Last week, a press release sent out by the Chamber - and endorsed by me - listed Councilor Reinert as someone who declined an invitation to appear at the FORVM on Tuesday, January 8, 2007 at 8:00 AM. Councilor Reinert expressed his disappointment in seeing his name listed among others who also declined the invitation to participate in our discussion about the utility rate increases.
At tomorrow's FORVM, we will be discussing the utility rate increases. Clearly, the Chamber is concerned that recent rate increases are too high and that our support to raise the rates - as part of the solution to solve the retiree health care crisis - is being taken advantage of. Our rates for gas and water are now some of the most expensive in Minnesota, and, perhaps, some of the most expensive in the entire upper Midwest. Add rate increases to recently announced property tax increases, and it is not hard to see that government is starting to consume a large proportion of the available air, making it difficult to breath for those on a limited income and for businesses who cannot easily pass along those costs.
Reinert's dissatisfaction with being listed in the press release is not entirely off base, as it may look like he's trying to duck the issue. We know, however, that this is not the case. Yet, we still believe the city should have made a better case for increasing rates - or at least the increased portion of the higher rates that went to operations. If it seems we unfairly singled out Councilor Reinert, we apologize.
We also invited Jim Benning, director of public works, to participate in Tuesday's discussion at the FORVM. As the director of public works, Mr. Benning is intimately involved in setting rates and controlling costs within these departments. We were disappointed that Mr. Benning declined our invitation to participate, citing building safety official Duane Lasley's previous experience as reason to not attend.
To be sure, Mr. Lasley faced an angry crowd, comprised of contractors, architects, business owners, and citizens alike. Members of the crowd felt that they suffered silently for some time, and saw the FORVM as the perfect opportunity to voice their opinions publicly. Those who offered their opinions were direct. Nobody was disrespectful. Mr. Lasley got into trouble when he lost his temper and displayed gruff behavior. Given a "do over," we can all be sure he would have acted more politely. This, however, does not excuse highly paid city staff from addressing those who want an explanation as to why they are paying the highest rates for utilities in the State of Minnesota.
We hope that you will attend the FORVM. It is time we ask government to justify their increased costs. After all, business owners and operators, in the form of competition, have to justify their costs or risk having their customers spend their dollars elsewhere.
I wish to thank Mr. Reinert for the courage and forthrightness to address his concerns directly and encourage him to do so in the future. Unless we can talk forthrightly as citizens to our appointed and elected officials, how can we expect government to do anything but pass along higher costs and be told simply that it comes with the territory?
Attend the FORVM tomorrow, Tuesday, January 8, at 8:00am, and have your voice heard.
The FORVM
Tuesday, January 8
8:00am - 9:00am
Playground Theatre - Tech Village, First Floor
