Setting the stage for better local governance

 (Editor’s note: Beginning this month, Commissioner Randy Maluchnik will be a regular contributor and provide Victoria residents with an update on Carver County issues relevant to them. His column will appear in the Victoria Town Square pages on the second Thursday of each month.) 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Carver County Third District, which includes the City of Victoria, for their frank and honest comments regarding Carver County government.  It is important to seek out and receive your constituents concerns to make government by the people, to work for the people.  The three current topics I will tell you about include: the Association of Carver County Elected Leaders, the Andrew Peterson Farm and the Victoria Expo.

Randy Maluchnik

Commissioner-District 3

Association of Carver County Elected Leaders

The Carver County Elected Leaders Program originally started through a partnership between Carver County and Ridgeview Medical Center.  It has been facilitated by the University of Minnesota’s Extension Service with the focus being on leadership development.   Over the past year discussions have occurred between Carver County and the program design team to review and revitalize the program.   The County sees the value in the leadership development component but also would like to use the group as a vehicle for more collaboration. 

The new name being proposed for the Carver County program is the ‘Association of Carver County Elected Leaders’ or ACCEL. Members of the Association may include officials from the county and the cities, townships and school districts located within Carver County.  If accepted, the Association could form a partnership of governing units in Carver County to support greater efficiencies and leadership in public service through enhanced communication, collaboration of services and sharing of resources.  Leadership Development will also continue to be a program objective. Scott County currently has a program called SCALE that has successfully implemented many collaborative efforts.  Later this month, elected officials along with their chief administrators will meet to consider the proposed changes to the program.  Andrew Peterson FarmAndrew Peterson was a Swedish immigrant who was known by his contemporaries for his experimentation with Russian varieties of apples. He was an important contributor to the establishment of Minnesota's apple industry. But what he is best known for historically are his diaries which span nearly 50 years.  These diaries served as an important resource for famous Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg while he did research for his classic series “The Emigrants.”The Peterson farm currently sits near the City of Victoria.  The farm is a piece of history that should not be forgotten as development nears.  I am committed to the future preservation of the farm and encourage my fellow city and county leaders to do the same as we plan for future growth. Victoria Expo

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce will hold its third annual Victoria Community Expo.  The expo runs from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. in the Victoria Fieldhouse.  This is a great opportunity to see what local businesses have to offer and meet your neighbors.  Stop by my booth to learn more about Carver County and sign up to win a rain barrel.