Community Leaders

Despite the fact that that most of my friends live in other cities, and that I go to church in Big Lake, go to school in Coon Rapids, and played soccer for Monticello, I have always been a part of the Elk River Community, where I have lived all my life. Just recently I became connected to the people of Elk River through my job, where I work with citizens of Elk River and their children on a regular basis. However, I have always considered Elk River as one of my primary communities. I was never too interested in politics and stuff like that going on in Elk River, but I have learned who some of the leaders of Elk River are. Stephanie Klinzing is the mayor, while Nick Zerwas, Jerry Gumphry, Matt Westhaard, and Paul Motin are the city council members. I was able to reach city council member, Jerry Gumphrey, who said that a few of the main things that they (the mayor and city council) are focusing on right now is the expansion of the landfill in Elk River, budget cuts to the city, and a construction project in downtown Elk River and along Highway 10. According to Gumphrey, the budget cuts are due to the recent economic crisis facing Minnesota and the rest of the country. Those cuts will impact services like fixing roads, snow plowing during the winter, and programs and parks used for recreation. He mentioned that this could lead to a rise in taxes in the Elk River area, which is a concern to many. Not only is the city having to make cuts, but the school district is as well.