Letter to the Editor: Lakeville Council Member Swecker’s Vote Could be a Conflict of Interest

As I observed in the latest Lakeville city council work session, there have been serious discussions about the future of the Kenrick Avenue extension.

This $2.6 million road extension would extend Kenrick Avenue between 175th and 183rd Streets. The Tax burden would be at a cost of $191,000 per year, for the next 20 years.

According to Council Member Swecker’s web site, her husband, James Swecker, is the Area Director for Applebee’s. Further, at the Feb. 7 City Council meeting, Tom Wroblewski, the Store manager from Lakeville Applebee’s was before the council lobbying for the extension that would  have a positive financial impact on that particular store.

As far as I know, no other businesses have lobbied in favor of the project. It is inconclusive, as to the legality or a potential conflict of interest for Swecker to vote on this particular project.

Opposition to this project is based on the fact that Lakeville has a significant problem with empty store fronts, and office space. Lakeville has recently invested $20 million to develop the Highway 70/Interstate 35 nterchange to attract new development. As such, there is a plethora of space for development already in place.

Why would we put an undue tax burden on the people of Lakeville in a time when foreclosures are at a historic level, business are folding, and building is nonexistent?

We need tax revenue from completed development to pay for such projects.

Although my opinion on the project will have little impact on its outcome, I hope the City Council moves carefully and cautiously before they decide to vote for or against the current project.

Marc Bourdeaux, Lakeville