Wadena Mayor Calls for Special Session

Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden is calling for an immediate special legislative session to deal with the $1.2-billion revenue shortfall projected through the end of the current biennium.

Wolden, who is the spokesperson for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, says they are so close to the financial edge that, "Any reduction in the December funding will spell disaster in the form of closed libraries, deeper cuts to police and fire protection and a sharp reduction in critical services, like winter snowplowing."

He goes on to say, "This is one of the most challenging times Minnesota has ever faced, with high unemployment and virtually no economic growth. Another hit to cities will cripple our communities and the effects will only worsen the state's economy."

Wolden says a special session is the only reasonable, rational and responsible option. He says, "There has never been a greater time for state leaders to drop political slogans and petty disagreements and come together to address the long-term financial needs of our state."