To the editor,

As a River Falls resident and property taxpayer, I am paying close attention to how this spring’s mayoral election could impact both our taxes and our system of local governance.

One issue that deserves thoughtful consideration is the concentration of influence across multiple taxing bodies. Alison Page currently serves on the school board, which represents the largest share of our property tax bill. In recent years, the school district has increased its tax levy by over 20%, driven in part by voter-approved referendums. Regardless of where one stands on those decisions, they reflect a governing approach that has supported increasing the tax burden to meet funding goals.

If elected mayor, Ms. Page would also take on a leadership role in city government, which makes up another significant portion of our property taxes. While no single official sets taxes alone, a mayor has meaningful influence in shaping budgets, setting priorities, and guiding council decisions. This would place substantial influence over both the largest and second-largest portions of our tax bill in the hands of one individual.

I believe this raises important questions about balance and accountability. Our system works best when different governing bodies operate with independence and provide checks on one another. Concentrating leadership roles across these bodies can make it more difficult for residents to clearly evaluate decisions and hold officials accountable.

Additionally, there are concerns about public perception and trust. If elected, Ms. Page would serve as mayor while having a close family member on the city council. Even if all ethical guidelines are followed, this situation risks creating the appearance of conflicts of interest or insider decision-making, something many residents may find troubling.

It is also worth noting that the city’s portion of the tax bill has recently remained stable or even slightly decreased for some homeowners, while the school portion has risen more significantly. Voters should consider whether they want that same approach to budgeting reflected in city leadership. As voters, we should carefully weigh not only policy positions, but also how governance structures and leadership roles may shape decisions in the years ahead.

Jim Souder

River Falls