Monday, September 22, 2014

Why doesn't Lakeville have….?

One of the things I hear people ask regularly as I go around neighborhoods is "Why doesn't Lakeville have ____?" -- fill in the blank with:

    - Chipotle
    - Panera
    - Panda Express
    - Arbys
    - Home Depot
    - Menards
    - Kohls
    - more nice sit-down restaurants
    - more options for shopping

The population of Lakeville is about the same as that of Burnsville and Eagan, and a bit bigger than Apple Valley -- and yet those cities have far more variety and options for restaurants and shopping than we do here in Lakeville. We need to look for ways to encourage these businesses to come to Lakeville.


Friday, September 12, 2014

First Time Out On The Streets

Tonight was my first time out knocking on doors around Lakeville. As an introvert it was a bit uncomfortable for me, but I know I need to introduce myself to the people of the city if I expect them to vote for me.

I had the privilege of talking to a number of people, hearing their concerns for the city. Common themes I heard included:


  • Serious concerns over rising property taxes
  • Frustration over the delay to fix and widen Dodd Blvd
  • Need for attracting more business and industry to Lakeville
  • Concern about deteriorating roads


I really appreciated hearing directly from people, especially knowing that these are some of my top concerns as well. I'm looking forward to hearing more as I continue to canvas neighborhoods around Lakeville.

Feel free to send me your thoughts directly at sjr.lakeville@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Protecting high school students on Dodd Blvd

As a parent of a student at Lakeville North High School I saw first-hand how the students were affected by the death of Alyssa Ettl, and I could imagine the grief I would have felt as her parents. Thankfully our school and city leaders have made widening Dodd Boulevard a topic of high concern as a result, but as we know now the road will not be changed until at least 2016.

In order to avoid any more tragic deaths on this stretch of road, I want to encourage all LNHS students to voluntarily "boycott" Dodd Blvd between 185th St and the high school entrance. While it might be slightly out of the way for some drivers, most will not be greatly affected by using Ipava Ave as an alternate route.

I have asked my son to avoid this road, and I encourage other parents to do the same. Let's do what we can to avoid losing another life on this dangerous roadway.