Chad Mitchell-Peterson
Name: Chad Mitchell-Peterson
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Website: 651-341-3152
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: facebook.com/CMPforIGH
Candidate Bio
I am an 18-year resident of Inver Grove Heights and running for 1 of 2 open seats on the City Council.
I have been active in our community at various levels and have met with numerous residents, city staff, community leaders, and business owners regarding,
My qualifications include a very diverse work experience that includes farming, construction, production automation, operational management, regional sales director, and executive leadership.
I currently serve as Vice President of a mutually owned insurance company, where I have held a variety of positions and served our clients for over 20 years.
I am recognized by peers & neighbors for a culture of service and helping others through volunteer work, having served on planning committees & the homeowners association board, coached youth sports & activities, and regularly stepping up to help friends, neighbors, and members of our community during times of need.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Work with and listen to our residents, business owners, first responders and city staff to ensure we maintain a safe, prosperous, and fiscally responsible city.
Work with and support current business owners to ensure their success, as well as support new business opportunities that align with our residents’ interests and the city’s long term plan to create economic growth and jobs for our community. Maintain and develop park amenities that are essential for an inclusive community to attract and keep families in our city. Advancements can be achieved by soliciting input from residents and utilizing funds through city earmarked funding, grants, and bonding.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Businesses play an important role in creating jobs, local options for food, household needs, and entertainment.
Our city has many long-standing successful businesses ranging from large corporations, to big box stores, grocers, hardware stores, auto dealers, banks, convenience stations, salons, entertainment & restaurants, golf courses, fitness facilities, construction companies, and more. All providing residents diverse job opportunities as well as the option to shop and do business locally. There is opportunity to further grow our city’s business profile through vacant retail and commercial properties. In meeting with residents and community leaders, there is concern with some of these areas and a common desire to collaborate with property owners to keep things moving forward. Doing so will further promote business growth, increase employment opportunities, and entertainment options within our city.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
Evaluating and designing our city’s long-term comprehensive plan can help attract new businesses, maintain existing business, and in turn create a strong job market. City leaders and business owners can leverage our local colleges and consider working with economic development partners. In addition, we can continue to develop our schools, parks, and community to attract and retain talent.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
The current job market is quite competitive. I feel addressing the labor shortage can fall into two buckets, company offerings and community offerings. If companies have the ability to step outside the box, success has been found by offering flexible work schedules, structured signing bonuses, work from home options, and benefit package enhancements. As a community we can work toward attracting new families and workers through affordable home ownership and housing options, as well as promoting our great community, current parks, businesses, and entertainment options.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any
exceptions to those policies?
I am not aware of any employment-related proposals at this time and feel that employers are best positioned to set their wages and employee benefits.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to
address public safety issues facing your community?
Community safety is of top priority, as our resident families and business owners need to feel safe. Supporting our law enforcement officers and soliciting feedback and concerns from our police chief, officers, business owners, and residents will allow us to work together toward solutions. Residents and businesses can also help build safer neighborhoods by getting to know one another, keeping a watchful eye for suspicious activity through neighborhood watch groups, and have it be known that we will stand up to crime in our neighborhoods & community.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Strategies should include a balanced and diverse housing inventory that aligns with family needs, market demand and the city’s long-term plan.
Many residents value the diversity of Inver Grove Heights, in that our city offers rural countryside living, large acreage homes, standard residential neighborhoods, high density living, and smaller pockets of retail and commerce. I consider this one of our city’s strengths and the reason why many have chosen to reside here. As community development progresses, it is important to have a solid log-term plan that preserves this unique aspect of our community.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation
since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home
models, etc. due to the pandemic?
In working with city leaders on separate issues in the past, I had been presented with studies that suggests our roadways and bus routes are sufficient. Since then, community and housing development continues to boom. I have had residents voice concern regarding traffic volume in areas, dangerous intersections, and changes in public transportation. The pandemic certainly altered demand for public transportation and utilization of our roadways so it may be necessary to take a deeper look at this as we return to our new normal.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As an incoming council member, I want to review our current financial position and expenditures to fully understand how and why we are in our current position. We then address any inadequacies with an emphasis on long-term fiscal responsibility to position our city and its residents well for the future.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’s tax base?
Residential development is rapidly growing in Inver Grove Heights, which increases our tax base, but puts additional demand on other resources. Residential demand can be offset by attracting new businesses to increase the communities tax base with less land use. This has been proven in past studies and there is room for growth under current zoning and the cities long-term plan.
The time is now to promote these opportunities and attract business to our community. Doing so can create new jobs, attract new residents, and alleviate tax burdens placed on IGH residents.
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 city can solicit information from Dakota County Tech, Inver Hills Community College and our local high schools and business leaders to identify gaps and promote initiatives that align with workforce demands and opportunities.
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?
At this point I am not aware of any city services that should be cut back. Services need to be monitored for cost- effectiveness and demand.
As our community grows, there may be an increased demand on our police and fire services. In meeting with our fire chief to discuss the current structure and resources available to the department, we briefly discussed our city’s “potential” long-term future and demand that could fall outside of existing station ranges. One cost effective solution could be to create shared resources in strategic geographic locations that would meet our city’s needs and our neighboring community’s needs.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
All businesses are welcome to the city Inver Grove Heights. The city can also reach out to established nonprofit organizations with a deep understanding of the challenges that minority and women-owned business entrepreneurs face, to help facilitate economic growth within our city.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Encouraging our community to support our local businesses is a great first step and something I do often. As far as recovery funds, programs have typically been state or federal. I have not researched whether our city provides a list of potential resources for impacted businesses. If not, that may be one step we could take as a city.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am here to listen and ready to serve you and our community.
Your views, input, and vision for our city are highly valued! I thank those of you that have taken the time to chat on your doorstep, driveway, or reach out via email or social media to share your values and comments regarding our cities successes and areas needing improvement.
I look forward to working together and please show up to vote for the primary election on August 9th or visit www.ighmn.gov/364/Elections for voter registration and early voting options.
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Website: 651-341-3152
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: facebook.com/CMPforIGH
Candidate Bio
I am an 18-year resident of Inver Grove Heights and running for 1 of 2 open seats on the City Council.
I have been active in our community at various levels and have met with numerous residents, city staff, community leaders, and business owners regarding,
- business development
- various zoning proposals to achieve results that are in the community interest, and in alignment with the city’s long-term plan
- Developing and maintaining a quality park system for our children and families via monies allocated thru the parks budget and grants
- met with first responders to better understand our city budget, current position, and long-term needs
- and the importance in maintaining a safe and prosperous city that is fiscally responsible.
My qualifications include a very diverse work experience that includes farming, construction, production automation, operational management, regional sales director, and executive leadership.
I currently serve as Vice President of a mutually owned insurance company, where I have held a variety of positions and served our clients for over 20 years.
I am recognized by peers & neighbors for a culture of service and helping others through volunteer work, having served on planning committees & the homeowners association board, coached youth sports & activities, and regularly stepping up to help friends, neighbors, and members of our community during times of need.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Work with and listen to our residents, business owners, first responders and city staff to ensure we maintain a safe, prosperous, and fiscally responsible city.
Work with and support current business owners to ensure their success, as well as support new business opportunities that align with our residents’ interests and the city’s long term plan to create economic growth and jobs for our community. Maintain and develop park amenities that are essential for an inclusive community to attract and keep families in our city. Advancements can be achieved by soliciting input from residents and utilizing funds through city earmarked funding, grants, and bonding.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Businesses play an important role in creating jobs, local options for food, household needs, and entertainment.
Our city has many long-standing successful businesses ranging from large corporations, to big box stores, grocers, hardware stores, auto dealers, banks, convenience stations, salons, entertainment & restaurants, golf courses, fitness facilities, construction companies, and more. All providing residents diverse job opportunities as well as the option to shop and do business locally. There is opportunity to further grow our city’s business profile through vacant retail and commercial properties. In meeting with residents and community leaders, there is concern with some of these areas and a common desire to collaborate with property owners to keep things moving forward. Doing so will further promote business growth, increase employment opportunities, and entertainment options within our city.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
Evaluating and designing our city’s long-term comprehensive plan can help attract new businesses, maintain existing business, and in turn create a strong job market. City leaders and business owners can leverage our local colleges and consider working with economic development partners. In addition, we can continue to develop our schools, parks, and community to attract and retain talent.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
The current job market is quite competitive. I feel addressing the labor shortage can fall into two buckets, company offerings and community offerings. If companies have the ability to step outside the box, success has been found by offering flexible work schedules, structured signing bonuses, work from home options, and benefit package enhancements. As a community we can work toward attracting new families and workers through affordable home ownership and housing options, as well as promoting our great community, current parks, businesses, and entertainment options.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any
exceptions to those policies?
I am not aware of any employment-related proposals at this time and feel that employers are best positioned to set their wages and employee benefits.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to
address public safety issues facing your community?
Community safety is of top priority, as our resident families and business owners need to feel safe. Supporting our law enforcement officers and soliciting feedback and concerns from our police chief, officers, business owners, and residents will allow us to work together toward solutions. Residents and businesses can also help build safer neighborhoods by getting to know one another, keeping a watchful eye for suspicious activity through neighborhood watch groups, and have it be known that we will stand up to crime in our neighborhoods & community.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Strategies should include a balanced and diverse housing inventory that aligns with family needs, market demand and the city’s long-term plan.
Many residents value the diversity of Inver Grove Heights, in that our city offers rural countryside living, large acreage homes, standard residential neighborhoods, high density living, and smaller pockets of retail and commerce. I consider this one of our city’s strengths and the reason why many have chosen to reside here. As community development progresses, it is important to have a solid log-term plan that preserves this unique aspect of our community.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation
since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home
models, etc. due to the pandemic?
In working with city leaders on separate issues in the past, I had been presented with studies that suggests our roadways and bus routes are sufficient. Since then, community and housing development continues to boom. I have had residents voice concern regarding traffic volume in areas, dangerous intersections, and changes in public transportation. The pandemic certainly altered demand for public transportation and utilization of our roadways so it may be necessary to take a deeper look at this as we return to our new normal.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As an incoming council member, I want to review our current financial position and expenditures to fully understand how and why we are in our current position. We then address any inadequacies with an emphasis on long-term fiscal responsibility to position our city and its residents well for the future.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’s tax base?
Residential development is rapidly growing in Inver Grove Heights, which increases our tax base, but puts additional demand on other resources. Residential demand can be offset by attracting new businesses to increase the communities tax base with less land use. This has been proven in past studies and there is room for growth under current zoning and the cities long-term plan.
The time is now to promote these opportunities and attract business to our community. Doing so can create new jobs, attract new residents, and alleviate tax burdens placed on IGH residents.
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 city can solicit information from Dakota County Tech, Inver Hills Community College and our local high schools and business leaders to identify gaps and promote initiatives that align with workforce demands and opportunities.
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?
At this point I am not aware of any city services that should be cut back. Services need to be monitored for cost- effectiveness and demand.
As our community grows, there may be an increased demand on our police and fire services. In meeting with our fire chief to discuss the current structure and resources available to the department, we briefly discussed our city’s “potential” long-term future and demand that could fall outside of existing station ranges. One cost effective solution could be to create shared resources in strategic geographic locations that would meet our city’s needs and our neighboring community’s needs.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
All businesses are welcome to the city Inver Grove Heights. The city can also reach out to established nonprofit organizations with a deep understanding of the challenges that minority and women-owned business entrepreneurs face, to help facilitate economic growth within our city.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Encouraging our community to support our local businesses is a great first step and something I do often. As far as recovery funds, programs have typically been state or federal. I have not researched whether our city provides a list of potential resources for impacted businesses. If not, that may be one step we could take as a city.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am here to listen and ready to serve you and our community.
Your views, input, and vision for our city are highly valued! I thank those of you that have taken the time to chat on your doorstep, driveway, or reach out via email or social media to share your values and comments regarding our cities successes and areas needing improvement.
I look forward to working together and please show up to vote for the primary election on August 9th or visit www.ighmn.gov/364/Elections for voter registration and early voting options.