June 10, 2019

Mayor Melvin Carter

390 City Hall
15 Kellog Blvd. West
Saint Paul, MN 55102

via electronic delivery

Dear Mayor Carter,

As you know, a Ramsey County District Court judge recently ordered that Referendum of Ordinance
18-39 be placed on the General Election ballot, and suspended Ordinance 18-39 effective June 30,
2019. We were pleased that the judge recognized the simple reality that St. Paul residents have a
right under our city charter to petition and put measures on the ballot.
Before the city continues to expend taxpayer resources on a court appeal, we respectfully
request that you hold one or more town hall meetings to determine if this is the best course
of action, and one that is supported by your constituents.
You stated in your recent Pioneer Press opinion piece: “let’s engage in an honest conversation about
what we intend to improve, and build something even better, together” and “we can work
cooperatively through honest, respectful conversations to make our system — and our city — work
even better.” Meeting with citizens on both sides of the issue before moving forward is an
opportunity to put those words into action.
It is frustrating that at every turn the city has sought to quash this democratic process. All we are
asking is the opportunity to vote, and let our elected officials know how we feel about this program
that has been imposed on us to the detriment of citizens of the city who consciously avoid creating
garbage, renters in multi-unit dwellings, and low-income residents feeling the effect of rising trash
costs.
It is imperative that you solicit feedback from your constituents prior to filing the appeal. We look
forward to your office scheduling town hall meetings and look forward to speaking with you about
the need to allow the referendum to move forward in the coming weeks and days.
Respectfully,
Dr. Kristin Becker Tim Morehead
St. Paul CARTless Founder & Zerowaster St. Paul Resident, Zerowaster, Member of St.
Quaker EarthCare Witness Representative Paul CARTless

Alisa Lein Grace Kelly

St. Paul Resident & Multifamily Property St. Paul Resident, DFL Activist
Manager
Andrew Wagner
Elizabeth Dickinson St. Paul Resident, Renter, Vice Chair of Senate
St. Paul Resident, Small Landlord Committed District 65 GOP
to Maintaining Affordable Housing