Colleen Swedberg
Name: Colleen Swedberg
Public Office Sought: Oakdale City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-247-9360
Campaign Website: NA
Twitter handle: NA
Facebook Page: NA
Candidate Bio
I have been an active resident of Oakdale for a long time including being on the Parks & Rec Commission for over 5+ years before being elected to City Council. I have been honored and humbled these last 4 years to serve our residents in this capacity. I helped tackle some of the most unprecedented issues we’ve ever seen. The COVID-19 pandemic unfolded shortly after I took office, necessitating thinking “out of the box” to solve issues that had never been seen before. When the George Floyd incident took place that presented even more challenges for us to keep the city safe, secure, and working. During my tenure we also accomplished bringing the city’s credit rating from AA2 to AA1, putting us on a more fiscally sound footing that benefits us all. I’m proud that I was able to provide guidance and a sound voice in these events and accomplishments.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Public Safety
Keeping taxes low while maintaining Oakdale’s quality of life
Much needed new Public Works Facility & Police Department Expansion with the help of the ½% sales tax, if approved by our residents
How would you characterize the business climate in Oakdale and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Oakdale continues to recover and improve from the pandemic challenges. It is encouraging to observe and see. Businesses play a vital role in our community to employ residents and support our quality of life. One example is that new housing developments provide more housing options to our residents, and they pay a park dedication fee or donate land that goes into providing more green spaces and playgrounds for all to benefit.
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, Oakdale?
The city serves in a supporting role in attracting and retaining businesses. I supported the creation of the Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction (BREA) program in conjunction with the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce (OACC) to gage our business climate. We will be visiting 12 businesses over the next 12 months to get valuable input and feedback on what the city can do or provide in our ever-changing economic climate. I would like to see the city have discussions in attracting more destinations places in Oakdale. This could include restaurants, community theaters, and other venues.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
One way to address the labor shortage is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program. This will allow people from surrounding cities to get to Oakdale more effectively and efficiently to access and obtain jobs. In addition, this will help reduce our emission footprint, making for a better environment.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Oakdale (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 Oakdale and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
The current market sets the standards for businesses in determining pay, sick leave, and other benefits. Businesses will do what they can to get or retain workers.
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?
Public Safety is one of my top priorities to our residents and businesses. Council approved the Police Department to offer a catalytic converter identification program for the top at risk vehicles. In addition, various safety classes are offered in Oakdale for free or low cost. These include fire prevention, crime prevention, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and self-defense. These classes are taught by qualified instructors from our Police Department, Fire Department (EMT) or other organizations.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
To offer and maintain affordable housing options is always a challenge for any city. We are looking at ways to help people navigate through the available resources so they can get in touch with those that can assist them.
The city needs to show a willingness to help new businesses in different ways, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) when appropriate.
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?
The city needs an adequate and safe public transportation system. Traffic is returning to pre-pandemic levels as most companies are requiring a full return to the workplace. Hybrid schedules help but will not be sustainable in the long run. Our need for public transportation will continue to grow and programs like the BRT (see question #5 above) will help.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
To build a much-needed new public works facility as well as expand the police department building. The ½% sales tax will help fund these projects and keep Oakdale’s property tax increases to a minimum.
What will you do to expand Oakdale’ tax base?
By continuing to review and approve various housing, business, and commercial developments as appropriate. Current examples are the Willowbrooke housing and 4Front developments. Both will contribute to expanding Oakdale’s tax base.
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 part of ISD622, Oakdale already passed a school referendum to build new or update existing schools in the city that will contain some of the latest available technology to help instruct our children. To help keep a safe school environment the School District and City have agreed to maintain a Community Service Officer presence at the high school and other schools as needed.
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?
Oakdale City Council has and will continue to approve the sharing of resources with surrounding communities whenever possible and beneficial. Current outsourcing services are questioned & reviewed to see if it makes more sense to bring them back under staff’s direction. Other annual contract agreements are also discussed & reviewed to ensure those agreements are still beneficial to the city.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Oakdale?
I support minority and women owned businesses in Oakdale. As part of the BREA (Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction) program we will be visiting these types of businesses and asking question on what the city can provide. The 1st session I will be attending is September 8thand I look forward to being an active part of this program.
What further policies can Oakdale adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
For the most part, Oakdale’s businesses have recovered from the pandemic well. As more people feel comfortable in going out or attending events, I expect businesses to continue to improve. During the pandemic Oakdale offered interest free loans that didn’t have to be repaid until next year (2023). This helped many businesses to survive especially the smaller ones. We are also working on streamlining our processes (policies) and making them more consistent, so businesses know what to expect when working with the City.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
In the next few years City Council, Staff and our residents have a unique opportunity to create and construct 3 new parks around the Willowbrooke Housing development. These 3 parks will be for all to enjoy!
Public Office Sought: Oakdale City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-247-9360
Campaign Website: NA
Twitter handle: NA
Facebook Page: NA
Candidate Bio
I have been an active resident of Oakdale for a long time including being on the Parks & Rec Commission for over 5+ years before being elected to City Council. I have been honored and humbled these last 4 years to serve our residents in this capacity. I helped tackle some of the most unprecedented issues we’ve ever seen. The COVID-19 pandemic unfolded shortly after I took office, necessitating thinking “out of the box” to solve issues that had never been seen before. When the George Floyd incident took place that presented even more challenges for us to keep the city safe, secure, and working. During my tenure we also accomplished bringing the city’s credit rating from AA2 to AA1, putting us on a more fiscally sound footing that benefits us all. I’m proud that I was able to provide guidance and a sound voice in these events and accomplishments.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Public Safety
Keeping taxes low while maintaining Oakdale’s quality of life
Much needed new Public Works Facility & Police Department Expansion with the help of the ½% sales tax, if approved by our residents
How would you characterize the business climate in Oakdale and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Oakdale continues to recover and improve from the pandemic challenges. It is encouraging to observe and see. Businesses play a vital role in our community to employ residents and support our quality of life. One example is that new housing developments provide more housing options to our residents, and they pay a park dedication fee or donate land that goes into providing more green spaces and playgrounds for all to benefit.
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, Oakdale?
The city serves in a supporting role in attracting and retaining businesses. I supported the creation of the Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction (BREA) program in conjunction with the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce (OACC) to gage our business climate. We will be visiting 12 businesses over the next 12 months to get valuable input and feedback on what the city can do or provide in our ever-changing economic climate. I would like to see the city have discussions in attracting more destinations places in Oakdale. This could include restaurants, community theaters, and other venues.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
One way to address the labor shortage is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program. This will allow people from surrounding cities to get to Oakdale more effectively and efficiently to access and obtain jobs. In addition, this will help reduce our emission footprint, making for a better environment.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Oakdale (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 Oakdale and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
The current market sets the standards for businesses in determining pay, sick leave, and other benefits. Businesses will do what they can to get or retain workers.
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?
Public Safety is one of my top priorities to our residents and businesses. Council approved the Police Department to offer a catalytic converter identification program for the top at risk vehicles. In addition, various safety classes are offered in Oakdale for free or low cost. These include fire prevention, crime prevention, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and self-defense. These classes are taught by qualified instructors from our Police Department, Fire Department (EMT) or other organizations.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
To offer and maintain affordable housing options is always a challenge for any city. We are looking at ways to help people navigate through the available resources so they can get in touch with those that can assist them.
The city needs to show a willingness to help new businesses in different ways, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) when appropriate.
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?
The city needs an adequate and safe public transportation system. Traffic is returning to pre-pandemic levels as most companies are requiring a full return to the workplace. Hybrid schedules help but will not be sustainable in the long run. Our need for public transportation will continue to grow and programs like the BRT (see question #5 above) will help.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
To build a much-needed new public works facility as well as expand the police department building. The ½% sales tax will help fund these projects and keep Oakdale’s property tax increases to a minimum.
What will you do to expand Oakdale’ tax base?
By continuing to review and approve various housing, business, and commercial developments as appropriate. Current examples are the Willowbrooke housing and 4Front developments. Both will contribute to expanding Oakdale’s tax base.
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 part of ISD622, Oakdale already passed a school referendum to build new or update existing schools in the city that will contain some of the latest available technology to help instruct our children. To help keep a safe school environment the School District and City have agreed to maintain a Community Service Officer presence at the high school and other schools as needed.
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?
Oakdale City Council has and will continue to approve the sharing of resources with surrounding communities whenever possible and beneficial. Current outsourcing services are questioned & reviewed to see if it makes more sense to bring them back under staff’s direction. Other annual contract agreements are also discussed & reviewed to ensure those agreements are still beneficial to the city.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Oakdale?
I support minority and women owned businesses in Oakdale. As part of the BREA (Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction) program we will be visiting these types of businesses and asking question on what the city can provide. The 1st session I will be attending is September 8thand I look forward to being an active part of this program.
What further policies can Oakdale adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
For the most part, Oakdale’s businesses have recovered from the pandemic well. As more people feel comfortable in going out or attending events, I expect businesses to continue to improve. During the pandemic Oakdale offered interest free loans that didn’t have to be repaid until next year (2023). This helped many businesses to survive especially the smaller ones. We are also working on streamlining our processes (policies) and making them more consistent, so businesses know what to expect when working with the City.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
In the next few years City Council, Staff and our residents have a unique opportunity to create and construct 3 new parks around the Willowbrooke Housing development. These 3 parks will be for all to enjoy!