Councilwoman Dr. Carol Berz told the Brainerd Kiwanis Club, "'Transparency' is a hackneyed word, but I really believe in it."
She said of the city government, "We're really trying to be totally accountable...You can go online and see the city budget. It's all information that before was behind closed doors."
Of her six years representing the sixth district, Dr. Berz said she has loved serving the community. She said, "I think if you don't enjoy and have fun doing things then you shouldn't do them."
She said of the city council, "We're a very diverse council...The one thing we have in common is that we all respect one another."
Dr. Berz also told the club of many improvements in the works for the Brainerd area, including a walking park, sidewalks and protected bike lanes.
As a way to develop connectivity in the area, new businesses building on Brainerd Road also have to build a portion of sidewalk.
In addition to Ensemble Theater and Ripple Theater, Dr. Berz said they are considering creating a new theater out of the old Brainerd auditorium.
At the forefront of many of these developments is a nonprofit group called Grassroots Midtown. Started by members of the Chamber of Commerce, the organization is "pursuing becoming what developed into River City."
She said Grassroots Midtown was already using the model of River City Company to try to bring to midtown what River City brought to the downtown area.
She said, "We are going to retool this area."
Dr. Berz urged anyone with an interest to get involved. She said, "It's fun being involved. It's fun seeing things happen and it's fun seeing things happen because you were there."
She also encouraged residents of the district to speak out. She said, "None of this stuff could happen if it weren't for you guys saying what you wanted."