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John Gunyou

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

OPINION: Spring Transitions at Three Rivers

‘Spring is a busy, exciting time at Three Rivers,’ Board Chairman John Gunyou says.

  Editor’s Note: The following guest column comes from John Gunyou, chairman of the Three Rivers Park District Board.    With ice-out in the pond behind our home, it appears that spring has finally arrived this year. Opinions vary about the sure signs of spring. For some, it’s the return of bird songs to greet the dawn. For my wife Kim, the transition has something to do with clothing colors and fabrics; a seasonal rite I have never fully grasped. For me, the sure sign of spring is when the snow pile meringues give up their hidden treasures. I have lately been finding all sorts of surprises in my yard, and not just the early crocuses. I am discovering tools I forgot I ever owned. I’m not sure what it is about spring that prompts such a …

Friday, January 11, 2013

Met Council Appoints John Gunyou to Transportation Board

The Three Rivers Park District Commissioner will represent Carver and Scott counties, as well as a portion of Hennepin.

The following was released by the Metropolitan Council: John Gunyou, the Three Rivers Park District Commissioner in District 4, has been appointed to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). The Metropolitan Council has approved two new appointments: Gunyou and Brooklyn Park businessman Anani d’Almeida.  The TAB advises the Council on transportation planning issues and adopts the program of local transportation projects in the region to receive federal funding.  It helps ensure coordination and cooperation among the many agencies and local units of government responsible for transportation planning and encourages citizen participation to help meet the transportation needs of the metro area. Gunyou, TAB District B, represents Carver and …

Friday, December 7, 2012

Letter: John Gunyou Sets Priorities for Park District

"Three Rivers faces growing and changing service demands, with a limited capacity to meet those expectations. We need a sustainable financing strategy."

To the editor: As your newly elected Three Rivers Park Commissioner, I want to thank you all for entrusting me with the responsibility to represent you. I am both humbled and honored to be given that opportunity. I will take office on January 17, and thought it important that I share my priorities for the next two years as your representative: First and foremost, I will work collaboratively to get things done for you. As one of five new faces on our seven member board, I will respect the opinions of my fellow commissioners. I will also work to strengthen relationships with our state, local and private partners for the benefit of you, our shared constituents. Among all the campaign signs that recently littered our landscape, I will always …

Marilyn Clinton

11:13 am on Friday, December 7, 2012

Thank you for the informative letter, John. I was delighted to hear that you were running and equally delighted to learn that you were elected. We have a treasure in our Three Rivers Park District that must be saved/protected for future generations; and, only people like you will ensure that happens. Warm regards, Marilyn Clinton   more ›

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Retired Police Chief Backs John Gunyou for Park Commissioner

Gunyou is one of two candidates running for the position.

  Editor’s Note: The following letter to the editor was submitted by Joy Rikala, retired Minnetonka police chief.   I have just finished my Saturday morning long run around Medicine Lake, through French Lake Park and the Three Rivers trails.  I was pleased to see bikers, roller bladers, kayakers, sailors, walkers, and participants in a 5k Lupus walk all enjoying this beautiful park so early on a sunny September morning.  It served as a unceasing reminder of how blessed we are to have the resources of the Three Rivers Parks to enjoy, and the need to continue their maintenance and enhancement in the forward years.  For this reason, I am supporting John Gunyou as Three River’s Park District Board 4 Commissioner.  I was fortunate to serve …

Minnetonka City Councilman Endorses John Gunyou for Park Commissioner

Gunyou is one of two candidates running for the position.

  Editor’s Note: The following letter to the editor was submitted by Minnetonka City Councilman Dick Allendorf.   I wholeheartedly endorse John Gunyou for Three Rivers Park Commissioner. I have first hand knowledge of John’s forward thinking, financially responsible leadership when he was City Manager in Minnetonka. John foresaw the financial crisis which was bearing down on all of us well before the crisis began. He devised and implemented a plan to realign department functions within the City, share expenses with other government entities where appropriate, and bring expenses in line with projected revenues. It is due to his foresight that our citizens weren’t faced with either reduced City services or inordinately large tax increases …

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Letter: Vote Leigh Harrod for Three Rivers Park District

"As a knowledgeable and experienced natural resource manager, Leigh Harrod is clearly the most qualified to be elected to the board of Three Rivers Park District 4."

To the Editor: Many people may not take the time to look into or compare the two candidates for Park Commissioner for Three Rivers Park District, but they do so at the peril of their parks.  Just compare the two, and take a good look at the website of Leigh Harrod, www.harrod4parks.com She is amazing, having spent a lifetime working with natural resources. She did not just become a recent convert to the environmental cause so she could run for this office. Her opponent is a former government employee seeking big name endorsements and donations from others to finance his political campaign. Leigh Harrod will not do so, and she remains independent in her grass roots effort.  First, as a knowledgeable and experienced natural resource manager…

Sunday, August 19, 2012

John Gunyou, Candidate for Three Rivers Park Commissioner District 4

Recently retiring as city manager of Minnetonka, Gunyou says he's running for Park Commissioner because natural areas have always been important in his life.

Name: Mr. John Gunyou Age: 64 Place of residence: Minnetonka, MN Attended college: Yes College: US Air Force Academy Degree: B.S. Economics Year of graduation: 1970 University: Univeristy of California (UCLA) & University of Colorado Degree: M.A. Economics & M.P.A. Finance Year of graduation: 1972 & 1976 Has served in the military: Yes Rank: First Lieutenant Date when discharged from duty: 28 February 1972 Job titles held: Minnetonka city manager, Minnesota finance commissioner, MPR executive, internet company president, teacher and economic consultant. Employers: City of Minnetonka, State of Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, Onvoy, BBC Consulting, Universities of Minnesota, Hamline & St. Thomas Party affiliation: Independent Running for …

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