Charles Wiger
Name: Charles Wiger
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 43
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (651)770-0283
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I’m a lifelong resident of the district and reside in Maplewood. I graduated from North High, Hamline University (JD, BA) and the University of Colorado, Boulder, Institute for Organization Management. I’m an attorney and recently retired from Securian (law/compliance). I previously worked in government affairs for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and also managed several east metro community chambers.
I have been actively involved in public service and community for most of my adult life: chaired the school board in district 622 (No. St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale) and the Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District. I also served on the Metropolitan Council.
As a state senator, I have chaired the education policy and finance committees, and the election committee, plus the senate legislative delegations for Ramsey and Washington Counties, and St. Paul. I work hard and thoughtfully. I have earned numerous Legislator of the Year awards and recognition from groups representing our schools, the environment, social justice, labor, business and health care.
I have five children and five grandchildren, and we enjoy the outdoors. I coached youth athletics for 25 years and served on the parish council for church.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Recognizing the ongoing impact of COVID-19, my top priority is reopening and economic recovery. Jobs, education and health care are three crucial areas, as well as our environment.
Legislators need to actively listen to business, labor, education, nonprofits and other stakeholders as we navigate through the pandemic. By listening, we learn, and then we need to lead and take action that reflects recommendations. Working together.
In education, our goal for E-12 is to graduate the “World’s Best Workforce” and assure students are ready for post secondary or career advancement. Education, like everything else, has been significantly disrupted since March. We will need to review the impact and followup with action. We need to do much more to combat racism, the opportunity gap and making post secondary education affordable. Students are our future.
Accessible, affordable health care needs to be further addressed. Last session we made progress on prescription drug price transparency and insulin access, but much more needs to be done.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Prior to the pandemic, most area businesses were doing fairly well. Many faced challenges though in needing to hire more employees. A key attribute often cited by business is the high quality of our schools and workforce. There are numerous partnerships between business and schools, training programs with labor, and nonprofits to train or retrain workers. That’s significantly positive.
Issues regarding the need to improve infrastructure (particularly transportation), regulations and taxes (at various government levels) are raised depending on the business. Proposals to address specific concerns are discussed and action usually taken based on bipartisan agreement.
Businesses play a very important role in our area’s quality of life. They provide jobs and opportunities, revenue which is distributed for schools and other services, plus philanthropy. Together, we accomplish more.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
Attracting and retaining jobs are crucial for our communities and state. It’s imperative that the legislature, Governor and applicable agencies have constructive ongoing conversations and partnerships to address jobs. DEED has many programs to assist start-up and existing business. Opportunities are available for technical and financial assistance, workforce development and tax incentives. All area post secondary schools have partnerships with businesses to address job and training needs.
I support existing partnership efforts. I welcome and appreciate any additional suggestions. I frequently get input and recommendations from businesses when I attend local chamber meetings. I followup as needed, have sponsored several chamber bipartisan proposals and earned awards/recognition for these efforts.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (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 the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Yes. We need to have thoughtful legislative hearings to review the impact. I actively reach out to hear various points of view. Any exceptions regarding a proposal would be based on testimony, evidence and data.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
It is imperative that we have honest, open and ongoing discussions leading to greater understanding and action. For public safety, George Floyd’s death reignited a national call for action. I supported several legislative proposals which passed addressing police training, use of force, civilian oversight, duty to intercede and more. I don’t support defunding or dismantling the police. Let’s work together. That has always been my approach as a public servant and citizen. Conversations continue as we prepare for next legislative session. Trust needs to be restored and racism needs to be eliminated.
Action is overdue on transportation. As business knows, we need to develop a reliable and sustainable way to fund transportation. I support funding primarily from user fees, and a gas tax increase, otherwise, our transportation needs will only get worse, and cost more later. The return on transportation investment will improve commerce, safety and quality of life.
Affordable housing is a national challenge. I support incentives to expand public/private housing partnerships, review local permitting requirements, provide general obligation bonds and infrastructure bonds to preserve and develop housing units. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I have advocated for additional funding for housing to meet substantial needs.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Education has always been my highest priority. Our Minnesota Constitution recognizes a student’s right to an education. Students are our future.
As we prepare for next session, we know there will be a budget deficit based on the economic impact of COVID-19. Thankfully, the budget “rainy day” reserve fund will help absorb part of the impact, and potentially, additional targeted federal assistance could help.
Our focus will be on jobs and economic recovery, and this impacts everything from education to environment, health care to infrastructure to housing. The state’s budget will he reviewed in detail. We need to get broad public input regarding recommendations. As I have always done, I will also have local town hall meetings seeking ideas and meet with various groups regarding proposals.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As a legislator, I have always met with the local chamber, several area businesses and local governments to discuss area needs and opportunities. During my legislative service, I have authored or coauthored numerous local initiatives ranging from tax increment financing projects to infrastructure improvements.
Many businesses advocate that we pass a bonding bill which provides thousands of jobs, infrastructure and public post secondary education facility/program improvements, and much more. I serve on the Capital Investment Committee. We have reviewed many projects and held hearings throughout the state. Action is overdue.I will continue to strongly advocate needed proposals, especially area priorities.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I actively work on education issues. I would add that early education plays a key role. Research is clear: if a student participated in a high quality early education program, they are probably ready for kindergarten, and will likely graduate high school. Experts advise that the return on investment for early education Is 13 to 1.
I will continue to participate in meetings to review recommendations made from various business/education partnerships. I will advocate needed changes. A statewide group, the P-20 partnership (which I was the Senate author to create the collaborative) also includes business and schools working together to address mutual goals regarding student education and workforce development. Additionally, I will seek input and recommendations during legislative hearings, town hall meetings, and ongoing outreach meetings.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Minority and women-owned businesses are expanding. DEED is the key state agency to encourage and assist entrepreneurs. Various programs are available such as technical assistance to capital venture funds. I will continue to support these programs and seek improvements as needed.
It is important that the state work closely and regularly with various interest organizations, chambers and nonprofits to strengthen awareness and positive participation.’Our schools, which help prepare our workforce and future entrepreneurs, have an important role as students explore and navigate career options, internships and opportunities leading to hope and a brighter future.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19 has a long winter ahead. As the state reopens and recovers, it’s mutually vital that there is ongoing, open discussion with business and the general public regarding safety. Policies should be based on objective data. Business should be actively involved in developing policies based on data. We are all in this together as we navigate ahead.
In addition to seeking business input on decisions, financial help is crucial. The state is providing $62.5 million in available grants for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Many larger businesses have benefitted from federal assistance. Filing deadlines were extended for business income and property tax payments. The state should provide continued, reasonable flexibility to help businesses and their employees, and ultimately their customers.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Thank you for the honor of representing our area. I promise to continue to actively seek ideas and advocate constructive proposals addressing challenges facing our communities and state. Experience matters.
Please contact me anytime as needed. My cell is (651) 770-0283. Together, we accomplish more.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State Senate - District 43
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (651)770-0283
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I’m a lifelong resident of the district and reside in Maplewood. I graduated from North High, Hamline University (JD, BA) and the University of Colorado, Boulder, Institute for Organization Management. I’m an attorney and recently retired from Securian (law/compliance). I previously worked in government affairs for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and also managed several east metro community chambers.
I have been actively involved in public service and community for most of my adult life: chaired the school board in district 622 (No. St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale) and the Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District. I also served on the Metropolitan Council.
As a state senator, I have chaired the education policy and finance committees, and the election committee, plus the senate legislative delegations for Ramsey and Washington Counties, and St. Paul. I work hard and thoughtfully. I have earned numerous Legislator of the Year awards and recognition from groups representing our schools, the environment, social justice, labor, business and health care.
I have five children and five grandchildren, and we enjoy the outdoors. I coached youth athletics for 25 years and served on the parish council for church.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Recognizing the ongoing impact of COVID-19, my top priority is reopening and economic recovery. Jobs, education and health care are three crucial areas, as well as our environment.
Legislators need to actively listen to business, labor, education, nonprofits and other stakeholders as we navigate through the pandemic. By listening, we learn, and then we need to lead and take action that reflects recommendations. Working together.
In education, our goal for E-12 is to graduate the “World’s Best Workforce” and assure students are ready for post secondary or career advancement. Education, like everything else, has been significantly disrupted since March. We will need to review the impact and followup with action. We need to do much more to combat racism, the opportunity gap and making post secondary education affordable. Students are our future.
Accessible, affordable health care needs to be further addressed. Last session we made progress on prescription drug price transparency and insulin access, but much more needs to be done.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Prior to the pandemic, most area businesses were doing fairly well. Many faced challenges though in needing to hire more employees. A key attribute often cited by business is the high quality of our schools and workforce. There are numerous partnerships between business and schools, training programs with labor, and nonprofits to train or retrain workers. That’s significantly positive.
Issues regarding the need to improve infrastructure (particularly transportation), regulations and taxes (at various government levels) are raised depending on the business. Proposals to address specific concerns are discussed and action usually taken based on bipartisan agreement.
Businesses play a very important role in our area’s quality of life. They provide jobs and opportunities, revenue which is distributed for schools and other services, plus philanthropy. Together, we accomplish more.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
Attracting and retaining jobs are crucial for our communities and state. It’s imperative that the legislature, Governor and applicable agencies have constructive ongoing conversations and partnerships to address jobs. DEED has many programs to assist start-up and existing business. Opportunities are available for technical and financial assistance, workforce development and tax incentives. All area post secondary schools have partnerships with businesses to address job and training needs.
I support existing partnership efforts. I welcome and appreciate any additional suggestions. I frequently get input and recommendations from businesses when I attend local chamber meetings. I followup as needed, have sponsored several chamber bipartisan proposals and earned awards/recognition for these efforts.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (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 the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Yes. We need to have thoughtful legislative hearings to review the impact. I actively reach out to hear various points of view. Any exceptions regarding a proposal would be based on testimony, evidence and data.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
It is imperative that we have honest, open and ongoing discussions leading to greater understanding and action. For public safety, George Floyd’s death reignited a national call for action. I supported several legislative proposals which passed addressing police training, use of force, civilian oversight, duty to intercede and more. I don’t support defunding or dismantling the police. Let’s work together. That has always been my approach as a public servant and citizen. Conversations continue as we prepare for next legislative session. Trust needs to be restored and racism needs to be eliminated.
Action is overdue on transportation. As business knows, we need to develop a reliable and sustainable way to fund transportation. I support funding primarily from user fees, and a gas tax increase, otherwise, our transportation needs will only get worse, and cost more later. The return on transportation investment will improve commerce, safety and quality of life.
Affordable housing is a national challenge. I support incentives to expand public/private housing partnerships, review local permitting requirements, provide general obligation bonds and infrastructure bonds to preserve and develop housing units. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I have advocated for additional funding for housing to meet substantial needs.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Education has always been my highest priority. Our Minnesota Constitution recognizes a student’s right to an education. Students are our future.
As we prepare for next session, we know there will be a budget deficit based on the economic impact of COVID-19. Thankfully, the budget “rainy day” reserve fund will help absorb part of the impact, and potentially, additional targeted federal assistance could help.
Our focus will be on jobs and economic recovery, and this impacts everything from education to environment, health care to infrastructure to housing. The state’s budget will he reviewed in detail. We need to get broad public input regarding recommendations. As I have always done, I will also have local town hall meetings seeking ideas and meet with various groups regarding proposals.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As a legislator, I have always met with the local chamber, several area businesses and local governments to discuss area needs and opportunities. During my legislative service, I have authored or coauthored numerous local initiatives ranging from tax increment financing projects to infrastructure improvements.
Many businesses advocate that we pass a bonding bill which provides thousands of jobs, infrastructure and public post secondary education facility/program improvements, and much more. I serve on the Capital Investment Committee. We have reviewed many projects and held hearings throughout the state. Action is overdue.I will continue to strongly advocate needed proposals, especially area priorities.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I actively work on education issues. I would add that early education plays a key role. Research is clear: if a student participated in a high quality early education program, they are probably ready for kindergarten, and will likely graduate high school. Experts advise that the return on investment for early education Is 13 to 1.
I will continue to participate in meetings to review recommendations made from various business/education partnerships. I will advocate needed changes. A statewide group, the P-20 partnership (which I was the Senate author to create the collaborative) also includes business and schools working together to address mutual goals regarding student education and workforce development. Additionally, I will seek input and recommendations during legislative hearings, town hall meetings, and ongoing outreach meetings.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Minority and women-owned businesses are expanding. DEED is the key state agency to encourage and assist entrepreneurs. Various programs are available such as technical assistance to capital venture funds. I will continue to support these programs and seek improvements as needed.
It is important that the state work closely and regularly with various interest organizations, chambers and nonprofits to strengthen awareness and positive participation.’Our schools, which help prepare our workforce and future entrepreneurs, have an important role as students explore and navigate career options, internships and opportunities leading to hope and a brighter future.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19 has a long winter ahead. As the state reopens and recovers, it’s mutually vital that there is ongoing, open discussion with business and the general public regarding safety. Policies should be based on objective data. Business should be actively involved in developing policies based on data. We are all in this together as we navigate ahead.
In addition to seeking business input on decisions, financial help is crucial. The state is providing $62.5 million in available grants for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Many larger businesses have benefitted from federal assistance. Filing deadlines were extended for business income and property tax payments. The state should provide continued, reasonable flexibility to help businesses and their employees, and ultimately their customers.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Thank you for the honor of representing our area. I promise to continue to actively seek ideas and advocate constructive proposals addressing challenges facing our communities and state. Experience matters.
Please contact me anytime as needed. My cell is (651) 770-0283. Together, we accomplish more.