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• Pawlenty backs down on aid

Two Harbors Mayor Randy Bolen this week responded to some questions sent out by the League of Minnesota Cities. His answers and those from across the state could be read at a future Senate hearing on local government aid cuts.

Would your city consider recertifying the levy to recover some or the entire additional cut?

“I don’t believe we can burden the taxpayer of any Minnesota city by imposing substantial property tax increases in this economic environment. The continued stance of reducing (aid) is crumbling the cities of Minnesota. Plain and simple.”

What would be the impacts on city services?

“We’re a conservative-spending city and have spent the better part of the last 10 to15 years building funds to allow us to squeak through times like this. But, anymore substantial cuts in aid will likely push our city to devastating choices that no elected official should have to make.

Bolen’s reaction to Gov. Pawlenty’s reversal earlier this week on cutting aid:

“I’m very relieved that the governor has decided against using executive authority in reducing this round of payments to the cities of Minnesota. However, his statement that future payments may, or will be in jeopardy, is unsettling. Minnesota cities have hit the financial edge and additional cuts would jeopardize public safety and core services and do further harm to our struggling economy.”

Tags: two harbors, news, randy bolen, local government aid