and the next mayor of Eden Prairie will be....?

I honestly have no idea.

I have no particular reason for saying so, but I have to believe the race is pretty tight.  Neither candidate, it seems to me, has delivered knock-out punch.  I think they've both done all the predictable things--debates, yard signs, door knocking, etc.,  but all of those are primarily good for establishing your base of name recognition.  Voters don't really pay much attention to local races until the last ten days or so before the election. Life is simply too busy.

This is the time to distinguish yourself from the competition. Make a final argument, preferably in a manner that doesn't give your opponent a chance at rebuttal.  I've said it before and I'll say it again--for a local race nothing is more effective than a compare/contrast mail piece the week before the election. 

One of our current council members tried this two years ago, labelling himself the "low tax guy."  It was a nice piece but he mailed it too early; the target of the add had enough time to do a last minute mailer of his own.

If I were in the mayor's race I would mail a mailer tomorrow--Wednesday. Mail it bulk and most residents will receive it Friday or Saturday--perfect.

Crunch time for Tom Horner

It's a week to the election and Horner's numbers don't look so hot.  The Strib tried to help him by issuing their endorsement a week earlier than usual--I guess if  you're gonna pick a candidate you might as well do all you can to help him win. But, there's been no bounce.

The problem, it seems to me, is that a fair number of those who picked Horner in the earlier polls did so because they thought he was the best candidate; now, some of those former supporters want to get behind the best candidate with a chance of winning.  Horner hasn't done anything wrong.  But, he hasn't inspired anyone, either.

I don't exactly remember how Ventura pulled it off 12 years ago. I know that a lot of people were turned off because it seemed that both Coleman and Humphrey were busy playing defense--they didn't seem to take a stand on anything.  But, how Ventura took that disdain and turned it into votes for him I don't recall. I remember shock at how many of my family members actually voted for him.

Can Horner do the same?  I think that ship has sailed, if ever it was docked.  Now it seems the real question is how low will Horner's numbers be on election night.  Will he sink below 10%? 

sideline chatter

I was at my third grader's last football game about a week ago. I noticed a group of parents talking feverishly.  All of a sudden a mom comes my way--"you're the mayor, aren't you?" she asks.  Very few good conversations start this way.

Luckily, she didn't have a complaint about the city. She was upset about the school district boundary changes. She lives in Bearpath and explained that although her kids don't attend Cedar Ridge, she is worried that property values in Bearpath will fall if kids no longer go to a neighborhood school. She wanted to know from me whether it was easy to find out how much property tax is generated by Bearpath. 

This school issue is very curious.  It won't go away.  Parents are angry.  That's not good for anyone, except maybe the local newspapers. 

endorsements on the prairie

Two quick points about this week’s endorsements from the local paper.

First, why do local papers endorse for political office?  Why should their opinion matter? And what exactly does it mean for a candidate to have a newspaper endorsement?

If a candidate is endorsed by a political party, most would understand that the candidate shares the views of that party.  If a candidate is endorsed by a labor union it again is easy for voters to understand how that candidate feels about certain issues based on logical assumptions from the endorser.  In either case voters have information about what the endorsement means and can use that information to decide whether to vote (or not) for that candidate.

I submit the same does not hold true for local newspaper endorsements. I submit that voters don’t really know what that endorsement means.  I believe local newspaper endorsements are less valuable to voters than either political party endorsements or even union endorsements.

Second point–the Eden Prairie News is biased in favor of liberals.  None of the three GOP members of the city council has ever received an endorsement from that paper–that’s 0-6 in my book.  The highest vote getter ever for a council seat–no endorsement. The most votes ever for mayor–no endorsement.  Either the voters are wrong, or the newspaper is. Which do you believe?

Our current state senator is running for his third term.  He is one of the most intelligent and honorable public servants I’ve ever met.  He’s never been endorsed by the News.

Sure, the News has endorsed candidates for House seat 42B.  And these candidates have deserved to be endorsed–we’ve always had great people in that seat. But, it’s also true that 42B is one of, if not the, most Republican seats in the state. And, the DFL has had a hard time putting up decent candidates for what is really a hopeless cause. I’m convinced that if the DFL had better candidates for that seat that our local paper would endorse them, too.

I think that’s what I like least about newspaper endorsements–they pretend to be unbiased, but they’re really not.  At least come out and say that you prefer liberal candidates.  Then at least voters will know what to do with your endorsement.

city liquor

I've always had mixed feelings about city liquor.  I think our enterprise is well run, fairly priced, and friendly.  And, it generates money which the city uses for capital expenditures.  But, I don't like that we've shut private business out of selling liquor in town.  If the city wasn't in the liquor business I would not support us getting into it for that very reason; but getting out of the business is a harder nut to crack.

We recently remodelled our liquor stores and I was not a fan of how we decided to do that. Too much space in two of the stores. And, expensive finishes.  If our niche business was $50 wines, then sure--use all the granite and mahogeny that you want. But,that's not our niche.

At the end of the day most people want convenient stores and low prices. That's how you make money in the liquor business. You don't need tasting bars or unneeded space.

I went to the new Haskells in Chanhassen today.  No fancy finishes there. And, plenty of boxes on the floor; no square inch left open.  And man was it packed. 

I find the same thing at Trader Joe's. Tiny stores.  But, they move a lot of wine.

Know your customer.  Configure your stores accordingly. 

Kid gloves with Dayton

I read the Strib's story on Dayton yesterday. As predicated they softened the blow on virtually any fact which could be used against him.

A week ago the Strib found a lawyer who practiced with Emmer in the early 1990s and who was critical of Emmer's work ethic and ability to work files.  They offered no positive comment from any lawyer who has more recent experience with him.

Yesterday, the Strib discussed what it simply couldn't ignore--Dayton's fearful closing of his senate office. But, rather than let readers draw their own conclusions about the reasonableness (or lack thereof) of this act they softened the blow by getting former (and Republican) U.S. Attorney Heffelfinger to defend it. 

This distinction in treatment may not seem significant to more casual readers of the Strib, but I think it speaks volumes.

Horner for Governor?

Well, at least so says the Star Tribune.  Predictable endorsement if you've been following the Strib coverage of the governors race.

I've said before Horner seems a decent guy. But, I found the Strib endorsement lacking.  I've never been a big fan of the argument that (fill in the blank politician) will either "reach across the aisle" or "end gridlock," etc.  Not because I don't think those are laudable goals--I just think it's an easy sound bite which no one has really delivered on (or really tried for that matter).

I still remember all the soundbites from then-candidate Obama--e.g. "we are the change we've been waiting for."  Huh? But people lapped it up.

But, with the endorsement now in hand, let's see if Horner can grow in the polls. He's slipped a bit, to 14%. He'll need to be in the 20s, I think, pretty soon if he has any chance of winning this thing.

damn Yankees is right

I turned the tv off last night with some measure of satisfaction as the Texas Rangers were beating the New York Yankees 5-1 late in the game.  The wound of the third post-season sweep by the Yankees of the Twins was still raw and I smiled to myself as it appeared the bats of the Yankees were failing them in Texas.  Not nearly the same as a Twins ALDS victory, but it would do.

I should have known better. I awoke this morning to the sad news that the Yanks shelled the Rangers for 5 runs in the 8th inning.

You can never count those Yankees out.

eden prairie school boundary change

I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the new elementary school boundaries.  And I don't mean as a parent--even though my first and third graders will move from Cedar Ridge to the "new" Oak Point elementary school next year.

No, what I'm struck by as I continue to read about this issue is the lack of any comment from the school board, or its individual members.  Now I understand that the school board has divergent opinions on this issue and I tend to agree that its members shouldn't rehash the debate in the media. But, when parents/voters are protesting, I think elected officials should be heard from. 

I understand that some parents will simply never accept these new boundaries.  But, it is also my sense that a fair number of parents are upset because they felt that this was a pre-ordained outcome into which they had no real voice.  Inviting comment after a map has been disclosed simply isn't the same. 

a protest in Eden Prairie

I attended the Money Take Charge Live event in Eden Prairie tonight.  Money sent its publisher and editorial staff out to host a personal finance event to America's Number 1 City. It was a nice event and the people from Money were very friendly. I think they gave some good advince and input to the residents who showed up with questions.

I had to drive past at least 60 protestors in order to get into the parking lot.  Some residents were protesting a recent elementary school boundary change.  I was very surprised at the number of protestors who showed up.  The city had advance notice of the protest and when the Money publisher asked me about the issue yesterday I told him I would be surprised if 10 people showed up. Boy was I wrong.

The protestors were very polite.  They did not disrupt the Money event. 

I remain struck by their passion, though. I've seen the occasional protestor around town before. I've never seen a crowd, though.  Sending emails or making phone calls is one thing; it's another altogether for people to give up their dinner hour holding placards--that's commitment.

I don't know whether the boundary decision is good or bad for students. Protests, though, are not good for elected officials.

Fall fun at Staring Lake

Cub scout pack 479 had a fall event at Staring Lake today.  Boy scouts from Troop 479 gave demonstrations on “leave no trace” and building a fire.  The cubs then made apple cider, took a hike, and then made some smores.

It was a great day at a great location.  Scout on.

unfair charge against Emmer

I read today's Strib piece on Emmer with some anticipation. I knew that the Strib couldn't help itself--it couldn't possibly write three pages on Emmer without some slam.

I found it on page three. The Strib quoted a lawyer for whom Emmer worked in the early 1990s and who was critical on his work ethic and his ability to work a file to conclusion. 

I would be very curious to know how this part of the story came about.  Did this lawyer contact the Strib? Did the Strib contact every former employer or law partner of Emmer's until they found one who would dish some dirt? 

More importantly, will the Strib go to the same length in its coverage of Dayton and Horner? Something tells me Dayton will get a pass.  Care to wager?

Eden Prairie colors

No, I'm not talking about the marching band event or the changing of the leaves--I'm talking about campaign signs.  Signs are popping up everywhere and never have I seen such a wide variety of colors.  In addition to the usual blue and red, of various shades, I see purple, brown, yellow, green, and even one with a hint of orange.

And, in follow up to a post of a few weeks ago, today I saw two Mark Dayton signs in Eden Prairie.

Most people ignore campaign signs. I enjoy them.  I look at them as I drive down city streets, trying to see trends and patterns in sign placement.  Often all of the DFL or GOP signs are placed in the same yard. But, not always.  Sometimes I'll notice unusual patterns and I enjoy trying to guess at how the pattern was determined.

I remember four years ago when I ran for mayor I got a call in the last couple of weeks before the election from someone wanting a sign.  That was a rare treat as most of my sign locations were developed the hard way--by me asking at the door.

I drove to his house and had waited for five minutes in my car wondering if I was at the right house as the yard had a single sign in it--for Mike Hatch. 

He had a great location on Duck Lake Trail that I really wanted. I finally mustered up the courage to ring the bell.  Sure enough, it was the right house.  I introduced myself, shook his hand, thanked him, all the while hoping he would shed some light on why he decided to call.  He gave no hint.

And in this corner...

Today's Strib story about a lawsuit against Emmer reeks. Four weeks before the election? Come on. This is simply a tawdry follow up to the piece a few months back which made it seem that Emmer sued everyone he's ever met.

Is he aggressive? Maybe so.  Maybe that's what we need right now.

I still remember back when Dayton announced that he wasn't going to run for re-election for the U.S. Senate.  One of the best jobs in government and he was just going to give it up.  Why?  Because he didn't think he could raise money for re-election. I couldn't believe it when I heard it.  Rather than try to fight (or spend the money which he is happily spending this year running for governor) he just picked up his sticks and went home.  That was more embarassing than when he closed his office in the Senate. 

I think Minnesotans want a fighter in the governors office.  I hope we get one.

Primer on property tax

We are almost to that part of the year where the County sends out a mailer indicating what tentative 2011 property taxes will be.  The mailer breaks out taxes for county, school, city, and "other."  The city portion of the mailer will be based on the preliminary levy established by the city council in September.  One of the reasons I argued for a lower preliminary levy (in response to those who argued that it could simply be lowered later) is that we will receive calls and email from residents who will respond to that mailer with some displeasure. 

Property taxes are related to value.  But, the important figure isn't just absolute value but also relative value.  Thus, it is possible for someone who's property value declines to actually see an increase in property taxes if their property value declines less than that of their neighbors. 

When property values were increasing residents paid less attention to the impact on their taxes.  But, with declining values they pay far greater attention. They assume that if values go down that taxes will, too. Again, that's not necessarily true.  If the city budget doesn't change and all properties decrease in value by the same percent, taxes will remain unchanged. That poses a real problem for all cities as I think that residential values will continue to fall over the next few years and people want to see property tax relief.

The next few years will be interesting and challenging for cities. It used to be that the matra from residents was "do more with less."  It seems that the number of people who are saying "do less with less" is increasing.

Yes, I had to look up "quisling"

It seems to me that if "quisling" was such a terrible word then the media could prove that point without using dictionary defintions.  The implication that the GOP party chair was intentionally using a word with nazi connotations is just silly.

That said, I disagree with the "special place in hell" comment made by our party chair.  That comment is all to reflective of the quest for purity which I do not think benefits us in Minnesota.  If we were in an actual red state then sure--throw the moderates under the bus.  But, in Minnesota we need them. So, if former or current moderate Republicans endorse Horner, that seems to me to be a pain best suffered in private.

no more classroom pets

I don't know what it is about elementary schools and pets.

I remember years ago that I "adopted" some gerbils which had been in my school during the school year.  When the two "boys" actually bred a litter my family was pretty surprised.

A few years back one of my sons wanted to "adopt" some ducklings which had been hatched in class.  I dodged that bullet when he didn't win the class "lottery."

Last year, my youngest came home with a frog which had been in his class during the year. I don't recall being asked about this, but that's another story.

Anyway, it appears this frog was one that wasn't native to Minnesota so it couldn't be released into the wild at the end of the year.  We bought a tank, frog food, all that stuff...

Well, apparently this species of frog is prone to "bloat," which is a grotesque disease which ultimately kills the frog.  My children watched the frog suffer, all remedies not working.

Maybe they should just stick with the pet rocks.

the politics of taxes

Horner's impact on the governor's race continues to intrigue.

Yesterday, a number of former GOP state legislators announced their support for him.  I only hope that a similar initiative is underway with DFL legislators.

More tellingly, Horner was subject to some shots at a GOP fundraiser...that only reinforces that some are worried about his ability to siphon moderates away from the GOP.

How should one react to his proposal to broaden the sales tax?  Is it truly a "tax increase"?  What if, as promised, the sales tax rate is lowered? Then how should it be considered?

The real danger, it seems to me, is that if the sales tax is broadened that any reduction in rate will be short-lived. 

A few years back I was at a Minnesota Chamber dinner event where the Governor actually mentioned the very same idea--broadening the tax but lowering the rate. I was very surprised that this was never reported by the media.  It was clearly a trial balloon on the part of the Governor as the issue came up again a few weeks later and he quickly distanced himself from it.  The feedback must not have been positive.

no turning back

I have mixed success with home improvement projects. Bathrooms have proven especially difficult for me.

Six years ago I decided to change some knobs on our jacuzzi tub. Forgot to turn the water off.  Ensuing geyser ruined the ceiling. Scared the daylights out of my then one year old who was nearby.

Four years ago I managed to cut my leg with the remnants of an old porcelain toilet during a bathroom remodel.  Fifteen stitches.  You can still see the zipper on my leg.

Hopefully today's the day my luck changes. I rented a chipping hammer and chipped up the old tile floor in one of our bathrooms.  So far so good. 

Land use changes

The most common issues for city councils to deal with involve land use.  Most issues are pretty routine but it's not uncommon for a land owner to request permission from the city to do something which falls outside of the governing land use rules for their property.  Cities across Minnesota consider, and grant, such "variances" all the time.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on a case this past summer which fundamentally changed (and restricted) a city's ability to grant variances. I'm not going to bore you with the legal details of the decision, but I do think this decision will have huge impact on future developments, especially in the metro area.

A phenonemon which has been controversial for at least the last decade has been the increase in "tear downs" in certain of the first ring suburbs. Many 1950s era ramblers have been torn done to permit the building of huge houses.  The city which has received the most press for this trend has been Edina.

The issue for Edina, as I understand it, is that virtually all of these tear downs require some sort of variance.  Thus, the as-yet unanswered question is whether the Minnesota Supreme Court has killed this segment of the real estate market. Or, can enterprising developers find some way to keep this segment of the market alive without requesting variances from the  city?

Role reversal

I mentioned last month that my wife has returned to the work force.  And I, temporarily (I hope), am charged with the kids and household.

This change has been interesting.  A few weeks back, my wife called during the day to ask that I make sure we had some snacks for her game group that evening--"and make sure the house is clean." 

It took until the third week of school for me to realize, contrary to what my boys told me, that Mom never let them have a sweet snack when they came home from school.

I've enjoyed the extra time I've been able to spend with my sons. But, it is clear that I couldn't do this job long term.