Mayors want candidates for governor to support LGA

Mayors from throughout Minnesota say they plan to take a more active role in next year's gubernatorial race to try to preserve state funding for cities.

Representatives of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities outlined their strategy today during a State Capitol news conference. They say recent cuts in Local Government Aid and other state allowances have resulted in higher local property taxes and reduced city services. Wayne Wolden, the mayor of Wadena, says the coalition will keep asking the candidates for governor where they stand on funding for local government.

"The coalition membership will not be doing an endorsement, nor will we negatively try to impact candidates," Wolden said. "But we will be spreading the information throughout our communities as to which candidates plan to support healthy, vital communities."

The coalition also unveiled a two-minute video that explains its viewpoint on state funding. You can watch the ad on the coalition web site.

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