Making Sense Of It All

by Jason Bradley

Let’s face it. I’m no Carnac. I can’t bend spoons with my mind like Gellar. I can’t pick your card out of a deck. I think, however, I’ve got a pretty good handle on this year’s city council race in Crystal. Why? Because it’s weird, and I know weird. We are looking at races where all three incumbents lost their primaries. Now, they are all trying to downplay this fact, and saying that the primaries are not important. I beg to differ. This is the only city in the state, that I’m aware of, where all of the incumbents barely escaped their primaries. We’re not talking about a close election here. They failed to even get a third of the votes.

The incumbents wanted to get out the message that the primaries were a three-way race. Generally speaking, you try to get at least a third of the votes in this situation. Here, however, in Ward One, the third place finisher had six votes. In Ward Two, he had forty votes. It played little to no effect on the election. In Section Two, John was eight votes away from elimination, as he and his third-place opponent split just over fifty percent of the vote.

What does this mean going into the general election? Let’s look at 2012. Former mayor, ReNae Bowman, barely won her primary… but she won. Here’s what happened in the end. Both of the challengers carried voters that were fed up with the status quo. Those votes went the way of Jim Adams, and it was enough to flip the race.

I’m not sure that happens here for the second place finisher. Olga Parsons is, and Karen Lincoln was, running a campaign whose major issue was the unresponsiveness and lack of transparency of the incumbents running for election. I don’t believe that John will get Karen’s base’s vote. He is the object of her supporters’ biggest gripe. If anything, Olga picks those voters up in a hope to fix the City’s transparency problems. Remember, John came in third in vote totals in his own precinct.

So with all of the problems these incumbents have (i.e. the shellacking in the primary, lack of transparency, lack of respect for citizens, condescending attitude, and wasting your money), I believe they are in real trouble. Remember, as well, that the challengers have been out-door knocking and out-lit dropping the incumbents, while the current councilmen have relied on party and special interest endorsements. In 2010, former mayor ReNae Bowman endorsed Joe, Mark, and John. She hasn’t had much luck, as of recent. I point to the losses of Tim Hoppe, Dave Anderson, and herself as evidence. Things may tighten up some, but I don’t see how the three incumbents win. The tide seems to have turned in Crystal.

That doesn’t mean that everything is fixed. It just means we have a new group to learn about and keep accountable. I’ll take that any day, however, over getting someone I know I won’t be happy with. What will happen? We’ll see. Good luck to everybody involved.

Mark Hoffman’s Desperate Campaign Literature

By Andrew Richter

My friends I’ve been around the block politically. I’ve seen good and bad candidates, I’ve seen good and bad yards signs, I’ve seen good and bad lit pieces. Crystal Ward 1 Councilman Mark Hoffman’s smear job on Elizabeth Dahl is hands down the worst.

Quite frankly, this is sad to see. Like I’ve said before, I’ve had a grudging respect for Hoffman over his time on the council and when he ran for mayor in 2004 I voted for him. Despite his slander against me last summer, I still don’t have feelings of hatred for him despite what is said about me. But things change. Mr. Hoffman’s power is on the line and he is desperate to keep it. That’s what happens to people. The same thing has happened to John Budziszewski. 

When this happens, someone’s real personality comes out and with Hoffman we are seeing the true him. We’re also are seeing the state of this race. Mr. Hoffman is obviously worried he’s going to lose. 

If you got this lit piece, you’ll need your reading glasses. The print is so small and the piece is so wordy that you’ll need either reading glasses or a microscope. Hoffman may want to fire his campaign manager if he has one. The piece starts off innocently going blah, blah, blah about how Crystal is a nice safe place to raise a family and that he’s fiscally responsible and conduct himself in an open manner. That’s funny enough but then comes a hilariousline;

Let’s keep Crystal a great community and not experiment with ultra-conservative thinking.

Mr. Hoffman this shows how little you know; you take credit for being fiscally responsible or you could word that fiscally conservative, then he rips on conservative thinking. The fact is that Hoffman is a tax and spend career politician. He votes for every spending thing in front of his face. Fiscal responsibility means that you have to say the word NO to something. I don’t know what is “ultra-conservative” about wanting lower taxes, a smaller city code, and a more responsive representative. To Mark Hoffman that is a radical concept that has no place on our city council. I guess people who disagree with you should just shut up and move out, they clearly aren’t welcome in Crystal.

He then shows a picture of him standing by solar panels that you can barely see with the following paragraph;

The solar panels installed value is $997,946.00

Huh? Installed value? You mean they COST $997,946.00! Why the word games? 

Through the use of energy credit and grants, Crystal total cash outlay was $66,000.00.

Now this isn’t really about solar panels, it’s about attitude and spin. Tax credits and grants are your tax dollars under a different name. Tax credits are subsidies from taxpayers and grant money is tax dollars from another form of government. Of course, Mr. Hoffman thinks this is “free money” and has no respect for this as YOUR MONEY. YOU ALL paid every sent for this project. And how about bonding for the public works building which is going to cost much more than paying cash? Is that “fiscally responsible?” How much money in interest will that cost taxpayers Mr. fiscally responsible?

Then comes the ReNae Bowman like cheap shots;

My opponent called this frivolous spending.

Really? Where and when did that happen? I’d like some documentation of this. This has been called a “feel good” project by Council Candidate Jeff Kolb and who was he quoting? That would be YOU sir! Just so people know, this statement is a complete and total lie.

It is only frivolous if you have never worked on a city budget, or worse yet, never attended any of the Annual Budget Work Sessions, to which she was invited. 

God, do all of you just lock step say the same thing? First, ReNae, then Johnny B, then Hoffman. Is this all you can come up with? So Elizabeth Dahl isn’t at your boring meeting where you, Joe Selton, and Johnny B don’t have one idea between the three of you. Is it possible she is door knocking and listening to the meetings when she gets home? Is that allowed?

My opponents Libertarian philosophy is not to spend on community benefits or expand anything at the governmental or environmental levels.

Do I even have to comment here? Again, this shows are how little you know. I’m not a libertarian spokesman, but libertarians often argue for personal liberty and constitutional government. And what are your views on the limits of government again Mr. Hoffman? Oh yeah this;

“You know, the City, we can tax anytime we want to, and for any reason we want to. We can tax, and cover our butts.”

Nice!

Mr. Hoffman also put on his piece “darn right I feel good.”

Oh yippy! Hey my wallet is lighter but who cares, you feel good and since you’re the most important person on earth, that’s all that matters!

Now, I know some of you are probably angry reading all this and that was my initial reaction as well. But, the more I think about it, the more this smells like desperation. The whole piece is a defensive diatribe that reeks of someone who thinks they are losing, Show me a candidate that was up 20 points who’d put out a lit piece like this?

Will this work? Who knows, I’ve given up predicting this stuff. Clearly, though, Hoffman is trying to win using labels and smears. That’s all he has for his 20 years on the council. 

I suggest you call Mr. Hoffman and tell him what you think of his tactics 763-536-0385

Emailing him is worthless since he never answers but you can try MrkHoffman@aol.com

Do I have to remind you to vote November 4????

 

 

 

Mark Hoffman- “You’re Cash, And I’m Borrowing” In His Own Words

Sometimes it just means more to hear it for yourself. Here is Crystal Councilman Mark Hoffman uncut, and in context:

See I Told You So…..

By Andrew Richter

Well, Mark Hoffman has responded to my charges that the incumbent city council candidates are using the YES 281 vote to help themselves, but before I get to his comments, here’s a little background;

I’m not arguing that people should vote for or against the referendum. Any attempt to claim otherwise is a lie. What I am arguing is that the three incumbents are using partisan things not relevant to their current jobs to get re-elected. I heard about Crystal city council members colluding with the Yes 281 crowd about three weeks ago. I had nothing linking the two together until I saw the work session agenda for October 9 so I went forward with the story.

By the way, I also have a source within the YES 281 crowd, so my enemies might want to watch what they say about me there…..

When I wrote my article alleging a collusion, it brought Mr. Hoffman out of hiding. His comments are in blue;

Mr. Richter, I take your first paragraph with double meanings and feel it is also quite appropo to bloggers who are high on there own positions or anti-positions.

I have no idea what that means. It’s nice to know that bloggers who break stories and keep voters informed are so well thought of. I guess I should just sit and watch Storage Wars or Ice Road Truckers and leave the work to you right?

I will save you some effort. I am the one who asked the city manager if the school district referendum was going to be on the agenda for discussion at our council meeting.I was informed Mayor Adams did not want it to be. So be it, at least it is a discussion that will happen at a work session and a consensus will be reached.

And why is that? What does this have to do with what you are elected to do? Maybe Mayor Adams wants to do the job he was elected to do not make political statements on city time?

I do not know if the mayor informed you that all elected officials in the School District were invited to meetings by Superintendent Sicoli to ask the cities for there help. Crystal Council has yet to have that discussion.

I haven’t spoken to Mayor Adams at all, but why are you obligated to help the school district? Isn’t it their job to “sell” a referendum? Does the school district endorse city initiatives?

As I am sure you already know, the surrounding communities have expressed there views on supporting strong schools. You are correct that the information in our packets was the school districts literature to promote the referendums. I have not seen anything in print that has opposed the referendum, so I am hoping you can forward it to Anne Norris by Thursday so we can all have the opportunity to discuss.

Mr. Hoffman it isn’t my job to do your research for you. I’m not telling you to vote yes or no. If you want me to do your research for you then you can pay my consulting fee. There’s plenty of anti-school stuff out there if you just look. My point is that you’re going to just take what the district says and decide on that like you did with Green Step. It isn’t due diligence. By the way, will any information change your mind?

Then came the petty ReNae Bowman like cheap shot;

I know as a Tea Party advocate you are not high on taxes being used for anything. As you well know, you once stated at a Council work session you were applying for a position at, if there was a pothole in front of your house, you should take the responsibility to fill it and not the city. I do not agree.

I never said any such thing. The only position I’ve ever applied for at a work session that Mr. Hoffman was at was the Charter Commission and I was asked about changes in the Charter. I talked about article 1,5, and 9 and never said a word about potholes. This is just an attempt to make me the issue and change the subject. Like I’ve said a million times to anyone who can read English, government has constitutional duties and responsibilities; and for local government it is police, fire, roads, parks, and water & sewer. Now I may disagree on how much we spend on these things or how much we pay employees or on how we pay for it at all (bonding, assessing, or on the budget) but that’s not the same thing and you know it.

The League of Women Voters is having a Informational meeting on the 8th at the School District Offices and I hope you can attend to learn all the facts or voice your opinion.

I’ve already watched board meetings on this, I know the district’s selling points and again, I don’t care if this is voted up or down. What I care about is candidates like you who are trying to use the Yes 281 vote to get yourself re-elected.

Everything is not always a conspiracy, one must ask the right question of the right people and not be afraid of the answer.

I didn’t say everything was a conspiracy, and if this is a conspiracy then you’re doing one bad job of conspiring.

Now, I don’t think I’m wrong on this and I’m making this judgment based on actions that I’ve seen. I’ve concluded the following;

Mark Hoffman, Joe Selton, and John Budziszewski are trying to use the DFL and the YES 281 vote to get themselves re-elected. Nothing else makes any sense. Mr. Hoffman if this is all false then where is your campaign website that states your positions and lists of accomplishments? Where is your facebook page where you can update people on your campaign and connect with people? I drove through your neighborhood today Mr. Hoffman and saw no yard signs for you, where are they? Are you out pounding on doors to try and get people’s votes?

Or are you sitting back hoping these labels do the work for you? It may work or it may not but quite frankly I’m baffled by this. Mr. Hoffman should, and to be honest he does, have a long list of accomplishments and reasons to re-elect him. Just because I disagree with his views doesn’t mean he has nothing to run on.

I don’t think I’m wrong about this, in fact, I think I’m uncomfortably close to the truth.

I will also say this; I don’t hate Mr. Hoffman at all. I once voted for him in fact (it was against ReNae but given that choice I’d vote for Mark again). I disagree with his votes and the way he is campaigning. I’m more then happy to continue a dialogue on this subject or any other for that matter.

To be continued……

 

Crystal’s Mark Hoffman: “You’re Cash… I’m Borrowing”

by Jason Bradley

In a work session on July 10^th, 2014, Crystal Ward 1 Councilman, Mark Hoffman, was trying to make a case for his favorite method of payment (bonding) for the upcoming public works and police station projects. He made some remarkable statements that we need to explore further. I believe that there are fundamental differences in the way that he sees things from the average person, and with an election coming up, it’s a chance to ask ourselves if he represents the kind of leadership we need here.

Now, if you want to listen along, feel free at: (http://www.crystalmn.gov/2014_07_10_City_Council_Work_Session.MP3). I will source the hours, minutes, and seconds, so you can go back and listen for yourself. I am not looking to take his words out of context, but help you understand his principles based on his uncut statements.

Let’s commence:

This discussion begins at the 02:04:20 mark in the recording. First off, Councilman Hoffman states that, “…I think everybody knows that, when you do it, a bond is a mortgage.” Really? I suppose you might be able to make that argument if you are constructing a building (except for the fact that people take mortgages because they need to leverage their buying power because they cannot usually pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash for a home, and home owners get tax credits I’m pretty sure government doesn’t get.) What about if bonding is used for machinery, vehicles, or equipment? That’s more like a car loan. What if the bond is written for roadwork (as in the Co. Rd 81 project)? That’s really more like a personal loan that one might take to obtain or repair another item with no equity behind it. A bond is simply… a loan.

A municipality writes a bond, and investors float the sum of cash desired for a project, with the promise of receiving interest over time, until the maturity date of the bond, when all of the principal has been returned and interest has been paid to the investors. (Yeah, I used to hold Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, so listening to Mr. Hoffman’s incorrect definition is amusing, or would be if I wasn’t paying the tab). So it’s not a mortgage at all, but a loan that is backed by the full faith and credit of the residents of Crystal. That’s awful nice of us, huh?

Now, there are times when bonding may be necessary, but it is not anywhere near as much as we do it. In fact, Councilmembers Hoffman, Selton, and Budziszewski use this as their primary way to pay for big projects (i.e. the Community Center, which he co-chaired, and the Aquatic Center projects mentioned at 02:04:30). In fact, he says that the Community Center was a $3.8 million dollar building (at 02:04:39), but they never discussed the $7.5 million financing portion of the project! Why? Because you’re good for it! He goes a step further and says (at 02:04:52), “… and me, personally, you know, I take out loans on cars and whatnot. You know, if I buy a $20,000 car, I don’t say I bought a $30,000 car, because that’s what I paid for financing.” Did you not though, Mr. Hoffman, pay $30,000 for that car? Shouldn’t the taxpayers know that you are asking for the $7.5 million, seeing as it is their money? You justify it by saying that because the repayment of a bond happens over 10-15 years, who’s going to miss it? What we see here is an example of someone that has embraced a reckless philosophy with not only your money, but his own. How can you trust that he will be responsible with your money, when he doesn’t even consider the long-term effects in his own finances?

Here’s where he unleashes a bombshell. At 02:05:27, he states that “… it’s philosophical differences, You’re cash, and I’m borrowing”. What?!?!?!?! That’s huge! The position has been that the City has the cash to pay for the new public works facility, but Hoffman, Selton, and (Mr. No Tax Increases) Budziszewski want to bond, which will put the slow drain on your pocket book through, you guessed it, increased taxes over a long time frame. You have already paid into the County Rd. 81 fund. The City is holding onto the cash they built up. They could use it on the public works building, or return it, and then ask for it back including additional interest to pay back the bond over time. How does that make sense? The City is going ask you for the amount anyway, only this option will require more from you. Here Councilman Hoffman has just admitted his affinity to accumulate debt, even when cash is on hand. Is that how your parents or grandparents taught you? Mine taught me to save up and buy something once I had the cash in hand. I’ve seen what the debt bubble did to America. I’ve seen what the mortgage bubble did to America. Too much debt is a bad thing. In fact, debt that doesn’t earn you an income is by definition, a liability. Equity doesn’t count for much until it is cash realized.

At 02:09:13 he states that he’s willing to overspend by bonding a possible $4-6 million of your money, when they have cash on hand, and that he feels more comfortable with bonds than cash. He drops another bombshell on us at 02:09:57 “you know, the City, we can tax anytime we want to, and for any reason we want to. We can tax, and cover our butts.” So that’s real nice. We the people are here to bail you out when you make a bad decision. I don’t want someone to make choices that affect my life, and then have to pay the penalty for that later. My money is not yours to summon from me anytime you feel like it. I gladly pay for police, fire, roads, streetlights, etc., but to intentionally overspend my money on a public works facility in inexcusable.

Lastly, at 02:12:27, Hoffman spins a tale about the wisdom of farmers that buy their $500k equipment by “writing a fricking check” over being land rich and money poor in debt, but spent all of the time previous to this fighting for the other side of the argument. Why is cash good enough for others, but not for us?

I want the best representation possible for my money, and I’m not getting it. Just remember Mr. Hoffman’s words this November, “You’re cash, I’m borrowing”.

Are the Incumbent Crystal City Council Candidates Using the 281 Referendum to Get Re-Elected?

By Andrew Richter

Well let the political grandstanding begin……

Now I have to say one thing first; I am the world’s biggest political cynic. I know that being involved in issues and politics is in my blood and DNA, but that doesn’t mean I always think its noble. I truly believe most people don’t serve for the right reasons. Maybe they do at first but power in an intoxicating thing. Once you get power, it’s hard to let it go. There are those that will do or say anything to hold on to their power.

That brings me to the Crystal City Council election. It’s no secret the three incumbents John Budziszewski, Mark Hoffman, and Joe Selton are in serious trouble. They got an embarrassing 29% of the primary vote, possible the worst showing of any incumbents in the entire state. For the past two months, they’ve been practically invisible and I’ve been wondering what they’ve been up to.

Well, I might have my answer. I took a peek at the agenda for Crystal’s October 9 work session and what did I find you ask? I found that discussing the Robbinsdale School Referendum is on the agenda.

Now, I know what you’re thinking……what the hell does that have to do with the Crystal City Council? What business is this of yours? Were you elected to be a spokesperson for the district?

Yeah me too! But this is politics and regardless of your personal opinion on the referendum, there is an election coming in the city. Stick with me on this……

Two years ago I attended a council meeting where the council was going to vote on whether or not to take a stand against the two constitutional amendments (gay marriage and voted ID if you don’t remember). The council actually debated this four times as long as they talked about their comprehensive annual financial report just as an example of how off their priorities are. Nobody even asked a question about it. Anyhow, the council voted 5-2 against both amendments.

Now of course, me being the cynic I mentioned I am, I thought to myself why are they doing this? What I suspected was that certain members of the council were going to use this vote to get themselves re-elected.

When I made my view on this public I was called a conspiracy theorist and paranoid. I don’t mind that criticism, I’m used to it. Personally I think a little paranoia is the key to a long life.

But guess who was proven right? Oh that’s right it was me! When now former mayor ReNae Bowman handed out her lit piece in October 2012, guess what was on it; the fact that she “lead the fight against the marriage and voter ID amendments.” I guess I wasn’t so paranoid was I?

So what do you think a possible endorsement of the 281 referendum is all about? Do you think it’s “for the children?” Do they want to “be a hero?” I doubt it. I think this is all about grandstanding for an issue.

You don’t believe me? Take a look at the work session packet HERE

Notice something? It contains only pro-referendum literature from the district. Is the council going to do one second of due diligence or just read the district’s case? It seems that the only choices are vote yes or vote nothing.

Word on the street is that the three incumbents (Hoffman, Selton, and Budziezewski) have been meeting with the YES 281 crowd. Why is this? Now here’s my guess; they want to pass a resolution and then put on their literature that they voted for it to try to curry votes for themselves.

Now, I have a question for Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Selton, and Mr. Budziszewski; are you really this desperate? It’s bad enough you need to pander to a political party and have legislators hold you’re hand while you knock on doors but are you honestly going to use a referendum to try to get votes? Don’t you have any accomplishments to run on? How about you try knocking on doors?

I also have a challenge for Mr. Budziszewski; since you don’t support property tax increases, I assume you are opposed to these referendums right? I know your word is a good as a milk bucket under a bull, but come on you can try to honest can’t you?

Do you want to ask Mr. Budziszewski? Well you can…..

Here is his phone number 612-207-3704

Here is his email (if he answers it) john.m.budziszewski@gmail.com

Perhaps you’d like to post on his FACEBOOK PAGE (be careful he bans people who disagree with him)

I’m going to call city manager Anne Norris tomorrow and ask her a few questions. I will publish her answers. I’m going to find out who wanted this on the agenda and why the district is only getting one point of view. I will also blog about the October 9 meeting so we will not let these people breathe on this.

 

Community Solutions MN Radio Podcast Ep 9

For the first time, in Episode 9, we are telling the whole story about the coordinated attacks on CSMN from a faction of the Crystal City Council. Up until now, you’ve only heard parts. Here we put it all together. Enjoy!

By the way… this was recorded before the recent Vikings/Packers game. I think my Christian Ponder opinion was vindicated over Andrew’s. What do you think? 😉

Community Solutions MN Radio Podacst Ep 8

In this episode, we break down the 2014 primary for Crystal, MN. We take a look into the macro and micro data, and historical trends. Follow along and apply these same analysis processes to your own city!

2014 Primary Results And What They Mean

by Jason Bradley

Well, another primary election has come and gone. Congratulations to those that made it through, and to those that did not, thanks for the good race. I was encouraged to see so many people that got involved in the process. You put yourself out there, and I commend you for that.

Here’s how the much-anticipated races in Crystal broke down:

Section 2-

Olga Parsons- 48.67% (330 votes)

John Budziszewski- 26.25% (178 votes)

Karen Lincoln- 25.07% (170 votes)

Olga handily won this race. John almost was eliminated. Karen ran a strong campaign, and made a big impact. I believe, however, that her presence hurt Olga, and not John. Both campaigns have strong messages about the malaise that is plaguing our Council. John is going to have an uphill battle into November.

Ward 1-

Elizabeth Dahl- 57.61% (246 votes)

Mark Hoffman- 35.60% (152 votes)

Carla McPipe- 6.79% (29 votes)

Elizabeth was the big winner of the night with over 57%. Getting almost 2/3 of the votes in a primary (and almost twice as many as the next contestant) is a very telling sign. Mark has to gain 15 points in 11 weeks. As for Carla, if you are not involved in the community, and are not registered to vote, you will have an uphill climb. People want to know you value the area you look to represent.

Ward 2-

Jeff Kolb- 57.59% (258 votes)

Joe Selton- 28.13% (126 votes)

Randy Rosario- 14.29%(64 votes)

Jeff was right on Elizabeth’s heels percentage-wise, again getting almost 2/3 of the vote and over twice the votes of Joe Selton. Generally, you think that you need to get just over a third of the votes to move past the primary. Joe did not, and that spells trouble for his campaign moving forward. While he made it through the primary, he is going to have a tough time distancing himself from the actions and policies of his wife, ex-Mayor ReNae Bowman. I believe the backlash is still having an effect this election cycle. Randy did a little better than Carla, but his lack of involvement really hurt his campaign.

I took two big things away from this election:

• The incumbents are in trouble. They received 456 votes, out of 1,553 cast. That is a cumulative 29.36%. I mentioned in my article yesterday that there was a high level of dissatisfaction with the incumbents, evidenced by the number of candidates with a similar message. This proves what I said. You can’t be disrespectful and run roughshod over people forever. Eventually they will get tired of it. I assume that much of the support that was thrown to Lincoln, McPipe, and Rosario will go to the non-incumbents, keeping with the message of their campaigns.
• Voter participation is still way too low. 1,553 votes were cast. That is such a scant percentage of eligible voters that it’s almost sad. Having our voice heard is the lynch pin to making our republic work. With all of the alternatives available to us, re: early voting and absentee voting, there is no excuse not to vote, other than you don’t care. Voting is one of our most basic responsibilities, and you owe it to yourself and your neighbors to get educated on what is happening in your city, who’s running, what they stand for, and then go tell somebody.

That is why we at Community Solutions MN exist, and why we will continue to battle on, so that you can keep apprised and spread the word. We’re going to have a very exciting run up to November, so strap in and get ready!