by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A former plan to secure a loan with the city’s help to build a sports complex in Sartell has been abandoned, and the funds to build it have been secured by the Sartell Youth Hockey Association via private financing with city involvement, according to Sartell City Administrator Anna Gruber. Even though the City Council voted 4-1
Huntington residents voice concerns about density zoning
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Many of the residents of the Huntington neighborhood residents in Sartell spoke up to share their concerns about a major new zoning plan at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting. “Huntington,” as it’s known, is a residential area in south central Sartell, east of Pinecone Road, connected to roadways such as Heritage Drive and Roberts Road.
Carollo: Legislators must help workers find path to success
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Benjamin Carollo of Sauk Rapids, who is challenging Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) for the District 13B House seat, is fascinated by “the intersection of people and technology, how they impact each other and what problems arise as we advance as a society and a planet.” He also said he strongly believes in these difficult and contentious
O’Driscoll: Mending state deficit should be top priority
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a multi-billion-dollar state surplus to plunge to a multi-billion-dollar state deficit, and that will be the biggest challenge in the near future, said State Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell), who is up for re-election Nov. 3. “That will be the top priority during the 2021 legislative session – dealing with that large
Smith: Grow tax base to support future growth
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell City Council candidate Jill Smith said she believes one of the city’s biggest challenges is to grow the tax base commensurate with the needs of current and future residents and the city’s “top-rated” school district. Smith is one of four candidates vying for two open seats on the council, the two now held by Mike
Lewandowski: Rigorous planning is key to wise growth
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Alex Lewandowski, a candidate for Sartell City Council, said that heedless, unplanned growth in the city could cause the economy and infrastructure to suffer adverse effects. “That is why there needs to be a plan,” he said. “If we grow too fast, fatal development decisions will be made.” Lewandowski, 30, is one of four candidates vying
Johnson: ‘I want to serve because I love this city’
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Aaron Johnson said his reason for deciding to compete for a City Council seat is a simple one: “I want to serve because I love this city,” he said. Johnson is one of four candidates vying for two open seats on the council, the two now held by Mike Chisum and Brady Andel, who chose not
Chisum: Growth depends on precise questions, good answers
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell City Council candidate, incumbent Mike Chisum, said that Sartell’s future growth cannot be successfully realized until many questions are asked and answered. All of those questions impinge upon residents deciding upon an identity for the city. For examples: “What amenities are needed?” “Do we really want an aquatic center?” “Should Sartell focus on being a