Prior Lake candidates differ on pricey streetlights, other issues

Prior Lake should stay a small town, and one that isn't paying much more in taxes than it is right now. That was the consensus at last week's debate between three candidates vying for two seats — one open, one incumbent — on its City Council.

But as they fielded questions, candidates Andy Gonyou, Annette Thompson and incumbent Mike McGuire also outlined clear differences on issues ranging from a levy increase of up to 10%, the Metropolitan Council's plan for the city to double its population in coming decades, and the proposed fix for Hwy. 21's downtown intersections at Hwy. 13 and at Main Street.

The two challengers took turns dinging incumbent McGuire on his support for purchasing digital signs and upgraded streetlights for downtown ambience, as well as the price of a new intersection and what they said was a lack of transparency at City Hall.

Thompson, an IT project manager, hammered the city's decision to upgrade from $6,000 to $8,000 models on 144 city streetlights.

"I don't have a calculator with me, but that's a lot of money," she said. "If we could curtail our spending, we wouldn't have to raise taxes."

Gonyou — a senior at the ­University of Minnesota and a 2011 graduate of Prior Lake High School, decades younger than his opponents — agreed that frivolous spending was a problem. "I love looking at an electronic American flag waving 24/7," he said, "but maybe there are other cheaper options if we wanted a landmark for entering Prior Lake."

McGuire, the incumbent, said the city was responding to what downtown businesses wanted, and noted that they helped pay for the streetlights. "We didn't want to put up a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood," he said. "You have to make it also look nice."

"All of a sudden you realize, there really isn't a whole lot of frivolous services."

Q: Should Prior Lake continue with plans to reach 40,000 people by 2040, or curtail growth to keep a "small-town feel?"

Gonyou: That is something the town needs to have a conversation about.

McGuire: Because the Met Council has invested in infrastructure for the city to grow, Prior Lake may not be allowed to deviate much from the plan.

Thompson: "I'm not convinced we will be at that number by 2040." The city's policy should be protecting existing neighborhoods and "not overdevelop or force development."

McGuire: The levy needs to raise taxes by 5% to recoup funds from the past five years, when the city spent reserve funds to keep taxes artificially low. For the library, senior center, recreation and others, "In most cases [residents] say they're willing to pay somewhat more in order to keep those types of services."

Thompson: Might support a 1.7% levy increase to keep up with inflation, but overall, the city should focus on cutting spending. "I would like to see the budget gone over with a fine-tooth comb," she said. "I'm sure that we can find places to cut, some expenses. I think it's ridiculous to even talk about closing our library [or] reduce our law enforcement. There are many other better ways to cut our budget than to go into those areas."

Gonyou: Favors looking for places to "slim trim" and for cutting wasteful spending like digital welcome signs and fancy streetlights. "Unfortunately, tax increases are just a fact of life eventually. Right now do we need them? I don't think so."

Q: Should Hwy. 21's intersections with Hwy. 13 and Main Street be improved now, or wait until they are graded "Failing"?

McGuire: It needs to happen soon, and all construction should be done at once. "Yes, it'll be a tough summer, but it'll all be done at the same time."

Gonyou: "As it stands, those two intersections are not the biggest concern" for Prior Lake. The city should meet with state officials to find other options, like changing the frequency of stoplights.

Q: Should Prior Lake have an "open question" policy for City Council work sessions?

McGuire: "We encourage people to come in and listen, [but] the main reason for a workshop is for council to get up to speed" for the formal council meetings. "To totally change it … would just defeat the purpose."

Thompson: "I absolutely 100% would like to see this changed. How else are the residents supposed to have their voice heard if they can't speak?"

Gonyou: Yes. "Feedback is one of the most important parts of learning and growth."

Thompson: 1. "Retain a small town feel [and] low-growth rate." 2. Cost-effective services and cutting frivolous spending like expensive streetlights and digital signs. 3. "Transparency and accountability should be more than just a buzzword."

Gonyou: 1. Make a plan for repairing Hwy. 21's intersections at Main Street and Hwy. 13, so residents and business owners know what might happen to their property. 2. Decide whether Prior Lake should increase its population, per a "2040 Vision and Strategic Plan." 3. If the city "rein[s] in" population growth, finding different ways to promote economic growth.