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Sherburne County is facing state-imposed limits on how much it can increase its levy, as well as requirements that it maintain the same level of spending for certain state-required programs. Do you have specific ideas for how to cope with "unfunded mandates"? Are there areas you would cut or shift spending?
Jim Newberger - Stop asking how much we can increase taxes. Start asking how much we can DECREASE taxes. Our elected members of state government need to know that if they push for unfunded mandates then they won't get re-elected. Period.
John C. Riebel Sr. - We need to work together more with our state legislators and senators to find a different solution to this problem. A lot of projects have been slowed or put on hold.
A number of the county’s lakes, rivers and streams are listed as "impaired" due to the level of pollutants they contain. Is the county doing a good, fair or poor job of protecting its water resources? What are your ideas for improving water quality?
Jim Newberger - Good water quality is vital to our lives. The county needs to monitor our water resources and make sure they are safe. If someone pollutes a water source, then they need to pay to clean it up.
John C. Riebel Sr. - I would say a fair job because of the limited amount of dollars that has been budgeted. Some projects they are doing is shoreline planting of native plants, grasses and making use of stormwater rain gardens to reduce water runoff into the lake.
Is Sherburne County spending too much, not enough or the right amount of money on parks, trails and open space?
Jim Newberger - We all love parks, trails and open spaces. However, we need to prioritize our lives and set an economic course for the next 4 - 6 years. Sherburne County needs to focus on the economic health of our citizens. Cut spending. Cut taxes. Cut fat budgets.
John C. Riebel Sr. - If a good deal comes along for park land we will look at it. The board then will see if it will fit our long range plan and if we can afford it. We have been looking at purchasing the land first and then adding amenities.
Do you support moving the Sherburne County Fair to Becker? Why or why not?
Jim Newberger - We need to evaluate the cost.
John C. Riebel Sr. - I still support moving the fair to Becker mainly because of its location and the land is tax exempt. The Elk River site can add tax money to our treasury.