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Community Solutions Podcast


Dec 20, 2019

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Have you ever wondered how all of these local politicians can call themselves "fiscal conservatives"? They may hold the line on the annual tax levy, but they are willing to rack up debt for all of these "wonderful" projects. They go into debt, because you won't see all of their spending on your annual property tax statement. You have to go near the end of the lengthy Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to find where they bury all of this spending. We discuss the difference between a general obligation bond and a lease revenue bond, and how they work. We look into the atrocious debt levels of Maple Grove, Three Rivers Park District, Grand Rapids, Burnsville, and more. We show you how and where to find the tens of millions of dollars that they all seem to be in debt. What if there is an economic downturn? It is time for a culture change in how we approach debt. 

In the Local Lowdown, residents are up in arms because the Rochester City Council wants to give Elton Hills Drive a "road diet" (making a four lane road two lanes with a center turn lane) to make a complete street. It's not just for urban areas anymore.

Also, we discuss Michael Bloomberg jumping into the presidential race as Kamala Harris is jumping out. We tell you what we think it all means.

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!