Victoria MN Newspaper

To the Editor:

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has approved the District's proposed levy and budget for 2015. At its meeting on September 11th, the Board approved a levy of $8,291,301 for 2015.

This is a 4.99% increase from 2014, allowing the District to fulfill prior commitments, improve programming, and remain responsive to emerging threats to water quality in the District. The proposed levy was offset by a nearly $500,00 increase in funding from the District's partners for its 2015 projects.

The District's $14,206,850 budget for 2015 is a 9.12% increase from the previous year. Funded activities include repairing damage from recent flooding and continuing the District's efforts to clean up several water bodies in the District including Lake Minnetonka's Halsted Bay and an impaired stretch of Minnehaha Creek through St. Louis Park and Hopkins.

The budget will also fund the expansion of water quality monitoring to include plant and fish communities, additional aquatic invasive species prevention measures, and improved educational programming for District residents.

There is a growing demand by the public and communities in the District for the MCWD to assist in addressing water quality issues. Under the proposed levy, the MCWD's portion of property taxes on a $300,000 home in the District will be approximately $4/month.

The MCWD consists of 27 cities (including Victoria), two townships, and two counties.

Tella Mamayek

MCWD Communications Director

Minnetonka, Minnesota

To the Editor:

Tom Strigel, you have our vote! Thank you for your relentless dedication to family, friends, and community. You have felt the heartbeat of our city from day one. We are so grateful to have you as part of our Victoria City Council, and we believe you'll continue to bring your leadership skills to the table.

Louise Lehner

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

As you are aware, the City of Victoria is in the process of hiring a new City Manager. Last night (September 22nd) we chose five finalists for this position and will be bringing them to a special series of interviews this Friday and Saturday, September 26th and 27th.

As explained in the attached memo, there will be two opportunities for citizens to participate in the process and have a voice in the selection process. Information on the reception this Friday is included on the attached.

I ask that you please consider attending the reception and voice your input in the selection process. If you would like to participate more actively by being on a citizen panel, please let me know or contact Jessica at City Hall. We really do want your input.

Tom O'Connor, Mayor

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

Dear Victoria Voters ... Tom Strigel and Jim Crowley have done a great job serving on the Victoria City Council. Hard work leads to great results. The 2015 budget levy rate is at historic lows for Victoria!

Tom Strigel and Jim Crowley led the effort and aggressively researched options to reduce he budget and save $3 million to build the new City Hall, Library, and Public Works buildings. A combined project budget went down by 33% from $9 million to $6 million. The projects are being built on budget!

Both Tom Strigel and Jim Crowley have worked very hard to actively support downtown businesses and redevelopment. They always make time to be available, to listen, and to discuss ideas and concerns of the residents and business owners.

I was impressed when Tom Strigel was the lead voice in opposing paying the U of M license fees to build a trail to the U of M Arboretum, eventually saving Victoria residents over $40,000 while getting the trail built for all to enjoy.

When talking to Tom Strigel, he said, "My philosophy is for government to be as small and unobtrusive as possible while fulfilling its role in delivering basic services. Personal property rights are the cornerstone of a free society.,"

Tom Strigel and Jim Crowley have earned your support and vote.

Warm regards,

Mary Meuwissen

Counselor Realty

Victoria, Minnesota

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