1993-01-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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i I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 2 State of the City Address. continued I believe the underlying sources of discontent motivating voters in state and national elections are concerns about our future as a nation and a secure society. Layoffs, the federal deficit, competition, personal safety, education.....all of these factors impact and serve as measures of confidence in the future. Ultimately our economic security affects our sense of personal societal security...a sense of peace and serenity in our own environment. It is that sense of peace and serenity that many of us strive for in our human ventures. We have seen too many examples of irrational behavior on nightly newscasts to be complacent here in New Brighton. And...we are not complacent I We know that our children and our neighborhoods must be protected and strengthened. Along with change at the national and international level, we must acknowledge events and trends and realities of state and regional activities. We will be working with new representatives at both the state and county level in 1993. It is appropriate that we recognize the dedication and contribution of Dick Pellow and Don Salverda. They have accepted the challenge and the risk of public service and we thank them sincerely for their service to our City. The winds of change bring Geri Evans and Brenda Thomas to serve us. We applaud their commitment to public service and look forward to serving with them in the coming months. We also note that we now have the additional value of a second voice in the House of Representatives in the person of Representative Wayne Simoneau. I look forward to working with him. I also want to congratulate Senator Steve Novak in his re-election and appointment to a key Senate committee chairmanship. It's noteworthy that we have fresh new strength representing us at the County and State level because 1993 will be another challenge. Health care and education funding needs are the primary source of anticipated budget problems. Creative new solutions will be needed. Daily we hear references to reinventing government and reassuring our fundamental visions of government services. One change I believe we should pursue is the reduced reliance on property taxes for education support. The Governor has argued that education is a state obligation by virtue of constitutional mandate. Should we not then transfer responsibility for financing of education to the State, thereby shifting dependence of property taxes for city and county services? Given the national and state economic and political scenarios, how do we stand as a community in New Brighton? I believe we are in good shape and poised to take advantage of improving conditions. Before touching on those opportunities we should pause to celebrate our successes from 1992. Soecial Order of Busin~ss State of the City Address