Geri’s first 90 days in office
Responsible spending, strong staff, and better value for Taylors Falls. Being mayor is an opportunity and a responsibility to serve the entire community. Here is how Geri Aanonsen will hit the ground running with transparent governance and practical leadership from day one.
Reviewing outside contracts and administrative costs
Taylors Falls already relies on outside companies and professional services for a wide range of city work, from law enforcement and technology to engineering, insurance, electrical work and property maintenance. Some outside expertise is necessary, especially for a small city. But taxpayers deserve to know what they are paying for, why they need it, and whether any of that work overlaps with what city employees already do. Geri will make that review a priority in her first 90 days, putting the contracts, costs, responsibilities and results in one clear public accounting. Before asking residents for more, we should know exactly where their money is going and whether they are getting the best value for it.
Opening City Hall and improving public access
Geri will ask the Council to improve access to City Hall, establish clear expectations for respectful and responsive public service, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative information requests, and make agendas, complete meeting packets, approved minutes, budgets, contracts, ordinances, policies, and other public records easier to find online. The city currently keeps meeting materials online for only six months and directs residents to contact City Hall for older records. (City Meeting Materials) Geri will also propose livestreaming council meetings and maintaining a permanent video archive. The city’s YouTube channel currently lists only one council meeting from 2026, the August 10 meeting, despite numerous meetings being held. (City of Taylors Falls YouTube channel) City Council meetings may not be riveting television, but residents should not have to attend in person to understand how decisions are made. The city should identify the recording technology it already owns, determine why it is not being used consistently, and put equipment purchased with public funds to work supporting practical, accessible government transparency.
Collaborating to protect our town’s character and services
The mayor cannot act alone. Budgets, staffing, and contracts require City Council collaboration. But collaboration does not mean agreeing with everyone, avoiding disagreement, or simply going along with how things have always been done. Geri knows that asking hard questions and bringing new perspectives to the table may not always be welcomed by those who are comfortable with the way things are. That is okay. She is not running for mayor to protect anyone’s comfort. She is running to listen to residents and local business owners, speak up when something needs to change, and make sure every voice has a place in the conversation. You can disagree, challenge one another, and still work together for the good of Taylors Falls.