Joelle Alvord for Anoka City Council

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Infrastructure is important because Anoka is a historic town that needs to find ways to increase its popularity and stay ahead of the many changes currently in the surrounding communities. Anoka has two rivers~Rum and Mississippi. This is unique to our city and plays a big role in how this city is to improve, grow and flourish. The rum river dam project is currently in court with the county suing for the funds that were provided exclusively to the city of Anoka from the county funds. While this may not be of concern to many, it is to me. Our reputation is in jeopardy. The current city council leadership (Erik Skogquist-Anoka mayor, aligned with Zach Stephenson- District 35A legislator) is tied with the rum river dam court battle. The county jail is also in court and to further impact the anoka citizens, the “haulers” a.k.a. government garbage, is in court as well. Currently the city of Anoka is not viewed in a positive light and the citizens have a lot at risk. Ever wonder about the costs; legal, staff, other, associated with the misguided leadership?

Fiscal responsibility is critical in my future role with the city of Anoka. As a regular attendee of city council meetings, I listen and watch our city council approve budgets and expenses with little regard to the affects of the citizen’s tax liability. I’ve personally seen my real estate taxes increase 50% in the last 4 years. How much more can we be expected to pay in order to support the many desires and pre-determined agendas of some of the current city council members. Is this the desire of the citizens or those council members. Revenge politics?

Safety is very important to this city. As a supporter of law enforcement, I have watched Anoka become a center for protests and rally parades in downtown Anoka. This practice was not an issue until the current city council, lead by Mayor Skogquist, appears to approve and support this behavior. Permits are approved by the city council and behavior is accepted by them as well. The police do their very best to enforce the law, and they have a seat at all council meetings. Does our current city council support them?

Many things are broken in Anoka now. The path of the current council leadhership is failing the citizens of Anoka. We need to stop this runaway train before it destroys us! I am “of the people” and will work “for the people” if voted in “by the people.”