Al Viall Jr

Name: Al Viall Jr
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-810-8239
Campaign Website: http://www.alviall4rosemount.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alviall4rosemount/
Candidate Bio
I’ve lived in Rosemount since 2009 and have over 35 years of experience in enterprise technology, advising businesses on infrastructure and development strategies. My role as a Technical Alliance Consultant involves problem-solving, planning, and creating solutions for organizations, skills I will bring to city governance.
In addition to my professional experience, I have a passion for public service. I’ve been active in the community as a coach for my daughter’s sports teams and currently serve as the Technology Chair for the Rosemount Area Arts Council. These roles have given me insight into the needs of Rosemount families and businesses alike.
I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about our community’s future. My campaign focuses on Public Safety, Responsible Planning, Supporting Small Business, and Fiscal Responsibility. I will use my background to ensure responsible development, attract industries to expand our job base, and support local businesses with strategic initiatives. My goal is to foster a thriving, safe, and transparent community for all of Rosemount’s residents.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a leader, I believe in collaboration, transparency, and pragmatic decision-making. My leadership style is rooted in active listening and building consensus, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard. I approach challenges with an open mind, seeking input from diverse perspectives before making decisions.
I’m a firm believer in leading by example and empowering others to contribute their expertise. In my career as a Technical Alliance Consultant, I’ve worked with partners to develop solutions that address complex issues, which requires both strategic thinking and teamwork. I will bring this same approach to the City Council by fostering partnerships with local businesses, residents, and city departments.
My leadership style also prioritizes accountability and transparency. I believe that our community deserves open communication about how decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent. I will lead with integrity, making sure that residents have a clear understanding of the city’s plans and priorities. Ultimately, my leadership style will focus on creating a collaborative environment where we can work together to ensure Rosemount’s continued growth and success.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
First, ensuring a safe community is paramount. This means prioritizing resources for our police and emergency services, as well as enhancing community policing efforts. Economic downturns could affect the funding available for these services, but I will work to ensure public safety remains fully supported, even if it means adjusting budgets elsewhere.
Second, Responsible Planning is essential to maintain Rosemount’s quality of life as we grow. We need to be mindful of how and where we expand, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with development. In times of economic uncertainty, we must be particularly cautious about overextending the city’s resources, focusing on sustainable, long-term growth.
Third, Supporting Small Businesses is vital to keeping Rosemount’s economy diverse and resilient. Small businesses are often the first to feel the effects of an economic slowdown. I will advocate for programs and policies that provide them with financial stability, such as grants or tax relief, to ensure they continue to thrive regardless of the broader economic outlook.
While economic challenges can impact city resources, these priorities will help Rosemount remain strong and prepared for any economic conditions.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Rosemount?
The biggest challenge in Rosemount is managing growth while maintaining the character and quality of life that makes our city unique. As Rosemount continues to expand, it’s essential that we plan responsibly to ensure that infrastructure, schools, and public services keep pace with development. Unchecked growth can strain resources and disrupt the balance between residential, commercial, and green spaces. Thoughtful planning is key to preserving our community’s charm while preparing for the future.
Conversely, the biggest opportunity lies in attracting more businesses and industries to Rosemount. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we can expand our local job base, create more opportunities for residents, and increase the city’s tax revenue without overburdening homeowners. I see tremendous potential to support small businesses while also attracting larger employers in key sectors like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. This growth, when guided responsibly, can help Rosemount thrive economically and provide more services and amenities for its residents.
Balancing growth and opportunity will ensure that Rosemount continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration between government and the business community involves an active partnership where both entities work together to address challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. Government should act as a facilitator, creating an environment that supports business growth while ensuring that community needs are met. For example, in workforce development, businesses can provide valuable insight into skills gaps, while the government can help shape education and training programs to meet those needs. When it comes to housing, collaboration ensures that development plans align with both community growth and affordability, supporting a sustainable economy.
As for the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session, I believe the impact has been mixed. On one hand, there were efforts to address important issues such as housing and education reform, which are critical for creating a well-rounded workforce and stable communities. However, some of the tax and regulatory measures introduced may have placed additional burdens on businesses, especially small businesses, which are the backbone of local economies like Rosemount’s. Striking a balance between regulation and business-friendly policies is essential to fostering a thriving business climate while meeting broader community goals. Continued dialogue and collaboration are necessary to ensure that legislation supports both economic growth and community well-being.
How would you characterize the business climate in Rosemount and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Rosemount?
The business climate in Rosemount is steadily growing but has significant untapped potential. While we have seen growth in certain sectors, there is room to improve in attracting a more diverse range of businesses, particularly in industries like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Rosemount’s location and available land offer unique opportunities for business expansion, but we need a more proactive approach to capitalize on this.
The city should play a key role in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses. This starts with creating a business-friendly environment through streamlined processes, tax incentives, and infrastructure improvements that support business needs. We should also focus on nurturing small businesses, offering them the resources and support to succeed and expand. Rosemount has the potential to become a hub for innovation and industry, and the city can facilitate that by developing strong partnerships with regional economic development organizations, offering competitive incentives, and promoting workforce development initiatives that align with industry needs.
Additionally, retaining jobs requires fostering a vibrant local economy where businesses can grow without facing excessive regulatory hurdles. By focusing on responsible development and targeted business attraction efforts, Rosemount can create a thriving, sustainable business environment that benefits both employers and residents.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Public safety is a top priority for me, and addressing challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on both prevention and response. My strategies to improve public safety in Rosemount include the following:
1. *Strengthening Police and Emergency Services*: Ensuring that our police department and emergency responders have the resources, training, and support they need is critical. This includes keeping up with the latest technology, maintaining competitive staffing levels, and investing in ongoing training for crisis de-escalation and community engagement.
2. *Enhancing Community Policing*: Building trust between law enforcement and the community is key to long-term public safety. I support expanding community policing programs that encourage officers to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and work proactively to address potential issues before they escalate.
3. *Preventative Measures through Youth Programs*: By investing in programs for youth, such as mentorship, sports, and educational initiatives, we can prevent crime by giving young people productive outlets and opportunities to succeed. This reduces crime at the source and builds a stronger, more connected community.
4. *Collaboration with Local Businesses and Organizations*: Public safety is a shared responsibility. I will work closely with businesses, schools, and community organizations to create safer environments, leveraging partnerships for security enhancements and community awareness programs.
By combining these strategies, we can address the root causes of crime and ensure Rosemount remains a safe place to live and work.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing housing shortages and affordability in Rosemount requires a balanced approach that meets the needs of current and future residents while preserving the character of our community. My ideas to tackle these challenges include:
1. Encouraging Diverse Housing Development: We need to ensure a mix of housing options that cater to different income levels and life stages. This means promoting the development of affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-family units. By incentivizing developers to include affordable housing units in new projects, we can help bridge the affordability gap while still maintaining quality and community standards.
2. Incentives for Affordable Housing: I support offering tax breaks, grants, or zoning flexibility to developers who prioritize affordable housing options. These incentives can help make projects more financially viable and encourage the private sector to contribute to solving the housing shortage.
3. Expanding Public-Private Partnerships: Partnering with local developers, nonprofits, and government agencies can help us create innovative housing solutions. These partnerships can help fund affordable housing projects and ensure that we are leveraging all available resources to address shortages.
4. Sustainable Growth Planning: As we plan for growth, we must ensure that infrastructure, schools, and public services are adequately supported. Thoughtful zoning and development planning will help us avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment while providing much-needed affordable housing.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that Rosemount remains an affordable, welcoming community for all.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
To improve transportation options in Rosemount, I would focus on safety, accessibility, and connectivity for all users—transit riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
First, I would prioritize expanding pedestrian and bike infrastructure by developing more connected bike lanes and safer walkways. This includes improving crosswalks and intersections to ensure safer routes for walking and biking, particularly near schools and parks.
Second, I would advocate for enhancing public transit options. By working with regional transit authorities, we can explore expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency to better serve residents. Additionally, ensuring well-lit, secure bus stops will improve safety and encourage more people to use public transit.
For drivers, I support targeted infrastructure upgrades to reduce congestion and improve road safety. This includes traffic calming measures where needed and addressing high-traffic areas with solutions that make our roads safer for everyone.
By focusing on these key areas, we can create a more efficient, safe, and connected transportation system that meets the needs of our growing community.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
As federal COVID relief dollars run out, ensuring fiscal stability will require careful budgeting, long-term planning, and prioritizing essential services. My plan is to take a proactive approach by focusing on sustainable revenue streams, reducing reliance on temporary funding, and ensuring that Rosemount’s finances are managed responsibly.
First, I will advocate for a thorough review of the city's budget to identify areas where we can optimize spending and reduce inefficiencies. This includes focusing on core services such as public safety, infrastructure, and essential community programs, while being mindful of avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
Second, I will encourage efforts to grow Rosemount’s local economy by attracting new businesses and industries. Expanding our commercial tax base will provide more consistent revenue, reducing pressure on residents to shoulder the burden.
Finally, I support exploring partnerships and grants that can help fund city initiatives without overextending our budget. By focusing on sustainable economic growth and responsible fiscal management, we can ensure that Rosemount remains financially stable even as federal relief funds phase out.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
State and local governments serve distinct but complementary roles in shaping policy, with state governments typically addressing broader, statewide issues and local governments focusing on policies that directly impact their specific communities. The state is generally responsible for creating overarching frameworks for issues like healthcare, education, and labor laws, such as minimum wage standards. Local governments, on the other hand, are tasked with addressing more immediate, community-level concerns like zoning, public safety, and local infrastructure.
In the case of Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes, these are examples of policies that may be better suited for state-level management, where uniform regulations can ensure consistency across all regions. Local governments may lack the resources and data needed to make well-informed decisions on these complex issues, which often require a broader perspective that the state can provide.
However, there are specific areas where local governments like Rosemount should take the lead. Zoning and land-use decisions, for instance, are best handled locally, as communities are more attuned to their own development needs. Similarly, local governments should lead on issues like public safety, small business support, and community-specific economic development strategies. These are areas where local leadership can tailor solutions to fit the unique character and needs of the community.
Ultimately, local governments should focus on addressing the immediate needs of their residents while collaborating with state and county governments on broader issues. This balanced approach ensures that communities like Rosemount can thrive while still benefiting from the resources and policy frameworks provided by higher levels of government.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-810-8239
Campaign Website: http://www.alviall4rosemount.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alviall4rosemount/
Candidate Bio
I’ve lived in Rosemount since 2009 and have over 35 years of experience in enterprise technology, advising businesses on infrastructure and development strategies. My role as a Technical Alliance Consultant involves problem-solving, planning, and creating solutions for organizations, skills I will bring to city governance.
In addition to my professional experience, I have a passion for public service. I’ve been active in the community as a coach for my daughter’s sports teams and currently serve as the Technology Chair for the Rosemount Area Arts Council. These roles have given me insight into the needs of Rosemount families and businesses alike.
I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about our community’s future. My campaign focuses on Public Safety, Responsible Planning, Supporting Small Business, and Fiscal Responsibility. I will use my background to ensure responsible development, attract industries to expand our job base, and support local businesses with strategic initiatives. My goal is to foster a thriving, safe, and transparent community for all of Rosemount’s residents.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a leader, I believe in collaboration, transparency, and pragmatic decision-making. My leadership style is rooted in active listening and building consensus, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard. I approach challenges with an open mind, seeking input from diverse perspectives before making decisions.
I’m a firm believer in leading by example and empowering others to contribute their expertise. In my career as a Technical Alliance Consultant, I’ve worked with partners to develop solutions that address complex issues, which requires both strategic thinking and teamwork. I will bring this same approach to the City Council by fostering partnerships with local businesses, residents, and city departments.
My leadership style also prioritizes accountability and transparency. I believe that our community deserves open communication about how decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent. I will lead with integrity, making sure that residents have a clear understanding of the city’s plans and priorities. Ultimately, my leadership style will focus on creating a collaborative environment where we can work together to ensure Rosemount’s continued growth and success.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
First, ensuring a safe community is paramount. This means prioritizing resources for our police and emergency services, as well as enhancing community policing efforts. Economic downturns could affect the funding available for these services, but I will work to ensure public safety remains fully supported, even if it means adjusting budgets elsewhere.
Second, Responsible Planning is essential to maintain Rosemount’s quality of life as we grow. We need to be mindful of how and where we expand, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with development. In times of economic uncertainty, we must be particularly cautious about overextending the city’s resources, focusing on sustainable, long-term growth.
Third, Supporting Small Businesses is vital to keeping Rosemount’s economy diverse and resilient. Small businesses are often the first to feel the effects of an economic slowdown. I will advocate for programs and policies that provide them with financial stability, such as grants or tax relief, to ensure they continue to thrive regardless of the broader economic outlook.
While economic challenges can impact city resources, these priorities will help Rosemount remain strong and prepared for any economic conditions.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Rosemount?
The biggest challenge in Rosemount is managing growth while maintaining the character and quality of life that makes our city unique. As Rosemount continues to expand, it’s essential that we plan responsibly to ensure that infrastructure, schools, and public services keep pace with development. Unchecked growth can strain resources and disrupt the balance between residential, commercial, and green spaces. Thoughtful planning is key to preserving our community’s charm while preparing for the future.
Conversely, the biggest opportunity lies in attracting more businesses and industries to Rosemount. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we can expand our local job base, create more opportunities for residents, and increase the city’s tax revenue without overburdening homeowners. I see tremendous potential to support small businesses while also attracting larger employers in key sectors like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. This growth, when guided responsibly, can help Rosemount thrive economically and provide more services and amenities for its residents.
Balancing growth and opportunity will ensure that Rosemount continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration between government and the business community involves an active partnership where both entities work together to address challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. Government should act as a facilitator, creating an environment that supports business growth while ensuring that community needs are met. For example, in workforce development, businesses can provide valuable insight into skills gaps, while the government can help shape education and training programs to meet those needs. When it comes to housing, collaboration ensures that development plans align with both community growth and affordability, supporting a sustainable economy.
As for the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session, I believe the impact has been mixed. On one hand, there were efforts to address important issues such as housing and education reform, which are critical for creating a well-rounded workforce and stable communities. However, some of the tax and regulatory measures introduced may have placed additional burdens on businesses, especially small businesses, which are the backbone of local economies like Rosemount’s. Striking a balance between regulation and business-friendly policies is essential to fostering a thriving business climate while meeting broader community goals. Continued dialogue and collaboration are necessary to ensure that legislation supports both economic growth and community well-being.
How would you characterize the business climate in Rosemount and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Rosemount?
The business climate in Rosemount is steadily growing but has significant untapped potential. While we have seen growth in certain sectors, there is room to improve in attracting a more diverse range of businesses, particularly in industries like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Rosemount’s location and available land offer unique opportunities for business expansion, but we need a more proactive approach to capitalize on this.
The city should play a key role in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses. This starts with creating a business-friendly environment through streamlined processes, tax incentives, and infrastructure improvements that support business needs. We should also focus on nurturing small businesses, offering them the resources and support to succeed and expand. Rosemount has the potential to become a hub for innovation and industry, and the city can facilitate that by developing strong partnerships with regional economic development organizations, offering competitive incentives, and promoting workforce development initiatives that align with industry needs.
Additionally, retaining jobs requires fostering a vibrant local economy where businesses can grow without facing excessive regulatory hurdles. By focusing on responsible development and targeted business attraction efforts, Rosemount can create a thriving, sustainable business environment that benefits both employers and residents.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Public safety is a top priority for me, and addressing challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on both prevention and response. My strategies to improve public safety in Rosemount include the following:
1. *Strengthening Police and Emergency Services*: Ensuring that our police department and emergency responders have the resources, training, and support they need is critical. This includes keeping up with the latest technology, maintaining competitive staffing levels, and investing in ongoing training for crisis de-escalation and community engagement.
2. *Enhancing Community Policing*: Building trust between law enforcement and the community is key to long-term public safety. I support expanding community policing programs that encourage officers to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and work proactively to address potential issues before they escalate.
3. *Preventative Measures through Youth Programs*: By investing in programs for youth, such as mentorship, sports, and educational initiatives, we can prevent crime by giving young people productive outlets and opportunities to succeed. This reduces crime at the source and builds a stronger, more connected community.
4. *Collaboration with Local Businesses and Organizations*: Public safety is a shared responsibility. I will work closely with businesses, schools, and community organizations to create safer environments, leveraging partnerships for security enhancements and community awareness programs.
By combining these strategies, we can address the root causes of crime and ensure Rosemount remains a safe place to live and work.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing housing shortages and affordability in Rosemount requires a balanced approach that meets the needs of current and future residents while preserving the character of our community. My ideas to tackle these challenges include:
1. Encouraging Diverse Housing Development: We need to ensure a mix of housing options that cater to different income levels and life stages. This means promoting the development of affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-family units. By incentivizing developers to include affordable housing units in new projects, we can help bridge the affordability gap while still maintaining quality and community standards.
2. Incentives for Affordable Housing: I support offering tax breaks, grants, or zoning flexibility to developers who prioritize affordable housing options. These incentives can help make projects more financially viable and encourage the private sector to contribute to solving the housing shortage.
3. Expanding Public-Private Partnerships: Partnering with local developers, nonprofits, and government agencies can help us create innovative housing solutions. These partnerships can help fund affordable housing projects and ensure that we are leveraging all available resources to address shortages.
4. Sustainable Growth Planning: As we plan for growth, we must ensure that infrastructure, schools, and public services are adequately supported. Thoughtful zoning and development planning will help us avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment while providing much-needed affordable housing.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that Rosemount remains an affordable, welcoming community for all.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
To improve transportation options in Rosemount, I would focus on safety, accessibility, and connectivity for all users—transit riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
First, I would prioritize expanding pedestrian and bike infrastructure by developing more connected bike lanes and safer walkways. This includes improving crosswalks and intersections to ensure safer routes for walking and biking, particularly near schools and parks.
Second, I would advocate for enhancing public transit options. By working with regional transit authorities, we can explore expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency to better serve residents. Additionally, ensuring well-lit, secure bus stops will improve safety and encourage more people to use public transit.
For drivers, I support targeted infrastructure upgrades to reduce congestion and improve road safety. This includes traffic calming measures where needed and addressing high-traffic areas with solutions that make our roads safer for everyone.
By focusing on these key areas, we can create a more efficient, safe, and connected transportation system that meets the needs of our growing community.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
As federal COVID relief dollars run out, ensuring fiscal stability will require careful budgeting, long-term planning, and prioritizing essential services. My plan is to take a proactive approach by focusing on sustainable revenue streams, reducing reliance on temporary funding, and ensuring that Rosemount’s finances are managed responsibly.
First, I will advocate for a thorough review of the city's budget to identify areas where we can optimize spending and reduce inefficiencies. This includes focusing on core services such as public safety, infrastructure, and essential community programs, while being mindful of avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
Second, I will encourage efforts to grow Rosemount’s local economy by attracting new businesses and industries. Expanding our commercial tax base will provide more consistent revenue, reducing pressure on residents to shoulder the burden.
Finally, I support exploring partnerships and grants that can help fund city initiatives without overextending our budget. By focusing on sustainable economic growth and responsible fiscal management, we can ensure that Rosemount remains financially stable even as federal relief funds phase out.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
State and local governments serve distinct but complementary roles in shaping policy, with state governments typically addressing broader, statewide issues and local governments focusing on policies that directly impact their specific communities. The state is generally responsible for creating overarching frameworks for issues like healthcare, education, and labor laws, such as minimum wage standards. Local governments, on the other hand, are tasked with addressing more immediate, community-level concerns like zoning, public safety, and local infrastructure.
In the case of Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes, these are examples of policies that may be better suited for state-level management, where uniform regulations can ensure consistency across all regions. Local governments may lack the resources and data needed to make well-informed decisions on these complex issues, which often require a broader perspective that the state can provide.
However, there are specific areas where local governments like Rosemount should take the lead. Zoning and land-use decisions, for instance, are best handled locally, as communities are more attuned to their own development needs. Similarly, local governments should lead on issues like public safety, small business support, and community-specific economic development strategies. These are areas where local leadership can tailor solutions to fit the unique character and needs of the community.
Ultimately, local governments should focus on addressing the immediate needs of their residents while collaborating with state and county governments on broader issues. This balanced approach ensures that communities like Rosemount can thrive while still benefiting from the resources and policy frameworks provided by higher levels of government.