Zurya Anjum, Sartell
During the past 18 months, there has been a lot of unpleasantness in our city regarding building a community center, which should have been a happy decision for all. However, the Sartell City Council’s decision about the location of it has divided our community into factions.
The city council has shown a lack of democratic process in making decisions. They have not listened to residents’ concerns/desires but have decided on their own what is good for this city. They killed any chance Sartell had of getting a Great River Regional Library branch when they chose that site. How can we justify spending $11 million on a building that doesn’t include a major requirement Sartell residents have asked for repeatedly and agreed to pay for with half-cent sales-tax dollars not once but twice?
At the candidates’ forum of city-council candidates, I was struck by negative comments expressed by Ryan Fitzthum. When asked if it was important to have transparency in the dealings of the city council, he said since only 26-28 people showed up to the forum, that shows Sartell residents are not concerned/involved in decisions about the city. That is an insult as most of us work or have family members/kids to take care of and cannot make it to a forum on a week night. That does not make us not concerned or not involved. That shows his disrespect for us, and he does not deserve our vote.
This is about leadership being open and answerable to residents for the decisions council members make, whether it’s about a community center, roundabouts, logistical planning for the Sartell High School or any other issues about our city.
I urge you to support Mike Chisum and Timothy Held for election to city council. I have had discussions with them, and they have reassured me they will work for all residents, listen to our concerns and not push their own agendas as our current city council members (except for David Peterson) have done. Please consider your choice carefully before casting your vote.