Letter to the editor: Strive for a better community with Cathy Erickson

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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Residents of Ward 3,

Since becoming a Ward 3 resident back in 2000, I’ve felt very fortunate to be represented by excellent city councilors and mayors. When I heard that Dan Jones, current City Council president and representative of Ward 3, would not be seeking re-election this November, the timing seemed right for me to share my enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to our community by filing to represent our ward on the Two Harbors City Council.

Being a city councilor is not a position to be taken lightly. I've lived in Two Harbors all of my life and am passionate about the future of our community. For over 12 years I have worked in K-12 school finance for Minnesota school districts, currently serving as a finance specialist & trainer for 30 districts in northeastern Minnesota. I am familiar with many forms of municipal funding at the state, county, and local levels and also have experience and understanding of the property tax levy process. Similar to schools, cities utilize a fund based accounting structure and must follow statutes and laws to ensure proper use of our taxpayer contributions.

I am also keenly aware of the sometimes complicated state legislative process and have worked on bills and amendments to benefit our region’s school districts and property owners. Two Harbors is also in a unique position being within the Taconite Assistance Area, and partnership opportunities with the IRRRB have played a part several positive projects in our community.

I've been involved in many local boards and organizations helping to better our community. One of them has been the Two Harbors Economic Development Authority (THEDA). As president of THEDA for the last 16 months, I have been given the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively on assessing and understanding business growth along with looking at ways to facilitate new jobs for our city. THEDA’s role is to help point potential businesses in the right direction and to help our existing businesses with possible growth opportunities.

Recreational, social, and cultural activities are an essential part of our everyday lives. And while I believe that fiscal and general management oversight are important responsibilities of a city councilor, I am just as passionate about ways in which city government can be a catalyst to improving our quality of life. Communities come together, not only to share in common needs such as utilities, public safety, and education, but also to spend time enjoying and participating in wide array of personal and community based activities. I believe that well-rounded communities see the benefit in investing in projects and organizations that can spark creativity and promote common interests and passions as well as providing for our common needs.

Two Harbors is where we all call home. Each of us should be encouraged to have a vested interest in striving for a safe, active, and productive community. Working together is the only way to achieve that. I offer my experience and commitment to be your voice and I will bring to the table an energetic and thoughtful approach to overseeing our city and working towards a better and brighter future for our entire community.

Tags: opinion