Bjorn Skogquist was replacing people on advisory boards on the basis of whether they would do what he said. The following was a Letter to the Editor published 4-27-07 in the Anoka County Union. Anoka City Forum did not seek permission to publish it here:
To The Editor:
A group of ordinary Anoka citizens became concerned when it was learned that Mayor Bjorn Skogquist said he intended only to appoint people to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) who would do what he wanted.
It was decided that a change in the law for HRA appointments was needed to curb this abuse of power.
The bipartisan group was made up of DFL and Republican activists as well as diehard independents.
The legislation would allow our city council to adopt changes in the HRA appointment process through our city charter.
The entire council could then participate fully in the selections.
The citizens of Anoka owe a debt of gratitude to Sen Jungbauer and Rep Abeler and Hilstrom (local govt. affairs committee) for their leadership in advancing this legislation.
We are looking forward to our city coming up with a fair and equitable process for making HRA appointments.
Anoka resident
Followup: this legislation was adopted unanimously at the Capitol.
Mr. Skogquist and his lobbying efforts to continue his abuse of power were universally rejected.
Skogquist's abuse of power resulted in the mess and loss of taxpayer money that is 302 Fremont.
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