RAMSEY: This evening's opening of the regular council meeting. The mayor used the word "hope" regarding his Town Center rehab efforts, and declined to answer Margaret Connolly's question.

Margaret asked if there was a limit to how much would be spent before deciding enough is enough. Not those exact words, but that's the basic question. He said they'd spend their way to success. No other council members wanted to touch that third rail consideration. The mayor said there are multiple exit strategies under consideration. Matt Look used the "Vietnam" exit strategy. He called it a success and got out of there before the test of time.

Bruce Nedegaard had hope. He was reported in 2003 in Strib as hoping to build "a billion-dollar urban village." He also had his exit. I doubt it was a "strategy."

_______________UPDATE_______________
Curiously, all the folks at the council table, the wing men and women included, denied that Ryan Cronk works for Flaherty & Collins. Ryan Cronk says otherwise:

I guess the city of Ramsey people having their story to tell know more about Cronk than Cronk knows about Cronk. But - does that mean they are characterizing Cronk as one spreading falsehoods? About who he is and who he represents? Cronk?

Wow, if he spreads falsehoods about something as clear and basic as the boss who calls his shots, the Ramsey contingent better watch out! How can you trust a guy like that in advising you?