Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It seems like things keep ramping up before we get a reprieve from some of the mayhem over the holidays. I’ve been busy in St. Paul and have a few updates from our area, too.
St. Paul Meetings
With the 2016 session just a couple months out, various sub-committees and commissions are meeting to prepare for the March 8 start. On Monday, I joined the Sports Facilities Commission for a hearing on the Vikings’ new U.S. Bank Stadium. The stadium is on schedule and should be completed before the Vikings’ first preseason game in August of 2016. As of October, 1,400 onsite workers spent over 2.7 million work hours building the facility. It’s encouraging that Minnesotans are finding good-paying jobs, and that the project should open on schedule in time for next season.
On Wednesday, the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee met jointly with the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention and Senate Judiciary Committees to discuss body camera usage by police officers. As you may remember from previous emails, this is an issue that has come to the forefront of debate in St. Paul. I’ve authored a plan to ensure that police officers can use body cameras to prevent and solve crime, while also protecting the privacy of everyday citizens. I welcome any input on this issue as we head toward the new legislative session.
Around Town
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times to live in our area. We have so much holiday cheer; it’s contagious all throughout December! Recently, the Coon Rapids Arts Commission named the winners of their Holiday Lighting Contest. I’ve seen some great displays throughout our area but these homes really stood out. Here’s a map of where you and your family can see some of the best lighting displays around Coon Rapids.
Be sure to take a minute and catch the Coon Rapids High School Winter Orchestra Concert online, or on CTN channel 859 for hi-def or 15 for standard definition. A schedule can be found here. We’re blessed with numerous talented, young musicians in our area, and their ability is certainly on display in this performance!
With winter starting to set in, it’s hard to start thinking about the spring thaw, but the Anoka Conservation District Tree and Shrub Sale is just around the corner. You can find more information on the sale here.
State Champions
I’m proud to congratulate the Anoka-Hennepin adapted soccer team on their state championship in the PI division! Our team topped seven-time champion, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka, to win the title. Congrats, team, we’re all so proud of you!
Although we’re heading toward the holidays, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding a state legislative issue. You may call me at (651) 296-4231, or email at Rep.Peggy.Scott@house.mn.
Enjoy your weekend,
Peggy