BERGET for CITY COUNCIL
Experience Counts
17 February 2001
Dear 10th Ward DFL Delegate,
Is there a better place in Minneapolis to live than the 10th Ward? I don’t think so. Its healthy and attractive neighborhoods, crown jewel lakes and parkways, lively commercial and entertainment areas, and convenient access to downtown and the suburbs make our 10th Ward a great place to call home.
It’s been my home since 1967, the place where I rented my first apartment, bought my first (and only) house, and – most importantly – it’s the place I chose to stay and raise my four children. It’s important to me that the 10th Ward remains the strong and beautiful place for you, for me, and for those who come after us.
Challenges are ahead for us both in our ward and in the city as a whole. You trusted me with the future of Minneapolis children in my two terms on the Minneapolis School Board. You know I ask the tough questions. You know that I am committed to accountability and public trust. That’s why I’m writing to ask for your support at the DFL 10th Ward convention on March 31st to be your next 10th Ward City Council member.
Our ability to meet the needs of all residents depends not only on the good will of the community but also on a strong tax base. Rapidly rising property taxes put a strain on all of us, homeowners, business owners and renters.
Most core functions of city government – municipal services like policing, snow removal, garbage collection and maintaining the city’s aging infrastructure – are not glamorous, but they are vital to its continued economic strength. These city functions must remain strong.
Affordable housing is a compelling local issue, but it is not just a Minneapolis issue. It requires a complex regional response from our local, county, regional, state and federal partners as well as the private sector. Affordable housing solutions must include upgrading of existing affordable housing, fulfillment of existing commitments regarding new affordable housing, improved access to transportation and jobs, improved job training to increase the earning capacity of low income residents, improved medical and mental health care for some difficult-to-serve residents – for starters. Minneapolis will do its part, but Minneapolis cannot – and should not – take on this challenge alone.
The strength and stability of the 10th Ward contributes much to the overall strength of Minneapolis. As your next council member, I pledge to work with you to be a champion for our ward as we cope with other difficult issues.
While some currently proposed transportation changes like the uncoupling of the Crosstown Commons may ultimately be beneficial for south Minneapolis, their short term impact can be devastating to local businesses and residents. I will work with all those involved to find acceptable solutions and to minimize the disruption these projects entail.
Similarly, 10th Ward residents can’t be expected to wait patiently inside their homes for airport racket to abate. Our yards and lakes and streets are too beautiful to just watch through our windows. I will work with regional officials to minimize noise pollution now.
Some other key concerns in our ward have a distinctly local flavor to them, like Uptown traffic and parking. The Uptown area is a shopping and entertainment destination not only for us but for people from across the city and even – wow! – the suburbs. The Uptown Art Fair draws an even wider audience. I will work to keep Uptown livable for residents and vital for visitors.
They say the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so I’ve included a brief resume. Please take a look at the work I’ve done. My public record of service to our community is strong. I have the experience to represent you well.
If I haven’t already talked with you, I’ll be calling you soon to talk about your priorities for our ward and the city. Meanwhile, feel free to contact me by phone at 822-2617 or email at aberget@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Ann Berget