Community Planning
Metropolitan Council
We need to take a serious look at whether or not we really need the Metropolitan Council for the Twin City area. The Council adds another layer of government in the 7-county metropolitan area. In these counties we must deal with the State government, County government, City government, Township government, Special Administrative District governments (Soil & Water Administrations, Park Boards, School Boards etc.). Nowhere else in the State of Minnesota do we add this additional layer of government.
If the decision is made to keep the Metropolitan Council, the members should be elected to their terms of office. Instead of holding another election, we should tap into resources that are already available. Cities should take turns putting their mayor on the Council. In most cities, mayoral positions are part-time jobs, as are the positions on the Metropolitan Council so one person could easily fill both positions.
Urban Sprawl
We need to make inner-city living and development attractive. If we don't, we will end up with decaying inner cities surrounded by thriving suburbs. Unless we achieve zero population growth, it must be understood that the communities are going to continue to grow and expand. Instead of trying to prohibit the growth, we need to direct it in a manner that allows for the best use of the land and resources.
Support systems such as sewer and water lines should be extended to the new development, so as to limit the stress those septic systems and wells put on the environment. Farmers and individuals however, need to be protected from being forced to sell their land due to skyrocketing property taxes or utility assessments.
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