Bob Lawrence IV
Name: Bob Lawrence IV
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-248-1825
Website: plantobeprepared.com
Twitter handle: @plantobeprepar1
Facebook page: @PlantobePrepared
Candidate Bio
I grew up in Oakdale and have lived in Woodbury with my wife and two children for 15 years. After enlisting in the Army Reserve at 17, I went on to obtain a degree in psychology from Marquette University. After a couple of post graduate jobs, I enrolled in the plumbing apprentice program. Six years later I was a licensed Master Plumber and ran a commercial plumbing and heating company. I made a career change in 2014 and now own an insurance agency.
I was active in the Woodbury Athletic Association from 2009 to 2019, in roles of coach, Football Director, and Vice-President of WAA. In 2019 I was the Chairman of Grand Old Day and spearheaded the revival of the event. I then held the position of President of the Grand Avenue Business Association until this past June.
I have been blessed in my life. Many people have lifted me up. Service has been a cornerstone in my life and I am proud that my children have picked up that torch. I have owned and operated two successful businesses, which has given me the opportunity to make many people’s lives better. I want to give back to the City that has given so much to me.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority will be to listen to the people of Woodbury and their particular concerns. I am very cognizant that there are many topics that are of top priority to individuals that I am not versed in.
As a small business owner, I know the challenges that face small businesses are at an unprecedented level of difficulty. Anything the city can do to make that environment more favorable needs to be considered.
Support our first responders. Promote a better relationship between our police and our community. Ensure that training is expanded for all of our critical services provided by the city.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
My experience is that there is overall a good business climate in Woodbury. I believe the business owners of Woodbury are a significant portion of the leadership in our community. Creating a positive work experience as well as organizing and encouraging volunteerism in the city has a significant impact on the quality of life.
What role do you think the City should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Woodbury?
Keeping regulations that stifle business at a minimum is the most important step any city can take in attracting small businesses.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In general I do not support the city imposing additional employment related mandates above and beyond what the state and federal government already have in place.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety is a primary concern for all of us right now. Training is the number one priority for our first responders. Additionally providing some practical information to the members of the City regarding the proper use of our first responders is also necessary.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As a Woodbury City Councilman, I am tasked with being a responsible steward of the people’s money. The City has a responsibility for providing a safe community, maintenance and growth of our transportation infrastructure, and our parks.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
Attracting new commercial construction. 2019 was the lowest increase in commercial construction since 2012. Continued growth of single family and high density housing.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The new learning environment that COVID-19 has forced us into, creates new challenged in ensuring that our children achieve the education required to be successful. Keeping our children engaged in school, extra-curricular activities, and service is critical. The City can provide opportunities through community education as well as partnering with business and non-profits for service and mentoring.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
There are always services in a city the size of Woodbury that can be cut back as well as opportunities to defray cost through partnerships. I will identify those and recommend appropriate action.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
One of the biggest barriers to entry to owing a business is the fear of the unknown. A mentorship program with existing business owners and an attitude of help from the City would be a great first step.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The City can assist by encouraging the individual businesses to band together. More government intervention is not the answer. We have successful, smart business people in this community that are much better positioned to provide solutions around marketing, financing, and best practices.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Although I have strong views on many items, I am always willing to engage in respectful and intellectual debate regarding any topic. I focus on the many goals and concerns we have in common, versus the few that we disagree on.
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-248-1825
Website: plantobeprepared.com
Twitter handle: @plantobeprepar1
Facebook page: @PlantobePrepared
Candidate Bio
I grew up in Oakdale and have lived in Woodbury with my wife and two children for 15 years. After enlisting in the Army Reserve at 17, I went on to obtain a degree in psychology from Marquette University. After a couple of post graduate jobs, I enrolled in the plumbing apprentice program. Six years later I was a licensed Master Plumber and ran a commercial plumbing and heating company. I made a career change in 2014 and now own an insurance agency.
I was active in the Woodbury Athletic Association from 2009 to 2019, in roles of coach, Football Director, and Vice-President of WAA. In 2019 I was the Chairman of Grand Old Day and spearheaded the revival of the event. I then held the position of President of the Grand Avenue Business Association until this past June.
I have been blessed in my life. Many people have lifted me up. Service has been a cornerstone in my life and I am proud that my children have picked up that torch. I have owned and operated two successful businesses, which has given me the opportunity to make many people’s lives better. I want to give back to the City that has given so much to me.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority will be to listen to the people of Woodbury and their particular concerns. I am very cognizant that there are many topics that are of top priority to individuals that I am not versed in.
As a small business owner, I know the challenges that face small businesses are at an unprecedented level of difficulty. Anything the city can do to make that environment more favorable needs to be considered.
Support our first responders. Promote a better relationship between our police and our community. Ensure that training is expanded for all of our critical services provided by the city.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
My experience is that there is overall a good business climate in Woodbury. I believe the business owners of Woodbury are a significant portion of the leadership in our community. Creating a positive work experience as well as organizing and encouraging volunteerism in the city has a significant impact on the quality of life.
What role do you think the City should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Woodbury?
Keeping regulations that stifle business at a minimum is the most important step any city can take in attracting small businesses.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In general I do not support the city imposing additional employment related mandates above and beyond what the state and federal government already have in place.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety is a primary concern for all of us right now. Training is the number one priority for our first responders. Additionally providing some practical information to the members of the City regarding the proper use of our first responders is also necessary.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As a Woodbury City Councilman, I am tasked with being a responsible steward of the people’s money. The City has a responsibility for providing a safe community, maintenance and growth of our transportation infrastructure, and our parks.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
Attracting new commercial construction. 2019 was the lowest increase in commercial construction since 2012. Continued growth of single family and high density housing.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The new learning environment that COVID-19 has forced us into, creates new challenged in ensuring that our children achieve the education required to be successful. Keeping our children engaged in school, extra-curricular activities, and service is critical. The City can provide opportunities through community education as well as partnering with business and non-profits for service and mentoring.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
There are always services in a city the size of Woodbury that can be cut back as well as opportunities to defray cost through partnerships. I will identify those and recommend appropriate action.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
One of the biggest barriers to entry to owing a business is the fear of the unknown. A mentorship program with existing business owners and an attitude of help from the City would be a great first step.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The City can assist by encouraging the individual businesses to band together. More government intervention is not the answer. We have successful, smart business people in this community that are much better positioned to provide solutions around marketing, financing, and best practices.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Although I have strong views on many items, I am always willing to engage in respectful and intellectual debate regarding any topic. I focus on the many goals and concerns we have in common, versus the few that we disagree on.