Rick Schultz, St. Joseph mayor
Hello St. Joseph,
Some of the uncertainty, anxiety and instability regarding a rework of city facilities is over, as we move toward a better, more community-involved solution. The city council decided to move forward with further involvement from residents, using facilitated listening and work sessions, by a more neutral party.
While at times, it appears we may be at odds, I always look for the next silver lining. There’s nothing wrong with civil discourse. It’s sometimes necessary to aid all in the community to know they are being heard and decisions are not made in isolation.
I want to thank everyone for the feedback you’ve offered and for the way you advocate strongly for the well-being of this community. I respect your opinion and will continue to listen to residents.
Very soon, we will begin our budget planning. Our goal is to keep taxes as low as possible while investing in neighborhoods and infrastructure. We will work on how to fund projects throughout the city – from parks and community projects, recreation, trails and needed infrastructure maintenance. We’ll continue to improve the budget process while deploying new and innovative strategies to ensure St Joseph continues to build on past success.
I’m interested in how to best engage the public as these sessions begin and continue. I’m looking for suggestions and I’ll try any number of things to encourage feedback from residents. Coffee, town hall or some other type of open session . . .
The public is welcome to email, text, call or write a letter, and I am willing to attend meetings of groups and organizations.
Here’s the link to the city’s website where comments may be added also: www.cityofstjoseph.com/RequestTracker.aspx
Here are my email(s) and phone numbers: Rschultz25@msn.com; rschultz@cityofstjoseph.com; 320-260-0393; 218-839-9378.
Thank you for your support.
contributed photo
St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz.