Category: Uncategorized
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Letters to the Editor
Cottage Grove residents have written eight letters to the editor across multiple local newspapers ahead of the April 7 election. I’m grateful for every one of them. Their words reflect what I’ve heard at doors, at community events, and in conversations across the village: that preparation matters, that experience matters, and that Cottage Grove deserves…
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Understanding the Financial Reality Facing Our Village
Residents across the Village of Cottage Grove are feeling the same pressure: property taxes are climbing, costs are rising, and it is fair to ask whether the village is positioned to manage what comes next. That question deserves a real answer, not a talking point. The answer starts with understanding how local government funding works…
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Housing Planning That Reflects What Residents Are Asking For
I volunteered for the Housing Chapter Committee because I kept hearing the same question while talking with neighbors across Cottage Grove: where are people supposed to go next? Seniors want to downsize but stay in Cottage Grove. Young families are looking for their first home. Teachers, public employees, and small business workers want the chance…
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How Community Growth Affects Our Schools and Property Taxes
When residents receive their property tax bill each year, it is easy to assume the village is responsible for most of it. In reality, the largest share supports our local schools. In the most recent property tax bill, the Monona Grove School District accounted for 53.3% of the total tax bill, meaning more than half…
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Why Smart Growth Matters for Cottage Grove’s Future
When I have been out talking to my neighbors, I have heard various versions of the same questions: why don’t we have more retail, dining options, or chains like Panera or Chipotle? How can we attract more commercial development and businesses to locate in the village? The answer is both simple and important for our…
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Setting the Record Straight on the Library
I’ve seen some posts circulating suggesting that a vote for me is a vote for a library tax. Let me be direct about where I stand. Yes, I’m the Library Board President. Yes, I signed a memo after last April’s referendum. Here’s what that memo actually said: the Library Board acknowledged the voters’ decision and…
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On the Rejected Sports Facility: A Missed Opportunity for Cottage Grove
Originally posted in the Facebook group In the Grove 2.0 on August 6, 2025 The Village of Cottage Grove just missed a major opportunity for growth, economic benefit, and family recreation. I am deeply disappointed that the Village Board voted against a $20+ million sports facility that could have signaled our community is open for…
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Why Cottage Grove Needs a Long-Term Strategic Plan
As part of my push for increased transparency, I firmly believe that the village needs a long-term strategic plan. In the Village of Cottage Grove, half of the Village Board trustees are elected every year. While this brings fresh ideas, it can make it challenging to maintain consistent priorities. That’s why developing a long-term strategic…
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The Village’s Debt Limit
There’s been some discussion lately about the village’s debt, and I want to be transparent by providing clear context on the issue. Municipal debt, when used responsibly, can be a valuable tool for investing in the infrastructure and services that are necessary for the long-term growth of our community. Unlike personal debt, municipal debt is…
JP for Cottage Grove 