Candidate Forum

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Candidate Forum will be October 12th 7pm at the Isanti Middle School. City Council, Mayoral and Sheriff candidates will be present.

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Everyone should try to attend no matter who you support. This gives a great opportunity to see Candidates in action. This is a forum not a debate. The difference is Candidates can not ask each other questions or challenge each others answers. I wish someone would hold a debate so we can a more in depth process.

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The other limitation will be time. Only a few questions and answer will be given since there are so many Council Candidates. Another good reason to bring the primary process to Isanti.

I hope everyone can make it to this important Candidate Forum.

Mayoral Positions

I have a few Mayoral positions I will bring to Isanti if elected.

I will have set office hours so any Citizen or Taxpayer may come talk with me. This will open up the communication process so everyone is treated equally no preferential treatment is given to the wealthy and powerful.

I will begin a Mayor's award for the best yards in Isanti. I have been pushing for a Community Service Officer to enforce Isanti's nuisance ordinances. I also believe we need to positively reinforce those home owners that are doing a great job with their yards. Each month of May, June, July, August, September and October yards would be nominated and the top three winners named and published and granted donated monetary awards.

I believe strongly we must have positive reinforcement as well as a proactive Community Service Officer to ensure great looking yards that benefit everyone.

I have been pushing for a walking bridge over highway 65 as part of my safe routes program. A path underneath 65 does not seem to be feasible considering drainage and safety issues for such a long tunnel. We need to ensure safe routes for everyone over this busy and dangerous highway.

Lastly I want to talk about environmental concerns. Isanti needs to look at opening up and changing landscaping and drainage standards. This could include the use of prairie grass instead of standard sod for yards. Permeated materials for driveways and parking pads instead of concrete and asphalt. Water run off and chemical usage will be an issue for generations to come. We must seriously explore other solutions. This coupled with wildlife corridors and environmentally sensitive development will ensure a city that will be prosperous, safe and beautiful for generations to come.

Stop Stealing Signs

Well we have hit the 20th stolen sign. I do not know whether to be mad or sad for the pathetic little creatures that do this. I will save the lecture on the freedoms you are destroying by interfering with free speech.

If you have had a sign stolen let me know and we will replace it. This petty form of bullying can not be allowed to continue. In 2004 I had 30 signs stolen and damaged and we won handily. These acts are the last gasp of a good ole boys network that is crashing down.

It will get worse before it gets better but we shall prevail.

Safe Routes

Even though Safe Routes will take a dramatic leap forward in 2006 we have more work to do. For more information on the success of 2005 and 2006 go to Safe.html.

The expansion of City limits East of Highway 65 poses new challenges. We must construct a walking bridge over 65 to create a safe route across this deadly highway.

If elected Mayor I will continue my program of extending sidewalks along highway 23 and 5. The money already slated for sidewalk construction in low traffic quiet neighborhoods should be used on highway 23 and 5. This will save the mature trees in distinct Isanti neighborhoods and fund sidewalks where they are desperately needed.

I support Walking School Buses. The 911 School District has a restriction on busing children that live within certain distances to school. Walking School Buses are a minimal to no cost method to safely take children to school.

If the School District continues to restrict busing, our children will be at risk walking to school. I hope the School District will embrace walking buses if they continue to restrict school bus funding.

School Board Open Forum

The School Board is having an open forum:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2006
7:00 P.M. UNTIL ALL ARE HEARD
CAMBRIDGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FORUM
428 NW 2ND AVENUE
CAMBRIDGE, MN

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For more information go to:

http://www.cambridge.k12.mn.us/PUBLIC_FORUM_NOTICE.htm

I think it is wonderful that the School Board and District staff are holding this forum. Regardless of your feelings on current School Board policies, anytime responsible officials are willing to talk it is a good thing. I applaud them for this forum and hope it will help everyone involved.

School Board Open Forum

The School Board is having an open forum:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2006
7:00 P.M. UNTIL ALL ARE HEARD
CAMBRIDGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FORUM
428 NW 2ND AVENUE
CAMBRIDGE, MN

For more information go to:

http://www.cambridge.k12.mn.us/PUBLIC_FORUM_NOTICE.htm

I think it is wonderful that the School Board and District staff are holding this forum. Regardless of your feelings on current School Board policies, anytime responsible officials are willing to talk it is a good thing. I applaud them for this forum and hope it will help everyone involved.

Candidate Forum

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Candidate Forum will be October 12th 7pm at the Isanti Middle School. City Council, Mayoral and Sheriff candidates will be present.

Response to Mr. Duff's Concentration of Power Concern Letter to the Editor

“A concentration of power”, sounds quite scary. Mr. Duff’s letter to the Editor makes an interesting argument that no Council member should be on an advisory board. Our friends to the north in Cambridge actually have their City Council as the Economic Development Authority. There are no non-elected officials on this Board.

The Isanti advisory boards that he is referring to are simply that, advisory. They have no power at all. They are to give their advice by majority vote to the Council, which holds all the power. If this were not true Mr. Duff’s own private pond initiative would have died in the Planning Commission were it was reject on a 6-1 vote, Mr. Duff being that one vote. It was presented to the Council the very next week and passed 4-1, were I was the one vote. If there is a concern of power concentration then the Citizens would need to pick the appointed members not the Council.

Mr. Duff’s Founding Fathers statement was a considerable leap. They created the Federal Government who’s Senate and House committees are made up completely of their own members. The checks and balances are elections. Not appointing someone else to do your job.

Any business owner or Citizen may attend, write a letter or provide information to any of our boards, commissions and committees.

Elected officials are responsible for their decisions to the voters. It is that simple. Boards, commissions and committees sift through the presented information and refine it down to a final recommendation to the Council. The Council then looks at their recommendation and makes a decision.

One of the many benefits of having a City Council member in this process is to have them report the details of the conversation and decision making process to the full Council. Elected officials have the supreme responsibility to the Citizens and taxpayers of a city.

I have a grave concern with conflicts of interest. I fought hard last year to remove Isanti’s largest developer from our Economic Development Authority. This is the concentration of power that causes me concern. Great economic power coupled with political power. The mix of the two can have terrible consequences.

This is the real problem in Isanti. I propose that the City of Isanti adopt the highest standard Conflict of Interest Policy and Practices presented. This would mean that if any conflict exists the member leaves the chamber until the discussion and vote are over. I would also like to see a one year moratorium on the member voting on any issue were the conflict existed. An example is if you have done business with a company, you have to wait one year after your last financial transaction to discuss or vote on their items.

Vietnam Veterans Chapter #684 Event

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Vietnam Veterans Chapter #684

presents a Benefit Dinner & Dance100% of the net proceeds go to support local Vets!

Join us for an evening offine dining with your choice of either a steak or chicken dinner followed by the sensational sounds of

CHACE ROBERTS!

Date: Friday, October 27 @ Spectacular Events, Isanti
Social: 6:00 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm Dance: 8:00-12:00
Tickets: Dinner/Dance $35.00 Dance Only $7.00
· Every paid dinner ticket will receive a door
prize courtesy of Grand Casino Hinckley!
Event Proudly Sponsored by:
Jaysen Guthmueller’s American Family Insurance

Tickets available at: Minnco Credit Union’s 4 locations –
American Family Insurance- Isanti DJ’s Grill House &
The Isanti Chamber of Commerce or by calling 763-444-4554

Safe Guarding Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods

Safe Guarding Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods

Isanti has several distinct neighborhoods. Hillock Court and the Richard/Candy areas are examples. These are tranquil oases that dot the Isanti landscape. Their mature trees and quiet streets act as a buffer to the rapid residential growth that is engulfing Isanti.

The City Council unfortunately voted 3-2, I voted against, to shatter the Hillock Court neighborhood in 2005. A through street will be constructed at the end of the cul-de-sac allowing a multifamily development to the north. I believe distinct neighborhoods should be protected from cookie cutter development. Isanti should try to keep some of its uniqueness.

The Council and Mayor Apitz are unfortunately at it again in this year. The Elizabeth/Broadway area is slated for sidewalks next year. This area has very little traffic. The sidewalk will destroy beautiful mature trees and be a needless cost for residents and the city alike. I want to use the City portion of this sidewalk project to extend sidewalks on highway 5 and 23.

Mayor Poll

Answers---------------Votes -----Percent

1. George Wimmer----113---------81%

2. David Apitz ---------26---------19%

Basic SBA Loan Requirements

The Small Business administration has basic requirements for applicants to receive funding. I thought it would be a good time to present this information since some think my standards are to high. The SBA basic standards for loans that often much smaller than Isanti's funding go well beyond what I call for let alone Isanti's simplistic requirements.


SBA Basic Requirements are as follows, from Business.gov website:

What Will I Need to be Considered for SBA Loan Assistance?

Even though the SBA qualifying standards are more flexible than other types of loans, lenders will generally ask for certain information before deciding to use an SBA loan program. Generally, a business will need the following documentation to evaluate your loan request:

• Business profile- A document describing type of business, annual sales, number of employees, length of time in business, and ownership.
• Loan request- A description of how loan funds will be used; should include purpose, amount, and type of loan.
• Collateral- Description of collateral offered to secure the loan, including equity in the business, borrowed funds, and available cash.
• Business financial statements- Complete financial statements for the past three years and current interim financial statements.
• Personal financial statements- Statements of owners, partners, officers, and stockholders owning 20% or more of the business.

The strength and accuracy of your financial statements will be the primary basis for the lending decision, so be sure that yours are carefully prepared and up-to-date. The most important documents in your financial statements are:

• Balance sheets from the last three fiscal year-ends.
• Income statements revealing your business profits or losses for the last three years.
• Cash flow projections indicating how much cash you expect to generate to repay the loan.
• Accounts receivable and payable aging, breaking your receivables and payables in to 30, 60, 90, and past 90-day old categories.
• Personal financial statements from you and your business partners listing all personal assets, liabilities, and monthly payments as well as your personal tax returns for the past three years.

For more information go to http://www.business.gov/topics/finances/sba_loans/index.html
When I am asked to vote to approve or deny I recieve a simple 1 page sheet with extrodinarly basic information such as a possible prediction of jobs based on no presented facts. Several applicants this year did not even bother to fill this simple form out completely yet the EDA and majority of the Council voted to approve the application and move along with the process.

Isanti Fall Music Festival

The IFMF has been cancelled.

Jan Peterson, IFMF organizer, informed me she canceled the IFMF due to weather.

This is always a tough decision to make. The worse case would be to hold the festival and it rains all day and no one shows up.

All vendors will be refunded their fees. Any questions please contact me:

george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

763-444-7158

Rumor Mill

The rumor mill has apparently spit out another one. I have been told by a few sources that I am against Isanti businesses and especially those in the industrial park.

This is of course absurd. The politically motivated person/persons that have started this one appeared to take my comments about not wanting to subsidize businesses that provide a handful of $8 an hour jobs. One case in point is 3 jobs at $8 an hour and this company asked for a 1 year extension for the third job. I have also been against expanding our Industrial Park until higher standards for free land and tax abatement have been established.

I wanted to take the excess property taxes and fees collected this year and give it back to Isanti Taxpayers in the form of a 12% property tax reduction, helping residents and businesses a like. The Mayor wanted to spend the money on expanding the industrial park under its current rules.

My position is as it always has been. I will not vote to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to a company that will only guarantee a couple $8 an hour jobs. I have also asked to receive a company's business plan that ask the city for money. This is a standard businesses must fullfill to recieve funding from a bank or other private sources. Public funding surely must have as high or higher standard.

My standards are as follows:

• Provide Company's Business Plan
• Livable Wage Standard
• Provide Tax schedule showing when Isanti will receive tax benefit
• Comprehensive Industrial Park Marketing Plan (provided by EDA)
• This plan should attract businesses that pay livable wages. (provided by EDA)

If a company wants to come to town and pay $7 or $8 an hour that is perfectly fine. I will however not give them money to do it. Giving a subsidy to a company gives them a competitive advantage over their competition. If the company provides 20 or 30 or 40 good paying jobs and will positively impact the tax base then I will be happy to help. Isanti Taxpayers are the ones that have already paid Millions of Dollars in land, infrastructure and tax abatement cost. We need to ensure a positive return on this investment.

I support strongly Isanti businesses. I buy my campaign materials from them. I buy my shirts from Prints Charming my signs from Reller Signs....I bought business cards from Embroidery Ink. It cost a little more at times but I believe strongly in supporting our business community.

Ask those that ask for your vote where they buy their materials.

As for those that are running with negative rumors about me....ask them what their motives are...and then ask me if they are true or not. This goes for rumors about anyone.......go to the source.....most rumors, like lies, vanish in the light of the truth...they are like mushrooms.....they thrive in the dark shadows... lets move into the light and have a vigorous public debate about issues.

A final note....come to the meetings....see for yourself the good and the bad.....If elected Mayor I will push for the audio recording of the meetings to available for download or to listen online. I want every Citizen and Taxpayer of Isanti to know how the decisions that affect them are made.

Council Responsibility

We had an interesting conversation at last nights Council Meeting. There was a last minute item added to the agenda. Moving several public hearings slated for November because two or three council Members would be gone deer hunting. There are two disturbing problems with this item.

First the people who would be gone did not in writing ask for the item to be discussed….it was simple “raised” as an issue in the Mayor & Staff meeting prior to the Council Meeting. When I ask for an item to be discussed I have to submit a formal written request by the due date a week before the meeting, as every citizen must do. This standard is a good one. I am however the only member of Council that is forced to follow this standard. The Mayor pulled the same stunt at the first January meeting this year. He planned a vacation at the same time of a Council Meeting and had staff remove virtually all business from the agenda until his return. This is outrageous. If a member of Council or the Mayor chooses not to fulfill their duty and go on vacation or some other activity that is their choice. The City and Council should not be manipulated to suit their personal desire. The Council meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month. Plan your activities and vacations around the meeting schedule. I do.

The other issue is Council attendance. It is one thing to miss a meeting if you are sick or have a family emergency, but to miss because you planned another activity on the same night is ridiculous. The Mayor’s planned miss of a November meeting will be his second this year. Council Member Johnson also intends to miss another meeting. He missed all meetings in January so this will be his 3rd missed meeting. A few meetings may not seem like a lot, but 2 meetings is 8.3% of all Council meetings. Council Member Johnson’s 3 missed are 12.5% of all meetings. If you want to be voted to elective office you better make sure you can make the commitment. I never missed a meeting and would never plan to miss a meeting. Members also get paid whether they show up or not.

A typical meeting schedule for a month is as follows:

2 Council meetings
1 workshop meeting
1 Board/Commission Meeting
Possibly 1 or 2 Committee meetings depending Council assignment

When I stated last night that manipulating the Council schedule because members choose not to attend a meeting is ridiculous, Council Member Johnson once again tried to shout me down. When I was about to respond the Mayor called out of order and the item collapsed under its own pathetic weight.

There is real work that needs to get done. Consider this when you vote for your Council and Mayoral Candidates.

Council Poll Results

Answers---------------Votes --------Percent

1. Steve Rask ----------68-----------19%

2. Alan Duff ------------65-----------18%

3. Dan Collison ---------58-----------16%

4. Jeff Kolb------------- 57-----------16%

5. Sean Stevens-------- 56-----------16%

6. Jim Kennedy --------41-----------12%

7. Sue Larson----------- 9-------------3%

This has been an interesting poll. This is not a scientific poll but by a close margin Rask is 1st and Duff came in a second. There was a bit of seperation to the third place finisher Collison.

The greater point of the poll is how close the percentages are. This will be a close election.

September 19th Council Meeting

There are three items from the upcoming September 19th Council meeting:

• Business Subsidy
• Parking moratorium
• Street Naming Project

The Council is being asked to approve a $225,767 subsidy for RWL. The job goal is 6 $8 an hour in the next two years.
I am voting against this proposal as I have stated several times. The EDA must improve its job and wage goals for City Subsidies. A few $8 an hour jobs do not benefit the city. One of the many issues is there is no requirement to share the companies business plan with the Council. Any business that is seeking private funding must provide a business plan. A business plan would give greater confidence of success. This bare minimum standard needs to enact before we continue to give more free money away.
I have asked that a moratorium be passed on city parking.....Currently no parking of any commercial vehicle over 4 tons is allowed in the City. This has never been enforced until recently. The Planning Commission has been reviewing this issue and is working to provide recommendations to the Council. I am asking that nothing change until this recommendations is presented. Another issue has appeared as we have been working through the parking problem....The current ordinance states no parking of any vehicle is allowed on any street. This was news to all that read the actual ordinance.....Another reason to continue the hard work of ordinance reform.
The street naming committee has presented its proposal to the planning commission and we have passed our recommendations to the Council. The Planning Commission vote unanimously to copy the County grid addressing system. This will be used to the east of highway 65 and the Palomino acres area. This will have minimal impact to current residents and allow for maximum safety. If you have further questions please let me know.

September 18th Work Session

The Council will be holding a work session Monday September 18th. We will be discussing the Radium results on test well #3. The results came in roughly twice the legal limit for Radium. We will be discussing options at tonight's work session.

The other main issue at tonight's work session is Municipal State Aid Streets. Isanti is now officially over 5,000 residents. This allows for direct state aid for a number of high traffic streets in Isanti. This will help the city fund street projects.

One Day left on Poll

The current Council vote poll will close tonight at midnight.

First post of Wimmer's Rhetoric

I have had numerous questions from new readers of the blog and the website asking about the title of the blog.......I am going to repost the very first post that explains the name and why I am doing this..

Definition

Rhetoric: The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively. A treatise or book discussing this art. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.

I hope to use this blog as an open communication tool with the residents of Isanti.