I am the only candidate in this race who has already served on the city council. I was elected to multiple terms and established a record of accomplishment, including significant eminent domain reforms and establishing accountability for decisions made by the council. During my tenure I emphasized the need to establish responsible policies regarding spending and taxation. I also served on multiple commissions related to public utilities, businesses, and other units of government and established a good working relationship with the people and agencies involved. As a former small business owner in New Brighton I have experienced firsthand the consequences, both good and bad, of actions taken by city government.
City spending inflation is ~$1 million/yr. Use a zero-based budget review reassessing expenditures. Replace 9-10% levy increases of property taxes with responsible management of taxpayer dollars.
Address public awareness and emphasize a return to Core Services and the elimination of unnecessary and divisive policies.
Address misguided rezoning that prioritizes multi-use housing over business/commercial. Collect
stakeholder views and take action. Consider Public Safety and financial consequences.
The best way to represent all members of our community is to emphasize what we all have in common rather than physical or cultural differences. All citizens need to live in a city that is clean, safe, affordable, and respectful of their property rights. Commissions and policies that that dabble in social engineering for political gain often have unintended consequences of creating an unhealthy “us against them” attitude within the community.
The best way to establish transparency and accountability is to return the council’s emphasis to core services driven by the wants and needs of the citizens rather than the singular ideology of the current council. Simple, honest, and straightforward actions and policies are inherently transparent and accountable. The council needs to adopt a policy of respectful consideration of all viewpoints in an open meeting environment televised on cable and/or the internet.
I bring significant and varied experiences to the position. I have served and chaired on the New Brighton Parks and Recreation Commission (13 yr). I currently serve and have chaired on the Planning Commission (8 yr). I have volunteered with the Mounds View School District from helping students in the classroom to Laurentian chaperone to a role as spokesperson for Neighbors United in the successful levy vote. I have engaged and listened to so many people on such a wide range of topics and that experience offers me a strong history and a ring side view of what is important to residents of New Brighton. I will tap into that knowledge and continue to bring that firsthand information to the table when making forward thinking decisions.
1. Understand, support and communicate the short and long term local housing challenges and help to create city policy, goals and vision.
2. Engage and encourage a strong and growing business community.
3. Enthusiastically partner with our schools, public safety and community organizations.
Encourage open door meeting policies, introduce mobile meeting opportunities, meet residents where they live, work and play. Create communication portals that serve non-english speaking or ESL residents. Find key trusted partners in various segments of our community and meet regularily.....most importantly LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND!
More communication on varied platforms. Go to the people...meet people where they are at. Instead of always having meetings in the same place, lets try to be more mobile. Meet at the park buildings, community center, public safety center, schools, churches etc!
Contact Phone
612-305-8642
Listen. Learn. Action.
As a local pastor, the best gift I can give people is the willingness to listen and hear their story. People want to be seen.
As someone who worked in higher education for 16 years, I encouraged students to think critically about complex topics. I'm okay with saying, 'I don't know,' because I'm quick to learn more.
As my son's basketball coach, I know that listening and learning are only as good as the effort and action you are willing to take. I plan to make thoughtful, informed decisions, and have the courage to take action.
As a member of the New Brighton Equity Commission, I've committed to seeing all people as worthy of respect and dignity. Our city is, and should continue to be, safe for all our residents.
1. Maintaining financial stability while creating measurable housing goals. We want New Brighton to be the best place to live.
2. Supporting our Public Safety Department. The safety of our residents and visitors is immensely important. Understanding policies and providing training for biases ensures the safety of our diverse community.
3. Investing in Parks & Trails. We have awesome schools. Ensuring our parks and trails also match the quality of our community will allow for long-term growth.
Partnerships. Programming. Communication.
We need to know and build great relationships with the key members and leaders of each group of people in our diverse community.
We need to continue sponsoring and hosting programs that celebrate the uniqueness of our community. The more proximate we can be to one another, the more likely we are to appreciate our diversity.
How we communicate is as important as what we communicate. People need to be able to access information in a way known to them.
Mayor Kari and the current City Council have made great strides in this area and I hope to continue their work.
Clarity is paramount. We can have all the gaudy visions we want, but if we don't have clear, measurable goals and the steps towards that vision, we won't make progress.
I'm not someone who speaks 'fine print language'...you know, the kind that's crafted by lawyers. My gift is making things accessible to people and being honest about why specific decisions are being made.
