South metro legislative plans emerge

Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire's first question at a recent gathering of local officials and south metro legislators was pretty basic: "How do you want to stay in touch?"

Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland started throwing out cell phone numbers. Legislators asked who to contact with questions.

There was a distinct "getting to know you" feeling amid the usual discussion of mandates, state funding and local control as mayors, commissioners and city staff members from across Dakota County hosted the meeting over coffee and pastries last week. Their goal was to make sure those serving in St. Paul -- including a large crop of new faces elected in November -- had a taste of the potential fallout as the state wrangles with a $6.2 billion budget deficit.

"We really do want to be engaged with you," Hamann-Roland said, urging state senators and representatives to call. "You'll see us being more involved and being there for you."

With a new DFL governor and a slew of new Republican legislators -- many without previous government experience -- the 2011 legislative session is starting out in uncharted territory.

"There's a tremendous amount of change all happening at once," said Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges.

"Requests for expansions of programs are not in vogue, and that would be an understatement," Maguire said. "A lot of it is more about playing defense."

"We have not put together a wish list," he said. "I hope that they just can get along and figure out their budget, because their budget affects our budget."

Officials from both Scott and Dakota counties have urged the Legislature to resist further cuts in aid to local government -- a tactic used in recent years to balance the state budget.

"That theme you heard about cooperation and streamlining government and unfunded mandates, you are going to hear that across the state," said Jennifer O'Rourke of the League of Minnesota Cities.

Freshmen are optimistic

Rep. Doug Wardlow, a recently elected Republican from Eagan, said the big ideas pushed by the local officials, including more local control and mandate reform, are "all very sensible."

Despite uncertainty about how the session will play out, there is optimism that the big shuffle at the Capitol might be just the opening needed for reform.

"I think we have the wind at our back to make change," said Mary Liz Holberg, who represents Lakeville and a portion of Scott County and chairs the Ways and Means Committee.

She jokingly referred to herself as the "old bat" of the south metro delegation, which includes six freshman Republicans from districts that include at least parts of Dakota County.

Even if the learning curve is steep for the new south metro lawmakers, she said, "They bring new ideas. We've got a good group."

Familiar list of needs

Scott County leaders are still hoping for another Minnesota River Crossing and commuter rail or a busway along Hwy. 169.

Economic development, job growth and retention, and more broadband technology south of the river were all themes that local officials and legislators agreed to press.

"If we want innovative companies, if we want small start-ups ... we really absolutely need faster speeds," Hamann-Roland said.

And although it's not a bonding year for the Legislature, the south metro doesn't lack for projects to pitch should such a bill surface.

Among them, Scott County would like $2.2 million to finish its regional public safety training facility.