Mike Opat

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In April 2008, the Hennepin County Board voted to enter into a joint powers agreement with Anoka County, Dakota County, and Ramsey County to form the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). These counties adopted a 0.25% sales tax that is used to fund expansion of metropolitan transit projects, including light rail and commuter rail. The board named Opat and Commissioner Peter McLaughlin as Hennepin County's representatives on CTIB. On the same day, Opat offered two amendments to the board, acting as the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA), one of which named the Bottineau, Central, and Southwest corridors as "priority transit corridors" for Hennepin County. The other directed a property tax cut of more than 50% subsequent to the enactment of the sales tax.

In 2017, as permitted in the CTIB bylaws, the organization was dissolved so that the county could pursue its preferred transit priorities. Hennepin County is thus working to build two light rail transit lines.

Victory Memorial Drive

The greenway boulevard of Victory Memorial Drive Victory -parkway.jpg
The greenway boulevard of Victory Memorial Drive

Guided by the legislatively created Victory Memorial Drive Task Force, which is co-chaired by Opat and Commissioner Mark Stenglein, [27] and the principles of the Park Board's Victory Memorial Drive 2005 Master Plan, Hennepin County has programmed $3.5 million in its capital budget toward:

  1. Restoring the historic street grid and parkway, and extending the green space.
  2. Revitalizing the flagpole plaza.
  3. Adding historic gateway monuments and entrances to the parkway at Humboldt Avenue North on the east, and Lowry Avenue North on the south.
  4. Removing or replanting elm trees, using multiple species that are resistant to Dutch Elm disease, and restoring the rank-and-file grid that is at the heart of the memorial. [28]

In 2009, the Minnesota State Legislature awarded $1 million in the Omnibus Bonding Bill for the project, as well as $40,000 in the "Omnibus Cultural and Outdoor Resources Finance Bill" for parks and trails. [29]

REPP

Opat also launched the Roadside Enhancement Partnership Program, designed to beautify the pedestrian areas near roadways, including streetscapes, sidewalks, landscaping, masonry and public art.

Humboldt Greenway/Shingle Creek Parkway

The Humboldt Greenway project is the revitalization of the Shingle Creek and Lind-Bohanon neighborhoods by changing the character of Humboldt Avenue North to a landscaped greenway. Opat is credited for leading the revitalization for the avenue in the mid-1990s. [30] Opat insisted the new neighborhood should offer home buyers a variety of housing that would be affordable to middle-class residents, provide enhanced views of Shingle Creek, and fit into the scale of homes found on Victory Memorial Drive. [31] In 2000, work began to remove about 212 existing single family homes and replace them with about 270 new single family homes and townhomes, [32] building value and enhancing the existing tax base through investment in parks and improved infrastructure. [33] "I think the results are great, especially the public open spaces," Opat has said. "Humboldt Avenue is terrific, after we gave it a curving look, streetscaping and bike paths. There's better storm water runoff, too. We've even gotten the railroad to clean up its part of the area." [30]

In 2002, Commonbond Communities opened the first of 235 housing units, named Shingle Creek Commons. The Commons is a 75-unit retirement living community, which addressed the needed supply in the area for senior rental housing. [34]

In 2008, Kingsley Commons was completed on the Greenway, featuring 25 units, and becoming one of the nation's first apartment buildings designed to provide independent living to people with multiple sclerosis. [35]

At some point in 2019, all lots available along the Greenway will be developed. The revitalization will then be complete.

Public safety

Productive Day

In 1994 Opat launched the "Productive Day" initiative which required inmates serving longer than a 15-day sentence at the Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility to work or go to school for at least 8 hours per day. [36] More than 100 employees participated in planning and implementing the change into one that emphasized work and education, rather than just "doing time." Opat cited the need to "motivate residents to develop skills, habits and abilities necessary to successfully integrate into the community and...gain economic self-sufficiency upon release" as a driving principle behind this initiative. [37]

Crime

In November 2007, while outside his home in Robbinsdale, Opat was attacked by two assailants, one of whom wielded a sawed off shotgun. He was hit with the butt of the gun, then knocked down, kicked, and punched. While lying in the alley, Opat grabbed the gun barrel and broke free, running to safety. He lost his vehicle, his wallet, and his cellphone, but escaped with only minor injuries. [38] The car was recovered, but the assailants have not been identified.

In his 2009 State of the County address, Opat proposed an initiative to form a crime lab work group to examine crime lab services, such as DNA analysis and identification in Hennepin County, and make recommendations for the efficiencies of the services of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the City of Minneapolis Police Department. [39]

Minnesota Twins ballpark

Target Field construction in March 2009. Target Field March 2009.JPG
Target Field construction in March 2009.

In 2006, Commissioner Opat led the effort with the Minnesota Twins to finance and build the new outdoor ballpark in downtown Minneapolis. This was despite the fact that "Public opinion polls have shown that a majority of Minnesotans don't favor public financing for stadiums." [40] It was scheduled to open in April 2010.

Construction

"I am proud that we are building this important public amenity at a time when jobs are crucial," Opat has said "It's the first of many investments on the new edge of downtown Minneapolis, and will pay many dividends into the future." [39]

Chairmanships

2001–2003

Since his election, Opat was a frequent critic of Chairman Randy Johnson, and was a behind the scenes competitor for the chairmanship four times between 1992 and 2000. [41] Opat did eventually unseat him as Board Chairman in 2001, following a 5–2 board vote. [42]

2009–2015

The board unanimously elected Opat chairman once more in January 2009 and through 2015.

2009 State of the County Address

In April 2009, in what was called a "powerful performance by an unlikely star in Minnesota politics," [43] Opat gave the "2009 State of Hennepin County Address" at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Noting the "bleak times" for public institutions like Hennepin County with many low-income residents, Opat stated that "the state of Hennepin County is challenged, but not imperiled, [39] " and he urged the County to lead new innovations and public investments.

Opat proposed three new initiatives:

  1. A framework for the county to award up to $2 million each year in capital grants for youth activities in Hennepin, as part of the ballpark project.
  2. An Urban Lakes Initiative that would address the water quality of badly impaired lakes in the county's inner-ring suburbs. Opat cited recent water-quality tests that gave either a "D" or "F" to 25 lakes in the county, [44] and proposed partnering with cities and water management groups to seek grants to make major improvements.
  3. A crime lab workgroup composed of public safety experts to examine crime lab services in the county and study options for combining the crime labs of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Minneapolis Police Department and make recommendations this fall to the Hennepin County Board. [39]

A local blogger said the address as demonstrated "a progressive in command of his message and in sync with his constituents." [43]

Controversy

Mike Opat is a defendant in a defamation lawsuit brought forth by Kevin and Valerie Holler.

Comments by Opat and Stenglein "might be read specifically as intending to damage the Hollers' reputation and to shame them into selling the property," wrote a three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals. Reports the Star Tribune. [45]

The Minnesota Appeals Court decision can be found on the mn.gov website: http://mn.gov/lawlib/archive/ctapun/2014/opa131014-020314.pdf [46]

Hennepin County Attorney's office disagreed with the three judge panel of the Court of Appeals and petitioned the Supreme Court of Minnesota for further review. The petition was denied (April 15, 2014; number 19 of 37). [47]

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References

  1. ↑ Hennepin County 2019 Budget Book Retrieved on 05/03/2019
  2. ↑ Brandt, Steve. "Vision Calls for all-OK, many-roads to lead to the new Twins ballpark", Star-Tribune , 2002-13-3. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  3. 1 2 3 Olson, Rochelle. "Mike Opat trying to bring county out of shadows", Star-Tribune , 2002-27-12. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  4. ↑ Olson, Blois."The DFL Dozen", MinnPost,2009-3-27
  5. ↑ Brandt, Steve. "Robbinsdale man aims to unseat John Derus", Star-Tribune , 1992-29-2. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  6. ↑ Brandt, Steve. "Opat vs. Derus, A challenger goes for broke", Star-Tribune , 1992-28-9. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  7. ↑ Brandt, Steve."Derus, Makowske ousted from County Board", Star-Tribune , 1992-4-11. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  8. ↑ Smetanka, Mary Jane."Hennepin County Board Chooses Opat...", Star-Tribune , 2002-07-01. Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  9. ↑ Grow, Doug."Can Either Party Endorse...", MinnPost,2009-6-4. Retrieved on 2009-6-6.
  10. ↑ Falldin, Brian."Opat for Governor?" Archived 2009-06-30 at the Wayback Machine , MN Progressive Project,2009-6-15 Retrieved on 2009-6-18.
  11. 1 2 Opat, Mike."Mike Opat: The State's Democrats Must Stand Up" [ permanent dead link ], Star-Tribune , 2009-6-3. Retrieved on 2009-6-5.
  12. ↑ Smetanka, Mary Jane. "Letters to the Editor for Friday, Feb 1, 2008", Star-Tribune , 2008-1-31. Retrieved on 2009-03-04.
  13. ↑ Star Tribune Editorial Board."Surgery for HCMC;Preserving a fine hospital", Star-Tribune , 2004-12-13. Retrieved on 2009-6-5.
  14. ↑ Hayes, Tom."First hospital board named for Hennepin County Medical Center" 2009-7-10. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  15. ↑ "Surgery for HCMC;Preserving a fine hospital", Star-Tribune , 2004-12-13. Retrieved on 2009-6-5.
  16. 1 2 "2009 State of the County" [ permanent dead link ], Hennepin County , 2009-4-23. Retrieved on 2009-5-13.
  17. ↑ "About Hennepin County Medical Center" Archived 2009-05-03 at the Wayback Machine . Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  18. ↑ Geiger, Bob. "Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson takes his budget scrutiny online" [ permanent dead link ], Finance and Commerce , 2009-6-2. Retrieved on 2009-6-5.
  19. ↑ Smetanka, Mary Jane. "New Member Skewers Hennepin County Board", Star Tribune , 2009-6-4. Retrieved on 2009-6-5.
  20. ↑ "NW Hennepin Teen Parent Fact Sheet - 2007" [ permanent dead link ], Hennepin County, Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  21. ↑ "MOAPPP Annual Awards", Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  22. ↑ "Mike Opat Profile" Archived 2009-09-27 at the Wayback Machine , Midtown Community Works , 2002-4-2. Retrieved on 2009-5-13.
  23. ↑ "Bottineau Transitway", 2008. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  24. ↑ "Why is Transitway Needed?", 2008. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  25. ↑ "Bottineau Boulevard Busway" Archived 2008-05-13 at the Wayback Machine , 2008. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  26. ↑ "2030 Transportation Policy Plan". Metropolitan Council. 2004-12-15. Archived from the original on 2008-05-07. Retrieved 2008-04-17.
  27. ↑ "Task Force" [ permanent dead link ], 2009-07-13
  28. ↑ "Annual Capital Budget" [ permanent dead link ] Retrieved on 2009-29-4.
  29. ↑ Pawlenty, Tim."Legislation for 2009" Archived 2009-05-18 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 2009-30-5.
  30. 1 2 "Humboldt Greenway History" Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  31. ↑ "Questions for Mike Opat", mpls. 2002-9-28. Retrieved on 2009-4-8
  32. ↑ "Humboldt Greenway History" Retrieved on 2009-4-4.
  33. ↑ "Humboldt Greenway" [ permanent dead link ], Hennepin County, Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  34. ↑ "Shingle Creek Commons" [ permanent dead link ] Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  35. ↑ "Kingsley Commons" Archived 2009-08-17 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 2009-8-4.
  36. ↑ Brandt, Steve. "Now on County Board, former corrections officer wants to help workhouse", Star Tribune , 1993-12-20. Retrieved on 2009-4-9.
  37. ↑ "Productive Day' Ahead for Hennepin County Inmates" Archived 2007-10-24 at the Wayback Machine , Hennepin County Press Release, Retrieved on 2009-5-4.
  38. ↑ Powell, Joe. "Opat fends off attack by two carjackers" Archived 2008-10-11 at the Wayback Machine , Star Tribune , 2007-11-28. Retrieved on 2009-6-7.
  39. 1 2 3 4 Kimball, Joe."Opat's State of Hennepin County Speech...", MinnPost , 2009-4-24. Retrieved on 2009-4-24.
  40. ↑ Williams, Brandt (23 August 2006). "Twins stadium opponents haven't given up yet".
  41. ↑ Brunswick, Mark. "Johnson emerges as chairman after Hennepin County Board squabble", Star-Tribune , 1999-6-1. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  42. ↑ Brunswick, Mark. "Opat Unseats Johnson to Lead Hennepin County Board", Star-Tribune , 2001-1-3. Retrieved on 2009-1-4.
  43. 1 2 Falldin, Brian "What we missed" Archived 2011-06-10 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 2009-29-4.
  44. ↑ Pratt, Anna. "Measuring Water Quality in Minneapolis, St. Paul Lakes", Twin Cities Daily Planet , 2007-6-28. Retrieved on 2009-4-24.
  45. ↑ "Defamation suit against 2 Hennepin Co. commissioners revived". Star Tribune .
  46. ↑ http://mn.gov/lawlib/archive/ctapun/2014/opa131014-020314.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  47. ↑ http://mn.gov/lawlib//archive/supct/2014/pfr04-15-2014.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
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Mike Opat
Commissioner Mike Opat.jpg
Member of the
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
from the 1st district
Assumed office
January 3, 1993 (1993-Jan-03)