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.Our County, Our City, Our Home...
December 22, 2022
Greetings all. We wish you the best life you can live currently,
and more of the same in 2023.
11 PM Monday, November 7, 2022 from Bill Hosko
Greeting’s all,
Two hours ago, I finished putting my last fliers out. Busy day today getting into buildings in Lowertown, downtown, the West Side and over to Highland and MacGrove. In all, I also covered a couple dozen larger buildings in the last week and over 90% of the residential blocks within Ramsey County’s ‘District 5’: Mounds Park, Daytons Bluff, Downtown and Lowertown, the West Side, Upper Landing, West 7th and Highland and much of MacGrove in the last several months. There’s no river city in America with a better overall setting and collection of unique neighborhoods than ours. None.
So many, many, very nice people I met and have spoken with and yes, also a few handfuls of others having bad days! Many people knew my name, and with others we remembered having spoken to each other in the past, during my previous campaigns or via the gallery or Music Forest Cafe. It was a true pleasure these months - even the couple hundred miles of walking while a challenge at times, every, day’s been just perfect actually.
My message and campaign have stayed Independent and Non-Partisan, and true and honest. Below my campaign handouts below, you can fimy recent full-page ad that was placed in the three local papers. If you read it, yes, I poked and prodded our incumbent.
In the past, I verifiably have offered advice on his plans for light rail, Union Depot and the West Publishing site, among other topics. To no avail, he and other ‘leaders’ went ahead with their plans, which ultimately have caused the loss of tens of millions of dollars to taxpayers, with further massive financial loses needlessly continuing indefinitely.
They have also created an environment that has grown crime and lessened the need for personal responsibility. They contnue to think of endless more ways to spend money in ways they never would if it were their own. Needless hardship to tens of thousands has been the result. I am so sorry for this.
Regardless, I will continue to be around, and I will not stop caring about the well being of my hometown and my home county, and the quality of people’s lives here.
Will WE win tomorrow? I have been a tree within a forest these past months and so cannot objectively view how well I’ve done with getting news of my campaign and myself out there... Some, in the know, say it will be a close race, others say WE will win.
I have done all I can now. I hope for this county’s and city’s sake WE win. I’ll be away much of Tuesday out on a very long walk and will return in the early evening. I expect to be at Music Forest Café after 7 pm.
Thank you most sincerely,Bill Hosko
PS To those who made financial contributions – Thank You! Without you I could not have traveled as far as I have. B
PS To those who made financial contributions – Thank You! Without you I could not have traveled as far as I have. B
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Above (front and back) and below, Bill's current fliers he is hand-delivering to doors across Ramsey County Dist. Five: Mounds Park, Daytons Bluff, Downtown, Lowertown, Upper Landing, Irvine Park, West 7th, Highland and MacGrove!
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Sunday, November 6,2022
Bill was out all day this windy day leaving fliers near his orginal childhood neighborhood on the upper West Side. Then this evening he left fliers in four downtown residential buidings.
Tomorrow, will be his last day of campaigning before Election Day - leaving fliers in one last neighborhood and getting into another four or five larger buildings in the district.
Cheers.
November 5, 2022
The below graph was sent to Bill from the property manager of a downtown building he left fliers in yesterday. If you do not live in Dist. 5 find someone who does and encourage them to Vote for (Our) Hosko for County Board campaign.
Bill warned during the 2007-2011 planning process for light rail to Saint Paul what the consequences of Commissioner Ortega's 'honor-system form of payment' light rail would bring. Since it opened in 2014 - the highest crime light rail in America... and he wants to bring even more to our city and county.
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Pioneer Press columnist Joe Soucheray, Sunday, October 23:
'Remembering that it doesn't have to be this way'
When the doorbell rang, I thought it was a delivery. The men and women of cardboard boxes do that, ring the doorbell to announce new cardboard. The doorbell rang again. Shoot. I went upstairs and opened the door as a fellow with a walking stick was navigating his departure. “Hosko!” I said. For it was none other than Bill Hosko, running for the District 5 seat on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Hosko’s opponent, the incumbent Rafael Ortega, 24 (28) years into his reign — long enough to lord over what has become his fiefdom — has never knocked at my door or the doors of my neighbors. Maybe he has, but door-knocking has become a lost art as elected officials settle into long and rarely challenged careers with little need or energy to cross paths with the people who pay the bills. We chatted for a few minutes and Hosko, 60, left me his literature. I said I would call him.
Uncharitably, Hosko has been called a perennial candidate. Uncharitable because if not Hosko, then who? With the exception of four years in Illinois during his high school years, he is lifelong St. Paul resident and believes that he can address the negative energy holding the city down as a result of the same people introducing one expensive program after the next with few results.
During the last go-round, Hosko ran for mayor and wore three inches off the bottom of a previous walking stick. He doesn’t know how many miles are on the new stick, but so far, he has walked 75 percent of District 5, Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, West Seventh, Irvine Park, Dayton’s Bluff, from the Mississippi River to Highway 61. District 5 includes downtown, where Hosko, an artist by trade, owns Hosko Gallery and Custom Picture Framing at two locations.
Imagine that, a political aspirant who doesn’t spring from the activist class. “People have two main concerns,” Hosko said, “crime and taxation. I have tried to have a debate with Ortega about light rail. He hasn’t responded. Light rail is crime-ridden. Fees should be enforced and some of the platforms need to be secured. The people in charge don’t even talk about it. Their egos won’t let them.”
Taxation? “Stop spending so much money,” Hosko said. Hosko would try to advance the novel idea of the residents of the county, us, getting back in the game. He would champion, for example, referendums for voters to approve any new spending and tax increases as well as voting on commissioners deciding to award themselves salary increases. Salary increases for what? Can anybody honestly say that Ramsey County is flourishing like never before? Those salaries are almost $100,000 a year for what is supposed to be a part-time job.
The stick man has plans for Union Depot and the riverfront properties that were demolished without any redevelopment plans agreed to. He also likes stuff and would work to bring back Capitol fireworks and Taste of Minnesota and Grand Old Days and Cinco De Mayo, among other events.“If you are disheartened with the direction of the city and county,” Hosko said, “it just doesn’t have to be this way.”No, it doesn’t.
Tags: Joe Soucheray, Local columnists, Author, Joe Soucheray | Columnist, Joe Soucheray’s "Garage Logic" podcast can be heard at garagelogic.com., jsoucheray@pioneerpress.com
October 26, 2022
Daily, Bill continues door-knocking and leaving fliers in Dist. 5 neighborhoods.
Post tonight:
1. Bill's invitation to Press to cover the 'non-debate' between Bill and the 28-year Incumbent and why Crime and Needless Taxation are on so many minds,
2. Joe Soucheray's Sunday Pioneer Press column about Bill's campaign,
3. (Below) Bill's outline about county-owned Union Depot's current status and how we arrived where we are. Yesterday AM, three squads with six officers were outside and five security personnel were inside. Another day at the depot. Can we turn this around as well? Absolutely. It's just a matter of Voters making the choice.
Cheers
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 09:20:09 AM CDTSubject: From Bill Hosko for Ramsey County Board campaign updates....
Dear local media members, I continue being out daily door-knocking/lit-dropping and I still expect to get to every block within the district by day's end Nov 7. Excellent conversations, so many nice people and with all its variables, fall is my favorite season.
My opponent, Rafel Ortega, still has not come forward to have a debate. He should have much to speak about in a public forum with me including explaining how many times he has raised the county property tax levy, what crime statistics are today versus when he entered office 28-years ago and how many times he has voted himself a pay-raise and what was his starting salary as compared to his now making 100K annually for a part-time job. Concerned for the poor while enriching himself?
I hope you too can agree these issues should be made public and you will report on his hiding after reading these four additional points:
1. His renovation/restoration of Union Depot cost taxpayers 250 million and it has lost millions annually since it opened 2012. It and his light rail station out front, which opened in 2014, are sadly, frequent scenes of crime. I have asked him about the losses and the crime here. No reply.
Can this situation be turned around? Absolutely. My attachment on this topic explains how we do it. 2. His 2015 million demolitions of the massive West Site buildings, with no developer contracts in place. Grand plans then were arguably an illusion. Further, he spent $20 million destroying these reusable buildings while today saying we need more funding to house homeless. It is an incredible statement being the buildings he destroyed could have created hundreds of temporary homeless housing units until which time an actual site development was ready to move forward. I have asked him why there were no contracts in place prior to demolition and for more details on his plans which came to nothing. No reply.Can this situation be turned around as well? Absolutely. My attachment on this topic explains how we do it.
3. He is currently leading planning for another 'honor-system payment to ride' light rail line, the Gold Line, to run from downtown Saint Paul along the length of West 7th to the airport and Mall of America. It will remove every on-street parking space on West 7th St. He is calling it a 'streetcar' to mislead the public being it is in fact modeled after his crime-plagued 'honor-system payment to ride' Green Line light rail. I have asked him to explain the physical difference between his 'modern streetcar' and light rail cars when the tracks, wheels, car height and car width will be the same? No reply. And what are the long-term Green Line crime statistics? No reply. Can this situation with regards to crime onboard, on the platforms and surrounding Green Line light rail be turned around? Absolutely. Starting with the highest crime stops first: Union Depot, Central, 10th St. and Rice Street stations are retrofitted with fences and gates to control access as most cities do with their platforms. Is this cost-effective? People who've traveled know Chicago and DC trains are safer than Saint Paul's. 4. Lastly, Pioneer Press columnist Joe Soucheray wrote about my campaign in his latest column 10-23-22, 'Remembering that it doesn't have to be this way'.It is great Joe was willing to talk about this campaign. It would be great too if you would as well. The public deserves it. Last week's email is below. Thank you.
Best regards,Bill Hosko No reply from the two dailies, nor local TV stations.
Dear local media members, I continue being out daily door-knocking/lit-dropping and I still expect to get to every block within the district by day's end Nov 7. Excellent conversations, so many nice people and with all its variables, fall is my favorite season.
My opponent, Rafel Ortega, still has not come forward to have a debate. He should have much to speak about in a public forum with me including explaining how many times he has raised the county property tax levy, what crime statistics are today versus when he entered office 28-years ago and how many times he has voted himself a pay-raise and what was his starting salary as compared to his now making 100K annually for a part-time job. Concerned for the poor while enriching himself?
I hope you too can agree these issues should be made public and you will report on his hiding after reading these four additional points:
1. His renovation/restoration of Union Depot cost taxpayers 250 million and it has lost millions annually since it opened 2012. It and his light rail station out front, which opened in 2014, are sadly, frequent scenes of crime. I have asked him about the losses and the crime here. No reply.
Can this situation be turned around? Absolutely. My attachment on this topic explains how we do it. 2. His 2015 million demolitions of the massive West Site buildings, with no developer contracts in place. Grand plans then were arguably an illusion. Further, he spent $20 million destroying these reusable buildings while today saying we need more funding to house homeless. It is an incredible statement being the buildings he destroyed could have created hundreds of temporary homeless housing units until which time an actual site development was ready to move forward. I have asked him why there were no contracts in place prior to demolition and for more details on his plans which came to nothing. No reply.Can this situation be turned around as well? Absolutely. My attachment on this topic explains how we do it.
3. He is currently leading planning for another 'honor-system payment to ride' light rail line, the Gold Line, to run from downtown Saint Paul along the length of West 7th to the airport and Mall of America. It will remove every on-street parking space on West 7th St. He is calling it a 'streetcar' to mislead the public being it is in fact modeled after his crime-plagued 'honor-system payment to ride' Green Line light rail. I have asked him to explain the physical difference between his 'modern streetcar' and light rail cars when the tracks, wheels, car height and car width will be the same? No reply. And what are the long-term Green Line crime statistics? No reply. Can this situation with regards to crime onboard, on the platforms and surrounding Green Line light rail be turned around? Absolutely. Starting with the highest crime stops first: Union Depot, Central, 10th St. and Rice Street stations are retrofitted with fences and gates to control access as most cities do with their platforms. Is this cost-effective? People who've traveled know Chicago and DC trains are safer than Saint Paul's. 4. Lastly, Pioneer Press columnist Joe Soucheray wrote about my campaign in his latest column 10-23-22, 'Remembering that it doesn't have to be this way'.It is great Joe was willing to talk about this campaign. It would be great too if you would as well. The public deserves it. Last week's email is below. Thank you.
Best regards,Bill Hosko No reply from the two dailies, nor local TV stations.
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October 21, 2022
The incumbent, Rafael Ortega, still refuses to debate Bill nor even acknowledge his outreach. He should gladly appear in public with his opponent to speak about his accomplishments and to take questions.
He's now saying on fliers and in ads that he's now, going to address crime after it has been increasing under his watch for years and he's now, going to end hunger and homelessness as well but won't do so on a public platform with his opponent and where he can be questioned about his record. He also doesn't address how many tax levy increases he's supported during his 28 years in office and how he can justfy the financial harm it has caused thousands.
Bill continues door-knocking and leaving fliers across the district. Beautiful, fall weather - his favorite season.
Bill's Union Depot 'upgrade' concept plans posted next week!
Cheers
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October 13, 2022
Tonight's the Night it will be posted! Bill's West Site presentation is completed. We hope you will like it!
Cheers
PS In the mean-time see below:
October 11, 2022
Tomorrow's the day... Based upon your desires and our fantastic but underutilized riverfront setting... Bill's concept for how we take a needless $20 million demolition of this site, and the massively unrealistic and expensive redevelopment plans for it that fell through again and again... and move forward beautifully.
- Friday, October 6, 2022 Greetings all, Below, a photo collage of one of Bill's recent projects. An example of when he says something can be, he means it. Monday, look for his proposals on how to take the County Board's massive West Publishing site demolition debacle; $20 million folks, and viably create something truly remarkable in America.
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Greetings all,
Bill continues door-knocking and leaving fliers in this big and beautiful district; every block by Election Day...
Mounds Park, Dayton's Bluff, Downtown, West Side (upper and lower), West 7th/Fort Road, Upper Landing, Irvine Park, Highland (upper and lower), MacGroveland and a bit o' Railroad Island too!
Declining Public Safety and Ever-Higher Property Taxes and Needless Spending remain top issues. As Bill's main flier says right-up at 1. and 2. these issues WILL BE dealt with in our-first-90-days-together. Afterwards, we WILL have a plan regarding both moving forward. No more excuses.
Also- this week, Bill is working on conceptual illustrations for what we might do with two massive, financially wayward County properties; Union Depot and West Publishing site. No more excuses. (He's heard from many people on what we might and should do with them so that they can become successful properties.) Conceptual llustrations of West Publishing site up Monday, October 10.
Cheers
Friday, September 30, 2022
'Downtown Voice' just published Bill's 'letter to editor':
When I opened my downtown gallery in 1994, I began using public transit. Several years later, our Metropolitan Council wanted to raise bus fares to cover 'increased operating expenses' from seventy-five cents to a dollar twenty-five. A big jump most riders opposed. At their public hearing I said, 'until you get the issue of growing misconduct on buses under control you have no right to raise fares on those who are behaving themselves'. Afterwards, an employee came to me and quietly said. "There is no political will to help us”.
Five years ago, this council began installing clear shield doors to protect bus drivers from assault and basic transit fares today are two dollars.
During the 2007-2011 planning process for Green Line light rail transit (LRT), I warned at length that crime would be a consequence of installing ‘honor-system’ LRT in Saint Paul. (Most cities with rail transit have fences and gates around their station platforms to secure payment.) In the years since Green Line’s opening in 2014, predictably, thousands of instances of crime have occurred. Many violent, and even deadly. Most, attributed to non-paying users.
Security costs have skyrocketed, revenues have plummeted, and countless good people will not ride anymore for safety reasons. ‘Political’ plans to address this (outlined in The Voice’s July issue) do not include ending the ‘honor system’ and county plans (directed by incumbant board member Ortega) to install honor system ‘Gold Line’ LRT from downtown to the Mall of America via West 7th Steet continue unabated. Friday, September 23, 2022 Community Reporter paper (dist. area: western downtown, Irvine Park, Upper Landing, West Seventh/Fort Road and lower Highland Park) posed these questions to Bill and his opponent:
Please describe the biggest issues Ramsey County is facing and how you would address those challenges if elected. 1. Declining public safety and ever-growing crime rates. Even MPR had windows broken out in July. Local leaders are now often picking and choosing which laws will be enforced. Crime has become commonplace, and the public is expected to live with it. This is not acceptable and this needs to end.
2. Unending County/City property tax levy increases continue to cause financial pain and even harm to thousands: homeowners, business owners and renters. No amount of increase is enough as local leaders think of evermore ways to spend your money in ways they would not if it were their own.
3. After 28 years in office our current county board representative has awarded himself numerous pay increases, and subsequent pension increases. The Pioneer Press’ publisher’s editorial on April 18, 2007, read, “With about as much discussion as you expect for a road-cleaning resolution, the seven members of the Ramsey County Board raised their salaries by 25%, to $80,000... We believe the amount the board awarded themselves was outrageously high for what should be an oversight body of private citizens.” Today, while county board members tell us about how they’re helping the poor and creating ‘a just community’, as of June, their salary is now $100,000 for a part time job.
4. During its planning process in 2007-2011 I warned leaders that building 'honor-system' light rail in Saint Paul would create problems. Since opening in 2014, thousands have been impacted by crime aboard Green Line light rail and on its platforms. Politicians refuse to install fences and gates, as most cities have, to restore safety to platforms.
Today, as chair of the Ramsey County’s Rail Authority, County Board Member Ortega is now leading the planning process to bring 'honor-system' light rail to the length of West 7th Street from downtown to the Mall of America. Selling it to us under the name ‘Modern Streetcar’ it is indeed honor-system light rail, and it will eliminate every on-street parking space, thereby harming many businesses in addition to being crime-plagued.
5. ‘In Our First 90 days’ together, we will address light rail on West 7th Street, and we'll address property tax levies, and crime, Union Depot, the West Publishing site, and the county board’s pay-scale. Excuses and inactions will end. Further, I will work to also ensure there can be a menu of important referendum questions for the public to vote on during the next county elections in 2024. If passed, we’ll get back onto a higher track for years to come.
Under your leadership, what role would the county play in alleviating the challenges that homeless has presented for the City of St. Paul. How would you best serve those in need while simultaneously weighing the concerns of business owners and private residents who have asked for action on this front? With that, what initiatives would you put forward to ensure St. Paul successfully recovers from the pandemic, which continues to show its effects on the city's financial life?
First of all, the majority of homeless are not criminals, nor are they mentally ill. Often, they are portrayed this way. Secondly, twenty years ago, most homeless here were from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Today, most are from other states. Regardless, the majority of these people have had some calamity befall them, and once a person has fallen so far it can be daunting to get up. That said, everyone living within our community has a responsibility to be respectful of others’ rights and property.
As we read this, homeless continue living in squalor outdoors—many in wooded areas on the edges of neighborhoods. Crime and assault are not uncommon in these encampments. Nighttime is particularly dangerous. Excuses and inactions need to end and will.
Many politicians (generous with others’ money) will say that everyone can be housed, but they never say at what cost to you. Ever-higher property taxes are already causing financial harm to many. If we did accomplish this, would more homeless move here for the free housing?
Would a designated outdoor, overnight use only, campsite(s) at locations that the public has collectively agreed to be the most humane solution? With on-site security, hot/cold water, toilets and perhaps even portable showers? Should outdoor camping occurring in other non-approved areas then be prohibited? ‘In Our First 90 Days’ together, we will find the fairest and most compassionate plan that can resolve how best to move forward on this issue.
Regarding our current local economy, politicians picking and choosing which laws to uphold are not helping it. Is bringing in ‘federal money’ to ‘fight crime’ needed when the US continues sinking further into debt by over $1,000,000 – a minute? Most politicians do not seem to care what we will leave the next generation, but most citizens do. Ramsey County and Saint Paul should be able to uphold law and order themselves.
Union Depot and the West Publishing site are both county properties: 1. Commissioners spent $20 million demolishing the West Publishing site - with no development contracts in place. Together, we’ll take the decade-long debacle and create an exciting, viable plan for the best vacant riverfront site in America. 2. Commissioners spent $250 million renovating Union Depot. Since 2012, millions have been lost annually. Together, we’ll take our greatly underutilized historic train station, and its grand site, and viably create the best collection of railroad and riverboat history attractions in America.
Final thoughts ahead of the November election?
This year marks the 32nd year that I have been self-employed as an architectural illustrator and 29th year as a downtown gallery and frame-shop owner (now with 2 locations). In 2016, I designed and built a small music venue (recently reopened post Covid) and most recently, I’ve created a special place downtown on the skyway level in US Bank Center for those 55 and more to gather. I am a native of Saint Paul, and while I do not have great financial wealth, I’ve had a great life and like many of you, I’ve also had some struggles along the way. Each day I give thanks for what I have.
I assure those who have become disheartened and disappointed by local politics and the direction of our county and city that things can be much, much better quite easily. Local leadership continues leading in a manner that is more reactionary than anticipatory. Authentic public outreach remains a low priority. These behaviors will end if I am elected. Weekly, my staff and I will have an in-person and live-streamed ‘People and Press Conference’. No one’s going to feel left out anymore. It’s just a matter of you voting and those you know voting for Bill Hosko this fall.
Perhaps you may align with the Democratic party, or Republican, or you lean Green Party, or Libertarian. At the local level, in this race, with the ongoing issues we face, am I truly ‘100% Independent and Non-Partisan’? Absolutely. I am not backed by any special interests nor the establishment that glosses things over, keeps us divided and wants things to stay the same. I will be a public servant in the highest sense - you have my word on it.
Lastly, if I am elected, events that used to bring us together and create good will: Taste of Minnesota, July 4th Capitol Mall Fireworks, Grand Old Days and Cinco De Mayo (among others) will be restored - along with their original authenticity! I care about you and your quality of life here in Ramsey County and Saint Paul. Let’s get back onto a higher track, folks, where the air is much fresher and clearer. Together, we can do it! Thank you. Thursday, September 22, 2022 We're sorry Saint Paul's Mayor and City Council just imposed another needlessly massive property tax increase; 15%, upon the good people they were elected - to serve. For Ramsey County's and Saint Paul's sake everyone reading this, who can, should vote BILL Hosko this fall, if they want to stem leadership's ongoing action's. Bill continues door-knocking daily. Saturday, September 17, 2022 As Bill continues leaving fliers in neighborhoods throughout the district and after speaking to MANY people along the way, here are the clear top topics on people's minds currently: - Unacceptable tax increases- Crime impacting their neighborhood - Crime impacting the city- Crime on Light Rail- Homeless encampments- Not being listened to by elected representatives - Passed Rent-Control referendum being manipulated by elected representatives - Economic Recovery after CoVid. Thursday, September 15, 2022 Greetings all, Daily, Bill continues door-knocking this big and beautiful Ramsey County District 5. It includes: Mounds Park, Dayton's Bluff, a bit o' Railroad Island, Downtown/Lowertown, Upper Landing, Irvine Park, West Seventh/Fort Road, Highland Park and Macalaster/Groveland. The top things on people's minds... up tomorrow and then Bill's responses and top ten platform positions. Soon, 'Projects' (with many photos) that Bill has completed from home renovations to his recent completion of a 55-plus gathering place in downtown called 'The Homestead'. The campaign has also begun placing lawn signs. Cheers Monday, August 22, 2022 Greetings all, On August 9, we made it thru the Primary Election in second place. Now, this November 8, the incumbant and Bill Hosko will be on the General Election ballot - early Voting begins September 23. Bill looks forward to conducting an interesting and informative campign. Much more to come in September. Always feel free to reach out to our campaign 651-222-4767, bill@billhosko Thank you. Cheers Sunday, July 31, 2022 Greetings all, In two weeks, the citizens of Ramsey County District 5 will be voting in the Primary Election. After that day, the field of three candidates will be reduced to two, who will go on to the General Election held this fall on Tuesday, November 8. Bill has begun campaigning door-to door. If he is so honored to be one of two remaining candidates after the August 9 Primary he expects to be out campaigning daily until November 8. In the coming weeks, expect continued information being added on this site about his life, his career (he's been self-employed 32-years), his politics (he's 100% Independent and Non-Partisan with the backing of no Special Interests) and a host of projects he has worked on from rehabbing his first home in 1989 to his current projects: 'The Homestead - a place to gather for those 55 and more' and the reopening of Music Forest Cafe, both in downtown Saint Paul. In a recent interview, Bill was asked why is he campaigning for this office, as he has for city offices in the past? It is simple he remarked, "This is my hometown and my home county, and I care about their well-being." Always feel free to reach out to our campaign 651-222-4767, bill@billhosko Thank you. Cheers
Five years ago, this council began installing clear shield doors to protect bus drivers from assault and basic transit fares today are two dollars.
During the 2007-2011 planning process for Green Line light rail transit (LRT), I warned at length that crime would be a consequence of installing ‘honor-system’ LRT in Saint Paul. (Most cities with rail transit have fences and gates around their station platforms to secure payment.) In the years since Green Line’s opening in 2014, predictably, thousands of instances of crime have occurred. Many violent, and even deadly. Most, attributed to non-paying users.
Security costs have skyrocketed, revenues have plummeted, and countless good people will not ride anymore for safety reasons. ‘Political’ plans to address this (outlined in The Voice’s July issue) do not include ending the ‘honor system’ and county plans (directed by incumbant board member Ortega) to install honor system ‘Gold Line’ LRT from downtown to the Mall of America via West 7th Steet continue unabated. Friday, September 23, 2022 Community Reporter paper (dist. area: western downtown, Irvine Park, Upper Landing, West Seventh/Fort Road and lower Highland Park) posed these questions to Bill and his opponent:
Please describe the biggest issues Ramsey County is facing and how you would address those challenges if elected. 1. Declining public safety and ever-growing crime rates. Even MPR had windows broken out in July. Local leaders are now often picking and choosing which laws will be enforced. Crime has become commonplace, and the public is expected to live with it. This is not acceptable and this needs to end.
2. Unending County/City property tax levy increases continue to cause financial pain and even harm to thousands: homeowners, business owners and renters. No amount of increase is enough as local leaders think of evermore ways to spend your money in ways they would not if it were their own.
3. After 28 years in office our current county board representative has awarded himself numerous pay increases, and subsequent pension increases. The Pioneer Press’ publisher’s editorial on April 18, 2007, read, “With about as much discussion as you expect for a road-cleaning resolution, the seven members of the Ramsey County Board raised their salaries by 25%, to $80,000... We believe the amount the board awarded themselves was outrageously high for what should be an oversight body of private citizens.” Today, while county board members tell us about how they’re helping the poor and creating ‘a just community’, as of June, their salary is now $100,000 for a part time job.
4. During its planning process in 2007-2011 I warned leaders that building 'honor-system' light rail in Saint Paul would create problems. Since opening in 2014, thousands have been impacted by crime aboard Green Line light rail and on its platforms. Politicians refuse to install fences and gates, as most cities have, to restore safety to platforms.
Today, as chair of the Ramsey County’s Rail Authority, County Board Member Ortega is now leading the planning process to bring 'honor-system' light rail to the length of West 7th Street from downtown to the Mall of America. Selling it to us under the name ‘Modern Streetcar’ it is indeed honor-system light rail, and it will eliminate every on-street parking space, thereby harming many businesses in addition to being crime-plagued.
5. ‘In Our First 90 days’ together, we will address light rail on West 7th Street, and we'll address property tax levies, and crime, Union Depot, the West Publishing site, and the county board’s pay-scale. Excuses and inactions will end. Further, I will work to also ensure there can be a menu of important referendum questions for the public to vote on during the next county elections in 2024. If passed, we’ll get back onto a higher track for years to come.
Under your leadership, what role would the county play in alleviating the challenges that homeless has presented for the City of St. Paul. How would you best serve those in need while simultaneously weighing the concerns of business owners and private residents who have asked for action on this front? With that, what initiatives would you put forward to ensure St. Paul successfully recovers from the pandemic, which continues to show its effects on the city's financial life?
First of all, the majority of homeless are not criminals, nor are they mentally ill. Often, they are portrayed this way. Secondly, twenty years ago, most homeless here were from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Today, most are from other states. Regardless, the majority of these people have had some calamity befall them, and once a person has fallen so far it can be daunting to get up. That said, everyone living within our community has a responsibility to be respectful of others’ rights and property.
As we read this, homeless continue living in squalor outdoors—many in wooded areas on the edges of neighborhoods. Crime and assault are not uncommon in these encampments. Nighttime is particularly dangerous. Excuses and inactions need to end and will.
Many politicians (generous with others’ money) will say that everyone can be housed, but they never say at what cost to you. Ever-higher property taxes are already causing financial harm to many. If we did accomplish this, would more homeless move here for the free housing?
Would a designated outdoor, overnight use only, campsite(s) at locations that the public has collectively agreed to be the most humane solution? With on-site security, hot/cold water, toilets and perhaps even portable showers? Should outdoor camping occurring in other non-approved areas then be prohibited? ‘In Our First 90 Days’ together, we will find the fairest and most compassionate plan that can resolve how best to move forward on this issue.
Regarding our current local economy, politicians picking and choosing which laws to uphold are not helping it. Is bringing in ‘federal money’ to ‘fight crime’ needed when the US continues sinking further into debt by over $1,000,000 – a minute? Most politicians do not seem to care what we will leave the next generation, but most citizens do. Ramsey County and Saint Paul should be able to uphold law and order themselves.
Union Depot and the West Publishing site are both county properties: 1. Commissioners spent $20 million demolishing the West Publishing site - with no development contracts in place. Together, we’ll take the decade-long debacle and create an exciting, viable plan for the best vacant riverfront site in America. 2. Commissioners spent $250 million renovating Union Depot. Since 2012, millions have been lost annually. Together, we’ll take our greatly underutilized historic train station, and its grand site, and viably create the best collection of railroad and riverboat history attractions in America.
Final thoughts ahead of the November election?
This year marks the 32nd year that I have been self-employed as an architectural illustrator and 29th year as a downtown gallery and frame-shop owner (now with 2 locations). In 2016, I designed and built a small music venue (recently reopened post Covid) and most recently, I’ve created a special place downtown on the skyway level in US Bank Center for those 55 and more to gather. I am a native of Saint Paul, and while I do not have great financial wealth, I’ve had a great life and like many of you, I’ve also had some struggles along the way. Each day I give thanks for what I have.
I assure those who have become disheartened and disappointed by local politics and the direction of our county and city that things can be much, much better quite easily. Local leadership continues leading in a manner that is more reactionary than anticipatory. Authentic public outreach remains a low priority. These behaviors will end if I am elected. Weekly, my staff and I will have an in-person and live-streamed ‘People and Press Conference’. No one’s going to feel left out anymore. It’s just a matter of you voting and those you know voting for Bill Hosko this fall.
Perhaps you may align with the Democratic party, or Republican, or you lean Green Party, or Libertarian. At the local level, in this race, with the ongoing issues we face, am I truly ‘100% Independent and Non-Partisan’? Absolutely. I am not backed by any special interests nor the establishment that glosses things over, keeps us divided and wants things to stay the same. I will be a public servant in the highest sense - you have my word on it.
Lastly, if I am elected, events that used to bring us together and create good will: Taste of Minnesota, July 4th Capitol Mall Fireworks, Grand Old Days and Cinco De Mayo (among others) will be restored - along with their original authenticity! I care about you and your quality of life here in Ramsey County and Saint Paul. Let’s get back onto a higher track, folks, where the air is much fresher and clearer. Together, we can do it! Thank you. Thursday, September 22, 2022 We're sorry Saint Paul's Mayor and City Council just imposed another needlessly massive property tax increase; 15%, upon the good people they were elected - to serve. For Ramsey County's and Saint Paul's sake everyone reading this, who can, should vote BILL Hosko this fall, if they want to stem leadership's ongoing action's. Bill continues door-knocking daily. Saturday, September 17, 2022 As Bill continues leaving fliers in neighborhoods throughout the district and after speaking to MANY people along the way, here are the clear top topics on people's minds currently: - Unacceptable tax increases- Crime impacting their neighborhood - Crime impacting the city- Crime on Light Rail- Homeless encampments- Not being listened to by elected representatives - Passed Rent-Control referendum being manipulated by elected representatives - Economic Recovery after CoVid. Thursday, September 15, 2022 Greetings all, Daily, Bill continues door-knocking this big and beautiful Ramsey County District 5. It includes: Mounds Park, Dayton's Bluff, a bit o' Railroad Island, Downtown/Lowertown, Upper Landing, Irvine Park, West Seventh/Fort Road, Highland Park and Macalaster/Groveland. The top things on people's minds... up tomorrow and then Bill's responses and top ten platform positions. Soon, 'Projects' (with many photos) that Bill has completed from home renovations to his recent completion of a 55-plus gathering place in downtown called 'The Homestead'. The campaign has also begun placing lawn signs. Cheers Monday, August 22, 2022 Greetings all, On August 9, we made it thru the Primary Election in second place. Now, this November 8, the incumbant and Bill Hosko will be on the General Election ballot - early Voting begins September 23. Bill looks forward to conducting an interesting and informative campign. Much more to come in September. Always feel free to reach out to our campaign 651-222-4767, bill@billhosko Thank you. Cheers Sunday, July 31, 2022 Greetings all, In two weeks, the citizens of Ramsey County District 5 will be voting in the Primary Election. After that day, the field of three candidates will be reduced to two, who will go on to the General Election held this fall on Tuesday, November 8. Bill has begun campaigning door-to door. If he is so honored to be one of two remaining candidates after the August 9 Primary he expects to be out campaigning daily until November 8. In the coming weeks, expect continued information being added on this site about his life, his career (he's been self-employed 32-years), his politics (he's 100% Independent and Non-Partisan with the backing of no Special Interests) and a host of projects he has worked on from rehabbing his first home in 1989 to his current projects: 'The Homestead - a place to gather for those 55 and more' and the reopening of Music Forest Cafe, both in downtown Saint Paul. In a recent interview, Bill was asked why is he campaigning for this office, as he has for city offices in the past? It is simple he remarked, "This is my hometown and my home county, and I care about their well-being." Always feel free to reach out to our campaign 651-222-4767, bill@billhosko Thank you. Cheers
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Contributions up to $600 per person accepted.
With donations of $50 or more, Ramsey County Elections requires: name, city and employment, if any.
For mail, please send contributions to: Bill Hosko for Ramsey County Board, 151 E 7th St. Saint Paul, MN 55101
Thank you sincerely for your support!
Thank you sincerely for your support!
- Never lose your individuality in order to achieve conformity. -
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