I think that Todd Schoenike put a nail in his own coffin. The night of the Mayoral forum when he said that if faced with public safety cuts, he would cut firefighters first. We love our Shakopee Firemen!

Bad call Todd.

Shakopee crowns its Mayor-for-Life, John Schmitt
And the lesson to challengers is that you have to seek office armed with new ideas and plans, not just tired claptrap about "fiscal conservatism" and a race to the bottom. (Happily, newcomer Pamela Punt ousted longtime Schmitt rubber-stamper and yes man Terry Joos to take a city council seat.) Shakopee could be a dynamic and rewarding place to live and work under capable leadership, but for too long has wasted the opportunity afforded by growth. Mayor Schmitt remains in thrall to developers and doesn't present any clear vision of Shakopee's future. Sadly, old guard Shakopee voters have ratified the status quo.

I want to sincerely thank all of my supporters for each and every one of the 1253 votes you cast for me. I am honored to be selected to represent you. I also want to thank my fellow candidates for a great campaign - everyone was so gracious and acted so honorably throughout. I am proud to be a member of this community. I am ready to serve you.

Many thanks,
Pamela Punt
pamela@pamelapunt.org