Mayor’s Minutes: Golden Valley’s Shep Harris Bids Farewell
Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris stopped by CCX Media to meet with host Dave Kiser for his final Mayor’s Minutes segment before he leaves office in January. Mayor-Elect Roslyn Harmon won election last month by just 26 votes.
Outgoing Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris talks with CCX Media.
Harris offered updates on the passage of the sales tax referendum, expected to garner more than $100 million over 30 years for a new public safety and a new public works facility in the city. He also said the city hopes to secure more money for a new fire station in the coming legislative session in St. Paul. The city did receive some bonding money last session to help pay for site acquisition and design.
“We’ve had a couple of visits from legislative committees looking at (potential sites), so the goal next session is to ask for the actual money for the building of the fire station,” he said.
Another big project that’s coming to a conclusion is the months-long reconstruction of the Douglas Drive and Highway 55 intersection, including a pedestrian tunnel for safer crossing.
Harris said it’s expected to re-open in December.
“It’s coming into focus. It’s beautiful looking, you can see the pedestrian tunnel,” he told Kiser.
Finally, he reflected on his 12 years as mayor of Golden Valley, which saw a presidential visit by Barack Obama in 2012, the opening of the Brookview Golf Club and Community Center in 2019, and progress on equity, inclusion, and affordable housing in the city.
“It’s been a fantastic experience, and I am so humbled by the trust and faith the community has put in me,” said Harris.
