Blake Roberts
Name: Blake Roberts
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-755-6400
Campaign Website: blakeforforestlake.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: blakeforforestlakemayor
Candidate Bio
As a lifelong resident of Forest Lake, I am deeply committed to our community. For the past 27 years, I have run three small businesses, giving me valuable insights into the needs of local businesses and families. My wife, ShaVaughan, and I are proud parents of three daughters, all of whom have attended Forest Lake Area Schools, deepening our connection to this community.
My dedication to Forest Lake extends beyond business. I have served on the Forest Lake City Council for the past year and a half, and for 12 years before that, I was a member of the city's Economic Development Authority. I am an active member of the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and I have served as president of the Forest Lake Rotary Club and the Forest Lake Lake Association.
With this extensive experience in both business and community service, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve as your next mayor. I am eager to bring my experience, dedication, and passion for Forest Lake to this role, ensuring that our city continues to thrive and grow.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I would bring a hands-on, collaborative leadership style to this position. I believe in being actively engaged with residents, listening to their concerns, and working alongside them to find practical solutions. My approach is rooted in transparency, accessibility, and open communication, ensuring that everyone in our community feels heard and valued.
In addition to working closely with residents, I am committed to fostering strong relationships with developers and local businesses. By collaborating with these stakeholders, I aim to promote sustainable growth and development in our city, balancing the needs of our community with economic progress. My leadership style is about building bridges, creating partnerships, and driving positive change that benefits everyone in Forest Lake.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Top 3 Priorities if Elected Mayor of Forest Lake:
Impact of the State’s Projected Economic Outlook:
The state’s projected economic outlook could influence these priorities in several ways:
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Forest Lake?
Biggest Challenge: Ensuring sustainable development while navigating the complex requirements and restrictions imposed by external governmental entities. Balancing growth with regulatory compliance requires careful planning and collaboration.
Biggest Opportunity: Forest Lake’s unique position as a small-town community within a major metropolitan area offers an ideal environment for both families and businesses to flourish. This balance between local charm and access to urban resources presents significant potential for economic and social growth.
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?
Ideal Collaboration Perspective: In Forest Lake, the ideal collaboration between government and the business community is built on a foundation of shared goals and transparent communication. The government can offer essential regulatory guidance and public resources, while local businesses bring innovation and economic vitality to the table. When addressing challenges such as education, housing, or workforce development, it's crucial for both sectors to work together closely, crafting solutions that meet the needs of our community while fostering sustainable growth.
Impact of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session: The outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session absolutely negatively impacted the state business climate with excessive increased taxes and new overreaching business regulations.
How would you characterize the business climate in Forest Lake and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Forest Lake?
Business Climate in Forest Lake: Forest Lake enjoys a robust business climate with a solid foundation for growth. However, there is a need to attract larger employers that can provide higher-paying jobs and diversify the tax base, thereby alleviating the burden on residential property taxes.
City’s Role in Attracting and Retaining Jobs and Businesses: The city should play a proactive role in fostering economic growth. This includes continuing to support the efforts of the Economic Development Authority in attracting developers and businesses to Forest Lake. Additionally, the mayor and city council have a critical role in promoting the city to potential investors and creating policies that are conducive to business and development. By positioning Forest Lake as a business-friendly environment, we can ensure long-term economic vitality and a thriving community.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Strategies to Address Public Safety Challenges in Forest Lake: Forest Lake benefits from having highly skilled police and fire departments. To further enhance public safety in our community, our strategies include:
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing Housing Shortages and Affordability in Forest Lake: To tackle housing shortages and improve affordability in Forest Lake, we have already made strides by reducing the required minimum lot size, which has facilitated the development of more affordable housing options.
Moving forward, we will continue to:
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving Transportation Options in Forest Lake: To enhance transportation options and safety in Forest Lake, we will pursue several key initiatives:
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?
Ensuring Fiscal Stability Beyond Federal COVID Relief Funds in Forest Lake: As the impact of the pandemic wanes and temporary federal COVID relief funds are exhausted, it is crucial for Forest Lake to focus on long-term fiscal stability. Our approach includes:
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?
Scope of Work Between State and Local Government in Forest Lake:
Understanding the division of responsibilities between state and local governments is crucial for effective policy-making. In general:
Areas of Policy for Forest Lake to Lead On:
In Forest Lake, the city should concentrate on the following areas:
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-755-6400
Campaign Website: blakeforforestlake.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: blakeforforestlakemayor
Candidate Bio
As a lifelong resident of Forest Lake, I am deeply committed to our community. For the past 27 years, I have run three small businesses, giving me valuable insights into the needs of local businesses and families. My wife, ShaVaughan, and I are proud parents of three daughters, all of whom have attended Forest Lake Area Schools, deepening our connection to this community.
My dedication to Forest Lake extends beyond business. I have served on the Forest Lake City Council for the past year and a half, and for 12 years before that, I was a member of the city's Economic Development Authority. I am an active member of the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and I have served as president of the Forest Lake Rotary Club and the Forest Lake Lake Association.
With this extensive experience in both business and community service, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve as your next mayor. I am eager to bring my experience, dedication, and passion for Forest Lake to this role, ensuring that our city continues to thrive and grow.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I would bring a hands-on, collaborative leadership style to this position. I believe in being actively engaged with residents, listening to their concerns, and working alongside them to find practical solutions. My approach is rooted in transparency, accessibility, and open communication, ensuring that everyone in our community feels heard and valued.
In addition to working closely with residents, I am committed to fostering strong relationships with developers and local businesses. By collaborating with these stakeholders, I aim to promote sustainable growth and development in our city, balancing the needs of our community with economic progress. My leadership style is about building bridges, creating partnerships, and driving positive change that benefits everyone in Forest Lake.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Top 3 Priorities if Elected Mayor of Forest Lake:
- Enhancing Public Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of Forest Lake’s residents will be a top priority. This includes supporting our police and fire departments with necessary resources, improving emergency response systems, and fostering community engagement programs. By focusing on public safety, we can create a secure environment that supports the overall well-being of our community.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: Facilitating responsible and sustainable development is crucial for the growth and prosperity of Forest Lake. This involves supporting initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, investing in infrastructure improvements, and promoting housing affordability. Sustainable development will help Forest Lake thrive while preserving its unique character.
- Strengthening Community Services: Enhancing services such as parks, recreational facilities, and public transportation will significantly improve the quality of life for Forest Lake’s residents. This includes maintaining and upgrading local amenities and ensuring that services meet the evolving needs of our community.
Impact of the State’s Projected Economic Outlook:
The state’s projected economic outlook could influence these priorities in several ways:
- Public Safety: Economic conditions may affect state and local funding, potentially impacting the resources available for public safety. It will be essential to advocate for adequate funding and explore alternative revenue sources to ensure that Forest Lake's safety needs are met regardless of broader economic fluctuations.
- Sustainable Development: Economic trends could influence development patterns and investment levels. A positive economic outlook might increase opportunities for development, while economic challenges could necessitate more cautious planning. It will be important to align Forest Lake’s development strategies with the state’s economic conditions to ensure sustainable and resilient growth.
- Community Services: The availability of state and federal funding for community services may vary with economic conditions. To mitigate potential impacts, Forest Lake will need to strategically manage its budget, seek out grants and partnerships, and prioritize essential services to maintain high-quality amenities for residents.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Forest Lake?
Biggest Challenge: Ensuring sustainable development while navigating the complex requirements and restrictions imposed by external governmental entities. Balancing growth with regulatory compliance requires careful planning and collaboration.
Biggest Opportunity: Forest Lake’s unique position as a small-town community within a major metropolitan area offers an ideal environment for both families and businesses to flourish. This balance between local charm and access to urban resources presents significant potential for economic and social growth.
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?
Ideal Collaboration Perspective: In Forest Lake, the ideal collaboration between government and the business community is built on a foundation of shared goals and transparent communication. The government can offer essential regulatory guidance and public resources, while local businesses bring innovation and economic vitality to the table. When addressing challenges such as education, housing, or workforce development, it's crucial for both sectors to work together closely, crafting solutions that meet the needs of our community while fostering sustainable growth.
Impact of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session: The outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session absolutely negatively impacted the state business climate with excessive increased taxes and new overreaching business regulations.
How would you characterize the business climate in Forest Lake and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Forest Lake?
Business Climate in Forest Lake: Forest Lake enjoys a robust business climate with a solid foundation for growth. However, there is a need to attract larger employers that can provide higher-paying jobs and diversify the tax base, thereby alleviating the burden on residential property taxes.
City’s Role in Attracting and Retaining Jobs and Businesses: The city should play a proactive role in fostering economic growth. This includes continuing to support the efforts of the Economic Development Authority in attracting developers and businesses to Forest Lake. Additionally, the mayor and city council have a critical role in promoting the city to potential investors and creating policies that are conducive to business and development. By positioning Forest Lake as a business-friendly environment, we can ensure long-term economic vitality and a thriving community.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Strategies to Address Public Safety Challenges in Forest Lake: Forest Lake benefits from having highly skilled police and fire departments. To further enhance public safety in our community, our strategies include:
- Sustained Funding: Ensuring that both the Forest Lake Police Department and Fire Department receive adequate and consistent funding to support their operational needs and capabilities.
- Retention and Recruitment: Prioritizing efforts to retain current personnel and recruit new staff, ensuring that our departments are well-staffed and equipped to handle any situation effectively.
- Community Engagement: Promoting programs that foster strong relationships between residents and public safety officials, encouraging collaboration and communication to address safety concerns proactively.
- Ongoing Training: Supporting continuous professional development and training for our police and fire departments to stay current with evolving challenges and best practices in public safety.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing Housing Shortages and Affordability in Forest Lake: To tackle housing shortages and improve affordability in Forest Lake, we have already made strides by reducing the required minimum lot size, which has facilitated the development of more affordable housing options.
Moving forward, we will continue to:
- Explore Innovative Zoning Solutions: Evaluate and implement additional zoning changes that support diverse housing types and densities, making it easier to develop affordable housing within the community.
- Minimize Development Costs: Work to keep city-related development costs reasonable, which will help reduce the overall cost of housing and encourage more affordable housing projects.
- Support Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between the city, developers, and other stakeholders to identify and pursue opportunities for affordable housing initiatives.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Encourage housing projects that are environmentally sustainable and integrate well with the existing community infrastructure.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving Transportation Options in Forest Lake: To enhance transportation options and safety in Forest Lake, we will pursue several key initiatives:
- Collaborate on Road Projects: For the past two years and currently, Forest Lake has been working with Washington County on two significant road projects aimed at improving traffic flow and increasing bike and pedestrian accessibility. Continued collaboration with the county and state is essential to advance these efforts effectively.
- Invest in Local Infrastructure: Forest Lake will continue to invest in and upgrade our own road infrastructure to ensure it supports the needs of all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Support Transit Services: We will maintain support for our senior bus service and assess the feasibility of reinstating commuter bus service to downtown areas as ridership demands. This will improve transportation options for residents throughout Forest Lake.
- Enhance Safety Measures: Implementing enhanced safety measures, such as better signage, crosswalks, and lighting, is crucial to ensuring safe travel for all members of the Forest Lake 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?
Ensuring Fiscal Stability Beyond Federal COVID Relief Funds in Forest Lake: As the impact of the pandemic wanes and temporary federal COVID relief funds are exhausted, it is crucial for Forest Lake to focus on long-term fiscal stability. Our approach includes:
- Implementing Sound Budgeting Practices: Forest Lake will prioritize developing a balanced budget that aligns with our long-term financial goals. This involves careful planning and ensuring that expenditures are within our means without relying on one-time federal funds.
- Enhancing Revenue Streams: Exploring and expanding diverse revenue streams, such as local taxes, fees, and partnerships, will help stabilize our financial outlook.
- Evaluating and Adjusting Spending: Regularly reviewing and adjusting spending priorities based on current financial conditions will ensure that Forest Lake remains fiscally responsible and responsive to changing needs.
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?
Scope of Work Between State and Local Government in Forest Lake:
Understanding the division of responsibilities between state and local governments is crucial for effective policy-making. In general:
- State Government: The state is best suited to handle broad, overarching policies that impact the entire region, such as setting minimum wage levels, implementing childcare subsidies, and managing large-scale transportation projects. These issues often require a uniform approach and substantial resources, making them more appropriate for state-level intervention.
- Local Government (City/County): The local government of Forest Lake should focus on community-specific needs and services. This includes managing public safety, maintaining local streets and parks, and addressing infrastructure concerns. Local governments are positioned to directly address the unique needs of their residents and tailor solutions to fit the community's specific context.
Areas of Policy for Forest Lake to Lead On:
In Forest Lake, the city should concentrate on the following areas:
- Public Safety: Forest Lake must prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents by ensuring that local police and fire departments are well-resourced and effective.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: The city should focus on maintaining and improving local streets, parks, and recreational facilities. These responsibilities are critical for enhancing the quality of life for Forest Lake’s residents.
- Community Services: Forest Lake can best address specific community needs through targeted programs and services that directly impact local residents and address immediate concerns.