Contact Phone
612-386-0263
As a former colleague on the Orono School Board put it, there are times when a community need and a candidate match up perfectly. Right now, Orono needs the kind of positive, ethical leadership I can provide, that respectfully listens to all citizens and makes data-driven decisions. As a business lawyer in my 37th year of practice with a finance background, and decades of experience on public and nonprofit boards, I can move quickly to get our city government back on a fiscally responsible path, and out of the embarrassing headlines and unnecessary lawsuits. After 27 years of active participation in our community, I am prepared to use my experience and my commitment to good governance to make Orono a city we can be proud to call home.
(1) Regain the trust of Orono citizens and neighboring communities by treating everyone with the respect and civility they deserve
(2) Restore fiscal responsibility – under the current mayor, taxes have increased 80%, debt has doubled unnecessarily and will require payments, including interest, for decades
(3) Ensure our community receives the EMS, fire and police service needed to protect lives, homes and businesses, while controlling costs and maintaining positive relations with our neighbors
As Mayor of Orono, I would ensure that all actions of the council and commissions are completely transparent and open to the community. City processes should be clear and questions about our process should be welcomed. As Orono School Board Chair for 7 years, I am well-versed in open meeting laws and would strictly observe them, ensuring that no backroom deals or discussions happen in violation of those laws. I would also ensure that city regulations are applied without bias or undue influence.
I will actively seek community input in all decision-making, ensuring citizens are heard before votes are cast. That means holding town halls where appropriate, moving public comment back to the beginning of council meetings, never including significant actions in consent agenda votes, and welcoming comments that may challenge council’s thinking. Once major decisions are made, the public must be regularly updated because ongoing communication is an integral part of positive community relations.
Providing effective police, EMS and fire service is one of the most important responsibilities of city government. Decisions about these essential services should be based on best practices, analysis, cost effectiveness and industry trends. Data-driven options must be considered when making change. I will take a fresh look at fire services, including response, staffing, cost and collaboration. It is possible to protect residents while also strengthening relationships with our neighboring cities.
Contact Phone
612-414-5055
Orono is a wonderful community & I seek re-election to keep Orono the great community it is. Over the last 8 years we have worked diligently to bring great long term decision making to Orono from budgeting to public works & taking care of our 1st responders in Police & Fire with best practices and complete support for everything that they do. Orono is now the model for all other cities to aspire to in leadership & best practices and we will continue that over the next 4 years with your vote.
I brought fiscal sanity to Orono after starting with no roads budget, no parks budget & no money for the failing infrastructure. Orono is now fully funded for all its operations without ever raising our tax rate over 8 yrs
ORONO PROUD ORONO STRONG
Public safety is always #1. I have made sure that our 1st responders have what they need using best practices to fund & 100% support to ensure we are safe. Without a safe community you have nothing.
Keeping our low tax rate was a promise 8 years ago & that promise has been kept with fully funding all the city budgets.
Keeping the Orono way of life is vital. Good roads, low density, community events and a great City Hall staff to help with getting citizen initiatives accomplished.
Orono has a long deep history with its rural setting, windy roads, lake enjoyment & very laid back atmosphere. I pledged to keep it that way 8 years ago & we have delivered on that promise to keep the Orono way of life. I also promised to bring fiscal responsibility to Orono after starting with no roads budget, no parks budget & no money for the failing infrastructure. Orono is now fully funded for all its operations without ever raising our tax rate, which is the 5 lowest in Hennepin County.
I have always been available to residents any time to meet at their property or for coffee to discuss any issues that have. I have also established Coffee with the Mayor, Community events where the City Council is present & staff is available to always chat. I made sure 8 years ago that all of our city meetings were video taped so anyone could watch live or watch later to understand what the city was making decisions about. With a small community I am always available. ORONO PROUD ORONO STRONG
I have always had a great relationship with our Fire Dept. & our Police Dept. Both know that they are 100% supported & it shows as we are 100% fully staffed. We do the policing for 3 other cities & we are the model for community safety. Our Fire & Police all have best practices & they are fully funded for everything they need to keep us safe in this ever changing environment. Under my leadership the support for Police & Fire will be unwavering.
ORONO PROUD ORONO STRONG
