August 28, 2013

Two recent developments at City Hall should benefit 13th Ward residents in years ahead.

Energy Goals.

On August 16, the City Council decided not to place an initiative on the November 2013 ballot to authorize the city to establish a municipal utility. The Council’s resolution declared that “energy should be affordable for Minneapolis ratepayers, reliable, resilient to external shocks in the face of a changing climate, efficiently delivered and used, and should come from increasingly renewable sources.” The city will negotiate new franchise agreements so that the city and its energy providers work in partnership to meet these goals.

Mayor’s Budget.

On August 15, the Mayor delivered his proposed 2014 budget to the City Council and community. The budget would fund 30 new police cadets and 20 Community Service Officers. The budget would also fund three new classes of firefighters – 45 total in 2013 and 2014.

The Mayor’s proposal also supports cultural competency training and community engagement for the Police Department. With an increase in Local Government Aid, the Mayor’s budget calls for a 1% reduction in the city’s property tax levy.

These policies – progressive energy goals, not city takeover of utilities; an investment in public safety resources; stable or reduced property taxes – should benefit 13th Ward residents, and I support them.

In years ahead, I support additional funding for our Police and Fire Departments so we have a full crew on fire trucks and a fully-staffed police department.

Your support will make the difference in my campaign for City Council. To show your support with a lawn sign this fall, click here. If you would like to volunteer on the campaign, or make a financial contribution, click here. You can even “Like” us on Facebook, click here!

If you have questions about issues or our campaign, please feel free to call me at (612) 305-8719 or send me an email via lineapalmisano@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Linea Palmisano

Ward 13 Candidate for Minneapolis City Council