“At times, Eden Prairie makes me contemplate the chicken and the egg,” said Mayor Ron Case. “Did our community become great because it attracts quality residents? Or do we solely have quality residents to thank for our great community?
“If our own city government provides an answer to these questions, then it’s ‘Both.’ We owe the prestige of serving on City Council to the tremendous efforts of all those who served before us – but it’s largely because the Council attracts such amazing talent that Eden Prairie grows better and better.
“All conundrums aside, I couldn’t be more delighted by the way things are. Our town is locked in a virtuous cycle. It benefits everyone who lives and works here, and it’s why I feel the greatest imaginable sense of pride to hold this fine office.
“According to our own recent survey, our city government’s approval ratings are higher than 90 percent for all categories assessed by the community. Our scores are among the highest in the nation because we never lose sight of our first and only objective: to genuinely represent the good people who elected us.
“Public safety, public works, parks, and public policy. These are the ‘Four Ps’ city government should exist for, and our sole focus.
“Public safety is our greatest priority, and accordingly receives the largest part of our budget. It’s not enough to promise our residents a safe community. We are obligated to create one, and so I thank our dutiful police officers and firefighters who have made peace of mind Eden Prairie’s status quo.
“Public works encompass the street, water, sewer and drainage infrastructure which makes civic life possible throughout our 36 square miles. I applaud all our Council Members’ careful planning and budgeting. But in truth, they only deserve a fraction of the credit. Eden Prairie could not boast of having the clearest roads, the cleanest water, and the most sanitary living conditions without the superlative work of our Engineering, Environmental Services, Fleet Services, Streets Maintenance and Utilities divisions.
“Parks are an easily overlooked yet truly indispensable amenity. They keep residents healthy, entertained, and connected to nature – and Eden Prairie’s outdoors are far too beautiful to go uncelebrated. The next time you’re going on a scenic picnic, enjoying our town’s Fourth of July fireworks, or watching your kids frolic in a local playground, join me in expressing gratitude to our Parks and Natural Resources division. The number and quality of our parks are second to none thanks to all their hard work.
“Finally, there is public policy: the rules and laws that help us all get along. We do have a healthy mix of political perspectives here in city hall, but they’re all in service of prioritizing what’s best for Eden Prairie. We’re compelled to make the most efficient use of our taxpayers’ money, create a citywide workplace where every public servant feels valued and respected, and give all due support to Eden Prairie Schools, the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and every other organization that serves our city so admirably.
“I owe my greatest thanks to the residents of Eden Prairie, who have placed their trust in me to represent their city and lead it to an exciting future. If I can lay claim to any achievements during my tenure as mayor, it is only because of the outstanding community I have been given the honor of serving. You haven’t just helped to build that community. You are that community. When future generations guide Eden Prairie to even greater heights, they will do so while standing on your shoulders.”