Jeffers Wants to Stem Rising County Property Taxes

When Sue Jeffers, a small business owner and radio host, talks to voters about why she should be elected to the Ramsey County Board, her pitch comes down to one major issue: “declining property values and increasing property taxes.”

Jeffers was a co-owner of Stub and Herbs, a bar near the U of M, for 30 years until 2007, when she sold the business and started hosting her own show on Twin Cities News Talk.

Jeffers said that, as a business owner, she gained experience in a myriad local political issues and cemented her belief in small government.

“I watched government grow bigger and more extensive and more intrusive, and I’ve been involved in so many different issues whether it was tax increment financing or eminent domain or smoking bans or fees and regulations.”

The mother-of-three has lived in New Brighton for 20 years and is running against Mary  Jo McGuire for Ramsey County commissioner in District 2, the district that represents Roseville.

“I think it’s a pretty safe bet that we can all agree that the board is pretty much Democrat, and they need some fresh ideas,” she said. “When Jan Parker decided to step down, I took a look at the people who were running and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s more of the same.’”

She said she’s personally knocked on 25,000 doors this election cycle and likes to tell the story of a voter who asked her about the role of the Ramsey County Board.

“I said, What does the Ramsey County Commission do? We spend your money.’”

Jeffers also lamented the Roseville Council’s spending, both on the proposed 15 percent tax hike for 2013 (a preliminary, not-to-exceed tax levy increase has already been passed) and the $17 million in bonding approved to pay for a new fire station and parks improvements.

“It’s so unfair for our children and our children’s children the type of spending and debt we’re leaving them,” Jeffers said. “It’s really appalling when you think about it. It’s really shameful that our children may look back at our stewardship with regret.”

Jeffers said she believes her proposals to cut spending have broad appeal and noted that she’s seen her signs planted in lawns next to those of both Democrats and Republicans, Vote Yes supporters and Vote No supporters.

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