Commentary; Posted: 6/7/06
Anderson: Montzka failed to act on city's behalf
Sheldon Anderson
Guest Columnist
In last weeks FL Times, County Board Member, Ben Montzka wrote as a guest columnist questioning my memory regarding reimbursement of Wyomingís contribution to the Chisago County SWAT Team.
Iíve decided to respond and set the record straight. On April 4th, 2006, the Wyoming City Council authorized a member of our police department to join the Chisago County SWAT Team, during discussion, a council member suggested donating $500 for extra training munitions.
I opposed the idea and suggested contacting Commissioner Montzka to seek additional funding for the SWAT Team and hold him accountable for seeing that the team is properly funded. A member of the media contacted Montzka and passed along to him my concerns.
Several days later, Montzka called me and asked me about my statements and what he could do for me.
Since the training of an officer only serves to benefit the entire county, I spoke to him about my concerns and requested he seek reimbursement from the county board for the city of Wyomingís costs and additional training money for the entire team.
Montzka said heíd get back to me. On April 18th, prior to a ground breaking ceremony at Fairview Hospital, Montzka approached me and said heíd like to come before the Wyoming City Council and discuss all the things the sheriffís department already does for the city of Wyoming. I asked Montzka what his reason was for doing this. Montzka stated the sheriff and county administrator had some issues with reimbursement of my request for Wyomingís costs.
I advised Montzka that it would be an insult to think that the council and I didnít know what services the sheriffís department provides the city. Sheriff Rivard and his deputies have and will continue to provide quality and professional law enforcement services to Wyoming and Chisago County. Rivard has been proactive and always available to assist our police department.
It was apparent Montzka would not take the request before the county board. I told him I would take care of this matter on my own and wouldnít need his assistance any further.
After the ceremony, I had lunch with Commissioners Robinson and Gustafson and told them of my frustration with Montzka. They both advised me to send a request to the county board.
Needless to say, after my letter reached the county board, action was taken and training costs incurred by Wyoming will be reimbursed.
Apparently, Montzka is disappointed with my letter to the county board so much so, that Montzka told a member of the Wyoming Town Board my letter may be lible and forwarded him a copy for his viewing pleasure. The letter is public record and I stand behind everything written.
I remember when Montzka couldnít get $5000 to keep our newly built library open and we lived with the possibility of shortening the hours of our library right after the grand opening.
I remember over the last two years that $14.5 million in road improvements were and are being made in Chisago County. Unless you drive on the shoulder of CR-30 (old US-61) between Wyoming and Stacy, you will not notice a difference in the roads in District 4, Commissioner Montzkaís district, our district.
I remember Montzka doing nothing over the last 16 months in offering assistance or fighting for the mutual annexation agreement between the city and Wyoming Township.
It saddens me that Montzka has sat on the sidelines while our communities spend thousands of dollars in additional legal fees to fight off Stacy and Chisago City in their attempt to make a land grab.
Now Iíll remember if I need help, assistance or funding, Iíll take my request directly to the Chisago County Board, not Montzka.
Writer Sheldon Anderson is mayor of Wyoming
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