Letter to the editor - End of 2000:
I did a lot of observing during the race for mayor for the city of Anoka. It was very discouraging. The way Bjorn Skogquist ran his campaign was downright nasty.
My question is, did he think he was handling himself appropriately? Did he think he gained the respect of the City of Anoka?
Bjorn Skogquist ran his campaign in such an unprofessional way; remember he will run the city in much the same manner.
If you as a resident/voting member of Anoka can honestly feel good that you voted for Bjorn you don't have a clue how hard Mayor Pete Beberg had worked to make Anoka what it is today.
I have worked with Mayor Beberg on several committees and you could not ask for a more dedicated, respectful, ethical, all-American, professional and honest individual.
In this election the voters of Anoka didn't honestly show their concern about their future.
Voters, it was in your hands, what were you thinking? I hope you can live with what you voted for! The city has come so far, I hope you are prepared to take many steps backward or stagnate.
Think about yourself, were you ready at 22 to run a city? At least you may have had a college degree, owned property, been a taxpayer and have been soon taking a job in a business.
You probably were not living with your parents, sorting mail casually/part-time and attending a few college classes.
At 22 you think you are prepared to tackle the world, but let's first experience adulthood.
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Follow-up: In many ways this letter has proved to be prophetic.
Skogquist has been a disaster for Anoka financially. We've been on the Tribune's dysfunctional city list. We now suffer lack of respect from neighboring cities. We have lost our reputation as a good city to work for.
Skogquist and Pierce stalled the condo project for a car show with an inappropriate developer choice.
Saturday night activity is understandably more of a priority for a single 20-something than providing lifecycle housing for citizens.
It's been just one stage production after another undermining the long-term health and very viability of our city. It's been said Skogquist was never a mayor, he just played one on tv.
Now he'd like to take this dysfunction to the next level - the county board of commissioners.
Anoka County, be afraid, be very afraid.
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