Under the "Economic Development" heading in his mailer he claims he will work to "Aggressively seek investments in NW Quadrant (Exchange)".
This is laughable since it was Mr. Benke who was the catalyst for wanting a change for "investment" in the NWQ. As mayor he and the council commissioned two different studies for what I would call "Stepford"izing New Brighton. The first in 1986 "City of New Brighton Highway Eight Corridor Plan" prepared by Gair and Associates and the second in 1997 "City of New Brighton, Old Highway 8 Corridor Study, A vision for the Heart of New Brighton" prepared by Hoisington Koegler Group. The second was a major study involving different plans and phases for Old Highway 8 from Highway 96 down to County Road D.
As stated in the report by Hoisington Koegler:
Question: Will the current market support the proposed plan for the NWQ? Answer: Probably not. This is a vision that may not be realized for 10-15 years and market changes will change dramatically during that time. Both deficient accessibility and the presence of obtrusive heavy industrial uses will dampen the potential for the immediate actualization of the vision.The City of New Brighton today would not be looking at a $50+ million worth of general obligation bonding debt if Mr. Benke and the mayor after him would have taken heed from the study that suggested not pursuing the plan and wait until 2007-2012 to re-address development.
Our current mayor, council and staff have contracted a developer and a contractor who are seeking out potential development for the The New Brighton Exchange (NWQ).
"Identify and remove barriers to business success"
Mr. Benke did not mind when businesses on the NWQ were "identified" and/or "removed" by the threat or actual use of eminent domain, because they were not part of the vision.
"Provide housing choices for citizen of all ages"
As far as I know there are currently PLENTY of housing choices in New Brighton for all ages, but I do know that Mr. Benke has no problem with additional low income housing being built.
Under the section labeled "Fiscal Responsibility" Mr. Benke promises he will "Change budget process to provide early, meaningful citizen input" and "Work with the Council and staff to identify creative ways to reduce costs".
With the leadership of Mayor Jacobsen and the fiscal responsibility of Council Member Phillips and myself, we voted for a zero levy for 2010 and 2011. Mr. Benke stated in a candidate debate that he did not approve of Mayor Jacobsen and council setting the 2012 levy at less than zero and does not rule out raising taxes if he becomes mayor (it should also be noted that council member Burg also stated she did not approve of the less than zero levy).
If we learned anything from the past history of when Mr. Benke was mayor, it would be that we do not need more of his "creativity" when it comes to making budgeting decisions for the City.
Another of Mr. Benke’s statements made during a debate and in an e-mail needs to be debunked:
"They also voted to reduce the tax levy in an election year while they agreed to issue debt certificates "aka" bonding with issuing costs and future interest costs to fund the capital equipment account. That is not fiscal responsibility. Isn't that what we all call "kicking the can down the street" to our children?". [In the debate he said $600+ thousand was needed].This statement is simply FALSE! Mr. Benke sat in on a budget work session when it was stated by our Finance Director that he believed if we lowered the levy to less than zero, that we could be looking at issuing bonds for capital equipment. I reminded those present that the budget is looked at every year and we do not need to purchase everything WANTED as opposed to only things that are NEEDED. For example: I ask for any resident to comment in favor of buying two new fire trucks to the tune of $1 million in the near future.
Mr. Benke clearly did not understand the budget discussion or was trying to manipulate what was discussed for political gain. It should also be noted that the mayor and council last year transferred $1.1 million dollars into capital equipment.
We all know how ugly politics can get and this election has been no different. Behind the scenes Mr. Benke and his minions have been relentless in personally demeaning any candidate they disagree with. They argue that character matters. I agree, but if they believe the only way to win is to spew their hate instead of honestly running on issues, who is really without character? How big is their glass house?
This election should not be about the need of a "take back", but who best can move the City forward.
It is crucial that we vote for the most qualified candidates with proven records of looking out for and serving the residents and City of New Brighton. I believe Mayor Jacobsen and Council Member Phillips are those candidates.
