I am writing regarding the upcoming election and to show my support for Lori Keller. Having served on the council for over 10 years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to keep the city operations functioning. Towards the end of my time with the city I had the opportunity to interact and work with Lori and I believe she has what it takes to tackle this job.

Extensive financial and budgetary experience, an even keel approach to topics, a willingness to engage in multiple aspects of the city and with the citizens. The fact that she brings these skills to the table while keeping a “big picture” approach, not pushing a personal agenda, makes her a solid candidate for the position.

During any election, many topics will be discussed and political perspectives and promises made, but in the end it comes down to character, personal convictions and setting aside any personal bias to speak for the health of this community. Becker is a great community, and has weathered some turbulence. The city needs a strong, rational voice of reason to help see it thru times like this. I believe without hesitation, Lori Keller is the right choice Nov. 4.

 

Would it be possible to put a thank you in the paper from the Becker Area Food Shelf thanking the Monticello Men’s Auxiliary Post 8731 for a $500 cash donation. Becker resident Jim Roelike is a member of the MMA Post 8731 and went from business to business seeking donations.

Jim presented Janet Boettcher (Becker Area Food Shelf) with the donation on Oct. 16. Maybe a thank you to all the businesses that donated.

 

At Tuesday night’s executive session golf pro Troy Malo brought to the city council his budget request of $400,000 for golf. On a 3- 2 consensus vote the city council with approval from members Lynette Brannan, Tracy Bertram and Adam Oliver, voted to continue with the status qou and give the golf course $400,000. Mayor Kleis and Rick Hendrickson voted "no". 

 

This is money not included in the preliminary 13% tax hike that was approved by same 3-2 majority in September. So where is this money going to come from? 

 

Also revealed was that the golf course restaurant was over $50,000 in debt to the city. Who will pay for this debt if the owners walk away? The taxpayers? 

 

Maybe the golf course is not the problem. Think about it. If you ran a business and lost money every year and kept going to your bosses with similar results would you still have your job? Who is to blame the employee asking for money year after year or the bosses who keep giving it to him?

 

 

I have to confess that I don’t know Adam Maskowski (candidate for city council) very well. But, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen. He seems very sincere and he also seems to be very interested in what’s best for Becker. I say, “let’s give him a chance.”

 

Hello, my name is Jennifer Peterson, and I am a local attorney who has practiced in Sherburne County since 2006, primarily criminal and family law.  In my practice, I have dealt with the Sherburne County Attorney's Office on almost a daily basis.  It is due to this extensive experience, that I believe the citizens of Sherburne County need and are entitled to a change in leadership at the county attorney's office.  Therefore, I am writing to show my support for Duwane Snyder for county attorney.  Duwane is an individual who expresses great concern and passion about making sure that the constitutional rights of our citizens are honored and protected.  He is dedicated to implementing change within our county system to protect our veterans and make sure that they are properly cared for during and after serving our country.  Duwane understands that one of the primary roles of County Attorney is to be a minister of justice.  I believe he will take that task to heart in deciding the best practices in properly handling criminal cases, while also protecting the community.   

 

It is time for new leadership at the Sherburne County Attorney's Office, and therefore I endorse Duwane Snyder, and humbly request that the citizens of Sherburne County vote for him on Nov. 4. 

 

 

We at the VFW Post 8731 Men’s Auxiliary would like to thank the Becker Community and all the local businesses that helped with our fundraising goals.  The last three years we have held Oktoberfest at the Monticello VFW supporting veterans and active duty soldier charities.  We have asked for donations and support of local businesses and encouraged the local people to come and join us to celebrate Oktoberfest.  

It has been encouraging to see not only Monticello step up to the plate, but our neighbor Becker open up their arms and support us.  This year with the help of the Becker businesses and community we were able to raise $4000 of which we have already committed $1400 to the Wounded Warrior Project.  

 

I would also like to thank one of our members, Jim Roelike, for his hard work in your community talking with everyone about how the Monticello VFW Men’s Auxiliary not only benefits Monticello, but benefits the people in the neighboring communities with our commitment to local charities and veteran groups.  

 

As a gift of thanks the Men’s Auxiliary has donated $500 to the Becker Food Shelf in the name of all those from Becker that have helped us in our endeavors.

 

 

Lori Keller knows our cities financials better than anyone. She aspires to bring businesses and their tax revenue to Becker. We need to fight to keep Sherco and the jobs and tax revenue it brings, we also need to prepare ourselves if Sherco leaves. 

 

When I heard that the golf course was losing money, I jumped on the "close it down!" bandwagon. I am now convinced that Pebble Creek is an asset to our community. About $6 of my property taxes go toward the golf course. People move here because of the golf course and people will move away if it’s gone. Let’s stop all this wasted time and effort on the golf course and move on to filling the industrial park and beautifying our Highway 10 frontage. 

 

From the city: Community Center: 2014 – Levied tax dollars = $436,400; Golf course: 2014 – Levied tax dollars = $50,000 – projections are indicating operations to break even or even make a slight profit.

 

I haven't heard the anti-community center rhetoric like I do the golf course. They are both assets to our community!

 

If you want a smart, balanced person to represent you vote for Lori for city council this November.