Chris Coleman in 2010-2020 Mayor's Press Releases

On Tax Reform: Raise property tax to meet budget shortfall, but not 9%

My 2017 budget proposal already includes more than $1 million in across the board cuts as part of the solution to an $11 million budget shortfall for 2017--much of which was caused by either inflationary pressures or continued underfunding by the state. My budget, for example, brings the sworn complement in our Police Department to an historic high of 620, up from 576 when I took office.

The Council majority voted yesterday for a maximum property tax levy increase of nearly 9%. I vehemently oppose this. The $3 million gap caused by the State's inaction is already a tough pill for property taxpayers to swallow. Going above my budget's amount is misguided.

On Gun Control: Get guns off the street; redirect youth onto positive paths

1. increasing the overtime budget for officers through the summer
2. adding five additional sworn officers to the department, bringing the total force to a historic 620
3. and committing to permanent funding for the Community Ambassador Program.

On Civil Rights: Marriage equality required decades of fearlessness

"Just two years ago, rainbow flags flew over Saint Paul's Wabasha Street Bridge, spanning the mighty Mississippi River. Marriage equality had become law in our state. It required decades of fearlessness, hard work and faith on the part of millions of individuals across our state to reach that milestone. Today's ruling by the High Court means love is now the law across our nation--and I have never been more convinced that we are at our best as a city, state and nation than when we reach for and achieve equality."