Ramsey Resident - 2004 - July/August

Home

14 SWCD SUPERVISOR ELECTIONS Minnesota's natural resources play an important role in the State's economy and its citizens' quality of life. Therefore, protecting and managing those natural resources is an important responsiblity. Citizens interested in leading those efforts are encouraged to run for supervisor of their local soil and water conservation district. Three Anoka Conservation District Supervisor's positions will be on the November 2004 ballot. This position is a four -year term and usually requires one to three meetings monthly for which a stipend is provided. Being a supervisor is an opportunity for people concerned with resource management in Anoka County to become involved in policy making at the local, regional and state levels. Chairman Kim Kovich encourages all individuals to file and become a part of a special purpose local unit of government that manages and directs a number of popular resource programs, including the State Cost - Share Program. An elected five - member board governs each of Minnesota's 91 SWCDs. The filing period is open from July 6th through July 20th. Interested parties can call Anoka County Elections office at 763 -323- 5275 for filing information. There is a $20.00 filing fee and each applicant will receive a filing packet with election regulations. Although the supervisors are elected at- large, meaning that every eligible voter in the county may vote for all open supervisor positions, they are nominated from one of five districts within the County. An individual must live in a nominating district with an open supervisor position in order to run. Supervisors do not participate in primary elections. For the 2004 election, the following districts will be on the ballot: District I - St Francis, Burns and Oak Grove, District II - Anoka, Andover & Ramsey, District V -East Bethel, Linwood & Columbus. If you have any question, please feel free to contact, Marialice Arndt at 763 -434- 2030. NEW LooK FOR AN0KA COUNTY'S WEB SITE Anoka County's Web site has a new look designed to make it easier to find information and access services at: www.AnokaCounty.us. The new home page features pop -up menus specially tailored for the interests of residents, businesses, visitors, and public officials. The Web site includes easy -to- navigate sections on county departments, news items, information on detours and other highway construction projects, recycling, elections, parks programs, and more. "An increasing number of residents use the Internet on a regular basis so we are working to provide more opportunities to conduct county business online," said Anoka County Commissioner Dennis Berg, chair of the county's Web Oversight Committee. "With this redesign of the home page, it is easier to quickly find the information they need." The county's Web site receives an average of 2500 visits per day. The most frequently visited pages are in the property information section where residents can: • Pay property taxes • Look up property information • Download the homestead application • Calculate estimated property taxes "Providing this information online is an efficient way of support- ing developers, realtors, title companies, and home buyers all the people who are part of the rapid growth that is occurring in this county," Berg said. Job seekers can go to the Web site to view a listing of available jobs, sign up to be notified about job openings, and download a job application. Posting employment information online saves staff time and the expense of mailing job application packets to applicants. Other county business available online includes: • Links to Bunker Beach, Chomonix Golf Course, and other Web sites • Hours of operation, listing of programs, and directions to county parks • Recycling and yard waste information • License Center locations and hours • Details about passports, marriage licenses, and other available services • Comprehensive list of available services for seniors • Detailed information about library hours and programs • A page where the public can make comments about roads, signs, and traffic conditions • Updates on road closures, detours, and road construction "The content of the county's Web site will continue to evolve as we're able to offer more services online," Berg said. "The Web is a highly effective, communications tool convenient to use and a money - saver as well." I've learned . . . That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.