12.03 - Walk-A-Mile Program - League of Minnesota Cities

Home Browse Search

9 . Goa -City Officials Dispel Myths b Trading Places By Stephanie Lake "KEVItuene�M^ gym 1 iQl';i Vii a n. J�i�I'�i akeville and New Ulm share many That varied pace doesn't change the commonalities. Both provide an attitude the women hold—that their array of services and share a busi- communities are more alike than not. ness. And while the cities differ, "We both face the same challenges they aren't divergent as much as in funding highway improvements. they are at different points on a We both are working on development, continuum. redevelopment, and historic preservation. Scratch the surface of Minnesota " " We both are called upon to provide cities. It takes just a nick to realize that Lakeville Councilmember Wendy Wulff, left, amenities and services to neighboring they are more alike than different. The and New Ulm Councilmember Ruth Ann rural communities such as ice arenas sameness stems in part from the fact that Webster traded places as part of the LMC Walking A Mile program. The two are shown parks,jobs, and schools," Wulff said. each strives to provide a set of quality here at the Lakeville Historical Society. Photo Wulff and Webster said the Walking services to residents and find balanced courtesy of Lea Gunther. A Mile program is the first step in a solutions to community issues. journey they plan to continue, and that A perhaps larger reason is that at the New Ulm,but Lakeville accesses libraries at a minimum they will seek out one heart of every community is a collection through the county—they aren't diver- another at LMC events. In fact, Wulff of people who want the same thing—a gent as much as they are at different tentatively plans to visit New Ulm during ,life place to call home. points on a continuum. August for the LMC Regional Meeting. New Ulm Councilmember Ruth Ann "The development issues New Ulm Both women encouraged Minnesota "Ik"Webster and Lakeville Councilmember is facing are issues we faced about 20 or city officials to participate in the program, Wendy Wulff recently traded places as 30 years ago when we were the same and thanked city staff for helping to make part of the League's Walking A Mile size as New Ulm," Wulff said. "But the the exchange a success. program. They said the experience pace is different." "We've developed a better under- opened their eyes to how similar their Wulff said developers in Lakeville standing that we all face challenges— cities are, and dispelled myths about build about 800 housing units and often the same in running our cities," suburban and greater Minnesota cities. 10 miles of streets per year. During 2003, Wulff said. "It's helpful to network "You think Garrison Keillor makes the city added$36 million in commer- with councilmembers from other areas. this stuff up, but no. These people are cial and industrial development. It's Politically, the Legislature seems to pit all over." Webster said. "I was at the different in New Ulm where the city suburbs and greater Minnesota against Lakeville City Council meeting when is the "go-to people," Webster said. each other. Communication is an they installed the new fire chief, and I "Our EDA in New Ulm put up excellent way to break down the could have been in Lafayette or any- the only apartment building in the last stereotypes." Ir where. The emotional connection is 15 years because there was a need. the same. When the torch was passed, Nobody would build it because the Stephanie Lake is public relations coordinator tears were rolling." economics weren't there. Lakeville has with the League of Minnesota Cities. Phone: Wulff agreed. developers pounding on the door." (651) 215-4031. E-mail: slake @lmnc.org. "We both have a wonderful sense of place and commitment to our cities. We are proud of our city, our heritage, "New Ulm really knows how to make "Lakeville really has lakes. Who knew!And and being Lakeville residents," she said. people feel welcome. I will be telling a lovely trout stream. They have a real base Lakeville and New Ulm have other people about New Ulm's festivals- of industry, small manufacturing. When I commonalities. Both provide an array especially the 150"anniversary this year. LAGWh went to their city;liquor store,they took me of services, including police and fire, My family loves Velveeta,so they thought ** right to the Schell's display. The city was street maintenance and repair. The cit- it was cool that all Velveeta is made in New originally put together by J j. Brackett who ies also share a business—Citizens Bank Ulm. I intended to have a quick breakfast at the had a stagecoach that ran from St. Paul to ,f New Ulm recently opened a branch Bohemian Bed and Breakfast, but enjoyed my St. Peter with Lakeville as a resting point." �..i Lakeville. conversation with the owner so much that I ended up —New Ulm Councilmember Ruth Ann While the cities differ—libraries, for eating breakfast until almost lunch time." Webster instance, are delivered by the city of —Lakeville Councilmember Wendy Wulff 3 2 M I N N E S O T A C (T I E S J U N E-J U L Y 2 0 0 4