Mayor proud of Waldorf’s progress

On Monday evening Waldorf Mayor Rob Wilkening delivered a “state of the city address” to a packed community room of nearly a 100 area residents. He highlighted areas of growth within the city. 

Number one on his list were $15 million worth of repairs to the city’s water treatment plant and streets completed over the past three years. 

“It was marvelous,” Wilkening raved. “We did it with no tax assessments and property values went up significantly. Together we accomplished some amazing things.” 

Wilkening told those in attendance that he had received a call from state representative Peggy Bennett, about an hour before the meeting. Bennett confirmed that she had introduced a $2.8 million bonding bill needed for phase 2 of the city’s infrastructure project. The other half of the money for the 10 proposed improvements in phase 2 would come from a federal government program. 

On the heels of the water/sewer and street upgrades, next steps include additional street projects: First and Second Streets, Middle Avenue, Raymond Ave., Service Road, Railway St., and the road past the South-End Bar and Grill. Also included are improvements to the city parking lot, a city park, and some development along School Street West. 

Wilkening went on to praise Waldorf’s new Economic Development Authority, which was organized last year. 

A new Veterans Memorial Park project is set to be announced during next Monday’s regular meeting of the council. 

Wilkening also reported that he has been tapped to replace former Waseca Mayor Roy Srp as a Region 9 commissioner– something he wasn’t expecting and finds to be an “incredible honor.”

“Networking, networking, networking,” Mayor Wilkening stressed.

Wilkening talked about the importance of fiscal responsibility: “We might love to spend, spend, spend,” Wilkening joked. “But we don’t always have, have, have. It’s the tax dollars that are important and not to waste them.”

“There are so many tax programs that we are not using,” Wilkening continued. “It’s time for us to get our tax money back. We’re a town that needs it. We need investment spending. Otherwise we’re dying and it’s sad to see that.”

Wilkening concluded by mentioning the local fire department and the town’s “Petal Pusher” gardening club as two local highlights. The shout-outs were met with a round of enthusiastic applause. “Waldorf, you guys are fantastic. A bunch of loving people who love your neighbors. We help each other out. I applaud all of you for being one of the friendliest towns in America. As Walt Disney said, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’”