Vote for Integrity?

District 1 Chisago County Commissioner Lora Walker is running for re-election to the county board. On her campaign website http://www.lorawalker.com./ , Commissioner Walker proclaims “Vote for Integrity” as she apparently believes she exemplifies integrity. However; integrity has not exactly been her track record.

For example; on one previous occasion, Commissioner Walker openly admitted to an Open Meeting Law violation while posting her comments to a local political blog called “Fiefdom Politics.” On another occasion, Commissioner Walker billed Chisago County for her attendance at a meeting she did not attend.

As another example, there are many who believe Commissioner Walker and fellow County Commissioner/attorney Ben Montzka successfully lobbied the Chisago County Attorney to look the other way when the county was served with a written criminal complaint lodged against their political ally and former District 5 county commissioner candidate Bob Carter. The criminal complaint accused Fish Lake Township Supervisor Bob Carter of violating Open Meeting Law and committing several gross misdemeanors as well as ultra vires acts. Although Carter himself had openly admitted in the Cambridge STAR newspaper that he had, in fact, committed one of the illegal acts for which he was accused, the Chisago County Attorney failed to take any action against Supervisor Carter.

So when it comes time to vote at the upcoming District 1 County Commissioner primary election on August 14th, perhaps voting for integrity will mean selecting a candidate other than Lora Walker.

Drunken Sailors Anchored at the Boardroom?

Once again Chisago County commissioners voted to spend money taxpayers don’t have. At the July 5th county board meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to purchase two new Cat 938K front-end loaders for the county Public Works Department at a cost of $385,980.

This extravagant purchase comes on the heels of an “Early Retirement Incentive Program” resolution enacted at the June 20th county board meeting. The resolution, effective July 1st, is intended to circumvent a projected $2,000,000 budget shortfall in fiscal 2013 by financially enticing county employees to retire early. Those employees accepting the early retirement offer would continue to receive health and dental benefits or the cash equivalent for as long as one year after their voluntary retirement. Under the terms of the “Employee Separation Agreement,” they would likely be eligible for unemployment benefits as well.

Given the dismal economic climate, can Chisago County taxpayers afford such incessant fiscal irresponsibility? Isn’t it time to hoist anchor and vote out the incumbents who spend, spend, spend, spend, and spend?

District 1 Chisago County Commissioner Candidate

Guest submission from Lyle Johnson.

Lyle Johnson
County Commissioner
District 1

I am seeking to represent the residents of Chisago County District 1 as your Commissioner. I am a lifelong resident of Chisago County and have been a Supervisor for Lent Township since 1998. As an independent, not affiliated with any political party, I do my own research and stay in touch with my constituents.

I grew up on a family farm in Lent Township, graduating from North Branch High School in 1967. I attended the University of Minnesota and completed my college education at National College, majoring in business administration. I also attended several schools while serving in the Army Reserve for 23 years. I raised my own family in Lent Township and all three of my children graduated from North Branch High School.

While serving the people of Lent, I strive to see the big picture and plan for the future. I use my business experience to make fiscally sound, responsible decisions to ensure the people get the best value for their tax dollars. I work for the people not only locally, but also with my fellow township officers at the state and national level.

While in office, I have been selected by my county township officers to represent them in Washington twice during the National Association of Towns & Townships lobbying efforts. I have been working with other township officials at the state level since 2004. Chisago County Association of Township Officers has honored me as County Outstanding Township Officer of the Year in 2006 and 2008.

My efforts at the state level focus on annexation reform. At the federal level, I have sought to reduce unfunded mandates as many of these place unneeded burdens on local taxpayers.

As your Commissioner, I’ll work to maintain the quality of lifestyle we all enjoy while planning for future growth. As the owner of a small business in Lent Township, I see the impact that county board decisions have on businesses. I’ll work towards making Chisago County a place where other businesses will want to locate. Promoting economic growth helps keep taxes down while providing the services our residents deserve.

When I have free time, my wife, Dody and I enjoy outdoor activities in our community and volunteering at Maranatha Assembly of God church.

For more information about me, you can call 651-462-1358 or visit my website, http://www.votelylejohnson.com/

Wanted: A Few Good Politicians

After two unsuccessful attempts, it seems
Fish Lake Township Supervisor Bob Carter chose not to make a third run for
District 5 Chisago County Commissioner. Perhaps he still has his hands full
trying to comprehend that “thing” called Open Meeting Law.

Candidate Glassel a Carpetbagger?

The Fish Lake Karpa has learned that a campaign complaint has been lodged with Chisago County Auditor Dennis Freed against county commissioner candidate Jonathan Glassel. According to the complaint, Mr. Glassel does not meet the District 5 candidate residency requirements as defined in the “Affidavit of Candidacy” form and MN State Statutes §204B.06 Filing for Primary; Affidavit of Candidacy, and §200.031 Determination of Residence. Mr. Glassel’s Wyoming, Minnesota address, as filed with the MN Secretary of State, documents that he lives outside of District 5. In order to be a lawful Chisago County commissioner candidate, one must reside within the district for which they seek election.



Mr. Glassel, author of SouthCountyEpitaph.blogspot.com, previously ran as a District 3 (south) county commissioner candidate in 2008, but lost in the primaries. On May 22, 2012, Mr. Glassel filed to run as a District 5 (north) county commissioner candidate. How can Mr. Glassel truthfully swear in his 2012 “Affidavit of Candidacy” that he qualifies as a District 5 resident when he apparently still resides in Wyoming where he ran as a 2008 District 3 candidate?

District 5 Primary Spells Change?

For the first time in recent history, more than two candidates have signed up for the Chisago County Commissioner District 5 seat currently held by Mike Robinson. This will prompt a primary election this fall where District 5 voters can select two candidates from the following list;

Jonathan Glassel
Tim O’Keefe
Mike Robinson
Rick Smisson

The two candidates receiving the most primary election votes will face off in the November 2012 general elections for the District 5 County Commissioner seat. As primary elections traditionally produce poor voter turnouts, could 2013 spell unprecedented changes for District 5?

Discontent with Diane?

At least 47 Fish Lake Township residents registered their discontent with incumbent Diane Larkin at the March 13th township supervisor election. However; 54 voters returned her to office for a third, three-year term. Perhaps Supervisor Larkin is now one term closer to achieving her “perpetual public servant” goal on the Fish Lake Township board.