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Jim Schottmuller, at your service...

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Dear Friends:

This election year began with record-breaking attendance for Minnesota caucuses - a remarkable feat to see citizens getting actively involved in the political process. While witnessing the "voter revival" at our local caucus, I was amazed and inspired at the number of citizens that shared my hope for better representation. After considerable family discussions and prayerful consideration, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Ramsey County Commissioner - District 1. As a concerned citizen and taxpayer, I hope to earn your support and vote in the state general election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

The economy is in a sensitive state, and the rising price of food and fuel has affected us all. We've had to decide how to cut or better manage spending at home. Regardless, our current commissioners continue to approve extensive spending, losing propositions and increased taxation.

Clearly, "living within our means" is not the current Board strategy. Perhaps the economic challenges are not apparent to the Board because they voted (6 to 1) in April 2007 to increase their own pay by an astronomical 25%!  (See The Issues: Spending » Commissioner Pay Increases)

Property tax revenue is up over 20% since 2006 (primarily due to home valuations/property taxes increasing), and yet the Board plans another 4.5% levy increase in 2009. In this economic state, why does our county continue to raise and spend such a significant amount of funds?  (See The Issues: Taxes » Tax Revenue & Levy Increases)

As a member of the Board of Commissioners, I intend to adopt the following agenda:

• Expose unnecessary government spending
• Reduce current spending levels and property taxes
• Identify leading counties and adopt best practices
• Increase opportunities for resident involvement

I will make every effort to end this cycle of unbridled taxing and spending. I am a passionate citizen with new ideas that is focused on financial accountability, experienced with operational budgets, and committed to collaborating with citizens to build and maintain a community of which we can all be proud.

I welcome your questions and concerns and humbly ask that you support my candidacy. Together we can influence the direction of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Thank you in advance for your friendship, generous support and prayers. God bless!

Sincerely,