Andrew Calls Resolution for City Takeover of Utilities 'Reckless'

The race for R.T. Rybak's mayoral seat heated up this week as candidate Mark Andrew kicked off a 100-day campaign tour of 81 Minneapolis neighborhoods.

In his first address Monday, Andrew called the controversial resolution for the city to run its own energy utility "reckless and irresponsible," according to the Star Tribune and Southwest Journal.

The Minneapolis City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday on whether the city should put a referendum on the ballot this fall to authorize a public takeover of the city's energy infrastructure from Xcel Energy Inc., the papers reported. 

“It’s reckless and irresponsible to put something on the ballot that win or lose is going to dramatically set back the mayor’s ability to strike a deal on the franchise agreement next year or the year after,” Andrew said.

According to the Star Tribune, while sharing his discontent for the measure, Andrew also blasted his main DFL opponent, Betsy Hodges, for supporting the measure, saying she lacks business experience. In a statement, Hodges said despite what Andrew said, her position has always been to "negotiate the best deal possible by considering all options."  

Do you think the city of Minneapolis should take utilities into its own hands? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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