2008 local election results

The first race called in our area goes to incumbent Collin Peterson in the U.S. House race.

From the AP:
First-term Reps. Tim Walz of Mankato and Keith Ellison of Minneapolis and Rep. Betty McCollum of St. Paul successfully defended their seats in Congress on Tuesday, and the other two Democrats who represent Minnesota in the House were trying to do the same.

In addition, Peterson, seeking a 10th term, defeated Republican Glen Menze, an accountant and farmer who lost to him in 2000. Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, led passage of the federal farm bill this year.

As many of you also probably have heard, Barack Obama was projected as the winner of Minnesota as well.

Doug, Terry and Jorge will have more on local elections soon.

This will be a long sad 4 years, until our next presidential election. :(

Anything on the city elections and the spraying issue?

Sorry if the results look a little messy right now. The numbers you see are raw data from the County Auditor's Office. The first number after each candidate's name is the number of votes. The second number is the percentage of the overall vote.

These numbers are being updated every couple minutes and when all precincts are counted, I will format them more prettily for you all.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)

Why does the school referendum show only a couple hundred voting?
There must have been over 3,000 votes cast.

Honeybear, why must you be sad for the next 4 years? Sounds like a lousy way to live. Why not be excited for the possibilities of a new era? Get involved in your community, express your opinions, reach out to your neighbors, look for ways to collaborate with people all over the political spectrum...maybe the next four will be the best yet.

Well at least the Hutch school bond (athletics subsidy) got voted down. We'll be sucked dry by Obama so there won't be much for the school anyway.

Tip, are you a plumber thats makes $250,000? If not, don't worry you will pay less tax.

The three Hutchinson city precincts' results are not in yet. The McLeod County Auditor's Office reports there are a lot of write-in votes on those ballots.

We'll post the updated results as soon as they become available. This will include the City Council race and mosquito spraying referendum.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)

In regards to the school bond referendum and its failure - if so many citizens and students are embarrassed by our school facilities, you can always open enroll elsewhere. I believe that Dassel Cokato or Litchfield or Glencoe Silver Lake would all love to have you become part of their student body - the state money would follow you to whatever district you would be attending. The fact that the schools are deteriorating is not because our maintenance department is ignoring problems. These folks are doing what they can to keep the buildings safe. It is because the school board refuses to budget for maintenance improvements. Approximately 30 years ago there was a building referendum where the taxpayers were asked for a tax increase to replace the boilers/furnaces at the high school. This referendum passed, but the money never made it to the improvements promised. If I recall correctly, I believe a "budget crunch" caused this money to be directed for something besides what it was intended for. Believe it not, our school board at that time did not provide for those improvements, and thus a lot of trust was lost in the school board. Obviously, this continues today. And to the students who feel that they are being shortchanged because of a lack of a new building, please remember what an education is all about. It isn't about athletics and sports or bricks and mortar, but rather it is about how you will survive in this big world once you leave your parents' home. You, and only you will be responsible for yourself once you are on your own. If any one has toured any college campus, you will note that there is a mixture of old and new buildings. A lot of old buildings, and those folks are beaming with pride with their campuses in spite of the old buildings. That is because they are more concerned with giving their students a good education rather than showing off some new building that doesn't mean a thing if the students wouldn't be there. I don't know of any potential college student who chooses a college because of a pretty new building, but rather they are seeking what type of education that college will provide to them. Get over it folks, if you don't like it, leave and find the school district that will provide a new building you want.

Rather than open enrolling, why don't those of us who want our children to not have to wear their winter jackets to class all just move out of this God forsaken town? How would you like that Jane Doe? Why don't all the professional people who work in this town and try to contribute to this community, just up and leave and move to a district that actually cares about their schools. Then Jane, when you get sick and need to see a Dr. you can drive to Waconia or somewhere where they actually have nice facilities and actually attract quality people to work in their town. By voting no to new schools you do so much more damage to this town. What kind of message does this send to the teachers we have in Hutchinson? Do you think we attract very many 'teachers of the year' with our facilities? How many reputable colleges are going to actually want a Hutchinson grad that has never had a chemistry lab?? Wake up people, if you're taxes don't go up from new educational buildings, they'll go up because of something else. At least if this had passed, we'd have something to show for our tax increase. These problems in our schools aren't going away and the cost of construction is only going to increase. Oh yeah, I forgot we don't pass bonds in this town. So my kid who graduates is 2016 will get to do so in a 45 year old school...I think not. I'm out of here...your ignorance can be your bliss.

The problem with this school proposal was that it was too expensive. My property taxes would have gone up $500+ if both plans passed, that’s in the addition of the $500 I already give to the school district. With the county, city and school taxes I pay close to $2400 each year and I’m sure there are many people paying more than that. The bottle line for me is how much more will I have to pay. I’m not against fixing and renovating the school if the proposals are reasonable, but the plans in the past have not been reasonable to me. Those who say shame on us for voting no on these proposals, are you willing to step up to the plate an pay even more than the $1000 I would had to pay?

I voted no, because of the football field, track changes,and new gym . Those are not necessary at this time. I would vote yes, for air conditioning, electrical upgrades, and other necessities,to provide a learning environment.
For those of you who are embarassed by our schools, and our town, since Main St. also is made up of old buildings, I have a truck, trailer, and probably a few volunteers to help you move out.
We don't need snobs in this town. So take your attitude elsewhere.

What? No chemistry labs? Since when? Granted the school district may not have state of the art chemistry labs, but the fact of the matter is, there is chemistry, chemistry labs, etc. offered at Hutchinson High School. Also, physics, and many different science/math courses are offered to our students. If these classes would not be offered, then I believe the school district would be in big trouble with the Minnesota Department of Education. (And if what you say is true that these classes are not offered perhaps a call to the MN Department of Education will get the ball rolling and improvements will be made,) and by the way, if a levy referendum is needed to provide those classes then I would vote yes for that. However, a new building won't get you there!! Teachers and students make a school, not a building!!! And, I have yet to see a teacher leave the Hutchinson School District because of poor facilities. Please enlighten me if we have lost a "great" teacher because of that fact!! Otherwise, get your priorities in order and be somewhat considerate of the taxpayers who would be paying for all of these building improvements you want!! Perhaps get to know your neighbor, and understand how they may be struggling just to pay their bills. Then you may understand why the folks in this area simply cannot afford the type of bond referendum that keeps coming up. I am not sure where all of the folks work who want these improvements, but I would venture to say that most people in this area are working for barely $8.00-$15.00 per hour (and perhaps holding down 2 jobs, too.), plus making a house payment, car payment, utility payments, insurance payments, etc., etc. or are either living on a limited income (Social Security). Like I said before, if you don't like it here, you can always leave. That is the beauty of living in the U.S. You do have choices!!

I voted no because i don't see why they just can't update the old. I already pay 1800 a year in property taxes and am not interested in my taxes going up another 500 to a thousand bucks for a brand-spanking new bldg. I have seen the Howard lake, Winsted school buildings(by the way, that was 2 districts combining into 1). Very nice. I just don't think this town has the tax base to support the project they want to undertake. Look at the hi-way 7 and 15 improvements. We didn't need all that. We could have made due with less. Then we would have had more for our kids. We need a more fiscally responsible city council and maybe if the school would spend the money where it was ear-marked for there would be less problems. The school i grew up in out in sd was built back in depression era times, It is still standing today and has been renovated very nicely. For a lot less than new, why can't we do that here, that's all i want to know.

I am blown away at all of the people that are saying how expensive these bonds are when I see so many people in town living in big fancy homes with plenty toys to go around. I completely understand that there are people that are struggling. I happen to be one. But for us to continually vote against these bonds is not going to make them go away. They are only going to get more expensive due to the schools needing more fixes in the future. I'm curious how many people have actually taken the tours that were offered to show the citizens of Hutchinson why this bond was so badly needed. People aren't looking at the big picture. Look at what is happening at McLeod West. Do we want that to be us in a few years because we aren't willing to spend money to make our schools safe for our kids? I'm sick of hearing people say that this is all over athletics. Park & West don't even have athletics & the plan for the high school included many other improvements besides the upgrade to the gym. Our kids need to be able to go to school without worrying if the celing tiles are going to fall on their head while they take their chemistry test. If you have things falling apart at your home, you fix them right? Why shouldn't we do the same for our schools? This isn't going to go away & if you are not happy with the current proposals then maybe you should step up & help figure out another way to go about getting these things done. Don't just sit back & complain...do something about it.

I voted No as well. I live in Hutch and pay high taxes here. My reason is that we all need to tighten our belts, these next years are going to be tough on all of us. Maybe what the citizens of Hutchinson need to think about is spending their money in Hutchinson and making Hutch a strong business community. Support your local businessess, quit running to Mpls, St. Cloud etc.. and I am speaking to the school district as well. When your business community is supported your school district will be supported. Take a minute and think honestly where u shop, is it Hutch?did you look in Hutch first
and couldn't find whatever it is that you needed and then went elsewhere or did you not look at all? This is a honest question for all of the employees of the school district, think about where u spend your money. Something to think about.

McLeod West is the way it is because the school board thought if they let things go long enough that the district would vote yes for a new school...oops...that went the wrong way. And as far as Hutch they will be the next McLeod West, but then again who cares?

Now I see that some folks are comparing the Hutchinson School District to McLeod West. Please don't compare apples to oranges. The reason that school district cannot pass a bond is because of bitter feelings between Brownton and Stewart dating back several generations. So, because of those bad feelings, a bond referendum will never become a reality. If the students could vote, it would be different because they seems to get along just fine. However, because the parents are paying the bill, they get to vote, and like I said the bad feelings towards each other emerge. The reason Hutch cannot pass a bond is because the taxpayers are just tapped out, plain and simple. It's not that they won't vote for it, they just cannot vote for it. If your taxes were going to increase $400-$500 per year (just school district taxes), of course you cannot vote for that. Plus add in the increases of the City and County, and pretty soon you will see folks leaving the City because they cannot afford to stay. So, if you think that middle to lower income families are going to accept paying for a bond referendum just to keep the rich and well-to-do professionals happy, then I think you had better think again. This is a perfect example of what is wrong in our country today. And you are correct, I no longer reside in Hutchinson and I cannot vote for a referendum in the Hutchinson School District. However, I do work in Hutchinson, and if the taxes continue to increase, my employer may find it necessary to "cut back" and I will lose my job. Think about that fact when putting your hand out for increased taxes. It may affect more than the local City of Hutchinson residents.

Absolutely pathetic! All this negativity.
First, I want to say to the voters of this community, congratulations on another mistake by not approving the school bonds AGAIN! After the last attempt, the school board asked the coomunity why they voted no and asked what the community is looking for. They asked for citizens to attend meetings and take tours of the school buildings. The attendance at these meetings was very low. The areas of concern that the school board were made aware of were researched and eventually plans were brought about addressing them concerns. It was added to our ballot yesterday and AGAIN it was voted down. What are you people thinking?
Contrary to many, I actually thought it was a good time to pass this AGAIN, the local economy needs a boost and that would have been acomplished my local contracts being awarded when possible. It would also help the local economy when people would actually want to move into this town with the improved school district. Schools are the #1 item for most famalies that are looking at relocating. With the struggling economy, building materials can be purchased at better prices.
Yes, the economy is suffering locally and nationally. We all know this but we need to do something here with our local school district and by this not passing AGAIN, we are endangering our community every time this happens. It depends on where you stand, some think half empty and some think half full. Some think the school is fine and those that school here need to deal with what we got. If the enrollment continues to drop, they say so be it. When the school district has declining enrollment, they lose money. When the district loses money, the district suffers more. Others think we need to improve our schools so we can improve education and enrollemnt. When we improve these two things, it will benefit the entire community. It's an obvious situation but the naysayers in this community cannot realize that.
I do not want to pay more for taxes either but more importantly it is worth the investment in our kids future. What if you do not have kids in school? It still benefits the future of this community. You just need to understand that!!!
I could go on and on but this is not the place for it. There is one more thing that bothered me when reading some of these posts. Those of you that are complaining that you could not afford the $1,000 in increased taxes...GUESS WHAT? If this had passed and it was going to increase your taxes $1,000 then YOU ARE LIVING OUT OF YOUR MEANS. You must live in a home that you cannot afford to begin with and that is why you are stuggling to make ends meet. Enough said for me.
WAKE UP HUTCHINSON!

Wow. Now I have a very good reason why not to send my kids to Hutchinson schools. I wouldn't want them to be around people who tell me to pull my head out of my butt. I think you need to stop and think before you type. It's a disgrace to the good citizens of Hutchinson to hear such crude phrases when discussing issues like school budgets.

Well said livelaughlove. Thanks for the post.

Ok maybe saying the building was keeping me from getting a good education wasnt correct but can I defantely say it helps. How can you concentrate when the vents are so loud you can barely here the teacher or how can you learn when ceiling tiles are falling from the ceiling. I would say the resources hutch have are hurting the education more than the building but I do think that building defnately helps the student because they are in a much better enviroment.

I was there when the planning committee pitched this to the Hutch PTO. My first thought was, " oh this is going to fail miserably". Then I heard what Tom Larson & Ralph Johnson had to say. Alot of planning and thought went into this, they considered why the last levy failed & addressed each of those issues. This committee wanted the opponents of this levy to come, ask questions, be part of the answer. Not just be a group of people who have most of the facts as they see them, but not a clear picture of all the facts. A good school facility (not new, I said good) can be a major reason for a young family to look at Hutch as a new home. Constant strife & failed measure after failed measure will drive these families away. These planning committees don't want to keep doing this & keep failing. Lots of folks can sit here & tell why they voted no, but did you speak up before you voted, did you give these people the chance to make a better plan?
If not then YOU are part of the problem not the solution.

MMcGraw

I have read the many blogs on this subject and others since the inception on the Leader Website. I have finally decided I could no longer read the many responses that have been going on in regard to the Bond Referendum.
I would first like to say thank you to those of you that took the time to get informed and then vote. I am not here to say if you voted yes, you voted correctly and if you voted no, you voted incorrectly. Of course I would have liked a victory for both questions.
I will say that as a School Board member and one who has been active with Bonds and Levys for Hutchinson ISD #423 for over 10 years, I am frustrated with residents who say the Board doesn't listen to residents, doesn't do their homework and a host of other criticisms. Many of you have complained without offering valid solutions. Countless hours have been spent by many volunteers, experts and school staff
We have monthly meetings that very few and I mean very few people ever attend. We have 4 quarterly meetings that I can't remember anyone ever attending. I can count on one hand the number of calls, letters or emails I have received from concerned residents on school matters. It is much easier and safer to sit on the sidelines then it is to get involved, but with 3 failed attempts we need indivuals to come forward to work with the district to come up a plan.
I can tell you from our research, I am not sure any suggestions listed so far are viable. As stated by a previous writer, we have listened to previous objections and answered them. So what are we to do?
This community can not continue to vote down school referendums because of the tax burden of the City of Hutch, McLeod County, the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government. If you have a problem with those entities, please let those elected officials know.
Finally, I really hate these blogs because they can take cheap shots at people without having to say who you are. If you can't put your name behind your statements, it seems as though you don't have enough confidence or faith in statements. Stand up an be heard so we can have intelligent conversations. Quit hidding behind pen names and let's get to work on the solution.
Michael R. McGraw, School Board Treasurer

I invite each of you to visit the school classrooms...try to teach or learn for a day. Try to concentrate while the temperature feels like 90 degrees even in the middle of winter with your windows open. Try to teach over the clanging of your heat register (it sounds like someone is banging on it with a wrench all day long). If you don't believe this bond is about improving the education of our childen, you are misinformed. If you don't believe that envinronment affects teaching and learning, think again. And, if you don't believe that Hutch is losing great teachers, think again. As a former Hutch teacher, I can't tell you how refreshing it is to work in a clean, temperature controlled, and quiet environment. No one can convince me that it doesn't make a difference in my teaching and the learning of my students.

I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I felt when I saw the results of this vote ~ and how relieved I am that our children will not be learning in the current environment (and what looks to be the environment for many years to come). I hope that more people get involved and informed as the Hutch community looks ahead to future planning. The School Board and Planning Committee listened to your comments by choosing to present a plan of remodeling, not building new. However, the support is still not there. The problems are not going to go away. They will only get worse.

Finally, please take the time to thank the teachers and staff of the Hutch district as they are excellent workers despite the inadequate conditions they work in. They do the best they can...I can only imagine how much better they would do if they had an uplifting environment to teach/work in.

MMcGraw,as I read through the comments, I hear we, the tax payers, do not believe the school board did as asked. This is not a fix and reuse proposal. This proposal tears down every classroom and rebuilds, and yet gives us no more space! Because you are using the same ground does not make this a remodel. The clanging and temperature and ceiling tiles can all be fixed with out tearing down a single outside wall. How can this be so difficult? Where all the athletic extras comes in I don't get. This is not a time for extras. Did you hear the High School is using 20+ year old books, and you want to double the gym size! As I read the teachers and students' postings I hear the school has neglected much as the years have gone by. Now it is our fault because text books were not reviewed and cycled out on a regular basis? It is our fault money was not spent as approved and so we are reticent to give more? It seems to me your meetings are sparse because the people do not feel they are being listened to. When an entire board of people is in 100% agreement one doubts the validity of the decision making process. I for one do not know how, as stated earlier, we keep voting down this school bond yet keep voting for incumbent school board members. I would like to have seen some new blood, get a voice on that board that says more than Yes to what ever two other members want. We need people with new ideas not yes men to get this passed. The latest proposal is still way too much money by half.

I am surprised to hear about the 20 year old history books. Doesn't our school have a department head (in this case, a history teacher) who would be in charge of keeping the books/textbooks updated? Isn't this what levy money would be used for? So what has happened? Is this money being directed for something else? This is exactly one reason why the school board trust has been lost. Shouldn't they or at least some one from the expensive administrative department be more aware of this problem? This of course, has nothing to do with the bond referendum which was just defeated but my point is that the taxpayers are seeing a pattern of where the school board and administration asks for money, gets the money, but then doesn't direct the money where it was promised. So, thus the reason for the distrust of bond referendums. It is much easier to just say "no" and put the burden on the school board to try and figure out to get some extra mileage out of the buildings. Perhaps a bond referendum for just the replacement/upgrade of the boilers would pass (and be much less expensive) and would definitely help in providing a healthy,comfortable and safe learning environment for the students.

In response to some of the previous posts, the Hutchinson School District DOES NOT use 20-year old textbooks! Are they all brand new? Of course not. Look at the copyright of the books your children are bringing home. There is a system in place to replace outdated books and other course materials, which the district does an excellent job at following. Textbooks are a valuable resource in any classroom and an up to date book is essential. Of course with any history textbook, it is "outdated" almost immediately and teachers use other sources (newspapers, magazines, the internet) to supplement. As a Hutch grad and Hutch resident with children in the system, I find the message the community is sending to our youth by voting no disheartening. New boilers won't get the job done. That only addresses the heating issue. The High School and Park Elementary are not currently set up for air conditioning. I challenge the major businesses in town to shut off their air conditioning starting in March and see how productive and comfortable their clients and employees are. If, for example, a 3M employee is not as productive because they a miserable work environment, wouldn't 3M do whatever is necessary to increase their productivity and be able to compete in this global market? Hutchinson has great test scores and does a great job at educating its students. Just think what our students could do if they were working under optimumc conditions! I understand that things may have happened in the past few decades that make people a bit wary to vote yes, but look and see how many of our current board members or administration were a part of those decisions (none!). It is time to move forward and fix these issues and not focus on something that happened years ago.