Accountability is the state of being accountable, responsible, and answerable for decisions and outcomes made by council. It is my civic duty to be involved, and accept that responsibility, and to remember that every dollar the city spends belongs to the taxpayers. I would expect transparency in how decisions are made, asking the hard questions about where our money is going, and make sure residents have an opportunity to be heard. The council should also be willing to admit when something isn’t working and be willing to change course. Accuracy of records, working with city staff and understanding the budgeting process is part of accountability. My ego will not prevent me from asking questions or for help… My commitment is to be accessible, explain my decsions and put the interests of Anoka residents ahead of personal or political interests. I will hold myself and the city council accountable for every taxpayer dollar.

Of, for and by the people is my promise on “hearing the residents.” I want residents to feel comfortable bringing any idea or concern to City Hall and to not feel dismissed as it doesn’t align with the city council agenda or preferred positions. I may not always agree, but I will listen, explain why I made the decision, and be willing to reconsider when residents bring forward information I haven’t considered. The current bow hunting decision made by the current city council is a prime example. The facts were explained by the city staff and parks commission. Those facts were ignored in favor of 1 vote of the parks commission. If commissions are designed to guide city staff and council, why are they ignored. Playing favorites is not the proper method of leadership. Tough decisions require transparent communication. The excuses shared by some have fallen on deaf ears just as the compromise provided by the commission was to the city council. This is their city and government works best when residents are part of the conversaton- not simply informed when a decision has already been made.

Many things are broken in Anoka now. The path of the current council leadership is failing the citizens of Anoka. The legal disputes with the county only aggravates the cities ability to negotiate on anything that would be of benefit to Anokans. We need to stop this behavior before it destroys us! I am “of the people” and will work “for the people” if voted in “by the people.”

Joelle Alvord for Anoka City Council

Endorsed by:

Phil Rice, Jeff Weaver,

and Brian Wesp

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Time to move on to reasons to vote for Joelle Alvord for City council. I offer something Anoka needs now, an independent voice focused on affordability, accountability, and making sure residents are actually heard.

So let me start with affordability. Affordability starts with being responsible with the money residents already give the city. I would take a hard look at the city’s budget, prioritize essential services, and question spending that doesn’t provide a clear benefit to the taxpayers. I am particulary concerned when tax increases become the starting point rather than the last resort. My goal would be to find efficiencies, avoid uncessessary studies and spending, and make sure residents are getting real value out of every tax dollar. Keeping Anoka affordable means being deligent about spending today so we don’t push even higher costs onto residents tomorrow.