Eminent Domain Vote

I wrote this Editorial Last year after the Kelo decision in the Supreme Court. This is important because it was Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson that voted to use this terrible tool against a 74 year old couple. These three voted to take away the property rights of this elderly couple and move their highway 65 access to Brian Iverson's property line. This added great benefit to his development.

These same three realigned a road for Mr. Iverson. This action put the road entirely on another property owners land and giving Mr. Iverson more buildable land. This again shows the "special" relationship between Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson. We must stop abusing the City's power to benefit the largest developer. This is just wrong.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

In the recent Supreme Court ruling KELO ET AL. v. CITY OF NEW LONDON ET AL, individual property rights have been severely curtailed.

Justice O'Conner Writes:"Under the banner of economic development, all private property is now vulnerable to being taken and transferred to another private owner, so long as it might be upgraded i.e., given to an owner who will use it in a way that the legislature deems more beneficial to the public"

The idea that local government is allowed to take the private property of person A and give it to person B or developer/corporation B is contrary to our very liberty. When we buy our home we believe we have certain inalienable rights. One of these rights surely must be the decision to keep it or sell it as the owner wishes. Alexander Hamilton said that security of property is one of the great objects of government. This has been dealt a death blow in the name of Progress. Justice O’Conner also states there are two conditions on the exercise of eminent domain. These are “the taking must be for public use” and “just compensation”. She further adds:

Together they ensure stable property ownership by providing safeguards against excessive, unpredictable, or unfair use of the government’s eminent domain power particularly against those owners who, for whatever reasons, maybe unable to protect themselves in the political process against the majority’s will.I do not deny the fact that in certain extreme situations the government may need to take property. This bar however is to be set extremely high. The bar should not be the simple act of enriching one person, developer, or corporation.

Justice O’Conner also makes the follow important point:

"Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms. As for the victims, the government now has license to transfer property from those with fewer resources to those with more. The Founders cannot have intended this perverse result."

This perverse result is the enemy of the democratic process. The rich and powerful should not have more power in the political arena. Each citizen has one vote and should have equal influence. The large corporation or developer never has their property taken from them and given to the small homesteader. There is no equality or justice in this process.

The only benefit I see coming from this tragic decision is that perhaps more citizens will vote. The vote is important because local governments must still make the final decision to take property from A to give to B. Ask those who run for local office what they would do. It is in the city councils, county boards and school boards that the decisions that most affect our lives are made. Yet these offices are the most neglected in our electoral process. Many go unopposed and unchallenged. It is detrimental to our democratic process to have elected officials who are never challenged or have to answer the hard questions.

Citizens need to go to their city council, county board and school board meetings. You need to be aware of the decisions that are being made in your name. Make your voices heard and participate in the democratic process we have as our birth right. We are truly blessed to live in this country but we also have a great responsibility to ensure that we preserve these liberties to the generations yet to come.Eminent Domain and Voting In the recent Supreme Court ruling KELO ET AL. v. CITY OF NEW LONDON ET AL, individual property rights have been severely curtailed.

Rebuttal to Council Member Johnson's Letter to the Star

This is my rebuttal to Council Member Johnson's Letter to the Star that is published in the Voter Guide. He states I make City Staff nervous and have the wrong priorities for Isanti city spending and taxes. The only ones getting nervous are Mayor Apitz and Council Members Johnson and Larson. I was surprised that the Star did not give me a chance to rebut his letter attacking me in the voter guide. More prospective voters will read the guide versus the normal paper. I am hoping the Star will publish my rebuttal at the very least in the normal paper. I hope this will bring better balance to this situation.

I would have found Council Member Johnson’s letter funny if it were not sad. Let us take this point by point.

Isanti City spending has increased by over 40% in the past two years. Mayor Apitz, Council members Johnson and Larson voted for a tax increase but were bailed out when the final numbers came in from the County Assessors office. My point of the extra $350,000 the city collected last year is we need to give it back before it is spent. The Liquor fund has over $850,000 and growing. In my 12% property tax reduction plan I wanted to use $175,000 from the excess taxes and fees and $200,000 from the Liquor fund. This would still leave $175,000 in the excess taxes and fees and $650,000 in the liquor fund. The real issue is Mayor Apitz and Council members Johnson and Larson want to spend all this money. Council Member Johnson was wrong about the LGA Isanti Has been given. It has risen dramaticly the last two years. He either does not understand or purposely did not tell the truth.

The vote on the Administrative Assistant position was for a total cost of $54,000 in the 2006 budget. This includes salary and benefits. This was chosen over a police officer that would be on the job today. Mayor Apitz and Council members Johnson and Larson voted against the officer position in 2005. This election year they have changed their tune.

These three have voted in lock step for every developer proposed project. What Council Member Johnson did not say in his letter was that he and Mayor Apitz make money off this development. Johnson owns a cabinet shop in town and the Mayor owns and operates Apitz Painting. This is a conflict of interest. Council Member Johnson has done work directly for Isanti’s biggest developer, Brian Iverson, and still votes in favor of all his projects.

Council Member Johnson also praises council Member Larson. She believes the citizens of Isanti are not taxed enough. She states this in her own campaign material 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”. I could not disagree more.

The choice is clear, business as usual or progressive reform. If you want a city run for big developers and want high taxes then you should vote for Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson.

We need to reform our City Government and bring long term financial planning to Isanti. Priorities matter.

City Building Committee

If elected Mayor I would ask that an advisory body be created each time the City builds a new building or does significant remolding. A prime example of where this would have been helpful is the building of City Hall. This project was over $500,000 over budget and still has significant problems that need to be solved.

An advisory body would be made up of volunteers that work in the construction trades. These individuals would not be bidding or working on the City project and could give advice and help manage the project. Experts in the field could point out potential pitfalls and help the Council pick the best options available. This would be a common sense step that can ensure the success of future projects including the upcoming liquor store remolding/expansion.

How the Lack of Financial Planning Hurts Isanti

I want to touch on the 2007 street improvement project which came before the Council tonight. The 2007 street improvement project has raised concerns with me. In our previous conversation about this topic I stated I did not approve putting in sidewalk along the Elizabeth/Broadway corridor. This is a quiet low traffic area of town that does not need sidewalks that will destroy mature trees. $126,300 would be saved if the sidewalks were left out of this $2,109,125 project.

The City’s Finance Director stated if this total debt was incurred by the City, taxes would have to increase by 3.64% to cover the debt payment for this one project alone. Isanti’s excessive spending spree the last few years is finally coming home to roost. Mayor Apitz and Council Member’s Johnson and Larson voted to approve this spending without showing any cost offsets. We have to make choices of where to spend our City's limited resources. We can not simply increase taxes everytime the Council wants to spend money.

It was also stated tonight that Isanti will not be retiring any debt for years to come. This will mean that City debt will continue to grow as a portion of our budget. It is currently the second largest line item in the budget.

I hate to always have to say it but the lack of long range financial planning has put Isanti into a debt/tax spiral. The amount of debt incurred in the last few years makes virtually any new project impossible without significant tax increases. The increase in City spending by over 40% in the last two years alone must end.

If Mayor Apitz and Council Member Larson’s spending is allowed to continue taxes will increase dramatically. Council Member Larson’s own re-election campaign material states 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”. I could not disagree more.

The surest way to destroy industrial and commercial growth in our City is to raise taxes. High taxes and fees will scare away any potential business. Isanti needs to encourage healthy business growth to bring balance to our tax base and lower the burden on home owners.

We must also remember that property taxes are regressive. Poor and rich alike pay the same rate. Each property tax hike hurts a poorer home owner much more than higher income classes. In one action of a property tax hike the Mayor and Council Member Larson hurt future business growth and the poorest of Isanti home owners alike.

Candidate Forum

The Candidate Forum was a great success. Unfortunately there was not a big crowd. The questions ranged from high levels of current taxation to support for greater police protection.

I stated my positions of offering a 12% tax reduction that the current Mayor did not support. The police protection question brought us back again to the 2005 budget battle in which the current Mayor voted for a $54,000 Administrative Assistant instead of my proposed police officer position.

The questions we were asked showed a clear difference in our positions.

I would like to thank the Chamber for conducting this event in a fair and transparent manner.

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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Election Quotes

An election is coming. Universal peace is declared and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry. ~T.S. Eliot

The politicians were talking themselves red, white and blue in the face. ~Clare Boothe Luce

If the World Series runs until election day, the networks will run the first one-half inning and project the winner. ~Lindsey Nelson

Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. ~Sydney J. Harris

A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election. ~Bill Vaughan

It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting. ~Tom Stoppard

Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason. ~Author Unknown

Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote against. ~W.C. Fields

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. ~George Jean Nathan

There are always too many Democratic congressmen, too many Republican congressmen, and never enough U.S. congressmen. ~Author Unknown

Do you ever get the feeling that the only reason we have elections is to find out if the polls were right? ~Robert Orben

Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you. ~Author Unknown

Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least. ~Robert Byrne

Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work. ~Michael Novak

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it. ~Alexander Woollcott

People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing. ~Walter H. Judd

If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates. ~Jay Leno

The problem with political jokes is they get elected. ~Henry Cate, VII

The most important political office is that of the private citizen. ~Louis Brandeis

Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong. ~Richard Armour

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other. ~Oscar Ameringer

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress? ~Author Unknown

Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so. ~Gore Vidal

When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I'm beginning to believe it. ~Clarence Darrow

We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs. ~ Will rogers

Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few ~ George Bernard Shaw


A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation. ~ James Freeman Clarke


People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election. ~Otto von Bismarck

Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion. ~ Edmund Burke

From time to time, life as a leader can look hopeless. To help you, consider a man who lived through this: Failed in business at age 31. Defeated for the legislature at 32. Again failed in business at 34. Sweetheart died at 35. Had a nervous breakdown at 36. Defeated in election at 38. Defeated for Congress at 43. Defeated for Congress at 46. Defeated for Congress at 48. Defeated for Senate at 55. Defeated for Vice President at 56. Defeated for Senate at 58. Elected President at age 60. This man was Abraham Lincoln.

Business/Industrial Sub-Committee

I have been working on the Business/Industrial Ordinance Sub-committee. We are making great strides in streamlining and creating more understandable ordinances. This work has been going on for several months and there is still a lot to do. I will be posting more on specifics and if you have any questions please let me know.

Contact Information

Contact me

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george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

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763-444-7158

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P.O. Box 25
Isanti, Mn 55040

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See my news and notes at
georgewimmer.blogspot.com

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Read my Agenda at www.GeorgeWimmer.com

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To subscribe to my e-mail updates
write to george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

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.

E-mail Down

My e-mail provider had a server problem from Friday to late last night. If you e-mailed me in this time period please send it again. I will also be resending the messages and response to e-mails from Friday Morning.

I apologize for this inconvenience.

Isanti Fall Music Festival

Isanti Fall Music Festival

The IFMF is September 23rd. There will be many street Vendors. Come out and enjoy the free Street Dance.

2-10pm

Isanti Fall Music Fest - Main Street - Kid's Activities, Costume Karoake Contest, Beer Garden, Food Court, Street Dance to the Rockin' Hollywoods

2:30-6pm

Classic Car Show - 50-60's DJ, Dash Plaques and Trophies - Main Street

Tax Capacity Numbers

The final tax capacity numbers came in from the County. The tax capacity is higher meaningthat instead of a .64% increase the tax levy will decrease by 3.75%.

This is good news, however if my plan had been adopted we would have had a 12% tax levy reduction with the final numbers.

Thought you should know.

Interesting Survey

The poll on Kare 11 website found:

34 percent said corruption in government will always be a problem so trying to fix it won't make much difference.

45 percent said money's influence in government is so pervasive it's pointless to try to reduce it.

71 percent believe elected officials won't keep their promises unless the influence of money in politics is limited.

62 percent thought candidates that could represent them don't have enough money to win election.

When asked what they're "extremely concerned" about from a list of issues, 59 percent said gas prices; 38 percent said money in state politics; and 36 percent said state government corruption.

74 percent cited honesty as the most important value they want to see in state government.

For the full story go to:

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=134458

Ordinance Sub-committee Opening

The Isanti City Planning Commission has established a sub-committee to start work on the City's residential parking ordinance. This to this point has centered on the issue of commercial vehicles parking in driveways. Currently the ordinance reads that any commercial vehicle over 4 tons is not allowed to park in an R1 or R2 residential area--driveway or street.

The PC is asking for 4 Citizens to help sort through this issue as we have done with the Sign ordinance and business/industrial ordinances. This is a good process that allows for maximum public input in the crafting of City ordinances.

If you would like to serve please contact Carla Vita at City Hall.... 444-5512

County Primary Results

County primary results.

http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/September/13electionresults.html

Comp Plan discussion at Tonights PC Meeting

I wanted to put forward my position on the Comprehensive Plan since it will be discussed at toights Planning Commission meeting.

New Comprehensive Plan

Isanti is in the process of creating a new comprehensive plan. I support this effort. The previous plan was outdated the moment it was finished. I do not support having the same company that did the last plan doing the current plan. There were to many flaws with the old plan to reward this company with another chance.

The Comprehensive Plan is the blue print of Isanti's growth for the next decade. We must ensure uniform growth with housing balance. One issue that has arisen is the stated need for more low income housing. Isanti has more than enough of this type of housing already. We need to concentrate on higher end homes to balance out the predominance of low income housing. Isanti can not be the magnet for the regions low income housing needs. A balanced housing approach ensures fair distribution of property taxes.

Isanti also needs to attract more commercial and industrial development. Businesses pay a higher rate of property tax. This helps to lower residential property taxes. Isanti is currently a bedroom community. This leads to higher residential property taxes and fees. We need to attract more businesses so we may lower our residential property taxes and fees.

Isanti needs to preserve conservation corridors to ensure the generations to come will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of our community. The conservation corridors ensure wildlife protection and protects home values. It is not often the option is presented that allows us to be good stewards of the land while making great economic sense.

I encourage everyone to attend the Comprehensive Plan meetings. I have been to each and the predominance of participants are older than 45 and tied to the development and real-estate businesses. Those who show up make the decisions. We need more Citizen participation.

Petition to Change Dangerous Busing Practices

Angel Watters has created this petition to try to change the Cambridge-Isanti School District Bussing Policy. Please read and if you would like to sign the petition or help collect signatures contact Angel at amariewatters@msn.com . Your help in correcting this terrible decision is greatly appreciated.


To: District #911 School Board

Cc: Superintendent; Bruce Novak

The people of Isanti request that the following bus policies be changed as soon as possible.

1) The policy of bussing every child to the new school east of highway 65 must stop.
The current school district bussing policy forces children that live west of highway 65 and go to school west of 65 to transfer buses twice a day at the new school east of 65.

Putting our children in danger 4 times a day crossing a busy and dangerous highway is the definition of negligent. Highway 65 has been referred to as one of the deadliest Highways in the state!

2) High school students and elementary students need to be on separate busses.
It is unsafe to have young children on busses with older children. Physical and sexual assault on busses is rapidly increasing.

There are 85 to 90 students on each bus. How can our bus drivers watch everyone and keep the young kids safe?

Isanti Fall Music Festival

The IFMF is September 23rd. There will be many street Vendors. Come out and enjoy the free Street Dance.

2-10pm

Isanti Fall Music Fest - Main Street - Kid's Activities, Costume Karoake Contest, Beer Garden, Food Court, Street Dance to the Rockin' Hollywoods

2:30-6pm

Classic Car Show - 50-60's DJ, Dash Plaques and Trophies - Main Street

Primaries needed.

I hope everyone went out and voted in the primary today. Isanti City races do not have primaries. I will be asking that we make the change to allow primaries for local races. We have 7 Citizens in the Council race for two seats.

If you look at the results when I ran in 2004 with only 4 people running, I received almost 20% more than my closest rival but yet only received 29.96% of the total vote.

-----------------------------------Votes--- Vote %

GEORGE ALLEN WIMMER***** 631----- 29.96%

GUY WILLIAM NEDRY ********442 -----20.99%

RALPH GENE JOHNSON *******527 -----25.02%

DAVID LESTER PETERSON ****482------ 22.89%

WRITE-IN** ******************24 -------1.14%
A candidate could win with only 15% of the vote. I hope everyone will agree that we need to be able to hold a primary for City Elections if needed.

Council Race Poll

I have posted the Council race poll. I am only able to allow one voter or unlimited so I have asked you to pick your top choice. I will be placing the Mayors race for polling next week. This is not a scientific poll.

Traffic Mitigation 2006 Agenda Item

Traffic Mitigation

Isanti's rapid residential growth has caused tremendous traffic pressure. Isanti's transportation infrastructure is being pushed beyond its capacity. I am especial concerned with the increased traffic from the development east of highway 65.

The new school and the hundreds of planned new homes will make the 65 and 5 intersection more congested and dangerous. Isanti needs to ask for a school zone on highway 5 and Fairway Blvd. This intersection will be the main access point for the new Isanti school. The current 55 m/h speed limit will need to be reduced for safety.

The traffic light at 5 and 23 is scheduled to be completed before the 2006/2007 school year begins. This coupled with a school zone should help make this intersection much safer.

I encourage the whole City Council to embrace my Development Impact List, DIL. The DIL will show the true cost of the increased traffic and allow for better preventative City planning.

If the City continues to allow rapid residential growth we will have dramatic traffic problems. We must plan plan plan for the future traffic flows of Isanti.

Watering Ban Ends September 15th

Watering Ban ends September 15th.

September 13th Planning Commission Meeting

There are several important items being discussed at the Wednesday Planning meeting. It is Wednesday because Tuesday is the Primary Election.

We will be getting updates on the following:

• Tattoo Ordinance
• B-2 Ordinance
• Street Naming Project
• Residential Landscaping
• Comprehensive Plan
• Vehicles in Residential Districts
• Request for a CUP for a take-out and delivery Pizza business
• New Coldwell Banker Building one site located west of 65 & north of Palomino
• Revisit of Fairway Greens III addition

The Tattoo and B-2 Ordinances are updates on reforming current ordinances and adding new ones when necessary. Residential landscaping update brings the current procedures being applied to homeowners into ordinance form were everyone may view the requirements.
The comprehensive plan as presented has so many issues I will have to dedicate several pages to its flaws after the meeting. I am also concerned that the zoning map is not part of the packet for review. This map has considerable issues as well. I will be asking for this so the public and commission members are given an ample opportunity to review and comment on it. I urge the public to come and listen and comment on the plan. The push is already on to fast track this before the coming election. We must get it done right not fast.
Vehicles in Residential Districts addresses commercial vehicles parked on pads or driveways. There is also a push to allow parking on grass areas throughout the City. This should not be allowed.
The Pizza and Coldwell Banker business moving to town will provide services and add to the tax base. We will I believe no have four pizza places in town. Seems like a lot but if they can make a go of it more power to them.
Iverson is pushing the tiny lots for 49 single family homes east of highway 65. I have discussed my opposition to this proposal many times......The Planning Commission voted against this twice already. Mr. Iverson still has not fulfilled all the requirements for the proposed action. We are unable to even discuss the merits of this project because of his refusal to follow the rules everyone else must follow.

Example of what Financial Planning can Mean

Another example of how actual planning affects a City. Isanti needs Long Range Financial Planning and a Capital Improvement Plan. I know I must sound like a broken record but I am trying to fix a broken system:

http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/September/6CityEyes.html

Another Reason to Reform Isanti's EDA

Cambridge's EDA, which happens to be its City's Council as well, has implemented a low cost high return marketing program. Please read the following story for more details:

http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/September/6industrial.html

We need to generate innovative ideas like this to help our enfeebled attempts to draw good businesses to Isanti.

Council Sept 5th Meeting Update

The Council passed, on a 3-2 vote, the preliminary budget with roughly a 1/2% increase in the levy and a 6% budget increase. Council Member Kennedy and I voted against this levy and budget. I had laid out my plan the last t three City council work sessions and meetings.

There was very little discussion at tonight’s meeting since the budget and levy were laid out at the last work session. Please read: http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/09/september-5th-council-meeting.html to learn more about my 8% tax reduction.

We had a surprise visit from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. They asked the Council to reaffirm the commitment to the group's goals including an affordable housing project. I held a lengthy back and forth on the need for a housing study to determine the need of more "affordable" housing. Isanti has a vast quantity of housing options under $150,000 in the community. I am loath to use taxpayer’s money to subsidize more housing until the need can be proven. Many housing unit lay empty including new 2 bedroom condo units under $120,000.

I raised the point of the date certain GMHF had asked to have the Comp plan approve. They requested the second Council meeting in October. This is to soon considering the slow progress and mistake ridden comprehensive plan updates. The City Planning Commission has yet to even see the proposed plan.

The Street Improvement project for 2007 was discussed. I stated I did not believe a sidewalk was needed along Elizabeth. The damage to trees and the construction of sidewalk along a very low volume traffic road is not the best use of tax payer money. Council Member Johnson said he would never vote against a sidewalk.

Kennedy pointed out that Johnson made the motion to take the sidewalk out of the Richard, Shawn and Candy project. He said it was a mistake and would always vote to have sidewalk. I think this is a mistake to not consider if sidewalk is needed everywhere.

Sidewalk that destroys existing mature trees in a low traffic area is not needed. There is not the safety issue we face along major traffic corridors. We need to use the money on sidewalks in low traffic areas on sidewalks in high traffic areas. An example of this is continuing the work started this year on highway 23. We need to complete the trail and sidewalk connections along this whole route.

This makes the salient point in all our discussions. Planning Planning Planning..... We need to have long range planning so we can see how the $2,000,000 plus on next years street improvement projects will effect the possible expansion of the industrial park or the fixing of Credit Union drive or the future need for public works or the need to foster greater economic expansion or if we wait a year or two how much more will it cost or or or the many other possible City Projects.

We need to make planning priority number one. I asked in January at the Council Goal setting session to make financial planning a top priority. It was pushed down the list. If elected Mayor I will call for a Finance committee whose main goal will be to establish long term budgets and capital improvement plans from all City departments. This information will be readily available on the City website, for Citizens and Taxpayers to view and comment on.

Council Race Update

Sean Stevens has his signs out today. To learn more about Sean's race for reforming Isanti go to:

http://www.stevens4isanti.com

September 5th Council Meeting

There are two items I wish to discuss on the September 5th agenda. The first item is the feasibility report for the 2007 street improvement project and the second item in the proposed levy.

The street improvement project effects segments of

• 4th Ave S
• 2nd Ave S
• 1st Ave S
• Broadway Street
• 3rd Ave South
• Elizabeth Street
• North Brookview Lane
• Pinto Lane
• Palomino Rd
• Appaloosa Lane
• Buckskin Blvd

The improvements range from replacing clay pipes to curb and gutter and finally sidewalks. I believe each area should be looked at individually and its needs assessed. An example is the proposed sidewalk on Elizabeth. My wife and I bike with our kids along the street often. There is very little traffic. This is a beautifully tree lined street. Placing a sidewalk on the north side would do more damage than good.
Sidewalks belong on busy streets were traffic causes safety issues. Elizabeth is a tranquil residential street with mature trees.....lets leave it that way.
The other main issue is the proposed 2007 levy and proposed Budget. I stated my position numerous times. The new budget increases spending by nearly 6%. This is on top of over 30% of new spending last year.
The levy is proposed to increase by about 1/2%. I know this does not seem like much but we can lower taxes by 8% by simply giving back the excess amount of collected taxes from last year. If we do not give theis money back to the tax payers, City Hall will spend the money.
City debt is also a grave concern. City debt per person has increased by over 500% as City population has increased 100%. This is not sustainable. Please read http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=11605485&postID=115639936066225884 for more details.
I have just received the new revised proposed budget. I am asking that a total of $150,000 from the Liquor Store Fund which has a cash balance of $820,000 and $175,000 from the $350,000 of excess taxes collect in 2005. This money should be given back to the Citizens of Isanti, not spent on unbudget items.
The housing slow down will have it greatest effect on our city budget in 2007 and 2008. If we do not get taxes low and government efficient today the repercussions will be severe in the years to come.
We must do long term budgeting and capital improvement plans. Isanti has no plan past this budget. Driving in the dark and spending and taxing with no financial planning is the same thing, eventually you will crash.
Any questions or comments please let me know.

Housing Boom Ends

Five year housing boom ends. The AP link has more disturbing housing needs

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONSTRUCTION_SPENDING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-09-01-10-30-43

Traffic Lights at 5 and 23

The traffic lights at 5 and 23 seem to be up and working well.

Board and Commission Reform Explained

Isanti has a diverse population of home and business owners. We have all walks of life in our 5,100 population. I believe our Citizens should serve on all boards and commissions. If those that live outside the City limits want to help improve Isanti I encourage them to give expert opinions and advice on whatever topic they choose to help with.

I do believe it is also appropriate for someone living in Tier one to be able to serve on boards and commissions. Tier one is a zone around Isanti that is not yet part of the City but the City has zoning control. The people who live in this area are impacted directly by City decisions and should have the opportunity to be represented.

Eliminating Conflicts of Interest is the key to fair and transparent government. We must ensure each and every citizen and Taxpayer, rich or poor has the exact same voice in the decision making process.

All appointed members of boards and commissions should be required to participate in continuing education. The laws and regulations pertaining to City ordinances and policies change yearly. Economic Development and planning constantly evolve. It is important we give our appointed members all the tools necessary to make the correct decisions for Isanti.

The Economic Development Authority should be made apart of the Isanti City Council. Dramatic reform needs to occur in this area. Our Downtown and Industrial Park need a dramatic retooling.

The process currently of giving $1 an acre land with tax abatement to businesses providing a few $8 an hour jobs must end. We need to change the existing land granting and wage/job goals of our industrial park. We must retool to attract larger job and tax generating businesses.

The second part of this process is to work in partnership with a reinvigorated Chamber of Commerce. I would like to see Chamber input into planning/zoning, economic development and City tax and fee policy and receive advice on the types of businesses to attract to Isanti.

Another reform to Boards and Commissions is defined terms and rotation of members at the end of terms. The Planning Commission is an open ended appointment. We should have defines terms and open the seat up to the application process. This does not mean that the current member whose term is ending can not reapply. The current custom is simply to ask if the person wants to stay and if so they may stay until they wish to leave. This also seems to apply to the Park and Recreation Board.

The EDA members have set terms. If the EDA is not rolled into the Council these terms should follow the above stated process.

If this reform occurs it will open the process to all that want to serve this great City.

Any questions or comments please let me know. Only together can we make Isanti a community for generation.

Vigorous Debate

I have had some good discussions this morning about my proposed agenda.

One point I want to make to everyone is that this is a proposed agenda....I am trying to start a debate in this City of where we want to go as a City. I welcome those that disagree with me. The only way to get to the correct answer is to discuss all sides and opinions.

Isanti needs to have tough discussion about the issues we face. I have said it before and will again...I am smart enough to know I am not always right.

We need to have vigorous debate. I will not take it personally. I had 6 older brothers, yes 6, I have been toughened up.

Isanti is a constant work in progress. The solutions we find together today will need to change as the City changes. We must be able to evolve and listen to others.

The last point is whether you agree or disagree with me, I have laid out an agenda for everyone to see and pick apart. I hope you hold each person running for office to the same standard. It is easy to agree with someone if they do not put out in writing their positions.

We have hard work to do. Lets do it together.

Upcoming Poll

When filing closes on September 14th for Mayor and City Council I will put up a poll to test the waters. This is not a scientific poll but should be fun to see the results.

With all the signs out it looks to be a very competitive council Race. I have seen 4 different Council race signs -- Collison, Kennedy, Kolb and Duff.

I think we will need to think of a primary in Isanti's future elections if we get 5 or more people running for 2 seats. It will be possible for a winning candidate to receive 20% to 30% of the vote. This is to small a percentage to be a viable City election.

Board and Commission Reform

The second Agenda item I want to discuss is:

Board and Commission Reform

Isanti must have advisory boards and commissions that are above reproach. Members should have no financial ties to development that could cloud there judgment. Board and commission members should be Citizens of Isanti.

I propose the following:

Board and Commission Member should be Isanti Citizens
Eliminate Conflicts of Interest
Continuing Education for Appointees

City Council Perfoming EDA Role

To learn more about my Agenda go to:

www.GeorgeWimmer.com

Footnote:

Eliminating Conflicts of Interest has nothing to do with whether a member lives in Isanti out out side of Isanti. They are not link items.

Filing Affidavits of Candidacy

Information for those that want to file for election to Mayor and City Council. I believe the filing fee is $2. The election is November 7th at City Hall.

Filing Affidavits of Candidacy

Filing for candidacy for Mayor and City Council opens August 29, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. and ends September 12, 2006 at 4:30 p.m.

Candidates may file affidavits of withdrawal up to 5 p.m. on September 14, 2006.

Filing is open for the following seats:

One 2-year Mayor seat.
Two 4-year City Council seats.

If you have any questions please call City Clerk Irene Bauer at 763-444-7158.

Residential Handbook Question Answered

I have received a few questions on the Residential Handbook, specifically on the list of ordinances. This would not be every single ordinance but would be the ordinances that affect home owners.

This would include fencing, home remodeling, roofing, decks, landscaping, nuisance and parking to name a few that would apply. The Handbook would help homeowners, especially those that bought their first home, better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Any other questions please let me know.

Reform Isanti

I promise honest and fair City Government. We have an opportunity and responsibility to reform Isanti.

It is critical that members of the City Council and especially the Mayor not have financial ties to development. We must make sure every Citizen and Taxpayer, regardless of position, receives the exact same consideration from City Hall.

It is paramount the City Council and its Boards and Commissions establish and maintain the highest ethical standards. We must ensure our citizens the City Council’s decisions are not influenced by personal gain -- financial or otherwise.

If elected Mayor, I will fight for the strictest enforcement of Isanti’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

This November 7th you will have a clear choice between progressive reform or business as usual. Now is the time to make a choice for the future of Isanti.

Ask each candidate if they are tied to developers directly or indirectly. We can not have the fox watching the hen house.

I ask for your support in my efforts to reform Isanti. Together we must preserve Isanti’s Traditions while planning for the future.

To reform Isanti, Vote...

Wimmer for Mayor
Kennedy for City Council
Stevens for City Council

Go to http://www.georgewimmer.com/ to learn more.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

I watched my favorite movie tonight. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"....Starring Jimmy Stewart. This is a classic that never looses its appropriateness to our lives. If you get a chance watch this movie--the original black and white is the best.

My Agenda

There are only 10 short weeks left before the November 7th Election. I will be discussing one of my agenda items each week. This week I have choosen my proposed Residential Handbook:

Residential Handbook

I propose a Residential Handbook be created for Isanti's residents. The City already has handbooks for builders and developers. I believe that Isanti's citizens should have the same advantage of knowing the ordinances and fees that affect them.

The Residential Handbook would include the following:

• List of City Ordinances
• List of City Fees and Taxes
• List of key Definitions including Easements and Right of Way
• Chart showing where your Property Taxes are Spent
• Copy of City Budget
• List of City Officials with Contact Information
• City Map with Government Buildings and Trails & Parks clearly marked

--To learn more about my agenda go to --

http://georgewimmer.com/Agenda.html

August 23rd Budget Session Update

Tonight’s budget work session made some movement on the 2007 budget. My proposal to use liquor store funds and excess revenue collected in 2005 to lower taxes was partially accepted tonight. This was flatly refused at the last Council meeting.

Council Member Johnson proposed to use $65,000 from the liquor fund and $65,000 from the excess revenue totaling $130,000. This will mean a 1% tax increase to Isanti’s property tax levy. The budget will be a 6% increase on top of last years 30% plus increase if this stands. The Mayor made an odd comment that he thought this would play well in the papers. I hope we are not setting budgets with this goal in mind.

I also take into consideration the hidden tax increase we all have experienced, higher assessments. Each year that the assessed value of our homes increase, we pay more in taxes. It is possible that even if the tax levy stays the same, we could pay more in taxes if the assessment goes up. My own home has had its assessed value increase by over 20% in the last few years.

I believe we need to have a combined $300,000 from these two sources. Please read http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/08/august-15th-council-update.html for more information on my budget position. We have added a few more cost needing to increase the transfer to $300,000. The liquor store fund currently has a cash balance of $820,000. Please refer to the above link for more details. The revenue transfer is only part of the solution.

$70,000 roughly of budget reductions have been agreed to as you can read at the link above. We still need to reduce the public works budget by a further $15,000. Last years budget had a tremendous increase in public works equipment budget. This needs to be paired down this year as our financial resources tighten.

There are structural issues with the budget that will cause problems for years to come. The City’s debt payments will increase by 18% in this budget, consuming 14% of the total. This is the second largest expense in Isanti’s budget. In 2001 when I moved to Isanti the City’s per capita debt was $400. Today it is $2500 per person. The city’s population increased by 100% yet our debt has increased by over 500% in the same time period. This will limit Isanti’s ability to do important public projects.

One such project is the straightening of Credit Union Drive. This is project number 1. When McDonalds is built at the intersection of 5 and 65 it will be using the current gas station entrance and exit. This will become incredibly dangerous with the extra traffic generation. By straightening Credit Union Drive we can add a safer in and out on highway 5. Another benefit would be to line up Credit Union Drive and create a north/south signalized intersection by the grocery store. It is important to have a safe crossing by the grocery store. This will never happen if long range planning is not used.

Isanti has to make tough decisions and plan for the future. If we do not do long term financial planning and prepare a capital improvement plan we will sink in debt and high taxes.

If the housing market stays flat or slows further, Isanti’s budget issues will only get worse in years to come. Plan Plan Plan……I know I say it all the time but it is desperately needed so we may be prepared for whatever comes our way.

The preliminary levy will be set at the September 5th Council Meeting. This is important since the final budget is not set until after the November 7th election.

As always I will keep you posted.

Endorsements

As you know I am running for Mayor of Isanti to reform our City. In order to do the hard work that has to be done we need a Council that believes in reform. There are two candidates for City Council that I know will work hard for reform.

I endorse Council Member Kennedy’s re-election and Sean Steven’s candidacy for Council. Council Member Kennedy and I have been fighting to lower City taxes and fees. We are working to reform the Council and ensuring that each person is treated fairly and equally.

Mr. Steven’s Chairs the Planning Commission and has shown he can be fair and objective. He wants to reform Isanti and has laid out an agenda to do just that. Go to www.stevens4isanti.com to learn more.

November 7th will give every Citizen of Isanti the choice of progressive reform or business as usual.

Word of Warning about Local Taxes

A good article about local government and their mantra for raising taxes:

http://www.isanticountynews.com/2006/August/16localgov.html

Special Budget Work Session August 23rd 6pm

The Isanti City Council will hold a Special Budget Session Wednesday August 23rd at 6pm. Hopefully this session will get results. I will keep you posted.

August 15th Council Update

The four Council agenda items I discussed previously, Americnn, Iverson request for extension of 60 day rule, Storm Water Ordinance and the Budget ran the course from unanimous voting to “energetic” discussion.

The AmericInn plat passed unanimously. I have stated several times this is a needed business to help in Isanti’s future growth.

Iverson’s request for an extension to the 60 day rule passed 4-1, Kennedy against.

The Storm Water Ponding change passed 4-1, I was opposed. The detail that people need to pay attention to is that it allows private ponds only if the developer should choose to have a private pond. This change in no way mandates private ponds. Only time will tell if any private ponds will be used. If there are new private ponds developed then strict covenants and education of residents will be mandated.

For these three items please see-- http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/08/august-15th-council-meeting.html for more details.

Now we come to the budget. The Council went through the list of new equipment and personnel request. There was some agreement to accept the cuts I suggested:

$30,000 for Planning and zoning Consultant
$2,000 for extra Council Chairs
$15,000 for a wood chipper
$16,000 for asphalt compacter
$15,000 for replacement park equipment, leaving $10,000
$10,000 for ot/pt out of police budget because of new Police Office Hire

This is where the wheels fell off the wagon and at times lead to heated discussion. I proposed a revised amount of funds to transfer from the Liquor fund,$75,000 and saving $175,000 out of the $350,000 in excess of taxes collected for 2006 to be used in the 2007 budget. This would in essence be giving back half of the over collected taxes. Mayor Apitz, Council Members Johnson and Larson were quite opposed to this idea.

They have earmarked this money to help buy more industrial land. I do not agree with this plan. I have asked the EDA and Council to revise our current Industrial Park policies which give free land and other tax incentives to businesses that provide as little as 2-3 jobs at $8 an hour. This has yet to happen. In the spring of 2005 Council Member Kennedy and I had asked to have the salary range for those companies asking the City to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars to be adjusted. This was flatly refused.

I can not agree to bring in one more acre of land into an industrial park until these requirements are improved. Ironically Council Member Johnson said they should now be looked at. Industrial land is one of many budget items that need long term financial planning to make a success, to date this has not happened. The proposed land is currently zoned industrial so if it is developed it can only be done as industrial.

The City has a liquor store monopoly in order to help keep property taxes low. I do not think it unreasonable to ask that at least half of the excess tax revenue be given back to Isanti tax payers. It is a fundamental philosophical question. Do we want to have affordable property taxes or follow the Mayor and Council Members Johnson and Larson and raise taxes and continue to increase spending?

I brought up the fact that we have this budget crisis because last year these three voted for over 30% in budget increases. Council Member Larson said it was to catch up from previous years. I stated this is caused from a lack of long term budgeting and planning. This was accepted and seemingly they will agree to long term budgeting and planning, a key reform to solving some of Isanti budget issues.

I however can not end without pointing to the irony that the Mayor has been on the Council since 1989, Council Member Larson since 1998 and Johnson since his appointment in the summer of 2002. http://www.georgewimmer.com/Isanti%20Election%20History.html

Isanti has suffered from their poor planning. These 3 have been a majority for 5 years on the Council, what have they been waiting for?

I am happy that my constant call for planning is finally being heard but enough is enough. This budget process has highlighted once again the need for change.

With several reductions of double dipping cost and agreed reductions, the levy will still need to increase by nearly 10%. This was added to by $9,750 in new spending for several charitable groups and the Isanti Redbirds. since no agreement was reached tonight the Council has set next week Wednesday as another special budget session.

I will keep you posted.

August 15th Council Meeting

There are four items from the upcoming August 15th City Council Meeting that I want to discuss.

The first is the great news that AmericInn will be building a hotel on Main Street just north of Hurricane Carwash. This is the first critical step in having the commercial infrastructure to start capturing dollars spent by those visiting Isanti. The investments made in various City festivals and sporting/recreational activities bring thousands of people to town. In the past they have had to stay in Cambridge or North Branch. Starting next spring they will have a local option. The hotel also fits well with Spectacular Events, tremendous facility offering a large dining hall, Bar and restaurant. The hotel will spur other economic development as well.

The second item I wish to discuss is the requested 60 day rule extension by Iverson Real Estate. This is for Fairway Greens III addition. This plat consists of extremely small lots, some hovering around 5,000 feet. This plat has been denied twice by the Planning Commission and tabled once by the City Council. Mr. Iverson’s conduct at the last Planning Commission was intolerable. His mocking and heckling behavior towards me as I pointed out the technical and planning problems with his application was unprofessional and shows a lack of respect for the process. I hope he will take City Staff and Planning Commission comments to heart and correct the many errors in this plat.

The third item is the proposed change to in the City’s Storm Water Ponding Policy. Mr. Duff from the Planning Commission and a candidate for City Council is attempting to make City storm water ponds privately held pieces of property. I am adamantly opposed to this change in city policy. I have listed my objections many times and will provide the link to those statements here-- http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/04/response-to-commissioner-duffs-letter.html. He has made a statement that the City could save $500,000 to $1,000,000 in a 10 year period of time. I asked him at the Planning Commission what this was based on. The only answer is this is what he was told by other Cities. To put this number in perspective it would be 1 ½ to 3 fulltime public works employees working on nothing but ponds. This is of course not the case. I hope the Council follows the Planning Commission recommendation, which voted 6-1 to deny the change, and vote this measure down.

The last item is Budget discussion. I have laid out my plan to reduce Isanti’s Levy by 8%. Please read for the specifics of the plan -- http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/08/august-10th-budget-session-update.html . We must keep property taxes low for our residents as well as for businesses. I will also be asking that Isanti start working towards long term budgets and capital improvement plans. Purchases such as heavy equipment or land for industrial park expansions cannot be made on a whim. We must have long range planning to prepare for such expenses. Simple common sense must prevail.

Residential Units in Metro

More interesting residential unit news.....

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=132089

Weekend in Isanti

Isanti had three great events on Saturday, the Rum River Classic, Veteran’s Picnic at Blue Bird Park and BMX races.

I volunteered at the Classic and met a great group of Veteran’s out at the park. I was unable to attend the BMX event but heard it was another great success. These events started another incredible weekend in Isanti.

City Planner

The New City Planner is Lisa Krause. This will be made official at next weeks City Council Meeting. She is a Certified City Planner with 5 years of experience. She attended the beginning of the work session last night and was introduced to the Council and public.

I am excited to have such a well qualified and experienced person in the planning department.

Comprehensive Plan Update

The proposed Comprehensive Plan I saw on Wednesday still has some structural problems. The area covered is almost entirely within the existing City limits or what will be annexed this year. This will lead to the exact same problem as the current plan. We will grow out of it in a year or two and have to start all over again.

The other major issue is they seem to pay no attention to current zoning or desired future zoning. Recurring comment is that DSU does not listen to those helping in the process.

DSU which has been hired again to consult on this project is making the same mistakes they made in the 2002 Comprehensive Plan. I voted against hiring them since they failed in their first attempt. They seem to be failing once again.

If the current plan stands we will have another failed Comprehensive Plan and have wasted another $100,000.

The plan is to be approved by the City Council in October. This does not seem possible with all the errors in the presentation this week. I voiced my points to DSU at the meeting and hopefully they will be listened to.

August 10th Budget Session Update

Council Member Larson opened the Budget Session as Mayor Pro Tem since the Mayor was 30 minutes late. There were three department presentations. The good news is there was plenty to cut from the budget.

Several items were either entered twice or were for programs the City is not doing. This alone has a budget saving of over $65,000 dollars. I asked to have all department heads review their budgets to make sure there is not more double dipping in expenses.

The list of items I would like to see removed include:

Planning and Zoning Consultant ----------$30,000

Extra Council chairs ----------------------$2,000

Wood Chipper ----------------------------$15,000

Public Works Equipment -----------------$25,000

Replacement Park Equip -----------------$15,000 still leaving $10,000 for replacement equip

Police OT/PT reduction due to new hire --$10,000 The PD will hire a New Officer for 2007

The above stated reductions added to the duplicated expenses equal $162,000. The budget should also reflect $50,000 more in transfer from the liquor fund and $200,000 out of the $350,000 from the 2005 budget surplus. The liquor fund and budget surplus should be used to keep taxes low, not increase cash accounts for “extra” spending. This will allow for an 8% Property Tax Levy decrease.

The Council received funding request from the Friends of the Library and the Isanti Historical Society. Each group wants $5,100 each. This would be added to several other previous requests including one from an abused women’s shelter. The Council will also receive a funding request from the Isanti Redbirds at the next Council meeting.

These request added together with all others is reaching $30,000. These are all worthy causes and groups but Tax Payers have to pay the cost. $30,000 is equal to 1.39% reduction or increase in our Tax Levy. We must prioritize and be willing to say no when needed.

We will be having further Budget discussions at the next two Council Meetings. The Preliminary Levy will be set at the September 5th meeting.

I will keep you posted.

Budget Update Coming

I will have a budget update by midnight. A number of redundant spending was found that can be cut. I will have a full update by Midnight.

New City Planner

We have a new City Planner. She accepted the city's offer and is planning to attend tonight's Budget Meeting. I will release her name as soon as she attends a public meeting or when the final background checks has been completed.

She is well qualified as a Certified City Planner and has over 4 years of city planning experience.

August 10th Work Budget Work Session

The latest Budget proposal has lowered the proposed tax increase to 11.18% from the over 14% increase. This is because Local Governemnt Aid is higher and two debt funds had a small surplus.

Tonight's budget schedule will have presentations from the Liquor Store, Police Department and Public Works departments.

I have sent a number of questions to staff to be prepared to answer tonight. These center on the Liquor store budget and transfer amounts. Municipal liquor stores exist to help keep property taxes lower. The amount of profit transferred to the General Fund has remained the same for the previous 4 years even though the operating income has increased 76%.

The extra revenue is kept in a cash account. It is important to keep a percentage for future repairs and other expenses. This number should never exceed 25% of total profits. In 2005 it was 60%. This has led to a cash account over $750,000.

The other accounting issue with the Liquor Store is that City Administrative staff cost are run through the store at a high percentage. 38% of several high cost administrative positions are charged to the liquor store. This shows inflated cost to the liquor store and makes Isanti's Administrative cost look low. This is however not true. We need to reform this budgeting process so we can compare apples to apples and truely judge Isanti's administrative cost.

This concerns me because a large portion of these funds are being looked at to fund another City project which has nothing to do with the liquor store or lowering City Taxes. I have to reiterate my position that if the City collects the funds they will find a way to spend it.

This is the same point on the General Fund. The city collected $350,000 in unbudgeted funds for 2006. This money is continually being spent or asked to be spent on many differing projects. I want the major portion of this amount put forward to the 2007 budget which will help lower property taxes.

The Liquor store is quite profitable and well run. The City needs to receive the full benefit from this operation.

If time allows, there will be general budget discussion. I will at that time present my budget changes to lower Isanti's Property Taxes by 7%.

The meeting is at 6pm tonight. There will be a 10 minute presentation and funding request from the Isanti County Historical Society. Then we will move into the budget presentations.

Isanti Fall Music Festival

The Isanti Fall Music Festival is scheduled for September 23rd. The IFMF is a celebration of our Main Street Business District. Main Street is the Jewel of Isanti and cannot be forgotten as we expand other commercial districts.

This event starts with a Classic Car show and ends with a 50's/60's band for the street dance. As more information becomes available I will post it here.

Rum River Classic

The Rum River Classic is set for August 12th. I will be running the Isanti rest stop with great help from several volunteers and the Isanti Ambassadors. The Classic is a bike ride that raises funds for the Isanti/Cambridge Bike/Walk trail.

For more information please go to http://www.co.isanti.mn.us/miscfiles/websitei.pdf

Stolen sign spotted

One of my stolen signs was spotted at 1101 Flintwood, west of highway 23. It was damaged and had a circle and line drawn through it. I hope the people responsible are aware this is a crime. I will hand this over to the proper authorities. If the person or persons responsible will apologize we can leave it at that.

If you see any defaced signs please let me know..... george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

Meeting Schedule

This is a busy week for the City of Isanti.

Tuesday August 8th 7pm Planning Commission

Wednesday August 9th 7pm Comprehensive Plan Meeting

Thursday August 10th 6pm Budget Meeting

Any questions let me know.

Planning Commission August 8th

The Isanti Planning Commission will be meeting Tuesday at 7pm. We will be discussing the following topics:

The proposed AmericInn on Main Street north of Hurricane Car Wash

A discussion regarding Iverson Real-estate’s request for a development with extremely small lots less than 6,000 square feet

Isanti adopting the recently accepted County Tattoo Ordinance

Residential Landscaping standards

Vehicles in residential neighborhoods

Changing public storm water ponds to private ownership

The first item is the final arrival of AmericInn to Isanti. Having a place for visitors to stay is a critical part of any community’s growth. This is especially needed with Spectacular Events on highway 5. We have many summer wide events that will also benefit from lodging accommodations. This coupled with the commercial growth on the corner of 65 and 5 will bring Isanti a great future if it is managed well. I am excited about this first critical step in our city’s future.

Iverson Real-estate’s request for extremely small lot housing does not benefit Isanti. This may make the property cheaper and easier to sell but it also creates row housing of a style that was considered detrimental to a City by the late 1960s. This item was tabled two weeks ago and sent back to the Planning Commission by the City Council because Mr. Iverson presented many new claims and documentation refuting City Staff’s and Planning Commission’s findings of fact to deny this request. There is nothing new in the materials presented to show a reason to allow such a detrimental development in our great city.

I have asked the Planning Commission to review and recommend the adoption of the County Tattoo Ordinance. This will bring us into sync with the county.

Residential landscaping requirements have caused some confusion. Current City ordinances state you may sod or seed. City staff has been using a document agreed to by several builders, former city Administrator and the Mayor. This document mandates items not in ordinance. This is absurd. Side agreements can not take the place of city Ordinances. We need to codify City requirements so everyone knows the rules they need to follow.

Vehicle parking in residential areas have become a hot topic. The main discussion revolves around commercial vehicles in driveways, RV parking and vehicles/trailers on grass areas. I look for ward to a vigorous debate on this topic. There are many standards that can be applied. We need to create an environment with flexibility yet have a City that is aesthetically appealing.

The last item is Storm Water Ponds. Isanti had a disastrous history with private storm water ponds. Landowners will fill and use the area and degrade the storm water retention capacity. Water damage will result as has occurred over and over again in current private storm ponds in Isanti. The main issues revolve around area and City wide ponds having to be maintained by private owners and tax hikes on these same owners. Please see:

http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/04/response-to-commissioner-duffs-letter.html

Stolen Yard Signs

A few of my signs have been damaged and stolen. This is done by one of two types of groups—misguided kids or insidious little cowards that do there worst in the shadows of the night.

If it is kids, then they simply need to be taught that trespassing and destroying personal property can not be allowed. They should be also taught that they are committing a greater crime against the Freedom of Speech. Campaign signs are a form of political speech. Political Speech is the most protect form of speech. We must all be able to debate ideas openly and honestly.

If it is the insidious little cowards that are unable or unwilling to dwell in the realm of ideas and debate, then only legal action can curb their destruction. I know not what so darkens a person’s soul that they must strikeout by trespassing on personal property and destroying a few words on a sign. What insignificant mind must think this is a good idea.

If you disagree with me or simply do not like me then express that in a hundred other ways that do not involve breaking the law or harming your neighbors. You would not like to have someone walk on your property and violate your rights.

If your sign has been stolen please contact me at george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us and it will be replaced.

Yard Sign Update

We have over 50 signs out and request are still coming. There are plenty of signs left and more the better. If you or anyone you know are interested please e-mail me at:

george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us

We need to keep getting the message out. There are only 96 days left until the election.

Sewer Rate Reduced by 20%

My 20% Sewer Fee reduction passed at tonight's Council meeting. Having development pay for itself went one step farther by having its sewer rate increased to better reflect its sewer impact. This lessens the subsidy paid by exiting home owners for new development.

To learn more about the months long struggle to bring fairness to this fee please read.

http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/06/June-20th-2006-council-meeting.html

http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/07/July-5th-council-update.html

This is a good but only first step in Tax and Fee reductions.

Website update

I had been ask by numerous people to have a bit more biographical information on the About George section of www.GeorgeWimmer.com. I have put some information up at:

http://www.georgewimmer.com/About%20George.html

August 2nd Council Meeting

Isanti's City Council Meeting is Wednesday August 2nd. It is on Wednesday this week because of National night Out.

The main topic will be the sewer rate reduction. I have proposed a 20% reduction. Please read http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2006/07/july-5th-council-update.html for more information.

National Night Out

Isanti's official National Night Celebration is Tonight at the Community Center. I will be attending several neighborhood events I have been asked to attend. I will also attend at the Community Center a bit later.

National Night Out was started to get residents to know people in their own neighborhood. This was to help reduce crime and create a more close knit community.