Montzka Takes Charge
Many Challenges, Opportunities Confront New Board
Opinion and Political Commentary by Jonathan P. Glassel
Many Challenges, Opportunities Confront New Board
Opinion and Political Commentary by Jonathan P. Glassel
It has been a “Coon’s Age” since Ben Montzka last held the “Chair” of the County Board.
The Chairperson of the County Board is the single most powerful individual in County Politics. The County President, as it were, setting the agenda for discussion of Board Members.
Traditionally, the County Board Chair would rotate between sitting Board Members. This allowed each district equal agenda setting authority over a period of five years.
Lynn Schultz’s election in 2004 ended the status quo. From that point forward, Good Old Boy Politicians Mike Robinson, Bob Gustafson and Good Old Broad, Lynn Schultz have held the Chair, limiting Commissioner Montzka to a dissenting minority.
Former Commissioner Gustafson once swore a “Holy Oath” that Ben Montzka would never again hold the reigns of power in Chisago County. Ironically, it was Gustafson’s “Patsy,” Chairperson Schultz and her ill fated gamble to push crony Sheriff Rivard’s new Jail during an election year recession, that cost both of them their jobs.
“Commissioner Montzka, you have been too long absent from the Chair. Your service to the community as a dissenting voice of reason on a dysfunctional board, though little noted, is greatly appreciated by a grateful County. Welcome Back.”
Commissioner Greene Remains Vice Chair
Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
When Commissioner Greene spoke a dissenting opinion against the new jail, Rivard’s Jailhouse cronies, Commissioners Robinson, Gustafson and Schultz summarily cut off road and bridge funds to Rick’s district in an vain attempt to coerce support for the ill fated jail project.
No doubt, the “Axis of Incompetence” failed to recognize the size of Commissioner Greene’s testicles.
Rick’s wife, Randi threw her support behind Lora Walker and was instrumental in achieving Shultz’s ultimate defeat.
“Walk softly, speak softly and carry a big frickin’ stick.”
When it comes down to the “nut cutting,” Commissioner Rick Greene is a proven leader who will do what is right for his constituents and Chisago County.
If you work for Chisago County and you still get a paycheck, get in line and go thank Commissioner Greene.
When Sheriff Todd Rivard and his Jail House cronies sought to eliminate your job to pay for his Police State, Rick did the right thing, despite retaliation from the ruling troika.
“Commissioner Greene, your courage and candor on the Jail issue saved many rank and file County jobs. Jobs that serve the greater good of the vast majority of the residents of Chisago County, as opposed to those who profit from Todd Rivard’s Police State.”
Commissioner Mike Robinson is a Moot Point
As a founding member of the “Axis of Incompetence,” Robinson felt invincible, above the law. With the defeat of cronies Gustafson and Schultz, sole survivor Robinson has rendered himself impotent.
In his demented and delusional state, Mike sees himself as a knight in shining armor, coming to the defense of damsel in distress, Lynn Schultz.
In this regard, and to maintain the ruling coalition, Robinson set out to intimidate former Commissioner Walker, using terror as a weapon, in a blatant attempt to eliminate Commissioner Schultz’s most viable opposition in the 2008 election.
Robinson underestimated Walker’s grit, guts and determination.
Robinson has alienated (pissed off) Commissioners Montzka, Greene and Walker.
His only chance to regain any smidgen of power is to form an alliance with Commissioner McMahon, and George has way too much class to align himself with the likes of Robinson.
Look for Robinson to sit in the corner, playing with himself, for the next four years.
Commissioner McMahon Brings Professionalism to the Board
In stark contrast to defeated Commissioner Bob Gustafson, George McMahon is in it for the people of Chisago County, not his own personal self interest.
McMahon’s businesslike approach to County problems is refreshing, indeed.
Commissioner McMahon has inherited most of Gustafson’s Committee assignments, much to the chagrin of Robinson, as a Commissioner’s power base is often built through his committee assignments.
Gustafson’s manipulation of his Committee power base kept him in power for many years. A fact well know to Robinson.
Though Robinson never squawked about Gustafson’s preponderance of committee assignments, he is quick to point out that McMahon has too many.
However, McMahon’s primary goal is a non dysfunctional County Board, that will better serve the needs of the people of Chisago County.
In that regard, he has proposed a “retreat” of sorts, a team building exercise that will help Commissioners tackle the grave problems facing our county.
Commissioner McMahon understands that disagreement is not dysfunction. Disagreement is a big part of problem resolution. Debate is a requirement of good government.
Dysfunction happens after the disagreement. When retaliations are levied, when alliances are formed to punish the dissenters.
George McMahon knows and understands the making of good government. Look for a non dysfunctional board, if George has any say in the matter.
We are indeed fortunate that Commissioner McMahon chose to invest his time and treasure to become our Commissioner.
“Commissioner McMahon, Welcome”
Commissioner Walker Brings Courage,
Look for Robinson to sit in the corner, playing with himself, for the next four years.
Commissioner McMahon Brings Professionalism to the Board
In stark contrast to defeated Commissioner Bob Gustafson, George McMahon is in it for the people of Chisago County, not his own personal self interest.
McMahon’s businesslike approach to County problems is refreshing, indeed.
Commissioner McMahon has inherited most of Gustafson’s Committee assignments, much to the chagrin of Robinson, as a Commissioner’s power base is often built through his committee assignments.
Gustafson’s manipulation of his Committee power base kept him in power for many years. A fact well know to Robinson.
Though Robinson never squawked about Gustafson’s preponderance of committee assignments, he is quick to point out that McMahon has too many.
However, McMahon’s primary goal is a non dysfunctional County Board, that will better serve the needs of the people of Chisago County.
In that regard, he has proposed a “retreat” of sorts, a team building exercise that will help Commissioners tackle the grave problems facing our county.
Commissioner McMahon understands that disagreement is not dysfunction. Disagreement is a big part of problem resolution. Debate is a requirement of good government.
Dysfunction happens after the disagreement. When retaliations are levied, when alliances are formed to punish the dissenters.
George McMahon knows and understands the making of good government. Look for a non dysfunctional board, if George has any say in the matter.
We are indeed fortunate that Commissioner McMahon chose to invest his time and treasure to become our Commissioner.
“Commissioner McMahon, Welcome”
Commissioner Walker Brings Courage,
Integrity and Honesty to the Board
Commissioner Walker has been sorely missed. Lora’s untimely defeat at the hands of Lynn Schultz in 2004 resulted in a board filled with dysfunction and darkness.
Commissioner Walker withstood “Nazi like” intimidation at the hands of Mike Robinson. A trauma so severe, Lora was hospitalized for nearly a week.
Mike Robinson is an intimidating man. His size, stature and mental defects would scare most of us shitless.
Robinson, presumably to dispense with crony Lynn Schultz election year competition, accosted Ms. Walker at Cub Foods in Forest Lake.
Forest Lake Police report dated November 20, 2007 indicates Commissioner Robinson threatened to physically harm Walker and her family.
Keeping in mind that Walker lives near Stacy and stopped at Cub to shop for Thanksgiving Dinner on her way home from work.
Robinson lives in Rush City and was not likely buying a turkey.
Robinson then followed Walker home, a distance of some 15 miles or so and parked at the end of her driveway for quite some time.
Sheriff Rivard was summoned, to no avail. You see, Todd Rivard needs your tax dollars and help from criminals like Mike Robinson to complete his Police State.
From personal experience, I can tell you how it feels to be scared shitless by Robinson and Rivard. They are an intimidating pair.
In my experience of August 18, 2008 at a forum of Commissioner Candidates, former Commissioner Schultz was a willing accomplice to the “Nazi tactics” used by Robinson and Rivard.
I suspect Schultz was a willing conspirator and participant in the Walker intimidation, as well.
Commissioner Walker has been sorely missed. Lora’s untimely defeat at the hands of Lynn Schultz in 2004 resulted in a board filled with dysfunction and darkness.
Commissioner Walker withstood “Nazi like” intimidation at the hands of Mike Robinson. A trauma so severe, Lora was hospitalized for nearly a week.
Mike Robinson is an intimidating man. His size, stature and mental defects would scare most of us shitless.
Robinson, presumably to dispense with crony Lynn Schultz election year competition, accosted Ms. Walker at Cub Foods in Forest Lake.
Forest Lake Police report dated November 20, 2007 indicates Commissioner Robinson threatened to physically harm Walker and her family.
Keeping in mind that Walker lives near Stacy and stopped at Cub to shop for Thanksgiving Dinner on her way home from work.
Robinson lives in Rush City and was not likely buying a turkey.
Robinson then followed Walker home, a distance of some 15 miles or so and parked at the end of her driveway for quite some time.
Sheriff Rivard was summoned, to no avail. You see, Todd Rivard needs your tax dollars and help from criminals like Mike Robinson to complete his Police State.
From personal experience, I can tell you how it feels to be scared shitless by Robinson and Rivard. They are an intimidating pair.
In my experience of August 18, 2008 at a forum of Commissioner Candidates, former Commissioner Schultz was a willing accomplice to the “Nazi tactics” used by Robinson and Rivard.
I suspect Schultz was a willing conspirator and participant in the Walker intimidation, as well.
Imagine, if you will sitting across the table from a madman. Imagine, if you will leaving the Chisago County Board Meeting, alone, after dark, being followed to your car by that very same madman. Imagine, if you will the tremendous intestinal fortitude of Chisago County Commissioner Lora Walker.
Hopefully, Robinson crony Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter will allow other members of the Board to escort Lora to her car after each meeting without declaring a violation of the open meeting law.
Don't expect Sheriff Rivard to protect Walker from Robinson. He has failed to do so in the past. Hopefully, the citizenry will take the law into their own hands, attend these public meetings and escort Chisago County Commissioner Lora Walker to her car.
When goodness and light are removed, the resultant vacuum will draw only darkness and deceit.
“Commissioner Walker, Welcome back.”
“Commissioner Walker, Welcome back.”
