I am writing to ask you to please oppose and vote NO on HF 3256 and SF 3259, bills which among other things, would prohibit local governments from adopting design standards for residential dwellings.

These bills would take away local control from residents, civic leaders and local elected officials in my city and county and prohibit us from shaping our neighborhoods through residential design standards. Decisions regarding our neighborhoods should be made at the local level and not by state government leaders in St. Paul.

HF 3256 and SF 3259 are power grabs by national special interest groups and would result in homes in my community being built at the bare minimum state standards and without input from the local community. The elimination of local control being pursued by these groups would result in a loss of property values, decreased public safety and a lower quality of life for members of our community. It will also have a negative effect on our local economy and small businesses.

HF 3256 and SF 3259 would take away our rights to work with local elected leaders to tackle issues specific to our community and to build a sustainable and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

Vote for local control. Vote No on HF 3256 and SF 3259.

Thank you for your time and consideration.