It's Time For a Change In North Branch Township *Vote march 12tH*
Why Three to Five Members?
A petition has been circulated in the township asking that our town board be increased from three to five members, with a special election be held in May of 2024 to fill the two additional seats. By law, the petition must have signatures from at least 15% of the last registered voters. The petition has collected well over that amount. The law now calls for the issue to be placed before the voters and on the ballot in our next election.
Currently, our growing township has a Town Board of three officers. Issues brought to the town board that require a majority vote are voted on by these three individuals. The vote process calls for a motion, a second and then a vote. However with a board of three, once you have a motion and a second, a call for discussion and a vote is essentially pointless as there is already a majority.
What am I voting for or against?
A vote in favor of a five-member board, allows much broader representation of the township’s residents. It also allows for increased and open discussion of issues, varied opinions and viewpoints before an actual vote takes place. Furthermore, Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law prohibits a quorum of Township board members from discussing Township business outside of a public meeting.
Our government was designed to be OF THE PEOPLE and FOR THE PEOPLE.
This is not in any way an indictment of or accusation toward any of our past or current board members, but rather a move forward to improve the way our local government functions with more clarity and transparency.
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VOTE DAVE TOTH - CANDIDATE FOR BOARD SUPERVISOR
A life-long resident of Minnesota, Dave spent 31 years in public service as a peace officer. He progressively served as a patrol officer, police investigator, patrol sergeant and completed his law enforcement career as Chief of Police for the City of Spring Lake Park for 13 years.
Dave has substantial and practical administrative experience in local government leadership, policy and state law compliance, policy making, human resources, budgeting, and positive leadership. Dave is a methodical project manager and has also served on a variety of local boards and organizations including a term on the Isanti County Planning Commission.
Dave graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville and attended Northwestern College where he met his wife Brenda and later graduated from Lakewood Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice.
Dave completed his law enforcement service in 2010 and answered the call become the Executive Director of Big Sandy Camp in McGregor MN. His varied administrative skills and experience proved to serve him well in this year-round, 300+ bed facility. Having served the public for many years and dealing with many troubled and sometimes tragic situations, working in such a positive environment proved to be a welcome change. While hosting countless guest groups and thousands of kids, during his tenure, Dave also served on the McGregor area Governors Fishing Opener and hosted the Governor and nearly 500 fisherman, media, and community workers to a walleye shore lunch at the camp.
After retiring from Big Sandy Camp in 2019, Dave and Brenda moved back South to North Branch Township to be closer to family - their four children and 12 grandchildren, most of which live in the Isanti County area.
" Getting things done right the first time saves money. "
"Always tell the truth. Always. "
“ I look forward to the possibility of serving friends and neighbors in North Branch Township with common sense and integrity."