Why I Am Running
by Papa John Kolstad

In the past I have run for office as a way to get a message out to the public. Last spring I was asked by members of the Green Party to run for Mayor. Later I was approached by independent voters, the Minneapolis Republican Party, and the Minneapolis Independence Party. Together we formed an alliance to work toward a more friendly, effective city. we hope for a city that encourages and helps independent business, suports the residents in their needs and encourages tourism. I agreed to run to give the residents of Minneapolis a voice. I am seriously seeking this office and know I can do a great job.

Over the years I have had a variety of experiences with the city of Minneapolis that influence my positions and gave me background for my Mayoral run.

Some of the ISSUES that are important to Minneapolis:

Taxes/Assessments/Fines/Fees

We have seen both residential and commercial property taxes rise every year. The rise in taxes is both in the tax rate and in the valuation of property.

As the owner of a commercial building on Lake Street, I fought the pressure to rebuild the street. The sidewalk had recently been rebuilt, trees had been planted only a few years before, and the street was recently capped. the justification for doing this project was that "we" would get Federal money if we did the project. This reminds me of the person who goes to sales and buys items, justifying the purchases saying, "I saved $100", when the person actually spent $175 and probably didn't need the items. The redevelopment of Lake Street has cost property owners and their renters thousands of dollars in additional assessments. One only needs to drive, bicycle or walk along the street to see the preponderance of empty buildings, and buildings for sale or rent.

I have spoken to many people, both residents and visitors to our fair city, who have had tickets issued to them when signage is unclear or parking meters are not working. Tickets are clearly used to increase revenue for the city.

We have just had a new fee assessed to commercial business owners to pay for an inspection by the fire department to be done once every 5 years. The only justification offered for this was: "It has been said that..." When documentation that a problem exists was requested, none was offered. This is but one example of the use of fees to increase revenue.

When I become Mayor, I will investigate what the taxing powers of the city are. We need to find out if there could be a more equitable basis for raising money to operate the city.

Police

Over the past 2 decades I have watched reports of various incidents involving this powerful group that have resulted in settlements or court awards of millions of dollars. The $2.4 million awarded so far in 2009 could pay 23 officers' salaries.

When elected Mayor, I will request a copy of the training manual and other information regarding how the Minneapolis Police are trained. It is necessary that they clearly understand what is legal and permitted. Police who do their jobs well and fairly must be recognized and encouraged.

Education

I support public education. My two children attended MInneapolis Public Schools. I know first hand the successes and problems with the MPS.

The Minneapolis School Board is a separate organization in the city government. There are already cooperative efforts between the MPS and the Mayor's office. I will continue those and will work to improve the connections. We must improve our relationship with all the communities in the city to ensure that all our children get the best education possible.

Budget

I will look closely at the Minneapolis Budget to determine what expenditures are absolutely necessary in these times of financial difficulties.

In order to assess the budget, Minneapolis will have to have an audit performed by an auditor independent of the Mayor and the City Council. The body currently responsible for seeing that this is done is the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Attempts by members of the BET to authorize an audit have been defeated each time they were proposed. As Mayor, I will do everything in my power to give the BET a room for their meetings that has video access so the proceedings can be made public. I will make sure the media is aware of the meeting times and the discussion topics.

It is clear that Minneapolis has been underfunded by the state. We will fight for adequate funding from the state and at the same time carefully examine our priorities as a city.

Transit

Public Transportation is under the control of the Metropolitan Transit Commission. This is not directly a function of Minneapolis city government. The city has an advisory and advocacy role.

Clean and safe public transportation is vital to the health and prosperity of any city. I will fight to improve reliability, safety, and accessibility for all who use public transportation. I will use the office of Mayor to encourage more people to make use of public transportation.

I will advocate for plug in electric vehicles for city staff where feasible.

We will continue to encourage bicycle and pedestrian transportation. We have made great strides as a city in providing bicycle routes and walking paths. We will work with the Park Board where appropriate to continue to encourage bicycle use and improve the safety and efficiency of bicycle routes.

We do not have the luxury in these times of having perfect streets or brand new streets all over the city. I will have the streets department make a serious evaluation of the condition of our streets. My experience working for the city of Minneapolis street repair department in my younger days will help me to understand the issues involved.

Minneapolis needs a good, effective cab system. There was recently a change in the licensing of cabs resulting in the loss by many cab companies/drivers of their major investment. I will look into this.

Jobs

We need to have more jobs that pay a wage that will support a family. New jobs come from small business, not from the Mayor's office. My focus will be to stop the flight of small business from the city because the owners feel the city is not responsive to their concerns. I will also examine the policies in place that hinder independent businesses from succeeding and work to change those policies.

I support the use of stimulus money to create jobs in the "Green" sector.

The Arts

Studies of cities with thriving arts communities demonstrate that those cities grow and prosper because of the presence of the arts.

As Mayor I will encourage the arts. Minneapolis already supports our nationally renowned arts organizations and venues such as the Guthrei Theater, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, the downtown theaters and more. I will support independent artists in theater, music and visual arts. I will encourage the variety of arts and artists we already have in Minneapolis.

VOTE FOR PAPA JOHN KOLSTAD TO BE YOUR NEXT MAYOR OF MINNEAPOLIS.

I INTEND TO BRING A POSITIVE CHANGE TO LIFE IN THIS CITY.