DAC: Special Service Charges, Gunfire, and Voter Confusion - What’s Really Going On?

Welcome back to Da Urban Conservative, where we cut through the noise and bring you the real stories affecting our communities. Today, we’ve got some hot topics, and we’re not holding back.
First, let’s talk about what’s brewing in downtown Rochester. Rick Mattson of RJMJ Properties LLC has made a bold move, asking the city council to release his property at 620 First Ave. SW from the Downtown Special Service District. This district is designed to enhance services and keep the downtown area looking fresh, but Mattson says, “Not my business.” He runs a NAPA Auto Parts out of this building, which focuses mainly on wholesale distribution to repair shops, not foot traffic or retail. He’s arguing that he’s not getting the benefits of the service, so why should he be stuck with the bill?
But here’s the kicker—the city is planning to up the charges by 4%, pushing the total collection from $379,273 to $394,256. And while some property owners might shrug off that increase, it hits small businesses hard. Is this just another case of the little guy getting squeezed while big developers play ball?
While the City Council approved the district for another 10 years, Rick’s pushback raises an important question: Are all these “special services” really necessary for businesses like his? Should the city be more flexible in applying these charges, or is it all about paying for the greater good of downtown? We’ll be watching what the council decides this Monday.
But let’s shift gears to Minneapolis, where things are heating up—literally. Gunfire startled families in the early hours of Sunday morning around the 3300 block of Lake Street. This is just the latest in two months of escalating chaos in the area. We’ve seen it before in Rochester with the 4S crew, where gun violence and underage drinking aren’t being treated seriously enough. How many more “close calls” do neighborhoods like this have to endure before real action is taken? The police are reactive, but where’s the proactive effort to prevent this kind of chaos from taking root?
It’s not just about the bullets flying. It’s about the lives impacted, the families waking up at 3 a.m. to the sound of gunshots, wondering if they’ll be the next headline. It’s about the ripple effect on a community’s sense of safety. If our leaders aren’t willing to address this head-on, then who will?
Finally, we’re getting into the real nitty-gritty of what’s going down with Minnesota’s ballot measures. Alpha News broke a story about an upcoming vote on changes to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and it looks like voters are in for a surprise. Critics are saying the language in the amendment is vague, hiding some big changes in how lottery money will be spent. The concern is that voters won’t even realize what they’re agreeing to, and the consequences could affect how funds are allocated for environmental projects. It’s a classic case of “what they don’t tell you is what matters most.”
This brings us to a key point—voter awareness. Whether you’re deciding on special service districts or funding for environmental protection, the devil is always in the details. Don’t just rely on the headlines; dig deeper. It’s up to us to stay informed and question what’s being put in front of us. Are we making decisions that serve the people or just keeping the machine rolling?
Before we wrap, let’s talk about the first-ever “Cooning Ain’t Cool” Hall of Shame Awards. That’s right, we’re calling out the sellouts and the self-serving individuals who keep selling our communities down the river. This year’s nominations include politicians, business leaders, and influencers who have done more harm than good. We’ll be announcing the winners soon, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
So, what do all these stories have in common? They highlight the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity in our communities. Whether it’s about special charges downtown, escalating gun violence, or voting on issues that affect our environment, the question we need to keep asking is: Who’s really benefiting from these decisions?
Stay woke, stay informed, and as always, stay tuned to Da Urban Conservative. We’re just getting started.