Town Clerk

Two residents are running for the office of Linwood Town Clerk: Tom Lukkonen and Judy Hanna. Judy Hanna is the incumbent.

Hanna and her husband (1) have lived in Linwood since 1970. Their five boys have all attended Forest Lake Public Schools. She is an active member of Linwood Covenant Church and Linwood Helping Hand.

She has been a member of the Anoka County Historical Society for 25 years, serving on its board the past eight years. ìI have also worked on fundraisers with the elementary school. I enjoy my position as clerk, and being able to give back to the community.î

First elected to the office of town clerk in 1998, (2) Hanna was re-elected for two more terms. ìI would like to continue on as the clerk. I bring stability and commitment to the job, and feel I do good work. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy the clerkís position.î

ìIn 1985, I started working as a volunteer for the Linwood Food Shelf. Since 1987, I have worked for the township in the senior center, which includes the transportation program and food shelf. I worked for 10 years at the Columbus Township Senior Center, and I worked with the MN Extension Service in Anoka County for 17 years.î

Hanna (3) says, ìI believe the most important issues in the township are roads and safety. We have approximately 35 miles of sand or substandard gravel roads that need to be upgraded to at least the 2000 (road) standards. The township needs to continue upgrading these roads.î

ìProviding three areas of safety for the township is a top priority. 1) The fire department provides top-notch services. 2) We are in our second year contracting with the Anoka County Sheriffís office for a township deputy and a school resource office. The deputies are positive assets for the township. The township deputy works seven days a week, eight hours a day.

The SRO school hours are split between Linwood and Columbus townships; the county pays for one-third of the SRO contract. During the summer, the SRO patrols the township along with our regular contracted deputy, covering more hours in the day. 3) Roads are a safety issue due to the growth and new laws that govern townships.î

Hanna writes, ìTeamwork is important. There has to be a good working relationship between the clerk and office, clerk and town board, clerk and treasurer, and clerk and auditor. The clerkís duties and responsibilities are according to MN Township Law 367.11. Other duties are directed by the town board, such as working with all committees and commissions.

ìIt is very important to educate the people about township government. Information is provided in the Forest Lake Times and Forest Lake Press newspapers, Cable TV Channel 10, Townshipís website, Township newsletter, posting boxes, and outdoor signs.î

The other candidate for town clerk is Tom Lukkonen.

(1) He and his wife Tammie have been local residents for more than 30 years. Tammie has lived in Linwood all her life. They built their Linwood home in 1990. ìWe have an 8-year old daughter, Samantha and are truly excited about raising our daughter in a community that has been such a part our lives.î

Of his candidacy (2) Lukkonen says ìI am running for the position of town clerk because I believe it is time for a change. Linwood Township has seen tremendous growth over the past five years. With a population of around 5000 and growing, the township is continually changing and facing new challenges. I attended Mankato State University for business administration and have worked over 20 years in retail and corporate management. I understand what goes into making an organization successful. My management style is one of team work, having all members of the team working together to accomplish a common goal.î

ìFor the township that is being an effective liaison and voice for the township residents to the town board. Keeping and maintaining records in a very organized manner. Having a team, where each member has the ability and information they need to take care of and answer the needs of our residents. I believe shared knowledge is progressive management.

The position of town clerk should hold the employees of the township accountable so that the residents know what level of services they are getting for their tax dollars. This position is accountable to each and every citizen, accountable to ensure the township office functions in a cohesive manner knowing that the residents of Linwood are our customers.î

Finally, Lukkonen (3) writes, ìEffective communications is always important in any organization. This is something that we always need to strive to improve on. One way to improve communication is to make sure that all employees are knowledgeable in all aspects of the townshipís business.

ìKeeping accurate and organized records and showing all employees how to access them will help make addressing residentsí questions quicker and easier.î

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605