://hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=ISANTIREDBIRDS&t=c&s=baseball&p=home

We are all so proud of their hard work.

My Record

My Record

Economic Reform

• I created the Finance Committee to work on our fiscal issues.
• My budget for 2008 reduced spending for the first time in Isanti's modern history, allowing us to cut property taxes.
• Proposed and passed a Long Term Financial Plan to guide Isanti's fiscal decisions.
• Passed in 2007, the City Council will now know the full impact of their spending decisions in each budget year.
• We passed development fees in 2007 that will for the first time make development pay for itself. No longer will residents of Isanti subsidize development through taxes and fees.
• We passed a Tax Abatement and a Revolving Loan Fund to help spur more commercial growth.
• Over 300 new jobs since my swearing in, a 29% increase in job growth.
• Chamber of Commerce President and I meet with City businesses to thank them for their hard work and dedication to Isanti. We also listen to any concerns or questions. Our personal visits have retained businesses in Isanti and helped foster several business expansions.
• In 2007 we had 15 new and relocated businesses in Isanti.
• Employer Recognition Awards to propmote Isanti businesses.
• The last 18 months has seen great commercial growth in Downtown Isanti with new businesses, relocations and the planned Isanti Retail Meats. This will be a meat and cheese market that will also provide everything from rotisserie chickens, all kinds of side dishes and catering. Isanti Custom Meats will continue to operate in their current location. Isanti Retail Meats planned for 30 West Main St.
• Our hard work is paying off with the locating of the revolutionary/green technology company Ever Cat Fuels in Isanti. This company will provide high paying jobs, greater business travel, increase the tax base and help solve our nations energy crisis.
• 
  Responsible City Government

• Proposed and passed the first codified rules and procedures for the City Council, Boards and Commissions.
• My Development Impact List was put into full force. This tool provides the Planning Commission and Council an itemized list of the complete impact of each development. For the first time true cost can be assessed to a project.
• We passed a new Comprehensive Plan that is no longer tied to a specific time frame but to the growth of our population. We have set the future land uses and borders of a fully developed City. This allows us to plan our future instead of reacting to others.
• I created the Mayor's Great Yard Award to thank those that do an outstanding job creating and maintaining their yards. The top three each month receive a certificate and cash reward.
• I have made protecting our distinct and historic Isanti neighborhoods a priority. We must be flexible enough in our planning and road improvements so as not to destroy our history and city character.
• Improving City communications with our Citizens and Taxpayers is critical to our success. We have created a new City website as an economic development tool. Our City website also has all the information I intended for my Residential Handbook in the Resident section. The newly redesigned Isantian is in full color and through our innovation of selling ads we are able to lower the cost and increase the value to our Citizens and Taxpayers.
• We have started the Board and Commission reforms by having the Council directly interviewing and selecting the members.
• 
  Citizen Safety
• We have been working on a water treatment plant to eliminate the high levels of cancer causing radium. The planning and design are complete and the construction is scheduled to be finished in 2009. An added benefit will be the tremendous reduction of the iron and manganese in our water which causes the hardness and discoloration.
• We have improved policing with the purchase of an integrated communication system so our officers are able to access information on the County and State levels.
• We hired a Police Lt and Patrol Officer position.
• We replaced a high maintenance squad car with a new one that is less costly to maintain and more fuel efficient.
• Crime rates went down in 2007.
• Our pedestrian bridge project crossing Hwy 65 has received Federal and State support. The intersection of Hwy 5 and Hwy 65 is the 8th worse in Minnesota as disclosed by MnDot. This pedestrian bridge will link the east and west side of Isanti's Hwy 65 commercial districts. This landmark will distinguish us from all other cities along this busy state highway.

Email Updates

If you want email updates for the blog email me at George@georgewimmer.com

You will be added to the confidential email update list.

September 9th Primary

The September 9th primary will play a critical role in City politics. The primary will reduce the Council contenders from 5 to 4 and more dramatically the field of 5 Commissioner candidates to 2. Turnout will be the name of the game so I thought I would pass on a few stats:

Minnesota had a 78% turnout in the last presidential election year in 2004. This is a great rate which we will most likely beat this year. Primaries however are a bit more lackluster. When only a U.S. Senate race is in contention and no governors race on the primary ballot the turnout is just 17%.

In 2004 Commissioner Pagel received 1206 out of 1594 total votes cast in Isanti and 1487 out of 1904 in Bradford in an uncontested race.

The area has grown considerably in the past 4 years and the City of Isanti total vote share has increased. But if we simply extrapolate the 2004 numbers and take 17% of the total votes cast we end up with only 595 votes deciding the primary. Each voter will be asked to vote for 1 candidate in the Commissioner race in the primary and 2 in the Council race. Each candidate will have to work hard to get their voters to the polls. I hope this energizes the district into greater voter turnout as our Citizens takes a look at each candidate and what they have to offer.

Our participatory democracy only works if we participate by knowing the issues, candidate history, candidate positions and then go vote.

Letters of Credit

The City is drawing letters of credit for numerous Iverson developments to fix the many Minnesota Pollution Control issues along with unfinished projects. We have met with the banks involved and paraphrasing one bank official 'every dollar they have to spend is a dollar they lost on backing the developer'.

This is a situation none of the banks involved wanted to be in but they have all now complied with their agreements. The failing infrastructure will be fixed and projects like the paving of 3rd by the Soccer Fields can finally move forward.

I hope this will be the final page of a sad chapter in Isanti's history.

John Bettendorf

Last night at our Council meeting I read my letter of support of John Bettendorf's nomination for Young Retailer of the Year - which he won. John has brought great honor to the City of Isanti through his hard work and dedication to our community. Following is the text of the letter.

I have had the pleasure of knowing John Bettendorf over the past several years. John’s hard work and dedication to the City of Isanti has made our city stronger. His commitment to the business community as exemplified by his leadership in the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce and the Isanti City Partnership has shown how a young and innovative individual can lift the aspiration of us all. The Isanti City Partnership is a group of city and business leaders that promotes economic development in our community. John brings an energy and knowledge base to each meeting that has helped guide us to ever greater achievements. His leadership within the Chamber of Commerce makes him a natural to take the helm as President in April 2008.

A hardware store in a City of 5,000 is a critical asset. I am in awe of John’s dedication to making the Isanti Hardware Hank a cornerstone of our community. He has improved the service level and product base which has improved not only his reputation but that of our City. John’s dedication to Isanti has shown through with all the time, energy and materials he has donated to community causes. He gives freely of his MC and DJ services at community events, donated paint to our volunteer Community Center remodeling and is taking the lead on a project to improve our downtown even though his own business is not located there. In the few short years John has owned the Hardware Hank he has left and indelible mark upon Isanti and shown how an excellent corporate citizen should behave.

Campaign Update August 19th

Was out last night for a short bit and the reception was once again strong. Continuing to try to catch up with sign request. I want to thank everyone that has asked for a lawn sign. It helps a great deal to hear from supporters. I have been trying to use as much of my time working on the City budget, recruiting businesses and dealing with residential developer aftermath. It is a balancing act to spend as much time as possible on City business and still run an effective campaign.

I had a comment passed on to me about nuisance ordinance. The person had thought it was a close vote that passed last year. It was a 5-0 vote to pass the nuisance ordinance changes that went into affect.

I am hoping to hear soon when the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding their candidate forum. I look forward to see what format this will take.

The next few days after tonight's Council meeting will be dedicated to door knocking. Hope to see you out on the campaign trail.

I will be posting on the details of our Agenda for the Future over the next two months. We have a lot of great things to talk about as we set the course for our future together.

For those worried about future letters to the editor from our opponents, nothing to worry about. Each time our campaign is attacked the readership of the website and blog skyrocket. The more attention that we get even from a divisive letter to the editor helps get our positions out. The best example of this is when Mr. Iverson asked the Council in 2005 to "investigate" my blog. Readership went from only a dozen per week to hundreds. When CM Johnson wrote his letter to the editor at the end of the 2006 Mayoral campaign attacking me, readership again hit another new level and brought in more request for my email updates.

It is like manna from heaven each time they raise the profile of our Campaign. The newspapers reach thousands of readers per issue. Each time we are attacked residents Google my name to find out who this terrible "guy" is and then they reach the website and blog and start reading the history of the last few years. This then generates more supporters. I will defend myself when attacked but anything that continues to generate interest in the election is only good for our campaign.

Many candidates will have many letters written for and against them. In our little piece of the world we are looking at a Presidential, US Senate, US Representative, State Representative, County Commissioner, School Board, City Council and our Mayor's race. The local papers have these along with races in other districts to contend with. There will be much printed and at some point, if not already pasted, voters will be hit with so much clutter very little will be absorbed.

And for all of us candidates - I am reminded of a comment made by an Anoka Commissioner - paraphrasing he said an election tells you exactly how many people don't like you... it is a piece of humility I try to remember....

Council Audio

We now have the Council Audio on the City website. You may listen directly or download the audio. http://www.cityofisanti.us/govern_citycouncil_audio.php

I would love to see the whole City at a Council meeting but we generally only see those that have direct business attend a City Council meeting. I think it is especially important for the good Citizens of Isanti that may not believe what I write here to attend or listen to the audio. One more step in making City Hall more transparent to ones that pay for it.

The local papers try to cover all the main issues at a Council meeting but two problems with that, one you may not agree what is an important issue and two, each paper only has so much space for Council meeting stories.

Check it out, it is not a Hollywood production but it does bring local government one step closer to you.

Last Budget Work Session

Tuesday will be our last budget work session. The Council will then take up the budget at the first Council meeting in September. I will then detail the changes and cuts that will be needed to full fill the next two years of our fiscal goals.

The budget we are putting together for 2009 will need to be another series of spending cuts so the fund balances can be reserved for the 2010 budget. The dramatically reduced property tax collections especially from foreclosed developer property has caused significant harm to Isanti. The trap we have to not fall into is raising taxes on those that are actually paying their taxes to make up for the ones that are not.

We have an opportunity to continue the great work we did last year to keep Isanti on a sound fiscal foot.

Alternative Transportation Day

Alexander And Abigail helping out

Riders at the Isanti Rest Stop

Wagon train moving through Isanti

Best of both worlds

Today in Isanti ended up being alternative transportation day. We had Rum River Classic and the wagon train fund raiser. The wagon train helps raise funds to send handicapped children to camp.

Great morning in Isanti, two events that help raise money for our greater community.

Governor's Deer Hunting Opener

Governor's deer hunting opener will be in Isanti this fall. The incredible Spectacular Events will be hosting a key event in the process. The area Chambers of commerce and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.


http://isanticountynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4101&Itemid=1

August 19th Council Agenda

Here is the link to the Council Agenda for August 19th.

http://www.cityofisanti.us/Trudi/08-19-08-CC%20agn.pdf

We will be honoring John Bettendorf for his recent accomplishment, discussing the 3rd Ave improvement by the soccer fields and pulling about half a dozen letters of credit to finish and or correct numerous Iverson infrastructure issues.

Rum River Classic

August 16, 2008 - Rum River Bicycle Classic

The fantastic Rum River Classic is on tap for Saturday August 16th. The following link gives all the details. I will be operating the Isanti rest stop with Carla Vita and the Isanti Ambassadors. Should be another great weather for all the riders.

http://www.mntrails.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=1292&TM=50472

Council Audio

We now have the Council Audio on the City website. You may listen directly or download the audio.

http://www.cityofisanti.us/govern_citycouncil_audio.php

Ms. Larson's Nonsense

I have read the letter to the editor and Ms. Larson's nonsense response. I was disappointed that the County News did not seem to follow their own policy. I was not mentioned in the original letter to the editor but Ms. Larson brought me up in a derisive tone and I was not afforded the same opportunity she was given to respond. If I respond now Ms Larson will be given another chance at free space to have the last word.

Thankfully her response was filled with a mindless mush of inaccuracy. The Campaigning Couple of Johnson and Larson are but echoes of a bygone era. As echoes fade with time so does the influence of these 2.

I found some of her statements quite revealing. Her first "fact" about conflict of interest was amusing because of her campaign companion. I had challenged Mr. Johnson in years past about his conflict of interest of voting for Mr. Iverson's development projects when he had been working for Mr. Iverson. Ms. Larson did not support my challenge at that time. I hope she will in the future.

Ms. Larson's next statement about how the property taxes are eventually paid is at best incomplete and worst naive. The taxes do eventually get paid but not by the original developer. They are paid by whomever picks up the mess that has been left. The City also has to deal with what could be years of non-paid taxes leading to fewer services or if Ms. Larson had her way higher taxes on the rest of us who actually pay taxes, unlike her developer friend.

I was surprised that Ms. Larson brought up developer fees since she was one of the main reason residential development fees had been so low for so long. These fees are mandated by the state. Ms. Larson's statement makes it appear as if the developer is like Santa Claus handing out gifts from the goodness of his heart on Christmas morning.

The "fact" that developer fees were so low for so long only enriched the developers at the cost of the City. It took an independent audit - which cost us as well - of our fees to finally prove the point I had been making for years that residential development fees were far to low. Some of the lowest in the entire region.

So why should a resident of Isanti care - because we end up paying for it. A classic example is our water treatment plant. The "fact" that developer fees were so low for so long has led to inadequate fund balances for infrastructure improvements needed due to the rapid residential growth. So instead of the developer paying for the needed infrastructure, you and I have to pay high water rates to fund the water treatment plant.

This is only one example of how wrong Ms. Larson is. Another quick example is the hundreds, if not thousands, of hours spent by City staff on our tax payers dime to deal with all the failings of the rapid residential growth we experienced in Isanti.

I was also surprised that Ms. Larson seems to look at the Mayor's position as nothing more than a traffic cop at council meetings. Perhaps this is all she intends to do - but why does she want the position so bad if she thinks so little of it? She is right that a Mayor needs a good Council to get an agenda approved and acted on. Thankfully CMs Duff and Kolb were there to give us the 3-2 margin of victory for our first ever spending and tax cuts in recent Isanti history. Larson and Johnson tried hard to block it but to no avail. When I proposed Long Term Financial Planning, Development fees that cover the cost of development, Development Impact List and spending/tax cuts before becoming Mayor they were rejected by the previous Mayor, Johnson and Larson. Who we elect matters, especially in the Mayor's position.

Council Member Larson’s own 2006 Council re-election campaign material stated 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”. She has not been so transparent in this campaign but her voting record speaks volumes.

Just one more quick note, we should not forget the hundreds that were hurt tremendously last year by a slew of liens placed on individual family homes because Mr. Iverson did not pay his contractors for much of the work he was obligated to do per his agreements with the City. The City has been dragged into this as well since the contractor is now demanding the City pay Mr. Iverson's unpaid bills. More staff and City Attorney's time wasted....guess who is paying for that.

The consequences of Ms. Larson's votes and policies have caused devastation far and wide. Lets not fall for it again.

Council Poll Results

First, this is in no way a scientific poll and their were multiple votes but it was fun to watch the results come in. Here are the votes:

Ross Lorinser ------90-----36%
Jim Kennedy -------79-----31%

Jeff Kolb -----------66-----26%
Steve Rask ---------13-----5%
John Booth---------4-------2%

Poll Change

Two more days left for Council Poll. I will then place a poll for County Commissioner.

Campaign Update

My second day on the campaign trail was tremendous. The response has been overwhelming and I will continue to go neighborhood to neighborhood. I would have preferred to start door knocking several weeks ago but family obligation prevented that. It has actually really worked out well as I hear about the traveling circus of Johnson and Larson trying team up on me in their couples door knocking.

Ms. Larson's Record

http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2008/07/cm-larson-is-running-for-mayor.html

My Record

http://www.georgewimmer.com/record.html

I found it interesting that Johnson has a large sign on Highway 65 on Iverson foreclosed property - this just days after Larson and Johnson voted to continue to protect Iverson and his bank from the City pulling their letter of credit so we can repair the failing infrastructure Iverson is responsible for.

To volunteer

http://www.georgewimmer.com/volunteer.html

To be added to the confidential email update list email me at george@georgewimmer.com

Wake-up Call

As the residents of Isanti can see by the couple signs, there is still support for the combo platter of Larson and Johnson. They will work very hard and we have many new residents that do not know of their past decisions or actions. I need everyone helping and working if we are to overcome their tactics.

Door Knocking

Tonight was my first night door knocking and it was great. The response and support was tremendous. I will be making my way through each neighborhood and making my case for the coming November election. We have gone through all of our new signs and are having to recycle our signs from the past election. We will if necessary purchase more signs as needed. It is a great show of support to see our signs populating the City, this will only grow as we start actively campaigning.

Mayor's Great Yard Award for July

Yes we will work on holding up the awards next time.....

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Landmark funded 1st prize for $100

Isanti Hardware Hank funded 2nd place for $50

Northland Landscaping funded 3rd place for $25

Thank you to all the sponsors for helping us celebrate wonderful yards in Isanti.

Water Treatment Plant Ground Breaking

Isanti County Incomes

I thought it would be good to show where Isanti County is with average incomes. Minnesota incomes grew an average 5.6% and Isanti County grew at 3.1%. To put in another way 83% of all Minnesota Counties had faster average personal income growth. It looks worse when you adjust for inflation. The State is at 1.3% and Isanti County is at .01% "real" income growth when adjusted for inflation.

We are well into the budgeting process and as we have to deal with higher gas, insurance, employee and other, cost we need to realize our Taxpayers have no more money to give. We can not tax our way out of this - simply put we must continue to cut cost as we did last year.

Facts are stubborn things.

August 6th Council Meeting Update

I wanted to follow-up on 3 items from last nights meeting.

The first item was the nuisance abatement of 459 3rd Ave NW. This is a property that has piles of garbage auto parts and numerous cars strewn all over the place. We have been working with the property owner since last October and had 9 visits/ letters to try to get this resolved. The property owner was quite adamant about his position but we could not allow such violations to continue. The Council voted to remove all the violations and then bill the owner. If the owner does not pay this charge then it will be assessed to his property taxes.

The next main item was regarding the many unfinished Iverson projects and his multiple Minnesota Pollution Control Agency violations. The City is in the process of pulling the numerous letters of credit - these are guarantees from banks that if a developer does not complete their municipal improvements the City can demand the bank provide the funding - to complete or correct projects that Mr. Iverson has failed to complete as part of his development agreements. These include roads, trails, holding ponds and so on.

The City has to complete these projects which include the business frontage road east of 65 so further economic development may occur, repairing the trail along 5 that is falling apart and numerous other Minnesota Pollution Control Agency items. We had a bit of debate as the bank holding the funds does not want to release the money. The bank wanted another 30 days for Mr. Iverson to complete the projects but as we discussed at the Council meeting last night there have been numerous broken promises to complete projects in the past.

The developer or the bank has till August 11th to complete before the City pulls this particular letter of credit to complete the issues for Villages on the Rum 3rd Addition. Unfortunately it was a 3-2 vote to pull the letter of credit. CM Duff, Kolb and I voted to pull the letter of credit to repair the crumbling infrastructure and CM Johnson and Larson voted to give Mr. Iverson and his bank more time.

The last item is the Council has approved putting our meeting audio on the City website for all to hear. This is a great step forward in adding to the transparency of our City government. I will inform you when the meeting audio is up and running.

Stolen and Damaged Signs

Its sad that signs are already being stolen. Please report anyone you see stealing or damaging anyone's signs. It is illegal and can not be allowed to stand. Trying to silence political speech is so desperate. A lawn sign may not seem like a big deal but it is the property owner expressing their support and the candidate's financial investment in getting out their message.

Some of this is random kids being kids but unfortunately it has been my experience that it is also politically motivated. We have 3 more months of campaigning ---

August 6th 2008 Agenda

AGENDA
CITY OF ISANTI
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.
CITY HALL

A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call
D. Adopt Agenda

E. Proclamations/Commendations/Certificate Awards
1. Mayor’s Presentation of Great Yard Awards for the Month of July

F. Approve City Council Minutes
July 15, 2008 – Regular and Closed Meeting
July 29, 2008 – Special Budget Meeting

G. Citizens Input

H. Announcements
1. Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
2. Rum River Classic Saturday, August 16, 2008
3. Special City Council Budget Meeting Tuesday, August 19, 2008 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
4. City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
5. Park & Recreation Board Meeting Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
6. EDA Meeting Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

I. Council Committee Reports


J. Public Hearings

1. Nuisance Abatement – 459 3rd Avenue NW
a. Resolution Approving Nuisance Abatement
(CSO Officer Steve Wacha)


K. Business Items

1. Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Isanti Fall Fest
(Jan Peterson)

Community Development Director Carla Vita

2. Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Placement of Signs for Bluebird Park



Police Chief Ron Sager

3. Resolution Authorizing Traffic Control Device Procurement and Installation
4. Resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement and Authorize Police Officers to Work the Republican National Convention


Finance Director Rita Pierce

5. Reimbursement Resolutions:
a. 2008 Street & Utility Improvement Project
b. Water Treatment Facility Project

City Administrator Don Lorsung

6. Resolution Relating to Aluna Proposal for Web Audio
7. Villages on the Rum 3rd Addition
a. Extending Call Date of Letter of Credit
b. 3rd Avenue Improvement

More Ground Breakings

We will have our Ground Breaking for the Water Treatment Plant Wednesday at 5pm. This as we have discussed numerous times is a great benefit for Isanti.

We will have the Ground Breaking for Isanti Retail Meats in downtown in the next week as well. We have so many important projects that continue to steam ahead along with Ever Cat Fuels. We are quickly moving Isanti forward into a brighter future. Each of these projects are a tremendous success and will make our community safer and economically stronger.

Owls coming to Town

Pictures courtesy of ESP1000/Russ Eastburn Photographer

The ground breaking for the Civic Arena expansion was a lot of fun tonight. Representatives from the Minnesota Owls, http://www.minnesotaowls.com/, were well represented along with members of the Arena Board, EnComm - building contractor-, our Ambassodors and Council Member Kolb. The Isanti Civic Arena will be the home ice for the Minnesota Owls, a Minnesota Junior Hockey Team. The Owls will be a great asset to to our Community and I am proud to welcome them to Isanti.

Sign Placement

We have placed about 35% of the current requested signs and will be working to get the rest placed Friday. I appreciate all the request for signs and look forward to more coming in. I want to thank all those that have requested signs and those that have helped work to get sign locations. This helps beyond measure as we continue to move our issues forward.

Tax Levy and Tax Valuation

OK now another interesting fact is the interplay between property tax levy and property tax valuation.

The County Assessor's latest assessment of the City of Isanti will cause an increase valuation in property values which will generate roughly 7% more tax revenue to the City. This means for a real cut in property taxes the Council will need to cut more than 1% or 2% off of the levy. If the cut is small you will still pay more in taxes next year than you do now.

We can not go back to the years of a 32% increase in City spending in 2005 or a 20% increase in 2006 as voted for by the former Mayor, CM Johnson and CM Larson. I voted against each of these budgets but I was not yet the Mayor and did not have enough support on the Council.

The real scary part is some seem to think this is the floor of spending and we can not go back to correct this excess. I want us to continue what we started last year and cut spending back to a reasonably sustainable amount. Even though you and I did not approve of this excessive spending we must take the steps to fix the problem. We absolutely can not allow the problem to grow by spending more than we can afford.

Area Business Tax Rates

Thought it would be good to show what the business property taxes paid on the same $200,000 in property value that I used for residential properties.


City----------City Business Tax---Total Business Tax

Cambridge-----$2,061-------------$5,751

East Bethel----$1,029-------------$4,669

Isanti----------$2103-------------$5,800

North Branch---$1,231------------$5,710

Princeton-------$1,991------------$6,274

St. Francis------$1,196-------------$4,877

It is important to show how property taxes impact businesses because they pay such a higher rate. Most numbers you will see talk about person's homesteaded house.

Isanti's tax rate cost a business nearly $1,200 more per $200,000 in value than East Bethel and over $1,000 more than St. Francis.

We had our first budget work session last night and again I am disappointed by a couple Council Members that seem to be eager to increase City spending. The idea that we take last years budget and simply add more money without asking if we need to spend more or if we can afford to spend more no longer works. The budget that was passed in 2006 for 2007 had a 20% spending increase. We can not use that as our spending floor and simply pile on more money.

My 2008 budget that passed on a 3-2 preliminary vote last fall cut spending and taxes. This is the model we need to follow.

Foreclosure Update 2

-----------------7/14/08----------- 7/29/08

Occupied --------91 ------------------100
Vacant ----------57------------------- 63
Unknown --------3 ---------------------1
Empty Lots -----57 --------------------60
No Status -------45-------------------- 0
Outlots ---------11 ---------------------11

Total -----------264 -------------------235

Sold ------------------------------------26



The total number has gone down but the occupied and unoccupied homes have gone up. We have a long way to go through this debacle but we will come through it to a brighter future.

Budget Background

After we have gone through the budget work sessions I will be laying out my detailed budget. This will include a further tax cut. As many of us know the County Assessor has come through Isanti and raised our property valuations. The net affect of all this is that Isanti, as City, has had a 7% increase in property tax values. This means there will be a significant increase in tax revenue owed the City, School District, County and State. This however will not be fully in affect until all the delinquent taxes from foreclosed properties is paid. This could be 3 months or 3 years.

This also means that we need to continue our path of cutting taxes to stay competitive in our region. The statistics below show just how much work we have to do to lower our taxes:


City----------City Tax-----Total Tax

Cambridge-----1,171---------2,423

East Bethel-----578----------1,807

Isanti----------1,197---------2,453

North Branch----713---------2,387

Princeton------1,141---------2,772

St. Francis------662----------1,918


The most recent League of Minnesota Cities statistics are from 2007. Isanti in 2008 is a bit better due to our Tax Cut for this year. North Branch is slightly better but our true competition to attract businesses will be East Bethel and St Francis. Both of these communities have significantly lower city and total tax burdens and each is moving forward with providing municipal services. Isanti had the advantage of being the first City north of the metro to have full City water and sewer service but both East Bethel and St. Francis will have these available in the next 2 years. St. Francis will be slightly ahead of this schedule.

When a company looks to move north out of the high cost metro we will no longer be the first option especially with high transportation cost. I thought I would share Isanti's property tax levy. It is important to note the first year that Isanti's Rapid Residential Growth impacted a City budget was 2002. City taxes shot up dramatically.

The Levy that is set by a Council is important but not as important as how much spending takes place. If a Council consistently over spends its budget than the levy becomes meaningless. Fiscal discipline needs to be followed. Here are the numbers:

2001---45%

2002---77.17%

2003---77.75%

2004---73.85%

2005---74.21%

2006---68.41%

2007---64.66%

2008---59.91%

I am also adding City spending history. As you will see even when the levy started to decrease, spending continued to shoot through the roof. The 2008 tax cut was also followed by a spending cut.

2004----- $ 1,576,920.00
2005-----$ 2,168,170.00
2006-----$ 2,856,136.00
2007-----$ 3,430,217.00
2008-----$ 3,298,614.00

The former Mayor, CM Larson (my current opponent for the Mayor's position) and CM Johnson (a candidate for County Commissioner) all voted in favor of a 20% spending increase from 2006 to 2007. So in that election year they did lower the the tax levy slightly but exploded the budget by 20% in a year. We can not go back to that type of misgovernment.

Another note is that this years budget was created in 2007, the first year I was Mayor and reflects a significant change in approach to spending. Of course this could only happen with the support and work of Council Members Duff and Kolb who helped lower our high tax burden and end excessive spending.

Isanti Budget Meetings

We start our Council budget work sessions this evening at 5pm. We will be going through the initial budget overview, park maintenance and Public Works. We will be meeting two more times for budget work sessions. I will be enclosing the full schedule:

Tuesday, July 29th 5pm

Park Maintenance
General Maintenance
Streets & Highways
Sanitation
Water
Sewer

Wednesday, August 6th 5:30pm

Liquor Store

Police
Code Enforcement

G.O. Debt Service
Capital Replacement Fund

Tuesday, August 19th 5:30

City Council
Elections
Finance/Administration
Municipal Building
Animal Control
Community Center

Planning/Zoning
Building Inspections
Economic Development Authority

September 2nd the City Council will adopt the preliminary levy.

Lawn Signs Lawn Signs Lawn Signs

If you have not already sent me your address and you are willing to host a lawn sign please let me know. I need your help.

We are faced with a clear night and day difference in the this race.We need to make sure we win and win strongly to send the message that we can not go back to the days of increasing taxes, run away spending, developers running the city for their benefit, lose ethics and mismanagement of City resources.

We need to move forward and continue our success into the future.

Council Candidates

I will be posting all the Council Candidates' announcements. All five individuals that have filed:

Ross Lorinser
Jeff Kolb
Jim Kennedy
Steve Rask
John Booth

are good individuals. I do not agree with all their positions but each one has good overall goals for the City. I hope everyone takes a good look at each candidate and what they have to offer. You will be asked to vote for four out of the five in the primary or two per position.

So far only Jeff Kolb and Ross Lorinser have made official announcements but as the others do I will post them here.

Jeff Kolb Announcement

Well it is that time again! The stage is being set for a very interesting election year. With the problems facing our country, state and city — now more that ever we need strong effective leadership.

We have made tremendous progress in Isanti over the last year and a half and have a lot of work left to do. I have worked hard to turn our city around and get it going in the right direction. With the slowdown in our economy, the home foreclosure crises and big developers leaving a mess in our city, we have a reduced tax base to deal with. So far we have managed to keep the city budget in balance but we will continue to have challenges.

Our commercial growth has helped our city and it needs to continue to be a priority for the future. We have put into place many new tools to locate and grow new business in our community. We have some exciting new projects in the works with the new EverCat Fuels biodiesel plant and Isanti Retail Meats, among many others. Along with this we have moved forward with a new water treatment facility, new police lieutenant and new police officer. All of this and we voted to cut property taxes, and reduce spending for the first time in history.

I would personally like to thank those who supported me in the last election and I ask for your support again in 2008! I hope I have gained the support of others through my hard work and dedication to the City of Isanti. I have worked very hard to turn our city in the right direction. The city primary is on Sept. 9 and the general election is Nov. 4.

I ask for your vote in 2008! Please feel free to contact me at 763-444-4304 or to visit my website at www.jeff-kolb.com to discuss any of the issues facing Isanti.
Blog at www.isantiblog.blogspot.com