For only the second time in almost two decades, Brainerd Mayor James Wallin used his veto. Last Thursday Mayor Wallin vetoed two ordinances that would allow food trucks in to the city parks. It also wouldn’t allow them to serve food within 300 feet of any restaurant or bar that serves food. Mayor Wallin used his veto because of the City Council’s process, rather than against the food trucks.

We contacted members of city council, although no one was willing to give an on camera response, one of them gave this comment:

“I honor the Mayor’s decision to veto, and will respect his desire to shield existing restaurants from this seemingly unfair competition, but sooner or later, there will be enough citizen voices heard who want more choices in their meals.”

The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department has concerns about competition between food trucks and their concession stands. And they say, the City Council went beyond their jurisdiction.

City Council will meet again Monday and can overturn the mayor’s veto with a five to two vote. The first ordinance passed with that mark the first time around, while the second passed unanimously.

By — Justin Prince

Sports Director in Bemidji