It was an honor to serve as a Columbia Heights Council Member for four years.
During this time, I was able to promote home ownership by successfully passing rental caps in our single-family residential neighborhoods, update licensing, inspection requirements, and fees.
I enjoyed participating in ride-alongs and hands-on engagement with our Public Safety and Public Works staff. I have extended that outreach to include New Brighton and St. Anthony.
I promoted good governance through transparency and balance. I listened to you and your needs and not a personal agenda!
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I will not accept unnecessary endorsements from ANY unions, non-profits, or business associations because I work for YOU and NO ONE else!
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I have decided to take my experience to Saint Paul and run for Minnesota House in District 39B, which includes Saint Anthony, most of Columbia Heights, and southern New Brighton.
The state legislature in recent years has not had a record of good governance. With nearly complete DFL control of the Minnesota House, Senate, and Governor, they squandered a $17+ billion state budget surplus, raised taxes by another $10 billion, and increased the state budget by an astonishing 40%. Even if you agree with some of the items passed, these levels of government growth are simply unsustainable.
UPDATE From Sources Inside the City!
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Columbia Heights, under the direction of Mayor and 39B DFL candidate Amada Simula, spent over $4000.00 of your tax money to purchase the diversity banners that replaced those honoring the Military Services (paid for and provided by individuals for display) of our community and family members. Additionally, the 3 members of city staff required to hang the diversity banners has exceeded wages by more than double the time to hang the military banners.
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Remember, the Military Banners were no longer displayed due to their "high cost"!
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To the right is a picture of Kt with one of the military banners which used to proudly fly along Central Avenue, all of which were paid for and provided by family and friends of each service member.
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Below is a letter to the editor of the Northeaster Newspaper submitted by Kt regarding the truth behind the situation, which, unfortunately, was never published.
Council Gone Wrong
I initiated and supported Columbia Heights and Fridley Kiwanis in sponsoring the program honoring our Veterans with banners that hung along Central Avenue in Columbia Heights. The banners were in place from Memorial Day through Veterans’ Day – weather permitting. The cost for hanging the banners was mitigated by the timing of replacing one program with another (ex: replacing military banners with holiday decorations).
The arrangement with the previous City of Columbia Heights Public Works Director and interim City Manager was to be an ongoing program. Kiwanis was prepared to cover all costs each season. The cost established by the city was $500 annually even though we were willing to pay more for the privilege to honor those who gave so much!
Recently, the City Council and Mayor decided to end the banner program due to its ”high cost” and stating it was never meant to be more than a one-year program. As the primary negotiator, I assure you neither is correct! The military banner program is rumored to be replaced with banners promoting other events, incurring repetitive maintenance costs exceeding those of honoring and recognizing our Military Heroes.
It is disheartening to see our tax dollars spent on promoting events less impactful than the selflessness of those who gave so much to ensure our freedom. Columbia Heights and its leadership ignore and disparage the many that served to protect our rights!
My deepest apology to the many who served and continue to serve in our military. You deserve better!
Kt Jacobs
Council Member 2021-2024