The Nisswa ship of state

For those who have not followed Nisswa politics closely the last few years, here are a few things to think about.

In most cities, city staffing and elected officials remain relatively constant over the years. Only if some scandal breaks out or people move away do you see a lot of movement ... especially in rural Minnesota. So consider the following fairly recent events in Nisswa.

In the last three years or so, four city council members have resigned. Three newly appointed city council members have one to five months of experience in the complicated business of running a city and the two remaining council members have just six and 10 years on board.

In the fall of 2013, city employees voted to be represented by the Minnesota Public Employees Association after they became concerned about their jobs and relationships with the council. Now salaries and other workplace issues must be decided by union negotiation, a major shift from what occurred in the past.

The planning commission has also seen change. In a rare move the person recommended by the planning commission to fill a vacancy last month was rejected by the council on a tie vote. Following a requested private meeting with the mayor, he has been told to reapply by the planning commission. The latest citizen to apply for another vacant planning commission spot did not even bother to show up at the July interview meeting.

And a longtime city employee resigned her position for "personal reasons." Personal reasons is usually a euphemism for, "I really don't want to talk about it."

There seems to be a lot of moving and jumping ship as the Nisswa ship of state sails, or chugs, along. Perhaps what is needed is a new strong rudder ... It's something to think about.

Don Jacobson,

Nisswa