Candidate letters: Red Wing Ward 2 - Lisa Bayley

To the Editor:

I am writing to ask for your vote in my campaign for re-election to the Red Wing City Council.

Since 2008, I have worked hard to represent you at City Hall by asking tough questions and seeking common-sense solutions to our budget problems.

I am proud of what we have accomplished. We have reduced the city workforce, prioritized and cut spending and non-essential services, and developed a long-range strategic plan. Taxes have stayed nearly flat as we worked our way through the economic crisis.

We successfully completed a major step of the Riverfront Plan by implementing a conservation easement which will protect Bay Point Park for generations.

We have made sure that the city’s voice is being heard at the state and national level on the issue of nuclear waste storage.

Finally, we passed a comprehensive city ordinance regulating the mining and transporting of frac sand which will protect our bluffs and serve as a model to the area.

Much work remains to be done, however. Red Wing needs leadership that will bring a positive outlook and plan for the future.

Our solid waste processing campus is aging and costing more money each year than makes sense. I believe closing it down while we work with private partners to process our waste makes sense both environmentally and financially.

We also need to implement a budget strategy which addresses our major capital infrastructure needs without raising taxes on the local property owners. We can do this by prioritizing needs, and bonding carefully, to take advantage of low interest rates.

As we emerge from the financial crisis, our local businesses and industries need the City’s support to expand and create local jobs. I understand these issues, and while I don’t have all the answers, I look forward to working cooperatively with others to seek solutions.

I enjoy serving as your City Council member. Along with my experience and energy, I have the judgment and problem solving skills to continue making a difference in City Hall. Together we can make Red Wing strong — please vote for me in November.

Lisa Bayley

Red Wing

Lisa Bayley is the incumbent candidate for Red Wing Ward 2.

Tags: opinion, letters