AL GORACKE

Everyone who lives in Blaine is affected by Highway 65. Our roads throughout the city experience extra “wear and tear” from people trying to avoid it. This creates unnecessary traffic on side streets as people try to avoid Highway 65. When citizens must travel on Highway 65, they experience traffic that is congested and unsafe. 

The two-lane system of Highway 65 was originally created for a population that was much smaller than what exists today. Do you ever question why Blaine cannot attract some businesses/restaurants?

This affects businesses who have choice to come to Blaine or go to another city with a highway system that is safer and more practical in design. 

While many things have changed & improved in our city in the 31 years I have lived here, one thing remains the same…Highway 65. Many of our intersections and the general two-lane construction are not practical or safe anymore. Some estimates predict that it will take $160 million to redevelop 65 in a strategic and safe way. I believe the city can benefit from my expertise as an entrepreneur, business owner/leader, humanitarian, communicator, and resourcing specialist to get Highway 65 fixed!

We need development that will enhance the totality of our city’s culture and the quality of life for our citizens. We are at a time in our “city’s build out” where we can be more selective and creative in the future development of the city.  Plans have been discussed about the development of a possible “downtown” 105th Avenue area and a redevelopment of the Northtown area. These areas, if developed and redeveloped properly with an innovative plan, can be a “game changer” for Blaine. We can become an inspiring place to live, visit & do business in.

We need leaders who are advocates, lobbyists and who are loyal to the best interests of Blaine. 

One of the things that I have observed is that when organizations, businesses or cities grow larger, there is a natural tendency for the people to desire connectedness and to maintain a “small community feeling.”

Blaine’s population is over 70,000 today. Some estimates predict that when the city is 100% “built out” that our population will be near 100,000. This will place Blaine in the top 5 of the largest population cities in Minnesota.

One of the things that the pandemic has taught us is that we need one another. We need community and connection. The city has done a fine job utilizing social media and printed media to keep us connected but we need even more tools & avenues to draw us together. We need more opportunities/attractions for people to gather. Our focus needs to be on the totality of the city in creating gathering spaces rather than just specific newer areas of Blaine

These 3 priorities need leadership that can attain resources and accomplish these goals!