Candidates Carry a Torch for Crichton

The debate began with a moment of silence, a brief nod to the late Council Member Charlie Crichton, a figure who loomed large over the proceedings though he passed away on March 13.

His passing prompted a special election — to be held on July 26. However, the forum on Wednesday suggests that Crichton may be gone, but his influence still lingers. In fact, less than two questions in the seven candidates in attendance were asked how they might stack up to Crichton, a veteran of the Burnsville City Council who had almost 20 years of experience under his belt when he died at the age of 83.

"Council Member Crichton was well-known for his fiscal conservatism and his steadfast backing of city ordinances and policies," said Chuck Armstrong, who moderated the forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and other business interests. "How would you compare yourself?"

In answer, more than half the candidates closely identified themselves with the deceased and his views. Many stated that they had voted for Crichton consistently.

"As far as fiscal conservatism goes, I would be right there with him. I believe government should only provide police, fire and roads," said Candidate Greg Tomlinson, who ran as Crichton's opponent in 2010, garnering 20 percent of the vote. 

This time around, Tomlinson was one of a chorus who echoed Crichton's criticism of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, a tax-subsidized entity with a deficit Tomlinson called "atrocious," and the Heart of the City development. 

At the same time, many candidates also portrayed themselves as more flexible than the erstwhile councilor.

"I would say that I'm actually probably not completely in line with Charlie, but I do respect some of his positions. I'm a very fiscally conservative person," said Candidate Tom Hanson. "I also agree that Charlie's position was sometimes a little bit tough on local businesses and some of his positions were a little controversial but he shook up the council and got good conversations going."

Likewise for Candidate Steve Atkins, who otherwise advocated for Crichton's "fiscal conservatism," which he interpreted to mean keeping taxes flat while "expanding the tax base" to generate more revenue for the city's cash-strapped budget. 

"I do think Charlie went a little over on the zoning. I think you have to give little because business is struggling," Atkins said.

One of the few exceptions was Candidate Donna Alberts, who made an effort to clearly distinguish herself from the candidates' predecessor. 

"Charlie was a tower in this community and I do not compare myself to him. I hope to run on my own abilities and support the people in Burnsville. Fiscal responsibility is not just fiscal conservatism," Alberts told the audience. "It is doing the right thing for the situation and it depends on what is brought to the table, what the needs are, and weighing the options."

Two candidates, Aaron Hoy and John Gullickson, were not present at the forum. To see more of the debate go to