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Having been approached by numerous residents and other local area officials, I sat down with my family and discussed with them the idea of running for Mayor of Chisago City.

As you know, there have been numerous actions taken by past councils that have not left Chisago City with a favorable public image. As a current member of Chisago’s City Council, this has not only been expressed to me in conversations with other elected officials at two-separate conferences I attended this year, but also by residents in surrounding communities, and many residents I have talked with in Chisago City.

In the past three years, Chisago City has spent thousands of dollars in litigation fees on the annexation of Wyoming Township. I know this has resulted in a lower tax rate for Chisago City, and has also been reflected in tax savings for residents of old Chisago City. Yet, at the same time, the newly annexed residents are hit with not only a raised housing valuation tax, but also a welcome to Chisago City tax averaging at least $300 per household. While I’m happy the city’s tax rate has gone down for the fifth straight year, it saddens me to see our new residents’ taxes rise so sharply.

During the annexation trial, letters of intent were submitted by administration reportedly from 12 businesses wanting to locate in Chisago City. Where are those businesses today: 18 months later?

For two years the city has not filled the five lots it owns in the Liberty Lane Industrial Park.

I believe it’s time for a change in Chisago City. I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the position of mayor of Chisago City. Here are a few of the changes I believe need to take place.

We need to develop working relationships of trust and support with the surrounding communities. As they grow so will we and vice versa.

We have a considerable amount of new housing development that has been approved this year, but we all know businesses are a necessity to keeping our tax rate down. We need a marketing program for the city that aggressively attracts new businesses.

This is our first full year as the expanded Chisago City. Having gone through everything for one year I feel the residents’ input is needed. Is snow plowing done in a timely manner to all areas? Are roads graded, ditches mowed, potholes filled and neighborhoods patrolled on a regular basis? Are we able to meet these needed services on our current budget? How does the budget look in other areas not mentioned? Let’s maintain our current tax rate until these questions are answered, then work at lowering our tax rate even more.

A past council decision changed the term for mayor from two years to four years with the first four-year term starting in 2002. This allows for a mayor and two council members voted into office the same year the ability to run the city by their majority vote for four years. I feel this is wrong. I would push for a referendum on the ballot in 2008 to hear from residents on changing the term for mayor back to two years.

As another of my goals of having a more transparent city government I look forward to talking with many of you on the campaign trail, through e-mails or by phone. I look forward to serving you. Don Taylor, 651-592-6620, e-mail [email protected].

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