Smith-Douglas-More house
Proud of
our history
Did you get a chance to spend time outdoors this past Sunday? It was one of those rare and spectacular gems of a day … brilliant blue sky, gentle breeze, and hint-of-fall temperatures. Now add to that picture: Sitting under the sun-dappled canopy of the patio at our historic Dunn Bros. coffeehouse. Birds twittering in the treetops overhead. Three musicians (Hayseed Cree) providing a background of soft folk music from the porch. People of all ages lingering over coffee, conversation or the newspaper. Earl More, dressed in overalls, stooping over his garden – in my mind’s eye, at least. I felt proud and connected to my community – my home for 39 years!
When is the last time anyone has had an experience like this at a Caribou or Starbucks?
Where else in the Southwest suburbs, or even the Twin Cities, can one enjoy such a unique community gathering experience? We are so fortunate to have this extraordinary venue in Eden Prairie. It puts a tangible face on the concept of “quality of life.” Yet there are three members of the City Council who apparently don’t see value in keeping this historic treasure as part of the fabric of our community. They have considered selling the property. Recently Phil Young, Brad Aho and Jon Duckstad voted to reject the lease proposal offered by the current tenant, whose lease expires in December. They took this move without having any alternative proposals to consider. In my mind, this is foolish and irresponsible. The tenant could abandon the premises, leaving the city with nothing, as Council Member Kathy Nelson pointed out. Isn’t something better than nothing? It is too late in the year to be considering changes for the coming year. If the council wants to consider other options, then it should be a respectful landlord and begin pursuing those options earlier next year.
The historic Smith-Douglas-More home, given new life as a contemporary coffeehouse and gathering place, is a valuable asset to this community. I urge the Eden Prairie City Council to reject any plans to sell this landmark, and to take whatever action is necessary to renew Dunn Bros.’ lease for another year.
Ann Berne-Rannow
Eden Prairie

Questions
lease rejection
During last Tuesday’s City Council meeting Mayor Phil Young rejected the Dunn Bros. lease stating that there was “no way that I’m going to support the renewal of this lease on the terms which this council agreed to last year.” Council Members John Duckstad and Brad Aho agreed. The peremptory decision by the Eden Prairie City Council to turn away from the successful use of the Smith-Douglas-More House for the operation of the Dunn Bros. coffee shop and its subtenant, College Nannies and Tutors, is short-sighted and fails to take into account the extent of the benefits to the community.
Even the most casual observer is well aware of the beauty and unique setting of the home and its surroundings. And it takes only a few visits to recognize the strong and growing appreciation for the quality of the setting by both residents and visitors of all ages and interests.
It is a serious disappointment to know that the decision to seek other tenants who will pay a higher rent may mean that the property may lose its valued role as a community gathering place. What about the value of the varied activities and sense of community that are evident as a result of the current tenant’s dedication and improvements to the property?
While the mayor and Council Members [Brad] Aho and [Jon] Duckstad may regard the matter as is primarily a fiscal relationship that can be made more to their liking, I encourage the council to rely on the careful work carried out previously by the city and its Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) to put the city in the position to create this special place. Council Member Sherry Butcher was the former chair of the HPC and supported Dunn Bros. leasing the Smith-Douglas-More House and Council Member Kathy Nelson voted not to reject the lease agreement with Dunn Bros.
I urge the mayor to work to find a way to continue the lease with Ann Schuster so that the coffee shop can continue to offer what residents and visitors to Eden Prairie value about our community.
Ann Higgins
Eden Prairie
Editor’s note: Higgins is vice chair of the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission.

Election 2008
Meyerhofer writes
As we approach November, the environment is already set for an exciting race. At the presidential, congressional, state and local elections, the choices you make will help to define the future and impact your career, business and family.
The choices you have are invigorating and I encourage you to do your due diligence on each candidate – especially at a local level. The people that you elect to the City Council will have significant impact on the direction of this community, our schools, the safety and protection of our neighborhoods, and the financial impact of governmental costs and taxes assed on you in this difficult economic time.
I encourage you to do your homework prior to heading to the polls, allowing you to make an informed decision. Consider past records of former and current council members including the decisions within the budgetary process that have brought perpetual increases in your tax burden, a “downtown vision” that was first slated as the area next to Old Chicago/Wal-Mart, then the SouthWest Station area and now along a corridor of a four-lane highway which has little possibility of being achieved considering the deviations from that vision that have already occurred. Where will our “downtown” be in four years, the Golden Triangle? As a voter, you should also be aware of the stagnant discussions current council members have been involved in for years regarding bringing light rail to our city (proposed 2015 now!) and fixing the 169/494 interchange. Finally, understand which people were at the table when the Flying Cloud Airport expansion agreement was signed and what benefits, if any, this burden on our local budget will provide.
As you conduct your research you will find that leadership at the Eden Prairie City Council needs to change. We can no longer sit back while our biggest concerns go unaddressed with the same people making the decisions. We need a clear vision for the city center. We need confidence that this plan will not only be a guideline, but the fundamental rule as we drive to enhance our city and create an atmosphere with a business-friendly environment to both draw new companies to Eden Prairie and keep those that are already here.
Eden Prairie needs the leadership that will drive through budgetary process with the citizens at the forefront of their mind – understanding that decisions made ultimately impact your pocketbook. The council needs to balance spending through fiscal responsibility and assign accountability to decisions and no longer treat the businesses and residents as their ATM.
It’s time for new leadership at the Eden Prairie City Council. I am running for Eden Prairie City Council because I want to help plan Eden Prairie for its next generation of residents and businesses. I want Eden Prairie to be a place we are all proud to call home, now as well as into the future.
Please find out more about me at www.jeff4ep.com.
Jeff Meyerhofer
Eden Prairie

Supports Case
Certain qualities resonate with each of us as we evaluate candidates and prepare to cast our vote each election season. Ron Case best represents qualities that I feel are important. Ron has been a teacher at Oak Point School since we moved to Eden Prairie 17 years ago. Each of my three children with completely different learning styles crossed Ron’s path while at Oak Point. Each flourished as a result.
There is something exceptional about a teacher who touches student’s life and leaves them feeling better about themselves, motivated and accomplished. A council member should be a leader, motivator and enthusiast, Ron is. Ron has served this community in one form or another for as long as we have lived here, including 12 years of service as a council member. He is known for his ability to listen carefully, represent and creatively negotiate on behalf of all of us. A council member should be open-minded, a collaborator, mediator and innovator, Ron is. Bring Ron back this November and embody the Eden Prairie City Council with character to make sensible decisions and direct our city down the prudent path.
Laurie Pepper
Eden Prairie

Supports Aho
I’ve known Brad Aho for many years and in that time Brad’s proven to be an effective leader who deeply cares about what goes on for all of us in Eden Prairie. He is a caring community-builder and highly effective council member.
Brad is a business founder and owner, understands what it takes to manage budgets while staying focused on service to its clients like EP residents. We need Brad Aho because he has common sense and is concerned about keeping our city a place where taxes don’t continue to go up.
That is why he has opened the budget process to the residents by advocating the Budget Advisory Commission, which uses residents to assist in reviewing city budgets and capital spending, analyzing the budget to keep the city efficient and effective. In tough economic times, we need Brad’s business acumen as well as his vision for using a common sense approach to working within our means. He looks for more than one way to solve a problem, not by just increasing the budget which means we all pay more.
Brad has been married to Bev for 28 years, raised a family of three children in Eden Prairie and lived here for almost two decades.
I urge you to vote for real life experience that we need now in government and vote for a real leader that gets things done. My vote is for Brad Aho.
Robb Hiller
Eden Prairie

Supports
Meyerhofer
I am writing in support of Jeff Meyerhofer for City Council.
Our community needs to set the stage for sound fiscal decision making over the next four years.
With the development of our downtown, potential light rail extension, and improvement of the 169/494 interchange on the horizon, it will be critical to evaluate important community improvement initiatives versus prudent public spending.
Maintaining a business-friendly environment to both draw new companies to Eden Prairie and keep those that are already here will be important in creating a strong fiscal position for the community to pursue key initiatives.
Jeff’s business experience and education give him the ability to fully analyze and understand how public spending decisions will affect the residents of Eden Prairie, both individuals and businesses, and enable him to make the right decisions.
With two young children, Jeff also brings to the table a long-term view for the community. He will focus on the need to maintain the quality of our schools, neighborhoods and public spaces.
I believe that Jeff Meyerhofer will be the best choice for City Council to maintain the great place in which we live and position Eden Prairie to thrive and grow well into the future. I plan to vote for Jeff in November and hope that you will to.
Joe Dietlin
Eden Prairie

Supports Aho
Please join me in supporting Brad Aho for Eden Prairie City Council. Over the past four years, Brad has proven himself to be a positive, caring member of this community. Most residents don’t realize the time Brad has given to not only listen, but actually meet with concerned citizens to truly understand their issues. Brad takes his position on the City Council seriously, with a goal to continue to make this community better.
While he won’t take personal credit for Eden Prairie’s Top 10 designation, Brad was pleased to be a part of the decision-making councils that helped bring about this prestigious award. Brad is dedicated to keeping our business community strong, our home values high and property taxes low while striving to maintain the high level of amenities and services we have come to value. In essence, he intends for Eden Prairie to remain the excellent, highly desired community in which we all work or live.
Brad’s positive, “give back to the community” attitude is proven by his community service. Brad’s longevity with his church, and Eden Prairie’s Rotary and Chamber, as well as his volunteering for various Eden Prairie nonprofits, shows his head and heart are firmly entrenched in doing what is best for this city.
Andy Cilek
Eden Prairie

Supports Pitzrick
I’m struck by the obvious choice we have this year in selecting a new representative from Eden Prairie for the Minnesota House. We can choose a Republican who has been a lobbyist for organizations such as ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collections Professionals and a Washington political insider ... or we can choose someone with no political baggage who has spent his adult life helping teams of people reach common goals.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’d much prefer the latter. I believe the choice is clear: more of the same political business-as-usual we’ve become frustrated with or a fresh, clear approach.
Jerry Pitzrick represents a truly fresh, clear approach to helping us solve our common problems. Granted, he’s only one voice ... but I sincerely believe he’ll be a strong, practical voice that will help create workable solutions, not partisan reactions or political Band-aids.
I think everyone should closely examine the choice we have this year. Do you want to stick with the politics that have us treading deep water, or do you want to be more like Michael Phelps and move forward with strength and speed? Jerry Pitzrick might not be an Olympic gold medal winner, but I believe he’s the best candidate we have for producing winning solutions.
Shannon Seymour
Eden Prairie

Supports
Jenifer Loon
I was so excited to learn that Jenifer Loon is running for the Minnesota legislative House seat for District 42B! Jenifer has been a good friend of mine for over 10 years. She was my most trusted adviser and campaign chairperson when I first ran for School Board in 2001, and I have continued to value her perspective and advice during my seven years of service on the Eden Prairie School Board.
In tough economic times, it is vital that the community and state maintain a solid foundation upon which to persevere. Education is the key to this foundation. Jenifer understands the importance of educational investments and high student achievement for all kids. She has worked with me on legislative advocacy for the educational needs in this community. She has also committed numerous hours in volunteer service to the school district as a leader in the Parent/Teacher Organization and chairperson of the Curriculum Advisory Committee. I value having her voice at the legislative level for the future success of our community and state in terms of educational vitality.
Jenifer understands the political process and the courage and strength it takes to remain grounded as a public servant. She is honest, extremely hard-working and trustworthy. She knows how to work with multiple perspectives and come to a respectable resolution ... and she does it gracefully. A vote for Jenifer will ensure that our community will be well represented and our tax dollars well spent. Please join me in supporting Jenifer Loon for Minnesota State Representative!
Jill Scholtz
Eden Prairie
Editor’s note: Scholtz is a member of the Eden Prairie School Board.

Supports Pitzrick
Isn’t it time we get serious? We have serious problems in Minnesota and we need better people to create solutions. I suggest the best answer we have is Jerry Pitzrick.
What we don’t need is more finger pointing, more partisanship or political saber rattling. We need answers and we need them sooner, rather than in 2015. Jerry strikes me as the kind of person best suited to helping find those answers
I don’t doubt his opponent is good person with many good qualities but she is a life-long political insider. Her training is in running political parties and lobbying, not solving problems. I think Jerry Pitzrick deserves the opportunity to be our representative in the Minnesota House. I strongly urge everyone to look at his ideas and ideals and consider voting for him.
Fran Merriman
Eden Prairie

Supports
Shari May
Being that election season is upon us, I feel it is imperative to address some of the critical issues we are dealing with as a state. Unless changes are made in our state Legislature, we will be dealing with these issues again following the next legislative session.
It appears that the last legislative session did nothing to address our looming budget shortfall of $2-3 billion, our poor tax ranking, our meager business climate and the astronomical expenses of health care. In fact, we took steps backwards.
We have one of the highest individual tax rankings in the country (sixth worst) and government here has forced Minnesota into the bottom third of business cost climates in the country. Considering that, what business would locate to Minnesota now that there is a global market for goods and services? For that matter, with one of the most highly taxed states on individual income (sixth worst), what business would want to locate its headquarters in Minnesota? Business climate is a big issue and it appears that it was not considered a priority and addressed in the last legislative session by the current representative of 42A, Maria Ruud and other legislators.
Our state government should also be criticized for having the most mandates (62) on health insurance of any state in the union. Other states such as Florida are passing measures to reduce mandates in the health insurance industry as a way to make individual health insurance more affordable. New Jersey has passed legislation to remove prohibitions on its citizens from purchasing health insurance out of state. They can now purchase a policy that fits their budget. With verified studies and proven results from other states, why aren’t we moving that direction?
I see too much continuation in policies of the past and very little learning of the successes from other states in solving some of the problems that are very similar to the problems facing Minnesota. Ask yourself; are you better off than you were four years ago?
Change seems to be the order of the day. We can change the course of our state only with leadership that understands you don’t raise taxes in a recessive economy, leadership that understands we must lower taxes to encourage businesses, and increase competition in the healthcare insurance industry to drive down the costs of insurance.
Minnesota House of Representatives needs new leadership to make government more affordable and leadership that will make Minnesota a business friendly state that leaves more money in our wallets. Join me in voting for Shari May on Nov. 4 as our new state representative who is committed to advancing intelligent and proven solutions so we may become a competitive, thriving and economically healthy state. I am convinced that as our new state representative, Shari May will work for the people of 42A, not for politicians who continue in policies of the past.
Tricia Corder
Eden Prairie