Clarice Grabau
Name: Clarice Grabau
Public Office Sought: Northfield City Council
Email: clariceforcouncil@gmail.com
Phone: 507-222-0132
Website: www.claricegrabau.com
Facebook Page: Clarice Grabau for City Council
Candidate Bio
I have lived in Northfield for seventeen years with my husband and two children. As an Adult High School, GED, and Citizenship Instructor, I teach a broad range of subjects to students of all ages, from all walks of life. My dedication to this community is demonstrated by my teaching and community service. I serve on the board of the Northfield Public Library and have been a board member of Prairie Creek Community School and the Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra. I’ve been a Rotary member, a Youth Exchange Officer, and worked with numerous organizations, including the United Methodist Church, Northfield Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity, the League of Women Voters, the Northfield Historical Society and more. My education includes a BA in Biology, a Master’s in Administration, and teaching licenses in Biology from St. Olaf College and in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Northfield?
Northfield is a thriving community with a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a beautiful downtown. Our Strategic Plan identifies Economic Development as the first priority, including increased commercial and industrial, enhanced tourism, and an expanded downtown. Some of our challenges include a small inventory of land available for development and a relatively high proportion of residential tax base.
2. 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, Northfield?
The City plays an important role in attracting and retaining jobs. Community development and economic development work together, using an array of tools, including zoning, planning, and financial incentives, to create a strong business climate and to make this a place where people want to live, work, and do business. Other steps we can take include identifying and prioritizing redevelopment and infill sites, reaching out to current business owners to understand their needs, formalizing long term vision, expanding riverfront access, and creating small neighborhood commercial so that services are more equitably distributed.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Northfield?
Perhaps but I would need to learn more about how this role would differ from that of our current staff. We have excellent staff in Northfield and strong leadership on our Economic Development Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and Planning Commission boards which already concentrate on these issues.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Northfield? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Northfield and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
The minimum wage in Minnesota was increased slightly on January 1st and I support further increases as it is not possible to raise a family or purchase a home on $20,000 a year. I witness every day, in teaching, the effects of a low minimum wage on families. In addition, many low wage jobs do not include health insurance, a costly but critical safety net that all families need. Any decision to raise the minimum wage as a community, however, would need to be brought to the voters after significant community input from both business owners and residents who work minimum wage jobs. I would support council policy to solicit and encourage frequent input from residents.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Northfield (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Northfield and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I support strengthening parental leave policies. Talking with business owners is important, as is understanding the impact of policies on employees and their families. Women, hourly employees, and employees with little education are often disproportionately affected by weak parental leave policies.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
The Northfield Police Department does a great job under the leadership of Chief Nelson, as does Northfield Area Fire and Rescue. We are fortunate to have these services although I do believe they are stretched thin. I support a budget increase for the NPD as well as renovation of the Fire Station. In addition, I think bringing more voices into the decision making processes will inherently make Northfield a safer and more equitable community.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I would like to see us prioritize budgeting for climate action, affordable housing, transportation, and economic growth. A forward-looking city, one that foresees and prepares for change, is a city that can attract and retain business and serve a qualified workforce.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Northfield has a high proportion of residential property tax base, as opposed to commercial and industrial, which pay a higher rate. This rate, however, is set by the legislature. In addition, we do not have a large amount of land available for expanding development. One way to account for a small inventory of land, is to set policies that encourage infill development. Increasing neighborhood commercial would also make our city more equitable as certain parts of town are disproportionately affected by lack of resources, goods, and services.
9. What will you do to expand Northfield’s tax base?
A diverse city provides jobs for a diverse population. Continuing to support our richest tax base, downtown, is a smart decision. Our downtown is a tourist destination which provides opportunity to increase lodging, restaurants, and more. But we cannot ignore the need for commercial and industrial development which provide jobs for a range of talents and skill sets. In addition, investing in top-tier recreational trails and facilities and enhancing riverfront access will also draw visitors and make this community more attractive to potential new businesses and investors.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
This is what I do for a living. Many of my students are striving to earn a high school credential, to enter college, or to increase their workplace literacy so that they can work in jobs that pay a livable wage. We have worked with the ALC, TORCH, Carleton, St. Olaf, Northfield Works, and more to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. In addition, thanks to the incredible leadership of the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative and TORCH, it is now possible to get a two-year AA degree entirely in Northfield.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to Public Schools in Northfield?
The School Board is an independent agency with its own elected officials and taxing authority, however the Council plays an important role in determining infrastructure needs, planning future school locations and safe school routes, improving youth participation on city boards, coordinating referendums, and collaborating on a variety of other issues.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Jobs and affordable housing will always be challenges. Northfield also has a lot of work to do to create an economy that is resilient to changes in climate and energy. We have had three 100-year floods since 2008. Not only are there environmental consequences, but this also has significant economic impact on our city, business owners, and employees.
We need to bring more voices into the decision making processes in Northfield. I’d like to see greater diversity on our Boards and Commissions, on the Council, and in City staff. We need to do a better job of reaching out to folks who may not feel welcome at a Council meeting or a board meeting. Monthly or quarterly round table discussions with community leaders and residents could help identify concerns and collaborative solutions.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
It is difficult to pick three. Issues that are important to me include climate resiliency, equity and inclusion, job creation/tax base, and affordable housing.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
There are areas of Northfield that are underserved, both in terms of transportation and services. I would like to increase bus service, improve trail access, and promote neighborhood commercial so that folks don’t have to travel across town to buy a gallon of milk.
15. What is your position on septic vs. sewer as well as city water vs. well from a long term perspective?
Nearly all of Northfield is served by sewer and city water, however, when new land from townships is annexed, the extension of utilities does have significant environmental and economic consequences that must be considered.
16. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
I am not aware of any city services that should be eliminated at this time.
17. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Northfield is a unique place, a city with fantastic schools, beautiful parks, a thriving downtown and arts scene, year-round sports, and two world-class colleges. We are forward-thinking and have an engaged citizenry, and I believe that a city with vision, one that foresees and prepares for change, is a city that will be successful, will attract and retain business, and serve a qualified workforce. I love Northfield and want to do my part to make it even better.
Public Office Sought: Northfield City Council
Email: clariceforcouncil@gmail.com
Phone: 507-222-0132
Website: www.claricegrabau.com
Facebook Page: Clarice Grabau for City Council
Candidate Bio
I have lived in Northfield for seventeen years with my husband and two children. As an Adult High School, GED, and Citizenship Instructor, I teach a broad range of subjects to students of all ages, from all walks of life. My dedication to this community is demonstrated by my teaching and community service. I serve on the board of the Northfield Public Library and have been a board member of Prairie Creek Community School and the Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra. I’ve been a Rotary member, a Youth Exchange Officer, and worked with numerous organizations, including the United Methodist Church, Northfield Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity, the League of Women Voters, the Northfield Historical Society and more. My education includes a BA in Biology, a Master’s in Administration, and teaching licenses in Biology from St. Olaf College and in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Northfield?
Northfield is a thriving community with a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a beautiful downtown. Our Strategic Plan identifies Economic Development as the first priority, including increased commercial and industrial, enhanced tourism, and an expanded downtown. Some of our challenges include a small inventory of land available for development and a relatively high proportion of residential tax base.
2. 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, Northfield?
The City plays an important role in attracting and retaining jobs. Community development and economic development work together, using an array of tools, including zoning, planning, and financial incentives, to create a strong business climate and to make this a place where people want to live, work, and do business. Other steps we can take include identifying and prioritizing redevelopment and infill sites, reaching out to current business owners to understand their needs, formalizing long term vision, expanding riverfront access, and creating small neighborhood commercial so that services are more equitably distributed.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Northfield?
Perhaps but I would need to learn more about how this role would differ from that of our current staff. We have excellent staff in Northfield and strong leadership on our Economic Development Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and Planning Commission boards which already concentrate on these issues.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Northfield? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Northfield and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
The minimum wage in Minnesota was increased slightly on January 1st and I support further increases as it is not possible to raise a family or purchase a home on $20,000 a year. I witness every day, in teaching, the effects of a low minimum wage on families. In addition, many low wage jobs do not include health insurance, a costly but critical safety net that all families need. Any decision to raise the minimum wage as a community, however, would need to be brought to the voters after significant community input from both business owners and residents who work minimum wage jobs. I would support council policy to solicit and encourage frequent input from residents.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Northfield (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Northfield and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I support strengthening parental leave policies. Talking with business owners is important, as is understanding the impact of policies on employees and their families. Women, hourly employees, and employees with little education are often disproportionately affected by weak parental leave policies.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
The Northfield Police Department does a great job under the leadership of Chief Nelson, as does Northfield Area Fire and Rescue. We are fortunate to have these services although I do believe they are stretched thin. I support a budget increase for the NPD as well as renovation of the Fire Station. In addition, I think bringing more voices into the decision making processes will inherently make Northfield a safer and more equitable community.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I would like to see us prioritize budgeting for climate action, affordable housing, transportation, and economic growth. A forward-looking city, one that foresees and prepares for change, is a city that can attract and retain business and serve a qualified workforce.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Northfield has a high proportion of residential property tax base, as opposed to commercial and industrial, which pay a higher rate. This rate, however, is set by the legislature. In addition, we do not have a large amount of land available for expanding development. One way to account for a small inventory of land, is to set policies that encourage infill development. Increasing neighborhood commercial would also make our city more equitable as certain parts of town are disproportionately affected by lack of resources, goods, and services.
9. What will you do to expand Northfield’s tax base?
A diverse city provides jobs for a diverse population. Continuing to support our richest tax base, downtown, is a smart decision. Our downtown is a tourist destination which provides opportunity to increase lodging, restaurants, and more. But we cannot ignore the need for commercial and industrial development which provide jobs for a range of talents and skill sets. In addition, investing in top-tier recreational trails and facilities and enhancing riverfront access will also draw visitors and make this community more attractive to potential new businesses and investors.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
This is what I do for a living. Many of my students are striving to earn a high school credential, to enter college, or to increase their workplace literacy so that they can work in jobs that pay a livable wage. We have worked with the ALC, TORCH, Carleton, St. Olaf, Northfield Works, and more to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. In addition, thanks to the incredible leadership of the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative and TORCH, it is now possible to get a two-year AA degree entirely in Northfield.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to Public Schools in Northfield?
The School Board is an independent agency with its own elected officials and taxing authority, however the Council plays an important role in determining infrastructure needs, planning future school locations and safe school routes, improving youth participation on city boards, coordinating referendums, and collaborating on a variety of other issues.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Jobs and affordable housing will always be challenges. Northfield also has a lot of work to do to create an economy that is resilient to changes in climate and energy. We have had three 100-year floods since 2008. Not only are there environmental consequences, but this also has significant economic impact on our city, business owners, and employees.
We need to bring more voices into the decision making processes in Northfield. I’d like to see greater diversity on our Boards and Commissions, on the Council, and in City staff. We need to do a better job of reaching out to folks who may not feel welcome at a Council meeting or a board meeting. Monthly or quarterly round table discussions with community leaders and residents could help identify concerns and collaborative solutions.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
It is difficult to pick three. Issues that are important to me include climate resiliency, equity and inclusion, job creation/tax base, and affordable housing.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
There are areas of Northfield that are underserved, both in terms of transportation and services. I would like to increase bus service, improve trail access, and promote neighborhood commercial so that folks don’t have to travel across town to buy a gallon of milk.
15. What is your position on septic vs. sewer as well as city water vs. well from a long term perspective?
Nearly all of Northfield is served by sewer and city water, however, when new land from townships is annexed, the extension of utilities does have significant environmental and economic consequences that must be considered.
16. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
I am not aware of any city services that should be eliminated at this time.
17. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Northfield is a unique place, a city with fantastic schools, beautiful parks, a thriving downtown and arts scene, year-round sports, and two world-class colleges. We are forward-thinking and have an engaged citizenry, and I believe that a city with vision, one that foresees and prepares for change, is a city that will be successful, will attract and retain business, and serve a qualified workforce. I love Northfield and want to do my part to make it even better.