KIM VLAISAVLJEVICH (KIM V), 30, declared her candidacy for Minneapolis City Council in the Uptown area, Ward 10. Kim V’s issues include independent audit boards, responsible fiscal management, promotion of green space, and open government. “I believe responsible decision making will result in lower property taxes, expanded service levels, and business development,” she said.
In Her Own Words
“I am running for city council because Minneapolis is my home and I love it. The number one issue of my campaign is budget and tax reform. A healthy financial entity is at the heart of any system. Financial health allows for the increase in quality of the life for all constituents whether in goods, services, or business development. I believe that prudent financial management, process improvement, and responsible decision making with naturally result in less property tax, higher service levels, better schools, business development, and green space. In addition, we need to open the communication path between the community and local government. The residents of Minneapolis are all stake holders of the city and deserve to see dividends on their tax dollars. Today, we are faced with $25 million in under-funded pensions, property tax levy increases of 8 percent annually until 2018, lay-offs, foreclosures, and business closures. These practices of the Minneapolis City Council are not healthy for long-term financial goals. We cannot solve problems of the future with solutions from the past. City government needs to be proactive not reactive. I am committed to developing a long-term plan to shore up the pension funds and implement tighter controls around expenses not generating value for the community. This will help get property taxes under control and relieve small businesses of erroneous assessments and inspections. In addition, I am excited to discuss the long term vision of the community to ensure Uptown maintains its unique qualities and character. Creating an environment that allows large developers and small businesses to work together.”
City of Minneapolis Expenses Outpace Revenue
The chart below can be found on the city of Minneapolis website in the Mayor’s 2010 budget proposal. As you can see by the chart our expenses are growing more rapidly than revenue. We need to adjust spending to reflect changes in revenue. Otherwise the tax payers will be making up the difference.
2010 Mayor-Recommended Budget Presented Aug. 13, 2009
Why Should People Vote For Kim V?
“I have the knowledge and practical work experience to troubleshoot complex financial issues and deliver results. I have been consulting in the field of finance and accounting for the past four years. I have worked with fortune 500 clients, non-profits, international, and in eight different industry lines. I believe my diverse background will complement the already existing talents of the Minneapolis City Council. Overcoming this hurdle will help us to focus on more initiatives in the community but we must prioritize. The three big things I would like to accomplish during my four year term are lower property taxes, more community involvement on decisions, and beautification of the ward. If elected, future developments will be openly discussed and promises will be honored.
What Kind of City Council Member Would Kim V Be?
• A strong advocate for the ward 10 community
• Accessible to the community (website, meetings, phone calls, and emails)
• Passionate about fiscal responsibility and good decision making
• Representative of the diverse community
• Foster business development
• Bring about fresh ideas and change!
Please Vote Kim V November 3, 2009 www.voteforkimv.com
