Eureka Township in Dakota County Minnesota has an official website. Please refer to that site (see links) for official postings and minutes of meetings.
This site is meant to let you know why you should care about Township governance. I also hope that it makes some of you see how easy and satisfying it is to get involved. We are always in need of citizens to serve on task forces and even to run or volunteer for office.
Eureka Township, unlike most other townships in the state, has planning and zoning authority. We can control the future of the Township through the ordinances we pass. The Board makes the final call on ordinance change and enforcement but it is supposed to take into consideration our Comprehensive Plan, the opinions of the public gathered through the public hearing process, and the recommendations of the appointed, 5-person Planning Commission. In some cases, surrounding communities and even the Metropolitan Council also weigh in.
But in a very real way, the current board controls the direction the Township is headed. We elect them in a March election. Forgot to go to that one? I think it was a snow day and it does kind of sneak up on you.
Well, if you have only a vague idea who is on the current Board and what the current issues, proposed ordinances and (gulp) lawsuits are, this blog is for you.
If you're frustrated with politics at the national level, try grassroots governance. You, as an individual can actually make a difference. The last Board seats were won by 3 or fewer votes!
Who is on the Board and what direction are they taking the Township? That will be the subject of my first few posts. You may be surprised.
