My name is Jean Taylor.I am the wife of Don Taylor, a candidate for the Minnesota House seat in the area.I
want to share with you the dedicated motivation that Don has to protect
the life of the unborn , and it comes out of his own personal
experience.
In 1990 his former wife, Robin, was expecting twins.She
had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, and a doctor asked them
if they would consider an abortion because the delivery might be quite
difficult for her.Terminating the pregnancy might give her a bit longer to live.Don and Robin talked it over very briefly and said, "No way - no abortion."She
delivered the boys and the disease, not related to the pregnancy, took
her life one month after the twins came into the world.
Two years later I married Don, and he and I have together reared nine children.ChisagoCounty has been our home for 18 years.
The twin boys, James and Jon, graduated from high school in 2008.How glad we are that they were spared from an abortion!
We are a church-going family, attending Maranatha church in Wyoming.James is part of the praise team at Lakes Free Church in Lindstrom.
Not
only is Don an advocate for life, but he is also completely dedicated
to traditional marriage - one man married to one woman - and will
support any Defense of Marriage Act that may come before the State
Legislature.
I am happy I can share these things about my husband. Don is a man who not only talks the talk, but Don walks the walk.
As I write this letter at the beginning of a new year, I am
taking account of the many blessings I have experienced in 2009 and 2008.The greatest blessing was the many supporters
who lifted me up during the 2008 campaign.No one was more disappointed than I was at the outcome, but I have
worked hard ever since to make this next election a success.Following the 2008 election, many of you
reminded me of great leaders who needed more than one election before they realized
true success, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan among the most notable.
In 2008 I learned what incredible energy it takes to run a
campaign. I observed the pressure on my wife, Jean and my family from the long
days of campaigning.And, I know from
experience that the candidate's work is exhausting.During the summer and fall of 2008, I knocked
on over 11,000 doors.Volunteers put up
nearly 1000 signs.We raised all the
money allowed by Minnesota
law.We mailed thousands of pieces of
material.We held the North Branch Blitz
and the Rural Rumble.We appeared in
every parade with a troupe of volunteers that numbered from 20 to 35.During the summer, I lost 15 pounds.Many people told me we had the most energized
campaign this county had seen in years.
For all this I am very grateful and I say, "THANK YOU."But, we can do better.
I am announcing today, I am running for the Minnesota House
of Representatives in district 17B.
We begin the 2010 campaign with a new and invigorated
strategy team, new management and more volunteers than before. I am ready and
able to take on the challenge and this time we will win! Ask the people who
know me best.They will tell you, I DO
NOT quit!
I can't do it without YOU!
On Tuesday, February 2nd, Minnesota will hold its precinct
caucuses.I am asking you to attend and
get involved.We, as Republicans, need
to make this coming election a statement to the entire country.We must show them that we are ready to lead
and ready to take back our country and the state of Minnesota from the free spending cluster of
liberal Democrats who are ruining our state.It's time to stand up and be counted.This time, there will be no holding back.
We will attack Jeremy Kalin from all sides:
We
will tell the citizens of ChisagoCounty that their
representative does not care enough about them to live in the district he
represents.Kalin pays NO property
taxes in ChisagoCounty!
We
will take Kalin at his word when he said we should not vote for him "ever
again" if he didn't fix the Green Acres legislation!
We
will not let him stop the LS power plant evaluation process!We will see that the process goes
forward and we will learn the truth and only then will we make an informed
decision.
We
will tell the citizens of ChisagoCounty that
* Don Taylor will go to St. Paul to fight for lowering the corporate
tax on
businesses.
* Don Taylor will work to cut the
state income tax that bleeds small sole
proprietorships.
* Don Taylor will fight to make Minnesota's workman's
compensation laws
compatible with surrounding states, so Minnesota businesses and
Minnesota
jobs do not continue to leave.
* Don Taylor will NOT vote for
any new taxes!
I am not the kind of leader who makes a lot of noise.That kind of blustery leader will not succeed
in the legislature.In St. Paul, we need a leader who can build
consensus.We need a leader who others
will respect.We need a leader who can
build relationships and promote the needs of the citizens of ChisagoCounty
and the state of Minnesota.
To see a list of the accomplishments of my administration as mayor of ChisagoCity, check out "News and Views" on my
web site friendsofdontaylor.com or
listen to what Council member Sue Skow has to say about my leadership, "I
have watched Don Taylor develop as a mayor. Don has never been the kind
of leader who dictates. Don is a quiet, but strong leader who listens to his
citizens and council before he builds consensus on an issue. ChisagoCity is better off for having Don Taylor
as its mayor the past three years. He does stop until the job is done
right."
I ask you to support me in my quest for the endorsement of
the Chisago County Republican party.If you
want more information about me (and I hope you do) please check out my web
site.
It is my intention to phone or meet with each of you before
the caucuses.I want to chat with each
of you about the issues and your concerns but if you choose, pick up the phone
and give me a call at 651-257-8976.I
welcome your questions and suggestions.
I know your support must be earned and I intend to earn it.
Sincerely,
Don Taylor
Candidate for Minnesota
House of Representative
District 17B
651-592-6620
PSPlease check out
our Web Site at friendsofdontaylor.com
For the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as your mayor.During that time I was blessed to work with capable men and women; volunteers, staff and Council Members.The Council Members and I did not always agree, but each one of us always attempted to act in the best interest of the people we represented. We were able to accomplish many things for the citizens of ChisagoCity.
A few of those major accomplishments were;
The sale of all five lots in our industrial park that resulted in five new businesses
for ChisagoCity. One business, the Kendall Howard Corporation, is planning to expand in 2010. This expansion will double the size of the existing building and create additional jobs for our area.
Amendment of city ordinances to allow the use of ATVs on some city streets in response to citizen's concerns relating to difficulties riding their ATVs to and from recreational areas.
Establishment of a new logo for ChisagoCity.A contest was held with citizens voting on the logo of their choice.The winning logo was placed on our watertower during routinely scheduled maintenance.
Construction of a new 17,000 square foot public works building. The building will save the city money by housing the vehicles that used to sit outdoors and allow for better maintenance of the vehicles by city staff.
The purchase of CampOjiketa. The 70 acre park is the city's largest park. When a group of ChisagoCity residents came to the council and ask if something could be done to save the land as a park, the council acted.The park will become a tourist destination and for many generations, the citizens of ChisagoCity will be able to enjoy it beauty.
With this being the last year of my term, I am announcing today, that I am not seeking another term as your mayor.I am making my announcement early to give ChisagoCity citizens plenty of time to decide if they have the time or interest in running for the position. Potential candidates will need to make changes in their lives in order to accept the responsibilities of mayor and those changes can not always be accomplished at the last minute.
There are many individuals capable of holding the position and I anticipate a rigorous campaign and debate on the future of our community.ChisagoCity deserves the best, and by giving enough notice, it is my hope that the very best candidates will surface.
During the past three years I have learned a lot about local government.I have learned the difficulties local officials face when representatives in St. Paul do not understand the obligations of local government.Most of all I have learned the need for officials to listen to the concerns, the needs and the ideas of the citizens they serve.
If any of you are thinking of offering your service as mayor of our community, I would be happy to meet and talk to you about the position.There is no greater honor than serving your friends and neighbors.Thank you for allowing me to be your mayor.
In a letter to the editor last week, a writer has a complaint against Vice President Dick Cheney.That is his privilege.What concerns me most is that he says he believes "our country would be a better place if there were no Republicans."
We have hear that kind of talk before.We heard it in Russia in 1918. We heard it in Germany in 1938.We heard it in Cuba in 1957.We hear it in Venezuela in 1998 and we are hearing it now in Iran.
I have found scripture to be true when it says,"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
I am most concerned that if this is what Democrats are saying publicly, what are they planning in private?
The new city logo was created and was changed on the water tower through approved tower maintenance.
Approved and completed additional landscaping along Highway 8 from John Silver Lane, to Shoquist Lane.
City has completed several improvements to Ojiketa Regional Park including: renovation of the caretakers home, reroofing Strom Hall, sewer lift station repairs, and internal repairs to Zonta Lodge. Zonta Lodge is now available for rent.
The city sold the last lot in the industrial park to Aldrich Woodworking, who built their new cabinet shop.
Purchased a 1999 International Jetter/Vacum Truck for Public Works at a cost of $51,000. The vactor allows the public works department the ability to clean storm sewer, lift stations, sewer lines and water trees.
The city has had preliminary meetings with ChisagoCounty on a possible paving of Karmel Ave. (County Road 80)
Hosted the 4th annual Chisago Lakes Triathlon in cooperation with chamber of commerce.
Added the Haunted House at Ojiketa as a new park program.
Finished the construction of the new 17,000 square foot public works building.
Approved new land use permit Interim Use to the zoning code.
Amended city ordinances to allow the use of ATVs on city streets.
Replaced the play equipment at ParadisePark. Added new pea rock and curbing around the structure.
City Council approved franchise fees for gas and electric service through Xcel Energy.
City staff completed survey of Stinson Ave. at Little Green Lake to add another community dock.Split rail fence has been placed to designate the area.
Fire Department has begun the planning process for a potential new fire hall. Construction could commence in 2011.
The Bluff Street life station was completely rebuilt this year.
New park programs this year included: the theater camp, paranormal classes, safety camp and dress up tea party.
Public works placed split rail fencing along ParadisePark and ChuckieLundquistPark removing the need for temporary winter snow fence.
Staff has been working with Kendal Howard Corporation on a potential 50,000 square foot expansion of their facility.
Raspberry Hill water main was extended this fall to complete the interconnection with Lindstrom. The bike trail portion of the project will be completed this spring.
Economic Development Authority is reviewing for 2010 the revolving loan fund to offer low interest loans for area improvement.
City staff has been attending newly created tourism committee at the chamber of commerce. City took lead in developing the Small Town Christmas.
I would like to take this time to thank the volunteers that showed up to lend a hand planting trees for the highway 8 beautification projects. There was an incredible amount of work and labor involved but not one volunteer complained. I would like to start by thanking Todd Carroll from MN/DOT. Todd helped manage the grant at the state level - design, coordinate, and present this plan for the City of Chisago City. Todd also showed up on the day of planting, helped out and has been great to work with.
The grant is part of a collaborative effort with MN/DOT and the City of Chisago City. The Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program must support at least one of three goals: roadside beautification, community improvement and environmental stewardship. The Chisago City Park Board believes we have achieved all three in our design program with the help from Todd Carroll.
This planting between John Silver Lane and Shoquist along Stinson Avenue will include flower gardens too. This is the third phase of this project with the current Park Board.
I would like to thank Bill Mack for organizing this project as well as the use of his equipment. Without the use of his bobcat on the day of planting, his trucks to pick up the trees and his planting skills we would not have had such a successful volunteer effort. Thanks also go to our Public Works Department for prepping the site before hand and for the upkeep and maintenance this will take in the future. I would like to recognize the Chisago City staff for their assistance along with Mark Anderson and Ted Rebien.
Now onto the volunteers that showed up on Saturday to help out: Chisago City Mayor Don Taylor and members of the City Council Greg Freer and Marie Rivers, Park Board Members Bill Mack and his wife Sue, Marilyn Mays, Jonathon Dodge and his son Ely, and Chisago County Commissioner George McMahon. Thanks also go to Nancy, Megan, and Matt Kramer, Amanda Wolkenhauer, Del and Don Gralish, Michelle Anderson and a few that came at the end of planting Dakota Zacho, and the Rebien family.
Volunteers are the real back bone to all successful community efforts; they give of themselves without any expectation in return and continue to show up project after project. Thank you just doesn't ever seem to be enough so please recognize the above for a job well done. We have many opportunities for volunteers in our community so please check out the city website for more information.
