A Chat With County Commissioner Jan Callison

Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison—whose district includes Hopkins—wants people to learn more about Hennepin County and county government. Hopkins Patch had an opportunity to sit down with her recently.

Hopkins Patch: What district do you serve and how many years have you been on the County Board?

Jan Callison: I represent the Sixth District (there are seven districts in total) and I was elected in 2008 to a four-year term.

Hopkins Patch: What communities besides Hopkins make up the 6th District?

Callison: Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Wayzata, and Woodland.

Hopkins Patch: You are personally committed to making people more aware of county government. Do you think the awareness level needs to be improved?

Callison: Yes, we as commissioners need to familiarize the citizens as to the role and importance of county government. Most people see their local government in action—police patrolling their streets, snowplowing in the winter—everyday occurrences. They don’t see the sheriff’s patrol as much and the only streets we plow are county roads. Yet, we play an important role in most people’s lives with things like the county library system and HCMC (Hennepin County Medical Center).

Hopkins Patch: You are starting something called the Citizen’s Academy. What is that?

Callison: It will begin this fall and consists of six, one-hour sessions with each session devoted to a specific aspect of county government and service. One session could be on healthcare delivery, another on emergency response and public safety.

Hopkins Patch: Are you concerned about state funding for Hennepin county in light of the fact no budget agreement has been reached between the legislature and Gov. (Mark) Dayton?

Callison: Of course. At the same time, however, we don’t know the specifics as to how much we and other counties will be cut. For instance, in the case of HCMC, we do know the cuts in state aid will probably range from $25 million to $80 million depending on which of the three recommended budgets (Dayton, the state House and the state Senate) you look at.

Hopkins Patch: What happens to Hennepin County if there is a state government shutdown?

Callison: The effect would vary because not all of our programs rely on state aid. During the 2005 shutdown, the courts ruled some programs funded in part by state aid were mandatory and the county was paid.

Hopkins Patch: What is the status of the Southwest Light Rail project insofar as the state contribution this year?

Callison: There is no question that the project is more challenged that it was a year ago. The state contributes 10 percent with the federal government, local and county revenue sources contributing to the other 90 percent. Again, we won’t really know anything until a final budget is agreed to.

Hopkins Patch: You have had a lot of experience in elected government. You were on the Minnetonka City Council for 15 years—the last three as mayor—before being elected to the County Board. Are you enjoying your present position and do you plan to seek re-election in 2012?

Callison: I enjoy it very much. It is challenging, but also very rewarding. Yes, I plan to seek re-election.

To contact commissioner Callison and learn more about Hennepin county, visit www.co.hennepin.mn.us.