Chonburi Lee
Name: Chonburi Lee
Public Office Sought: Maplewood City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-321-2299
Website: www.chonburilee.com
Twitter handle: @chonburi_lee
Facebook page: Chonburi Lee for Maplewood City Council
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident in Maplewood for six years with my wife, four children, and elderly parents. The city has experienced a significant demographic change in recent years with a substantial proportion of growing families moving into the city. However, our city leaders are not reflective of the community.
With my service as member of the Maplewood Multicultural Advisory Committee, I assisted in the selection of the current Public Safety Director and work with the Public Safety Department making recommendations to improve community relations, increase inclusivity, and reduce discriminatory practices. I am also the Board Treasurer for a local charter school where I oversee a $12 million budget strategically planning for a sustainable future while meeting current needs. Moreover, I worked as an Economic Prosperity Project Manager facilitating the administration of $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds to small businesses facing hardship throughout the pandemic. I have had a strong connection and commitment to the community ever since my youth.
I graduated from Hamline University as an undergraduate in Communications and earned master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management Information Systems. I am an IT Project Manager by trade where I bridge gaps, build connections, solve problems, and manage time and resources on a daily basis.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
a. Public Safety – Increasing the engagement the Public Safety Department has with the community as well as reducing crime
b. Sustainable Infrastructure – Invest in infrastructure that attracts and retains residents and businesses conducive to the city’s growth
c. Environmental Justice – Increasing awareness of environmentally friendly alternatives and resources as well as preservation of green spaces
How would you characterize the business climate in Maplewood and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Maplewood has evolved over the last decade. A prime example is the Maplewood Mall. It was a local hot spot when I was younger; I worked, shopped, and ate at the Mall and surrounding area. However, changes in consumer shopping preferences, web-based competition, and high entrance barriers challenge a business’ ability to establish and remain viable in our city.
Attracting, retaining, and supporting businesses is fundamental for city growth. Businesses contribute substantially to the pool of financial resources available to the city and its residents. Businesses provide jobs, tax dollars, and healthy competition with neighboring cities that support a higher 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, Maplewood?
Big boxes have an advantage over small businesses looking to establish in Maplewood. They have greater influence, more resources, and brand recognition or loyalty. As such, the city should have some fiscal responsibility in the promotion and establishment of small businesses. Maplewood needs to assess the existing businesses to identify what types are lacking. In doing so, Maplewood can minimize competition for its existing businesses and channel efforts to attract new types of businesses. There needs to be greater effort in promoting assistive local and federal programs and organizations aimed to help new start-ups in Maplewood.
Growth in the business community will inevitably drive up the demand for labor which, in turn, creates jobs. Encouraging and incentivizing, where reasonable, to hire locally can contribute to job retention in Maplewood.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
The workforce has shifted in favor of workers in recent years; employees and prospective employees have greater bargaining power than employers. Consequently, talent acquisition and retention has become increasingly challenging. The total rewards an employer offers are critical in attracting and retaining talent. It goes beyond salary, bonuses, and benefits like health and dental care. It is no secret the havoc that mental health, burn-out, and company culture or morale can have on an employee. Employers, thus, need to develop more robust total rewards packages and conduct market conditions to remain competitive. Benefits like cost sharing for childcare, paid parental leave, and schedule flexibility are examples of policies companies can improve to address the labor shortage. Educating the business community in the shift of labor dynamics is key in addressing the labor shortage.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Maplewood (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 Maplewood and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
While many employment-related proposals are within the scope of state lawmakers, it remains crucial for city leaders to contribute to the advocacy for or against proposals. It is important that we work to live and not live to work. I am fortunate to work for a company that strongly encourages a healthy balance between work and play. The silver lining of the pandemic is that it has pressured many organizations to evaluate the efficacy of work models like hybrid and remote work. Trends in employment like the recently dubbed “great resignation” and consequent labor shortage can be avoided through policies that support work-life balance and mental well-being. I am open to conversations around employment-related policies with stakeholders and community members within Maplewood.
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?
Effective communication and transparency can contribute immensely to the relationship held between the Public Safety Department and the members of the community they serve. As a member of the Maplewood Multicultural Advisory Committee, I frequently have conversations with the Public Safety Director and other committee members about the initiatives being pursued and make recommendations accordingly. For example, Maplewood has dedicated social workers who work with the Public Safety Department to address the mental health concerns of community members. Mental health has been underestimated for far too long. We need to find more resources to expand this program.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
There is an undeniable shortage in houses that is influencing the market for sellers and buyers. Housing is a necessity regardless of your socio-economic status. We need to evaluate high-density housing options such as multi-units or mixed-use buildings. Developing a contingency for builders requiring subsidized housing, for example, is a strategy we can employ. A population growth subsequently means a growth in our tax base enabling the improvement of the city’s infrastructure and quality of life.
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?
Like housing, transportation is a necessity. Reliable transportation is an equity issue. Lack thereof means people have limited access to work, food, healthcare, and recreation. Public modes of transportation are crucial for a safer, healthier, and economically competitive city. However, as work models continue to evolve, public modes of transportation should be evaluated for sustainability and awareness of our carbon footprint.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
A notable proportion of the city budget is spent on debt services. In strategizing for sustainability, there needs to be a balance between debt and the value added by the activity by which the debt was gained. I want to prioritize management of the city’s debts to reduce the financial liability from principal and interest.
What will you do to expand Maplewood’s tax base?
Maplewood’s population is expected to grow in the coming years. We need to be proactive about it by developing appropriate housing options, transportation, amenities, job opportunities, and the business community. The influx of new residents will inevitably expand Maplewood’s tax base however, expansion in all of the above will perform likewise. People are the city’s most valuable asset. Investing in the quality of life for residents should be the city’s top priority.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a father of four and a proud product of the public school system, quality education and access to the resources that enable the pursuit of post-secondary education is of utmost importance. While education policies are not within the jurisdiction of the City Council, it remains critical in shaping our future. There exist many organizations within Maplewood and surrounding cities that have robust workforce development programs. The partnerships city leaders make with such organizations enable the connection of youth, post-secondary students, and individuals in the workforce to programs that offer internships, training and development, and continuing education.
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?
The volume and variety of services provided by Maplewood are vast however, additional cost-benefit analyses will need to be performed before reducing or eliminating any service. Partnerships with local organizations and/or neighboring cities are excellent avenues to explore for shared services.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Maplewood?
As I previously said, an assessment of the current business landscape is necessary to create a plan with deliberate intention to recruit minority- and women-owned businesses to establish in Maplewood. Community partnerships with business development organizations can help ensure success but city-level support is fundamental to the vitality of these businesses.
What further policies can Maplewood adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency has yet to be lifted. Likewise, small businesses continue to struggle to recover from the pandemic. This, coupled with labor shortage, new work models, and increased convenience-based competition, subsequently decreases the recovery rate for the business community. During the earlier stages of the pandemic, I facilitated the administration of $1.8 million in relief funds to small businesses as an Economic Prosperity Project Manager. I have seen first-hand the toll that the pandemic has taken on small business owners, their livelihoods, and their quality of life. One way Maplewood can continue to support its struggling businesses is to forgive or waive licensing or other applicable fees to eliminate some of the financial barriers to staying open. As a small business owner, myself, I understand how dependent families are on the livelihood brought home from the small business. The pandemic continues to evolve; Maplewood has the opportunity to carve its own path in supporting its small businesses.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As a resident of Maplewood, I have watched three of my four kids start school, my parents enter retirement, and my family make this city our home. I want to ensure that many more families can share this experience. I am running to be on the city council because I want to be close to home – I want to contribute directly to my neighborhood, my community, and my city. I want to improve equity, inclusivity, and diversity is city leadership and governance. We cannot attract and retain a diverse workforce, business community, or residents if our city leaders do not reflect our community. Please connect with me to chat; I love the company. 651-321-2299.
Public Office Sought: Maplewood City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-321-2299
Website: www.chonburilee.com
Twitter handle: @chonburi_lee
Facebook page: Chonburi Lee for Maplewood City Council
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident in Maplewood for six years with my wife, four children, and elderly parents. The city has experienced a significant demographic change in recent years with a substantial proportion of growing families moving into the city. However, our city leaders are not reflective of the community.
With my service as member of the Maplewood Multicultural Advisory Committee, I assisted in the selection of the current Public Safety Director and work with the Public Safety Department making recommendations to improve community relations, increase inclusivity, and reduce discriminatory practices. I am also the Board Treasurer for a local charter school where I oversee a $12 million budget strategically planning for a sustainable future while meeting current needs. Moreover, I worked as an Economic Prosperity Project Manager facilitating the administration of $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds to small businesses facing hardship throughout the pandemic. I have had a strong connection and commitment to the community ever since my youth.
I graduated from Hamline University as an undergraduate in Communications and earned master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management Information Systems. I am an IT Project Manager by trade where I bridge gaps, build connections, solve problems, and manage time and resources on a daily basis.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
a. Public Safety – Increasing the engagement the Public Safety Department has with the community as well as reducing crime
b. Sustainable Infrastructure – Invest in infrastructure that attracts and retains residents and businesses conducive to the city’s growth
c. Environmental Justice – Increasing awareness of environmentally friendly alternatives and resources as well as preservation of green spaces
How would you characterize the business climate in Maplewood and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Maplewood has evolved over the last decade. A prime example is the Maplewood Mall. It was a local hot spot when I was younger; I worked, shopped, and ate at the Mall and surrounding area. However, changes in consumer shopping preferences, web-based competition, and high entrance barriers challenge a business’ ability to establish and remain viable in our city.
Attracting, retaining, and supporting businesses is fundamental for city growth. Businesses contribute substantially to the pool of financial resources available to the city and its residents. Businesses provide jobs, tax dollars, and healthy competition with neighboring cities that support a higher 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, Maplewood?
Big boxes have an advantage over small businesses looking to establish in Maplewood. They have greater influence, more resources, and brand recognition or loyalty. As such, the city should have some fiscal responsibility in the promotion and establishment of small businesses. Maplewood needs to assess the existing businesses to identify what types are lacking. In doing so, Maplewood can minimize competition for its existing businesses and channel efforts to attract new types of businesses. There needs to be greater effort in promoting assistive local and federal programs and organizations aimed to help new start-ups in Maplewood.
Growth in the business community will inevitably drive up the demand for labor which, in turn, creates jobs. Encouraging and incentivizing, where reasonable, to hire locally can contribute to job retention in Maplewood.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
The workforce has shifted in favor of workers in recent years; employees and prospective employees have greater bargaining power than employers. Consequently, talent acquisition and retention has become increasingly challenging. The total rewards an employer offers are critical in attracting and retaining talent. It goes beyond salary, bonuses, and benefits like health and dental care. It is no secret the havoc that mental health, burn-out, and company culture or morale can have on an employee. Employers, thus, need to develop more robust total rewards packages and conduct market conditions to remain competitive. Benefits like cost sharing for childcare, paid parental leave, and schedule flexibility are examples of policies companies can improve to address the labor shortage. Educating the business community in the shift of labor dynamics is key in addressing the labor shortage.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Maplewood (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 Maplewood and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
While many employment-related proposals are within the scope of state lawmakers, it remains crucial for city leaders to contribute to the advocacy for or against proposals. It is important that we work to live and not live to work. I am fortunate to work for a company that strongly encourages a healthy balance between work and play. The silver lining of the pandemic is that it has pressured many organizations to evaluate the efficacy of work models like hybrid and remote work. Trends in employment like the recently dubbed “great resignation” and consequent labor shortage can be avoided through policies that support work-life balance and mental well-being. I am open to conversations around employment-related policies with stakeholders and community members within Maplewood.
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?
Effective communication and transparency can contribute immensely to the relationship held between the Public Safety Department and the members of the community they serve. As a member of the Maplewood Multicultural Advisory Committee, I frequently have conversations with the Public Safety Director and other committee members about the initiatives being pursued and make recommendations accordingly. For example, Maplewood has dedicated social workers who work with the Public Safety Department to address the mental health concerns of community members. Mental health has been underestimated for far too long. We need to find more resources to expand this program.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
There is an undeniable shortage in houses that is influencing the market for sellers and buyers. Housing is a necessity regardless of your socio-economic status. We need to evaluate high-density housing options such as multi-units or mixed-use buildings. Developing a contingency for builders requiring subsidized housing, for example, is a strategy we can employ. A population growth subsequently means a growth in our tax base enabling the improvement of the city’s infrastructure and quality of life.
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?
Like housing, transportation is a necessity. Reliable transportation is an equity issue. Lack thereof means people have limited access to work, food, healthcare, and recreation. Public modes of transportation are crucial for a safer, healthier, and economically competitive city. However, as work models continue to evolve, public modes of transportation should be evaluated for sustainability and awareness of our carbon footprint.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
A notable proportion of the city budget is spent on debt services. In strategizing for sustainability, there needs to be a balance between debt and the value added by the activity by which the debt was gained. I want to prioritize management of the city’s debts to reduce the financial liability from principal and interest.
What will you do to expand Maplewood’s tax base?
Maplewood’s population is expected to grow in the coming years. We need to be proactive about it by developing appropriate housing options, transportation, amenities, job opportunities, and the business community. The influx of new residents will inevitably expand Maplewood’s tax base however, expansion in all of the above will perform likewise. People are the city’s most valuable asset. Investing in the quality of life for residents should be the city’s top priority.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a father of four and a proud product of the public school system, quality education and access to the resources that enable the pursuit of post-secondary education is of utmost importance. While education policies are not within the jurisdiction of the City Council, it remains critical in shaping our future. There exist many organizations within Maplewood and surrounding cities that have robust workforce development programs. The partnerships city leaders make with such organizations enable the connection of youth, post-secondary students, and individuals in the workforce to programs that offer internships, training and development, and continuing education.
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?
The volume and variety of services provided by Maplewood are vast however, additional cost-benefit analyses will need to be performed before reducing or eliminating any service. Partnerships with local organizations and/or neighboring cities are excellent avenues to explore for shared services.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Maplewood?
As I previously said, an assessment of the current business landscape is necessary to create a plan with deliberate intention to recruit minority- and women-owned businesses to establish in Maplewood. Community partnerships with business development organizations can help ensure success but city-level support is fundamental to the vitality of these businesses.
What further policies can Maplewood adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency has yet to be lifted. Likewise, small businesses continue to struggle to recover from the pandemic. This, coupled with labor shortage, new work models, and increased convenience-based competition, subsequently decreases the recovery rate for the business community. During the earlier stages of the pandemic, I facilitated the administration of $1.8 million in relief funds to small businesses as an Economic Prosperity Project Manager. I have seen first-hand the toll that the pandemic has taken on small business owners, their livelihoods, and their quality of life. One way Maplewood can continue to support its struggling businesses is to forgive or waive licensing or other applicable fees to eliminate some of the financial barriers to staying open. As a small business owner, myself, I understand how dependent families are on the livelihood brought home from the small business. The pandemic continues to evolve; Maplewood has the opportunity to carve its own path in supporting its small businesses.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As a resident of Maplewood, I have watched three of my four kids start school, my parents enter retirement, and my family make this city our home. I want to ensure that many more families can share this experience. I am running to be on the city council because I want to be close to home – I want to contribute directly to my neighborhood, my community, and my city. I want to improve equity, inclusivity, and diversity is city leadership and governance. We cannot attract and retain a diverse workforce, business community, or residents if our city leaders do not reflect our community. Please connect with me to chat; I love the company. 651-321-2299.