The Mayor’s Message

By Dan Toland

City of River Falls

Happy summer, everyone!
I hope you’re taking the time to relax and soak it in before it starts snowing again in about six weeks. So, what should we talk about? There are so many options…
We could talk about everyone’s desire to feel safe, welcome, and accepted in our great city. We can and do work to achieve that at the city, but for everyone to feel this way, it depends on you, the community. Do you take the extra five seconds out of your day to say hi to a stranger in a store or on the street? Do you smile at them no matter how they look or what they’re wearing? Do you welcome and show respect to newcomers in your neighborhood no matter how they speak or where they’re from? All these little things add up to make a big impact.
We could talk about the political mistrust and judgment you have of the “other side,” whichever side that might be, but I’ll encourage you to re-read paragraph two above.
We could talk about summer construction projects in the city. Hint: they involve road work, street closures, lots of dirt moving, and new development for new people to move to town. Once again, re-read paragraph two.
We could talk about the city’s newest corporate park, Mann Valley, where infrastructure construction will begin in the fall. Mann Valley will bring lots of new industry to town over the coming years, which will bring lots of new revenue, which will bring lots of new jobs. Those jobs will bring new people who will be your new neighbors, which brings me back to telling you to re-read paragraph two.
We could talk about the beautiful river running through town, or all of the summer park and recreation programs, or any number of exciting events in the city that bring tourists and new people to our neighborhoods and streets all summer, and once again, re-read paragraph two.
I have tried not to be too subtle in my message – I hope it worked. We can talk some more next time, but until then, get out there and enjoy your beautiful city.
Go Pack Go!