No Stone Unturned on Main Street
ST. PAUL, MN – DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher and DFL-endorsed candidate for Lieutenant Governor John Gunyou voiced their commitment today to restoring a constructive and trusting relationship between the Governor’s Office and City Hall.
Kelliher and Gunyou will fight for a better, more effective state-local relationship in order to strengthen communities, support vital public safety services, grow vibrant Main Street businesses, and relieve skyrocketing property taxes for working families and senior citizens.
“From the council chambers to the Governor’s Office, those who stand up to serve our communities have one goal in mind: to improve the lives of Minnesotans,” said Kelliher. “We want good-paying Main Street jobs, safe neighborhoods, and great schools. But we have to work together to achieve those goals.”
Kelliher and Gunyou were joined today by Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Richfield Mayor Debbie Goettel. The mayors voiced the urgency for a more meaningful, cooperative partnership on the many challenges facing Minnesota communities.
“Minnesota cities have been waiting eight long years for a partner in the governor's office who understands that cities are Minnesota's economic backbone – cities with good-paying jobs, strong schools, and growing local economies,” said Mayor Coleman.
“We need a Governor we can trust – someone who understands the value of working together. Minnesota needs Margaret Anderson Kelliher.”
Richfield Mayor Debbie Goettel agrees. Deep and repeated cuts in Local Government Aid made by the Pawlenty Administration have made the city’s finances unpredictable – making short- and long-term community planning even more difficult.
“What happens in the Governor’s Office has a deep and dramatic impact on Main Street Minnesota,” said Goettel. “Cities, counties, and townships aren’t asking for a handout. We want a partner we can work with at the Capitol – someone committed to collaborative decision-making. We need a leader who cares sincerely about improving Minnesota communities. That leader is Margaret Anderson Kelliher.”
But Goettel says it will take time and a sustained commitment to restore the relationship between local leaders and Minnesota’s next Governor. That’s why DFL-endorsed candidate for Lieutenant Governor John Gunyou is beginning that work immediately.
“There is no time to waste,” said Gunyou, current Minnetonka city manager and former Minneapolis finance director. “Minnesota needs a team that is ready to govern on the first day. Margaret and I bring the experience to lead. But we can’t do the hard work ahead alone.
“Minnesota's next Governor has to bring the talented and committed leaders of this state around one big table to address the state's challenges together – and we need to start today. This isn’t about token task forces or empty promises; it’s about listening to each other again and working together to deliver results for Minnesotans. That’s what good government is all about.”
DFL-endorsed John Gunyou will begin traveling the state this afternoon. Gunyou will meet with community leaders and Main Street business owners across Minnesota – gathering their input and discussing solutions to state and local issues.
Gunyou will meet with Mankato Mayor John Brady today. Gunyou and Brady will discuss local challenges and opportunities facing the City of Mankato. They will walk the streets of Mankato to speak with Main Street business owners and Mankato residents about jobs, strong communities, and safe neighborhoods.
“John Gunyou has spent the better part of three decades working in and with local governments,” said Kelliher. “Together, he and I are beginning the work of restoring a collaborative and constructive partnership between the state and local governments. Minnesota will be better because of it.”