New tax fighting group Watchdog group forms

New tax fighting group
Watchdog group forms

ROCHESTER, MN, Jan. 14 - A local group is spearheading an effort lookout for your taxes. What started out as a group contesting the passing of the Rochester School District levy referendum--has turned into something a little more as some of its members are steeping a new cup of TEA. NewsCenter's Gandice Grossklaus filed this report.

     The group formerly known as "Rochester Recount" has morphed into a group called "Taxation and Education Accountability of Minnesota, or TEA of MN for short.
          It's a group of like-minded people whose grass roots efforts are to break away from what they say is domination of our local boards in Rochester.
          "There were a significant number of people who voted no and so we want to make sure we meet their concerns as well. And we want to do exactly what we said we'd do," explained Chris Miksanek, from TEA of MN.
          And that's exactly what TEA of Minnesota will be looking for, except they've added a few more crumpets to their plate.
          "Any organization that taxes us that has a board that represents us, we want to make sure they do represent us.  It would be nice to see a broad spectrum of people on that board that represented the community for instance," explained Miksanek.
          It's a grass-roots effort into bagging what they call traditional governing and adding a new flavor to the table.
          "We are a brand new organization that is set up to look for accountability in all local government.
          Because aside from policing city, county and school boards' decisions on how they're spending your tax dollars--the group is also seeking representation on these panels. In fact, TEA-member Chris Miksanek is planning to run as a candidate for one of the Rochester School Board seats, which is up for re-election this year.
          "It really comes down to half of the people that voted against it, I think this is a symbol that half the people are not on the side of the school board. So it a good opportunity for a little change in the board leadership," stated Miksanek.
          The group's next meeting is scheduled for February 11th.  At which time they plan to be a little more structured with the official naming of a leader, and co-leader.