----------------------------------------------- St Paul Issues Forum - Election 2005 Archive and info at: http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/mayor-2005 -----------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION TO RAFAEL ORTEGA, CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
I am Commissioner Rafael Ortega and I’m running to be your next mayor. I have great experience as a leader building coalitions and getting things done on the County Board and I’m ready to energize the DFL and win back the Mayor’s office. We need a change in both substance and style in the Saint Paul’s Mayor’s office.
As your Mayor I will:
1. Work to build a 21st century transit system which will be a linchpin for economic development.
2. Insure that police, fire, and our 911 service center is properly funded.
3. Be an effective, honest fiscal manager.
4. Stand up for Saint Paul when the Governor and the President try to cut our services.
5. Continue to build workforce and affordable housing throughout the city.
I will also start working with our city council instead of trying to marginalize them. Whether it is a smoking ban, or Ayd Mill Road, or raising fees and assessments, we need to listen to all the affected parties and take their ideas into consideration. I have always done so as County Commissioner and it has been a very effective way to lead.
At the county, with the support of strong community advocates, we:
1. Settled union contracts fairly and created a process so the County and the Unions work together respectfully and effectively for the citizens of Ramsey County.
2. Reformed the county intake process to make it more efficient.
3. Merged city and county services in ways the increase efficiency but ensure that we serve our citizens in need.
4. Raised taxes when necessary but helped to make Ramsey County one of only 34 counties in the U.S. with a triple A bond rating..
5. Kept the Ford Bridge open between Minneapolis and Saint Paul while contractors refurbished the bridge.
You can count on me to make our progressive values a reality at City Hall for the first time in twelve years and to listen to you not only during this campaign but after I am elected.
- Rafael Ortega, Candidate for Mayor
----------------------------------------------- St Paul Issues Forum - Election 2005 Archive and info at: http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/mayor-2005 -----------------------------------------------
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