Why is the City of Orono Flying the Blue Line Flag?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Why is the City of Orono Flying the Blue Line Flag?

Our own city is divided by hate speech and symbology. By not considering that certain extremist groups took over the Blue Line Flag for their own rallies and communication, we are ignoring all those groups that are marginalized.

Please consider taking down a symbol that has now been confused with violence and anger overriding the positive symbols of Law Enforcement.

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Another Land Giveaway to the Wealthy in Orono
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Another Land Giveaway to the Wealthy in Orono

Over the past few years Mayor Walsh and three members of the Orono City Council have approved land giveaways and sales to Wealthy Lake Minnetonka homeowners. Some of these homeowners are Orono Public officials.

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Say No to Christmas Fireworks in Orono
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Say No to Christmas Fireworks in Orono

Orono City Council does it again. Sets off thousands of dollars of Fireworks on the wrong holiday for their own enjoyment. Citizens are voicing their concerns here: https://www.friendsoforono.org/oronosunrest

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Is Orono's New Public Works Building running 30% over budget?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Is Orono's New Public Works Building running 30% over budget?

Orono has designed a Giant Public Works building that is double the size of the existing Public Works facility. Why build double the space with virtually no increase in population or no justification in analysis?

These are good questions, and now we see the budget for this project has grown nearly 30%? This brand new building was bonded at $13 million. Then apparently bid at $16 million, and now looks like it will cost somewhere around $21+ million including interest.

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Long Lake Files Motion and supports "threatened" Firefighter in Hennepin County Court 10/13/23
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Long Lake Files Motion and supports "threatened" Firefighter in Hennepin County Court 10/13/23

The City of Long Lake files a motion for order to show cause and a supporting memorandum of law today in Hennepin County District Court. A hearing scheduled for matter will be held November 8th regarding the recruitment and hiring of Long Lake Firefighters.

Of special note is Long Lake's support for a Firefighter who has been threatened and apparently bullied on social media by the Orono Mayor Dennis Walsh.

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Why doesn't Maria Veach Recuse herself from all Fire Related Matters?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Why doesn't Maria Veach Recuse herself from all Fire Related Matters?

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest is a situation in which a person or organization has two or more competing interests. When a conflict of interest occurs, the person or team can't perform their duties appropriately because it could mean betraying their interests to one of the parties within the situation. When such a situation arises, it's often a legal requirement for the primary party to remove themselves.

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How is Mayor Walsh Funding his Pet Projects?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

How is Mayor Walsh Funding his Pet Projects?

Our Orono taxes are proposed to rise again this year. The city council wants to approve a 12% increase in property taxes for next year and this is on top of increased utility fees. Our Sewer rates are the 2nd highest in the West Metro. Our Water rates are higher than needed.

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Orono Council member Richard Crosby in his own words
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Orono Council member Richard Crosby in his own words

Orono Council member #RichardCrosby (RC): How does he come up with these statements?

RC: “I believe that the two people that are in the negotiating positions, which are Matt (Johnson) and Maria (Veach), should be the people attending this meeting. Without a doubt.”

Really Mr. Crosby? Well we have a lot more than doubt about this whole arrangement because Maria Veach’s husband is a fire firefighter and she has a clear Conflict of Interest on any fire related committee or meeting.

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Is Council member Matt Johnson misleading Orono Citizens?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Is Council member Matt Johnson misleading Orono Citizens?

Orono City Council member Matt Johnson disparaged a fellow City Council member not once, but twice during the 8/28/23 City Council meeting.

Johnson belittled Citizens by making fun of their comments, their demeanor and even how they walk from the City Chambers.

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Orono Council member Richard F. Crosby II - Denying Long Lake Fire Department Legacy?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Orono Council member Richard F. Crosby II - Denying Long Lake Fire Department Legacy?

How does Mr. Crosby come up with these statements? He said during the 7/24/23 Orono City Council Work Session, “...that doesn’t even cover the lack of support and equipment the department needs…” Who voted to underfund and under capitalize the Long Lake Fire Department since you came into office Mr. Crosby? You did. Please take responsibility for your own actions instead of cowardly blaming the City of Long Lake. #integritymatters

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The Deal is On the Table Orono City Council!
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

The Deal is On the Table Orono City Council!

Long Lake is offering Orono more control of the Existing Fire Department. The city of Long Lake is offering to create a new governance board for the existing fire department. Orono began exploring this idea until Mayor Walsh stopped the negotiations.

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In His Own Words: Orono Planning Commissioner Dennis Libby
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

In His Own Words: Orono Planning Commissioner Dennis Libby

In their own Words

Orono Planning Commissioner Dennis Libby has been very active, along with Mayor Dennis Walsh, in commenting about both private citizens and former officials. Both of them have been posting on Nextdoor through the local Politics group and commenting in various meetings. Attached is one of Libby’s rants criticizing former city officials during the 7/12/23 Coffee for the Mayor meeting. Is this ethical, professional or warranted? Isn’t the City Council and the rest of the departments including City Staff supposed to be nonpartisan?

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What is a Conservative?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

What is a Conservative?

Council member Richard F. Crosby II - Conservative No More? How does #richardcrosby come up with these statements? He said during the 7/24/23 City Council meeting, “Am I a conservative? Yes.” Really Mr. Crosby? Because you are spending taxpayer dollars like Orono money grows on trees.

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Council member Richard F. Crosby II - Hiding the Facts?
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Council member Richard F. Crosby II - Hiding the Facts?

How does Mr. Crosby come up with these statements?

He said during the 7/24/23 Work Session “we haven't increased the overall tax budget, taxes has gone up simply because property values have...” This just isn’t the whole truth. Orono property values have gone up but the Orono tax levy is 100% under the control of the Orono City Council.

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Orono Citizens' Voices Need to be Heard
Barbara Schmidt Barbara Schmidt

Orono Citizens' Voices Need to be Heard

'The survival of democracy depends upon the trust of the people and that necessitates a government with integrity and competence, one that is truly "of the people, by the people and for the people."'

- Former Governor Arne Carlson Star Tribune June 19, 2023

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