Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Waverly city office candidates




Candidate for Waverly mayor

Why run for this office?

I decided to file again for one more term as mayor. During
the next two years many of the major projects that have been started in
the city will be completed or near completion. I was never raised to leave
a job not completed and, therefore, I can leave office having completed
the work that was started when I assumed office.

What is the most important issue in Waverly you would
like to take action on?

The most important issue facing Waverly is the repair and
maintenance of its infrastructure. The council has started a program to
replace, repair and upgrade sewer, water , street repair and sidewalks.
If the council and future councils continue with this undertaking, the city
will be in excellent shape in the next four or five years.

How much should city government be involved in economic
development?

Economic development definitely helps a community with
jobs, more tax revenue and opportunities. However, any city has to be careful
not to grow too fast or give too much away to spur good growth. I still
believe a community with a good infrastructure in place, a good work force,
good schools and proximity to the metropolitan community offers almost everything
business would want. I believe Waverly offers this and, therefore, has the
biggest incentive for economic growth.

Are you willing to participate in community and city
events? comments?

Yes.

Are there any law enforcement concerns you want to see
addressed? comments?

The city has expressed its concern that Waverly be a safe
and clean and orderly town to live in and visit. To that end, a number of
ordinances have been passed and enforced. It is one of our priorities that
Waverly will continue to be a good place to live and grow.

How would you prepare Waverly for the Hwy. 12 construction
in 2000? How would you help the businesses survive?

We will survive the Hwy. 12 construction. In fact, because
of our size and makeup, I believe Waverly will do very well during the construction.
We will also have the experience of the communities of Montrose and Howard
Lake to rely on to help us to get through the experience.


Candidate for Waverly City Council

Married to Brian Neaton; preschool teacher for HLWW Community
Education; adult volunteer youth service coordinator for school district;
involved in Waverly United Fund, WAVE Committee, Community Education Advisory
Council, Community Collaborative team, and Safe and Drug Free school committee;
past member of Waverly Planning and Zoning.

Why run for this office?

I have lived in Waverly for most of my life (since I was
three years old) and love our town. Our community is going to continue to
grow and I would like to help make that a positive experience for current
residents as well as new residents. I feel I can keep an open mind and weigh
all the pros and cons of decisions that will need to be made in the future
for the best interest of our community.

What is the most important issue you would like to take
action on?

We need to continue to make necessary improvements and
updates as needed. Long-range planning is very important, so money can be
properly budgeted for city expenses.

Is there a certain direction you would like the city
to take in the next four years?

I’d like to see the continuation of current updating of
sidewalks and streets and making our city look inviting. Businesses and
residents have been working on this already, we need to continue to encourage
this and help if possible.

How much should city government be involved in economic
development?

City government should be very careful when using taxpayer’s
money in any situation. We as a city should encourage development, but need
to be careful about monetary involvement.

Are you willing to participate in community and city
events? comments?

Yes, I am currently involved in various community events,
and am currently planning a community meeting. Staying involved is very
important, I feel.

Are there any law enforcement concerns you want to see
addressed? comments?

I would like to look into the possible of increasing the
amount of time Waverly is patrolled and also making sure we are getting
the service we pay for.


Candidate for Waverly City Council

Married to Paul Reardon.

Why run for this office?

To give a working-class perspective to city business.

What is the most important issue you would like to take
action on?

Strategic planning for the future of Waverly, trying to
keep a small town personality in a world of the millenium.

Is there a certain direction you would like the city
to take in the next four years?

Balance budget and set yearly goals for target problem
areas.

How much should city government be involved in economic
development?

Keep current with new laws and work with businesses that
want to relocate to Waverly.

Are you willing to participate in community and city
events? comments?

We, as a family, already make this a personal commitment.

Are there any law enforcement concerns you want to see
addressed? comments?

Law enforcement needs to go a step farther to protect the
citizen’s rights. The county attorney’s office needs to know our concerns
as property owners and taxpayers. Identifying problems is important, but
more important is effectively dealing with solutions to those concerns.


Candidate for Waverly City Council

Why run for this office?

I am currently finishing the term of former councilman
Don Smith, who for health reasons resigned with one year remaining of his
term. There are many issues that I have been involved with that I want to
see carried through to the finish. Previously, I was a councilman from 1990
to 1994 and a planning commissioner from 1986 to 1990 so I am no stranger
to city government.

What is the most important issue in Waverly you would
like to take action on?

There are numerous issues we have been working on but the
thing that needs to be in place before we move ahead is a land use plan.
It was obvious to me when returning to the council that everyone was going
in different directions, citizens and city officials. So, after a little
convincing, we as a council have made a commitment to get this done. We
have hired a company to help with implementing and we will be holding a
series of meetings to get everyone’s ideas on what they have in mind for
the city of Waverly.

For example, should the business district remain downtown
or be moved to the Hwy. 12 corridor? Do we try to renovate the buildings
downtown or plan for new? Do we have things zoned properly, i.e. residential
where we want future residential, industrial where we want industrial. Once
these visions are obtained, we can move forward to make an even better Waverly..

Is there a certain direction you would like the city
to take in the next four years?

Yes, Waverly will grow, there is no doubt about it, with
the scenic area and the proximity to the metro area it will happen. For
years, I have been wondering how to promote business and industry and I
am now convinced it will happen through residential. Once the people come,
the business and industry will follow. What we need to do in the next four
years is get our infrastructures and subdivision ordinances in place to
handle the future growth.

How much should city government be involved in economic
development?

This can be a huge financial burden if it is not done properly.
The city needs to provide things like a strong infrastructure, a means for
financing (tax increment financing, etc.) and a nice community to build
in; however, that is as far as it should go. I don’t believe the city should
get involved with buying and developing land or being in the real estate
business.

Are you willing to participate in community and city
events? comments?

Yes, of course, and I think my past proves that. However,
one needs to be careful on spreading themselves too thin. I would not be
doing myself or the citizens of Waverly any benefit by getting involved
in everything.

Are there any law enforcement concerns you want to see
addressed? comments?

This needs constant attention with periodic visits with
the sheriff’s department. I think crime and vandalism in Waverly is (being
dealth with) better than ever and we need to stay focused on certain areas
within the city..

How would you prepare Waverly for the Hwy. 12 construction
in 2000? How would you help the businesses survive?

I am co-chairing a Hwy. 12 committee to address the problems
we will encounter with the reconstruction of Hwy. 12. So far, we have met
with MNDot and we will be meeting with the residents and business owners
to make this transition as smooth as possible.

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