Q & A Senator David Hann ( R )incumbent, challenger Ron Case ( D) Eden Prairie District 42

NOTE: Senator David Hann has declined to participate in the Q & A interview

Senator David Hann(R) incumbent

Ron Case (D)

PHL- How do we solve the problem of declining revenue in Minnesota? Please tell us your solutions for increasing revenue streams, through means such as investing in public infrastructure, restructuring the tax code and taxation where appropriate. Back all responses from positions taken or your actual voting record on state or city level as it applies.

Ron Case - A thriving economy that creates jobs will reverse Minnesota’s declining revenue problems. I believe and history confirms that government investment in education, transportation infrastructure, and the environment can stimulate the economy and produce the desired effects of economic expansion along with a more educated constituency, an improved transportation system, and a quality environment. Although the political winds of the day may tempt government to cut to the bone during times of economic downturn, it is certainly arguable with evidence that the exact opposite has historically proven to be more effective in the long run to maintaining a strong economy. It has been suggested that we should look at cutting the corporate tax rate. Some studies suggest that the savings would be passed onto the consumer and work to stimulate the economy. One problem is that the corporate tax produces 5% of all taxing revenues and without a concomitant increase elsewhere or a severe 5% cut in spending, we would only be adding to the deficit. Plus, nearly half of all corporations doing business in Minnesota are headquartered beyond our borders meaning that our tax cut would have less of a benefit to our citizens. Government dollars should never be simply given away without thought to incentivizing the behaviors or results that are the most beneficial to society. Our first order of business is to erase the 5.8 billion deficit that is looming in the near future. Strategic investments, specific cuts, targeted revenue increases, and purposeful bonding within a bipartisan effort is the only way for the State to move towards financial stability.

PHL- Will either of you sign the Taxpayers League, "Taxpayer Protection Pledge” for the 2010 election. Tell us why you will or won’t? Defend your own records on taxation. NOTE: Senator Hann has signed the "Taxpayers Protection Pledge."

Ron Case - No, I will not sign the “Taxpayers Protection Pledge.” I believe any candidate who pledges to never raise taxes or revenues over the course of the next two to four years is either just playing politics or being disingenuous (or both!) The State of Minnesota is facing a 5.8 billion dollar deficit by the 2012-2013 biennium and honest elected officials from both parties are clearly saying that there is no way to cut, tax, or bond our way through the deficit without doing a mix of all three. Strategically raising revenues to address a budget crisis is a far cry from raising taxes simply to expand existing government programs (something I am not inclined to support.) We simply cannot continue to leave our debts to future tax payers to cope with. Due to the last eight years of gutting the State budget until the reputation and perception of Minnesota’s quality of life is now in jeopardy, finding 5.8 billion in cuts would be disastrous to our way of life. And borrowing to pay for today’s costs of government is irresponsible. Finding the right mix of taxes, budget cuts, and bonding will require open and committed legislators from both parties willing to work together to find solutions that will promote economic stability and long-term sustainability.

PHL- Do you agree with the Department of Revenue’s assessment that we have a regressive tax system in Minnesota that unfairly burdens the average income household?

Ron Case - For the last decade, income taxes have been becoming more regressive as tweaks in the tax code have favored higher income earners. It makes sense to return to some of the taxing structures of the 90s but we have to be careful not to drive revenue sources out of Minnesota (the “wealthiest” Minnesotans are often most able to move residency to lower taxing states creating the opposite result of the intended tax increases.) Property taxes have the most stable revenue flow but are often viewed by citizens as the most unfair (in that they are assessed regardless of changes in income or the ability to pay.) Although property taxes can be either progressive or regressive depending on the value of the property relative to the income levels and/or net worth of the owners, most tax experts view them as regressive in that the property tax as a percentage of total income usually hits lower income earners harder.

PHL-Should local guns laws be tightened and a charge or tax be applied for licensure, for safety and to increase state revenue, why or why not?

Ron Case - We live in a nation of guns under a constitution that no matter how one interprets it, clearly values the right to own a gun. Additionally, research has shown that when someone attempts to obtain a gun for criminal purposes, gun laws designed to restrict, delay, or control access to guns are usually ineffective. But anecdotal conversations with law enforcement officials have convinced me that impulsive violent acts with a gun can be reduced if the availability of guns on demand were controlled. I support reasonable gun purchase waiting periods, registration of all guns, and restricted licenses to carry as attempts to reign in the number of violent acts committed with guns annually across Minnesota.

PHL- Ron as a Minnesota Teacher's union member and a long time public educator, are you and David polar opposites on public/private education funding? Can you each give us an overview of where you both think we need to go in the future related to education? Also, please tell us what you think of the new Teacher Tenure Rules and if alternatives exist in order to accomplish the objective of student, achievement and improvement in test scores? Please include votes for or against if applicable.

Ron Case - Although I’ve never had the opportunity to sit down with David and delve deeply into issues surrounding public education, I would be surprised if we didn’t find many areas of agreement. However, from the bills he’s introduced over the years, I definitely stand in opposition to any attempt to base teacher wage increases solely on student test scores, any attempt to weaken collective bargaining or individual teacher due process rights, or any attempt to divert public school funds into private educational institutions. Research has clearly established best practices in the classroom and there are many models of teacher evaluation that rely on administrative and peer review. There are simply too many variables related to an individual student’s performance to ever use a class average from one test as a major factor in determining teacher performance. Tenure simply provides for due process protections against arbitrary and capricious actions by the administration. Where there are competent and effective administrators, quality teachers are recognized and inadequate teachers are removed.

PHL- Will you both tell us if you feel it’s important to maintain our natural resources and continue to acquire land for wildlife management and parkland? Please only include your voting records in support of or against if applicable reflecting your records on the state or city level.

Ron Case - As a City Council member in Eden Prairie for nearly 14 years, I’ve become very involved with wetland, river, and bluff protection issues. During my tenure the City has purchased hundreds of open space acres. It becomes increasingly more difficult with each passing generation to purchase and develop open space amenities. Therefore, I believe that governments need to act when the opportunity presents itself with the right piece of land available, the appropriate funding mechanism, and the necessary level of community support.

PHL- Today more and more women are taking legal over-the-counter and prescription remedies to end pregnancies that have FDA approval. There is any number of applications available for safe sex and contraception. What should government's role be in a woman’s reproductive rights?

Ron Case - At the core of the debate over abortion in America is the right of the individual to be free to make choices regarding the health and welfare of one’s own body without government intervention. I believe the vast majority of Americans simultaneously hold somewhat contradictory opinions that while believing that abortions are undesirable they still hold that women, not government, should be the final decision-maker. Government’s role in health issues should be to step in where the majority of Americans want government to ensure their safety (2nd hand smoking bans, safe food and drug policies, automobile safety, etc.) and to stay out of the personal/family decision-making process on issues where government should not have a role (abortion, right to die, alternative medical treatments, etc.)

PHL- School funding has been a critical issue. State cuts to school funding ultimately resulted in higher taxes and referendums. According to The Minnesota Independent, July 25, 2008, “Pawlenty’s disinvestment in real-dollar state aid to education is at odds with a longstanding Minnesota formula for economic growth.” The 2010 Prop Tax statement for EP shows School District Approved Levies which are the largest tax increase in our 2010 property taxes, more than county and city services. In a Star Tribune article from Nov, 2007, “David Hann: Big-picture question on schools: Who has control?" David, you stated that school issues are usually brought up in off elections for the benefit of school employees and that it was hard to convince local residents to support increased funding for schools their children attended and for that reason, why would we expect citizens across the state to pay higher taxes to support them. But, in Eden Prairie the schools initiated two referendums to raise more money for schools and they did pay higher taxes to support increased funding. Ron as a public school teacher and David as a State Senator what were the reasons behind the disinvestment in public education?

Ron Case – I believe that education . . . public, free, and of high quality . . . is the guarantor of the future health of our democracy. I also believe that the states with the highest economic vitality are those where public education is well-funded. Although the property tax is the most stable form of revenue, by relying on its use to fund public education, we encourage disparity, do nothing to combat embedded poverty, and frustrate the voting electorate by returning year after year for more referenda funds. We need a bipartisan restructuring of the tax code that takes the burden of our constitutional obligation to fund education off of the property tax and places it squarely back onto the State where it belongs. Furthermore, after eight long years of general across the board disinvestment of government programs and services, Minnesota will have to play catch-up for years to come in order to rebuild the reputation and reality of a quality of life that has previously not only served us well but has been the basis of our prior economic growth.

PHL-David can you explain the efficacy and fairness of non-public schools, who do not adhere to a variety of equal rights protections, still receiving public money under some of the legislation you proposed? Ron since you don't have a legislative record to defend, what can you tell us about your involvement with teacher organizations and Eden Prairie schools?

Ron Case- First a few words about private schools. I completely support the need for and value of private school education in America as one more option for parents to have the freedom to choose in order to meet the educational and social needs of their children. But because private schools by virtue of the fact that they don’t receive public funding, can turn down any student who, for whatever reason, cannot have his/her educational needs addressed, they are non encumbered by the sometimes incredibly expensive needs of students who are physically, emotionally, and academically challenged. Being able to accept a particular targeted population of students and reject anyone who does not meet their criteria allows private schools to tailor their instruction to their student body resulting in cost-savings and perceptually higher scores as well. Public schools on the other hand do a great job (especially Eden Prairie and Minnetonka) with educating every child that walks through their doors regardless of the type and severity of presenting needs. So, to attempt to compare based on test scores, class size ratios, dollars spent per child, etc. is inherently unfair to public schools.

Taking public school dollars and moving them into the world of private K-12 education is wrong for two reasons. First, it is based on the assumption that private schools “appear” to often be doing a better job educating their students which can never be established until both the public and private schools accept, educate, and assess the identical set of students. So, the flawed argument is that government should give all parents the ability to choose the “better” school for their children and use their public school dollars to help to fund their private school choice. Second, by taking the precious and diminishing public school dollars away from the only educational alternative that by law must receive, educate, and fund every student who walks through their doors, we propel public schools on a downward spiral of student flight, less funding, higher percentage of students with high needs, lower average test scores which leads again to more student flight, etc.

Finally, to answer the specific question addressed to me (!) Education Minnesota, the teacher union in the State of Minnesota representing 70,000 public school employees, exists at its core to ensure a fair collective bargaining process and to protect teachers’ rights to due process. Many people unfamiliar with public education likely become concerned from occasional stories in the press that teacher unions protect bad teachers, that teacher unions don’t want to see change, or that teacher unions only are concerned with tenure laws. The truth is that administrators are charged with ensuring strong instruction in every classroom and that the role of Education Minnesota is not in anyway to prevent the removal of an inadequate teacher, but to help to safeguard a teacher’s rights within a disciplinary process.

My personal involvement with Education Minnesota bookmarks my teaching career. In the first few years of teaching, I served as a building representative and a contract negotiator. Then I went on a 20 year hiatus until three years ago when my building again elected me as a Site Vice-President. This past year I’ve served as Vice-President of the Eden Prairie Education Association. My term expires in August, 2010.

PHL- Lottery and Racino- If Eden Prairie can balance their budget with revenue from the sale of alcohol, is Lottery and Racino any more unacceptable from a moral standpoint? What other ways would either of you suggest to increase the state's revenue? 1. Sin taxes. 2. Raise taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans. 3. Business taxes. 4- VAT taxes. 5. Online taxes. 6. Offset Taxes.

Ron - In the mid-90s I proposed and successfully passed a decision to eliminate cigarette sales from within our City-owned liquor stores. My rationale was and is today that the City could not in good conscience sell and profit from a product that was universally accepted as being detrimental to the health of our residents. Whereas alcohol, when not abused, was and continues to be, not universally deemed to be in the same category of a health hazard. While it is universally accepted that compulsive gamblers harm themselves, their families, and society, gambling in and of itself is entertainment with a moral and ethical dimension that remains under debate.

I believe that State Government, as the representatives of the people, has an obligation to collect and spend money to work for the common good. Collecting additional revenues for no other reason than it might be more politically palatable, seems a poor excuse for increasing the accessibility to gambling in Minnesota. However, if the reasons for expanding legalized gambling are greater control, access to funds that can be used to help compulsive gamblers, etc. then the incentives for the change warrant more study.

A sin tax is simply a targeted user tax which in the instance of high end sales taxes can be progressive. But studies have found that sin taxes are highly regressive although an added benefit can be a decrease in health related problems. As I mentioned above, the solution to our State’s 5.8 billion deficit is going to require an across the board, bipartisan overhaul of our tax code. In such an undertaking, I envision that we would need to look again at returning tax rates to levels similar to the 1990s, to pursuing tax increases on cigarettes and alcohol consumption, value-added taxes, and within legal parameters, online taxes. But these strategic revenue increases must be coupled with specific budget cuts and increased use of bonding. We simply cannot leave our debt to future tax payers (our children). It took us eight long years to arrive at our current dismal economic outlook and I imagine it will take a few years to plow our way out.

PHL- You both have had an opportunity to vote on a smoking ban on a city/state level. Can you tell us briefly, how you voted and why? And why you think smoking is or isn’t a health hazard to smokers and non-smokers, workers and children in a environment where smoking is allowed? Please consider the business rationale and the fact that smoking bans are working. In the aggregate restaurants have not closed down because of the smoking ban

Ron - I voted for a smoking ban in all of Eden Prairie’s parks and public spaces. At the time in 2002, the State was pursuing a state-wide ban and the majority of the Eden Prairie City Council believed that to pre-empt the State would unfairly disadvantage our Eden Prairie restaurants until the State had the opportunity to pass a ban state-wide. Contrary to how tobacco companies and tobacco sales representatives often present the issue, smoking bans are not about limiting personal freedom to smoke, but about ensuring the health and welfare of the non-smokers and particularly employees, who were breathing in the smoke of others. Smoking bans at their core are employee rights legislation. Smokers are free to smoke in their cars, their homes, and on their walks outside. But they should not be free to infringe on the health rights of innocent people (especially children) who did not make the choice to risk breathing in carcinogenic chemicals. I believe the State-wide smoking ban in restaurants and bars has been a smashing success. Over time, I believe the data will prove that lives have been saved, health care costs have been reduced, and the general welfare of the people across the State of Minnesota has been improved.

PHL- In an October article in Forbes, columnist Mike Linton suggests that state government should think more like marketers, not administrators. How do you think this applies toward city government?

Phil Young- I think his point applies to all levels of government. I meet people as Mayor all the time who came to Minnesota somewhat reluctantly as part of a job transfer but now that they're here don't want to ever leave. It is to the benefit of state, regional, and local government to overcome preconceptions based on our northern climate.

PHL- As Linton suggests there's a lot of branding that comes with the history, economy and population of a place. Its weather, local attractions, amenities and geography have everything to do with it. Linton examples Minnesota for its icy winters. What is Eden Prairie's brand? Or what should its brand be?

Phil Young- Eden Prairie is blessed with natural beauty and convenient geography--these appeal to many people. But, we need more than that in order to continue to attract businesses which not only provide jobs but also many of our residents. I recently attended the Tekne Awards for the Minnesota High Tech Association, where 7 Eden Prairie based companies were finalists and 4 won their categories. This is a perfect opportunity to highlight the success of our growing businesses.

PHL-Who's flocking to Eden Prairie and why? We know the city is interested in attracting quality businesses, but what about tourists? And how are redevelopment and housing choices able to meet the demands of future population growth?

Phil Young-Tourism in the Twin Cities is and will be focused on the metro area and not the suburbs. Eden Prairie is well positioned for our future population growth.  Many do not realize that single family housing is only about 60% of the housing stock in Eden Prairie.  Eden Prairie has a wide selection of housing options, including work force housing.

PHL- If, as Linton, says, we think of citizens as the consumers of places, so that places will look to "acquire and retain" people who generate sales (i.e. taxes) rather than  thinking about administrative policies and adding or maintaining services, does this become a half-empty approach to running a city?

Phil Young- Linton's point is about balance and about what happens when government takes businesses and residents for granted.  It is an important lesson for government.  And, one of the reasons that I routinely meet with business leaders in Eden Prairie.  Taking the time to meet with job providers, who without exception have never asked anything of me during these meetings, pays a good dividend to the city.

PHL- Linton talks about "brand basics" like reliable public education, the ability to attract and keep small businesses, government efficiency and holding down taxes as the preferred package. How does Eden Prairie fare in the realm of "brand basics compared to other like cities in the area?"

Phil Young- Strong schools and good parks.  Convenient geographical location. A highly educated work force.   Reasonable taxation.  These are the things that job providers are looking for and by and large Eden Prairie competes very well in all of these categories.

PHL- A place can become too overpriced, lose its competitive edge and fail to provide an adequate standard of living to its consumers and businesses. This is happening in states and cities all over the country. Since Eden Prairie is linked to the area itself, what do you view as overall healthy and unhealthy signs in area branding?

Phil Young- A significant challenge facing Eden Prairie is the high cost of doing business in a state during a time in which employers of all sizes have an increasing ability to move jobs with greater ease than ever before.  This challenge will become more prominent after the current recession ends and capital investment increases.

PHL-  What can Eden Prairie do to set itself apart from other Minneapolis suburbs in terms of branding? Such as: kinds of stores and entertainment options; kinds of businesses and living options? Kinds of services like wireless internet access?

Phil Young- Focusing on success stories such as the recent Tekne Awards is a perfect example of a way for Eden Prairie to set itself apart.  There is something to the point that companies which aspire to success want to be close to companies which have achieved success.  Quality employers will bring with them residents who want to live close to work, children for our schools, and consumers for our local retail businesses.

PHL- Most cities that border the MN River Valley have nature centers. Eden Prairie does not. The stretch of 212 that runs along the MN River is a prime location  for designation as a scenic route and nature center. This is a branding opportunity the city has yet to explore. What are your thoughts about creating a MN River Valley Nature Center and Scenic Route on Hwy 212?

Phil Young- I have no opinion right now. I would need to know more about what levels of government would be involved, what costs would be incurred, etc.

PHL- Places can thrive for years and then decline particularly if they don't retain their valuable customers. What can local government do the ensure a forward thinking planning process that incorporates all the ingredients necessary to develop and grow our brand for the future.

Phil Young- Take nothing for granted.  Local government is a service business--we dare not lose sight of this.

PHL-Tell us about some or your ideas for branding a place?

Phil Young- Eden Prairie is a city with:  1) uncommon natural beauty; 2) good schools; 3) low taxes; 4) business innovation and growth; 5) good access to highways and the international airport; 6) diverse housing stock.  As long as we can say all that, we'll do great.

PHL- In an October article in Forbes, columnist Mike Linton suggests that state government should think more like marketers, not administrators. How do you think this applies toward city government?

Ron Case- I think it's truly a little of both. Government at all levels should carry out the will of the people (the administrative part) but in a world that encourages so much misinformation, government also has to work hard to communicate accurate information back to its constituents (the marketing part.)

PHL- As Linton suggests there's a lot of branding that comes with the history, economy and population of a place. Its weather, local attractions, amenities and geography have everything to do with it. Linton examples Minnesota for its icy winters. What is Eden Prairie's brand? Or what should its brand be?

Ron Case- We have a history that is founded in being a river city/farming community. We need to celebrate everything that is unique to our town or else we become just another Woodbury or Fridley or Savage. Our evolving heritage (and the events that celebrate it) is the essence of our personality as a community and we should be thinking strategically about how to grow and enhance our residents' knowledge of and participation in our community life.

PHL-Who's flocking to Eden Prairie and why? We know the city is interested in attracting quality businesses, but what about tourists? And how are redevelopment and housing choices able to meet the demands of future population growth?

Ron Case- With the market downturn, I'm not sure anybody's "flocking" anywhere at the moment, but I believe the people who are currently in transition between communities continue to choose Eden Prairie for the same reasons they have for decades:  our good schools, amazing parks and recreational opportunities, and our safe community.  We need to continue to work as a government to incentivize the "life cycle" housing that has worked so well for us over the last 25 years or so in order to continue to attract people from all demographic categories.

PHL-If, as Linton, says, we think of citizens as the consumers of places, so that places will look to "acquire and retain" people who generate sales (i.e. taxes) rather than  thinking about administrative policies and adding or maintaining services, does this become a half-empty approach to running a city?

Ron Case- There's probably danger in any policy or philosophy that dehumanizes government policy, but we do need to remain cognizant of choices and decisions that have direct impacts on why people choose to move into Eden Prairie and why they hopefully choose to stay.  Sales and subsequent taxes, though not an end unto themselves, are nonetheless the indicator of a healthy, vibrant community. The goal to reach that healthy end is through government policies that enhance healthy neighborhoods in which reside satisfied and fulfilled people.

PHL- Linton talks about "brand basics" like reliable public education, the ability to attract and keep small businesses, government efficiency and holding down taxes as the preferred package. How does Eden Prairie fare in the realm of "brand basics compared to other like cities in the area?"

Ron Case- I think this question gets answered everyday as to why people choose to move into Eden Prairie.  And since I believe the data confirms our strong school system, vibrant business community, and stellar tax history as compared to other suburban Twin Cities' communities, then the marketing question comes into play here in that we need to ensure that our branding is being accurately, consistently, and regularly communicated both inside of and outside of Eden Prairie's borders.

PHL-A place can become too overpriced, lose its competitive edge and fail to provide an adequate standard of living to its consumers and businesses. This is happening in states and cities all over the country. Since Eden Prairie is linked to the area itself, what do you view as overall healthy and unhealthy signs in area branding?

Ron Case- All suburban communities are inextricably linked to the health of their core cities.  That's why the Livable Communities Act along with the Fiscal Disparities law (though frustrating for Eden Prairians at times) actually can work to our benefit when and if they improve the health of the entire 7-county metro area.

PHL- What can Eden Prairie do to set itself apart from other Minneapolis suburbs in terms of branding? Such as: kinds of stores and entertainment options; kinds of businesses and living options? Kinds of services like wireless internet access?

Ron Case- Clearly our geography (of which we had no choice in!) is one of our greatest assets (centrally located in the middle of a vibrant and thriving southwest second-ring suburban region).  Maintaining our strong business community, continuing to celebrate our unique heritage and community personality, and marketing our strong schools and first-rate park system will continue to brand us as a community equal to none others in the Twin Cities' area.

PHL-Most cities that border the MN River Valley have nature centers. Eden Prairie does not. The stretch of 212 that runs along the MN River is a prime location  for designation as a scenic route and nature center. This is a branding opportunity the city has yet to explore. What are your thoughts about creating a MN River Valley Nature Center and Scenic Route on Hwy 212?

Ron Case- We've had discussions over the years of combining such a center with the historical/cultural stories associated with the area (Murphy's ferry, the last Dakota/Ojibwa battle of 1858, the original ox-cart trail) but will likely need to wait until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department purchases the land south of old 212.

PHL- Places can thrive for years and then decline particularly if they don't retain their valuable customers. What can local government do the ensure a forward thinking planning process that incorporates all the ingredients necessary to develop and grow our brand for the future.

Ron Case- I think this question has been thoroughly answered in all of the answers above with the addition of continuing to keep our master guide plan current and updated, continuing to assess changing attitudes and beliefs of our evolving citizenry, and continuing to adjust our priorities to our changing world.

PHL-Tell us about some or your ideas for branding a place?

Ron Case- Celebrate Eden Prairie's unique heritage, keep government closely engaged with its constituents to know the direction our residents want Eden Prairie to go, market our communities strengths and successes, and pass legislation that ensures that our housing stock, our parks, and our commercial districts continue to be the best in the Twin Cities.

The questions were inspired by an article in Forbes by Mike Linton
www.forbes.com Mike Linton 10-14-09
Do States Need to Act More Like Brands?
State government should think like marketers, not administrators

1. What can you tell us about the Flying Cloud Drive Trail? For instance where does it start and stop?

SHN-  It will start at Technology Drive at the north end and extend south to Anderson Lakes Parkway.  There are some sections of this trail that currently exist.  This project is designed to fill in gaps and complete the trail.  The project is being financed by our trail funds from the City’s 2005 parks referendum.  Hennepin County has also contributed $200,000 to the project.

2. What about city services like snow removal this winter? Which services will be cut or diminished?

SHN-  There are no plans to diminish City services, such as snow removal, this winter.  Staff and Council are working on our 2010 budget right now, but we have not discussed reducing our service levels in 2010.

3. Tell us about the arrangement the city has with MAC for the ball fields? Do we pay MAC rent? Do our tax dollars support the maintenance of the fields? Is this arrangement irrevocable or can MAC at any time decide to utilize the fields for airport use?

SHN- The City has a lease agreement with MAC for public recreational use of Flying Cloud Fields.  The City pays MAC $600 annually for the use of this property.  The City pays for the regular maintenance and any capital improvements on the land.  MAC can terminate the City’s lease for this land at any reason at any time with a 90 day notice.

4. In comparison to other local cities, how much aid or federal stimulus money is the city receiving and for what  purposes is it being used?

SHN-  Eden Prairie has received approximately $150,000 in extra Community Development Block Grant under the federal economic stimulus program, otherwise known as the American Recovery and Readjustment Act (ARRA).  The City will use these funds to help support human and social services in the community. The City has also received notice that we will received approximately $625,000 from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program.  City staff are working with consultants to put together a spending plan for these dollars.  The plan, which has received tentative approval from the City Council, will pay for energy efficiency projects that the City had previously committed its own tax dollars towards and projects that will reduce our energy costs in future budget years.

5. What is the current status of the LRT process and likelihood of rail services out of the SW Metro Station?

SHN- The Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority is getting closer to selecting what is called the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the route of the southwest transitway LRT.  If things keep going the way they’ve been going, I believe the County will select route 3A, which would eventually provide light rail services out of the SouthWest Transit Station, perhaps as early as 2015.

6. When all is said and done will the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program cost us more upfront and less in the long term?

SHN- No.  When all is said and done, the projects the City will fund with this grant will save City tax dollars in two ways.  One, we won’t spend our own tax dollars on the projects themselves. And, two, the projects will enable the City to consume less energy than we are consuming today when they are completed.

7. Will the BAC work to give recommendations for the 2010-2011 budget period by reflecting the collective position of the commission, rather than individual positions? How has this worked in the past?

SHN- That’s the plan.  The BAC recently adopted new protocol which places more stress on presenting positions to the Council that reflects the collective wisdom and opinion of the group.

8. What can you tell us about “Social Distancing Strategies” the city may use and what that might mean in the future for facility closures with influenza season fast approaching and the possibility of an outbreak of H1N1?

SHN- “Social Distancing Strategies” is just another way of saying that we need to consider how we will keep sick people away from well people, in the event of a public health pandemic, at least that’s the context that we are discussing that subject.  I’ve been talking about the subject with the City’s management staff concerning how we will handle the issue in our public facilities and with City employees.  Staff will be sharing our proposed Continuity of Operations Plan with the City Council for a public health pandemic at the September 15 Council workshop.

9. Instead of goats for turf control has the city considered natural grasses instead of turf to be used in areas like road medians? The idea of planting natural grass was brought up by Ron Case during the last election.

Zero Emissions Turf Control July 30th

SHN- To the best of my knowledge, the City has not considered goats or natural grasses for turf control in areas like road medians.

10. One of the original goals of the Municipal Liquor Store idea was to cut down on alcohol use. That target seems to have shifted toward maximizing sales in order to subsidize cities with leaner budgets. Tell us how much of a tax relief are we actually receiving with the operation of city run liquor stores, per family?

SHN- I do not agree that one of the original goals of the municipal liquor stores here in Eden Prairie, or anywhere else in Minnesota for that matter, was to cut down on alcohol use.  The State Legislature established the municipal liquor store option for small towns following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.  The purpose of the municipal liquor store option for cities was to allow a greater level of control over the sale and distribution of alcohol in small towns.  The presumption was that locally elected officials could be held more accountable for this than a private business owner.  It’s arguable whether theory is valid or not, but that’s why we have the system we have for municipal liquor in this state.

We have two goals for our municipal liquor stores:  To insure the safe and appropriate sale of alcohol into the community and to make as much “profit” for the community as possible while accomplishing goal number one.  The first goal is in keeping with the original purpose of municipal liquor stores.  The second goal is relatively modern.  The operating income generated by our liquor stores is used to fund capital improvements in the community, such as parks, trails, sidewalks, public building maintenance, etc.  In this way, it is a form of property tax relief for Eden Prairie taxpayers.  If we did not have the $800,000-$1,000,000 per year in liquor profits to fund these capital improvements the City would be forced to do one of two things: reduce the number of capital improvements we do each year or increase our property taxes by 3-4% to make up for the this revenue.
 

"Social-purpose background: Star Tribune West August 16, 2009

Municipal liquor stores were started largely to control alcohol consumption. Lakeville's stores were established in 1934 to foil bootlegging, said city liquor operations director Brenda Visnovec. Lakeville and Edina don't sell kegs of beer and don't sell tobacco to minors in their stores. Though Edina promotes its sales through direct mail, it doesn't advertise prices, relying on word of mouth to bring people into the stores."

 http://www.startribune.com/local/west/53364292.html

Mayor Phil Young

Councilman Ron Case

Eden Prairie Mayor Phil Young on the State of the City Budget

Eden Prairie Council Member Ron Case on the State of the City Budget

PHL- The city manager's pay increase is a drop when compared to the salaries and benefits of the employees who lost their jobs. Mr Case wasn't part of the budget making process. What went wrong with the budget process in 2008? And explain why you voted for or against the city manager's pay raise.

Ron Case: Nobody likes to even mention the word "tax increase" in this economic environment today. But there are only three ways to address our current situation: cut spending, borrow from savings, or raise revenues. The Council back in December chose to take off the table tax increases. That left only budget cuts and savings as ways to confront our declining fee revenues mid-year. Budget cuts are politically painful and using savings is bad for two reasons: It impacts our ability to fund future shortfalls as well as depleting our CIP AND most importantly, it uses one-time revenues to offset budget imbalances leaving the same gap to be filled again during the next budget cycle.

As for the City Manager's recent performance review, the Council voted to keep his total compensation package at 0% increase (actually because we used last year's merit pay number for this year, he is receiving slightly less in total compensation this year than last.) The Merit pay, which admittedly is badly named and should be eliminated through a re-negotiations process, is a contractual "carrot" that if Mr. Neal met all of the expectations and goals set for him last year, he would receive a 3.5% one-time lump sum payment. Since his performance review revealed stellar performance in meeting the goals that the Council set for him last year, I felt it would have been bad-faith bargaining if we did not award him his contractually agreed upon amount.


PHL- You both usually represent contrasting views. What issues have you found common ground on? Which issues do you remain far apart on?

Ron Case: I believe we both desire to do what is best for the people of Eden Prairie based on our perceptions of how that should be defined and implemented. I have never questioned Phil's integrity or his intellectual capabilities. Where we disagree, and we do fundamentally differ here, is in our view of the role of government (I believe government is "us", working for the greater good to bring forth opportunities for all of us to live quality lives.) I'll let Phil advocate on his behalf, but my perception is that he believes smaller and less government is generally if not always preferable. I would counter that if people move into a community like Eden Prairie they have in the past and I think continue to expect quality athletic facilities, a progressive community center, a senior center, an art center, open spaces, trails and more. I've always believed that although government clearly can never nor should "do it all" we have to strive to "do enough" to continue to confirm the very reasons we chose to live here in the first place.

PHL- Did the council as a group discuss applying for federal stimulus dollars? Is this something the city has done in the past or should do in the future?

Ron Case: I actually was the first person on the Council to publicly raise the issue. I believe we owe it to our constituents to pursue all avenues of funding that can lighten our local tax load yet still maintain or even increase the benefits to our community.

PHL- How will the city be impacted by the Governor's cuts?

Ron Case: We've lost our "MV Credit" of $456,000 in 2009 and $511,000 in 2010. Because these funds have been so unpredictable in past years, the City has counted them as "one-time revenues" during the budgeting process and placed them into the CIP fund. Therefore, their loss is not a hit on our general operating budget but will have an impact on our ability to complete specific CIP projects over the next several years.

PHL- The city acquiesced to public sentiment in support of the Smith Douglas More House. The quick-take and condemnation process to grab the Sjostrand land, and demolish the existing vintage barn and construct ponds was made in the early days of 2007 by the council, without Mr. Case. On these issue you have both been at odds. Can you each tell us what your positions are related to the historic barn? What will happen to it?

Ron Case: Phil and I both agree that we should not use tax dollars to preserve the Sjostrand barn. I differ with Phil though in that I believe that the City should participate in supporting the barn's survival to allow future generations to make choices about what to do with the barn. Once it is destroyed, we have taken that choice away from future Eden Prairie residents. My hope is that a current offer currently being discussed to purchase and/or lease the barn from the County and use the barn for farm equipment storage will "buy" the barn a reprieve from demolition and allow current and future residents to enjoy one of the best preserved barns of its kind in the nation.

PHL- Though the city council curbed spending, and used rainy day funds, there was still a million dollar short-fall. Since the BAC was the recommendation of the current Mayor, Phil Young, how do you both feel the BAC is contributing to the process of creating a budget? Is it complicating it, because the BAC is not an elected group and does not have the authority to actually vote on a budget? Yet, there are residents who now act as if the BAC should make final budgetary decisions. What is your sense about the budget process?

Ron Case: I believe the Budget Advisory Commission has a useful and important role to play in assisting the Council in its budget deliberations if and when the BAC were to be given clear and specific directions that would limit its input and advice to be on questions of "How" not "What" or "Why". The Council is the only municipal government body that answers directly to the people of Eden Prairie and as such is the only body that should be dealing with issues like What level of service do the people of Eden Prairie want? Why do we spend the extra money to soften our water when other communities don't? Why do we own more park land than any other comparable suburban community in the State" or What new services or programs do the people of Eden Prairie want the City to deliver? The BAC can help the Council with How can we do what we do more efficiently? How do other cities or businesses deliver services differently, better, more cost-effective?

PHL- Are city revenues decreasing because of limited development opportunities? How can the city continue to provide services, but keep property taxes low?

Ron Case: We need to look at all sources of revenue and not limit ourselves to just property tax increases. In a way, government is like a business, albeit a service oriented, non-profit entity. Therefore, we have expenses that are driven by what, when, and how much our residents desire and demand. Expense must be balanced with revenues. Imbalances between revenues and expenses will necessitate serious conversations with all of our residents to determine what they are willing to forgo and what they are willing to continue to pay taxes for in order to maintain the community they desire. There are no easy answers because there are a lot of competing voices. In a majority ruled democracy, not everyone ends up getting their way, but hopefully everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

PHL- You both live near Flying Cloud Airport. How do you feel about the inevitability of a 6,000ft runway?

Ron Case: I don't believe it's inevitable and I will continue to argue that the Council should aggressively advocate against any inflationary expansion of aviation use and impacts at Flying Cloud.

PHL- Are we a more polarized city since party endorsements tipped the scale and eliminated potential candidates who have less access to economic and media support?

Ron Case: I continue to believe that party/partisan endorsements infect the non-partisan a-political atmosphere of local city government but that like it or not, the horse is out of the barn.


PHL- In your elected role as a member of the Eden Prairie council, what has been, in your estimation, your best decision?

Ron Case: Voting against the toll-road in 1996, voting to use TIF funds to improve the Eden Prairie mall in 1998, helping to rebuild a positive employee climate during the tumultuous management transition problems back in 2001, bringing Scott Neal on board in 2002, ushering in the beginning of the smoking ban debate that resulted the following year in a state-wide ban, and voting on budgets that resulted in triple A bond ratings while being selected as a top ten city in America.