Recommended Links from people in the know
Don Reeder
Public Affairs Manager for the League of Minnesota Cities.
-
New Indiana Law Gives Residents Right to Resist Police
A new law likely makes Indiana the only state where people are allowed to shoot cops under certain circumstances. The change, police officials say, not only puts officer’s safety at risk but the public’s too.
-
Transportation’s Messaging Problem
Look at any survey in which Americans name the most serious challenges facing the country, and transportation infrastructure doesn't register. At all.
-
Moorhead council aims to attract more residents to city—perception of state’s budget struggles a hindrance
Residents worry the state’s budget deficits would eventually have a negative impact on local school funding and taxes.
-
The Post Bulletin : Our View: Zumbrota exemplifies pain of LGA situation
There's no denying that the effects of LGA cuts continue to trickle down throughout Minnesota. A contentious meeting in Zumbrota last week is a prime example of how the loss of state aid can have real impact on budgets and peoples' lives.
-
Colorado Lawsuit Challenges Wisdom of Ballot Box
“A legislature unable to raise and appropriate funds cannot meet its primary constitutional obligations,” the Colorado lawsuit reads. “Since the passage of Tabor in 1992, the State of Colorado has experienced a slow, inexorable slide into fiscal dysfunction.”
-
Foley police debate: No quick answers for providing security
What would a new police department cost, and what level of coverage would it provide? The answers are not easy or obvious. It’s all a matter of choice.
-
Our view: State, local government needs bold ideas
Too often, we’ve seen state government pass along unfunded problems to local government and schools — and then, with tremendous audacity, scold the locals when they raise money to pay for the solutions.
-
Report shows US police fatalities rose 13 percent in 2011 as firearms-related killings soared
Budget cuts resulting in layoffs, delayed equipment upgrades, and reduced training procedures cited.
-
Real World Economics / Property taxes prove to be a reasonable burden
Despite much political rhetoric about out-of-control taxes, the total price of Minnesota government, summing both state and local, is considerably lower now, relative to Minnesotan's collective personal income, than it was 15 to 20 years ago.
-
Commentary: To city and school elected officials: Thank you
Local elected officials are not thanked enough. They spend a lot of time outside of their full-time jobs and away from families. They sort through issues that you don't have to worry about. The majority of their time is spent doing thankless, unrecognized work.
-
Sheriff: Dundas police cuts will extend response
The change takes an estimated $35,000 from the city’s 2012 budget and levy, and means the upcoming levy will be lower than the 2011 taxpayer assessment. It’s a move council members say answers Dundas residents’ calls for a tax cut.
-
Gallup: Americans have greater confidence in local government than in state or federal
Two-thirds of Americans have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in their local governments to handle local problems.
-
Commentary: No two ways about it, Local Government Aid has been cut
A Rochester city council member weighs-in on "magic mushroom mathematics."
-
For Worthington Mayor, public service is all about giving back to his community.
Looking back on a childhood that saw few luxuries, Mayor Alan Oberloh said he resolved at a young age to help others in need.
-
Rural crime on rise as small towns in Minnesota cut law enforcement
While costs have increased for small towns, revenues haven’t. The loss of local government aid (LGA) is well documented. And, although Fertile has held its own for population, cost inflation has exceeded property tax growth.
-
Barry Greenfield: How Congress could learn from local government
I see incredible innovation across this country every day, but only at the local level. Why? Because municipal officials are not running for re-election the day we take office and we live in the communities we govern. In other words, we have to face people who are affected by our decisions every day.
-
States and cities raise fees and fines to salvage their budgets and avoid big tax increases
Fee increases can be an attractive alternative for lawmakers worried about losing political points or increasing hardships by raising income or sales taxes across the board.
-
Staying on the greens: Small towns like Barnesville have special bonds with their golf courses, but also unique challenges
Like many small-town courses, Willow Creek is trying to survive. In March, the Barnesville City Council approved a resolution dissolving the Barnesville Golf Course Management Board and shifting operations into the Parks Department.
-
Our View: Going green saves money for city
Green policies applied with due care and appropriate investments can reap returns for taxpayers that save money and add to a city’s appeal and, therefore, its value.
-
Gutted by the recession, a town clings to life
The tax base evaporated in Whitmire, S.C., just as the well of government aid also ran dry. Could something like this happen in Minnesota?
Sponsor
Sponsor
Canada may close unique environmental research facility
"There is not a way to do whole ecosystem scale freshwater research anywhere else in the world. The work done there has been instrumental in our understanding of acid rain to endocrine disruption."
Forum on the News
MN-03 DFL candidate forum
A discussion with the two Minnesota Democrats vying for the DFL nomination and the chance to unseat Republican incumbent Erik Paulsen.
Minnesota Sounds and Voices: Dan Turpening's deep, wide devotion to the accordion
An accordion played outdoors evokes scenes of Paris in the springtime. Or, in the case of local accordion player Dan Turpening, Minneapolis in May.
From the Audio Archives
1973: Defining Irish
Dr. Eoin McKiernan talks about what it means to be Irish.
