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Johnsrud announced — as expected — that he would seek a second term during a press conference at City Hall.
Among the mayoral hopefuls are two council members, Jim Bloedorn and Dorothy Lenard, public works employee Gary Padesky, real estate agent Mick Lesky, and 24-year-olds Jordan Bishofsky and Matt Harter.
Former Mayor John Medinger also faced six opponents in his 2001 re-election bid.
“Competition is always good, and I’m not afraid of competition and debate,” Johnsrud said. In 2005, he emerged from a 14-candidate primary pool to ultimately beat Deak Swanson by less than 600 votes.
Then and now, he campaigned on economic growth and development, which he said materialized into $189 million in new construction growth during his first term.
In ever-worsening economic times, the mayor said “What you need certainly is a person with proven leadership.”
Johnsrud has been praised for his contributions toward economic development but bashed for needing better communication skills.
Most recently he battled a public relations storm after introducing a plan to run a municipal-operated paramedic and ambulance service.
Johnsrud argued Wednesday that he doesn’t waver depending on which way the political winds blow. “You have to take a position and you have to take a stance,” he said.
He warned that future budgets will be increasingly tight, and tax increment finance districts are a chance to “plant the seed” for additional tax base.
In the coming years, Johnsrud said he anticipates a few new TIFs targeted at removing North Side homes from the flood plain.
He touted improvements during the past four years, including increasing the city’s bond rating, which results in savings on interest, new jobs and tax rate increases held below the rate of inflation without cutting services.
Former council President Joe Ledvina, who resigned this past spring, lent his support Wednesday to his longtime council colleague.
“He’s been a good mayor,” Ledvina said. “I’ve seen first-hand his hard work and commitment.”
Johnsrud said neighborhood and park revitalization will be among his priorities during the next four years, including plans to call for a Washburn Neighborhood park.
truefacts101 wrote on Jan 14, 2009 10:11 PM:
RE-Elect Johnsrud 2009! "