[Mpls] 3rd Grade Class

[Victoria Heller]

Russell Raczkowski: That's why when Minneapolis institutes a fee for all
suburban recipients entering the city by car to make money, to attend
entertainment events, to shop, or to partake of some of the city's illicit
pleasures, I expect not a peep out of them. 
 
Vicky Heller:  I don't think you'll collect much.  Recent commentary in the
Strib described Minneapolis as "flyover land" for a lot of folks.  All of
the amenities that you list are available elsewhere, and the few who make
money in Minneapolis are already paying the price of admission in the form
of property taxes at a much higher rate than homeowners pay.   
 
Russell Raczkowski:  I have daily frustrations with the city, but I am weary
of Ms. Heller's drumbeat of 
anti-urban rhetoric while ciphering.  Really, Vicky, what's with your
obsession?
 
Vicky Heller:  What you call an obsession, I call a crusade for honest
government and a well-informed citizenry.  And I'm not at all anti-urban.  I
moved to North Oaks because it's cheaper than Minneapolis to live here.
Years ago, I actually thought that Minneapolis could become a financial
powerhouse - like Chicago.  Why do you think that didn't happen?
 
Russell Raczkowski:  When you pull your business out of the city, you'll be
done with us, right?  
 
Vicky Heller:  Yep.  But I'll be leaving behind $35 million in property
taxes paid.  Could I get a thank you?
 
Russell Raczkowski:  It'd play hell with your property values, but I think
the good folk of North Oaks would find their lives enriched by contact with
their urban and rural neighbors.
 
Vicky Heller:  Can't respond to this one because I don't understand the
sentence.
 
 
 
Vicky Heller
North Oaks and Cedar-Riverside