Dai Thao - Saint Paul Ward 1
Name: Dai Thao
Public Office Sought: Saint Paul City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-715-8806
Website: www.daithao.org
Twitter Handle: @daithao1
Facebook: Dai Thao for St. Paul City Council Ward 1
Candidate Bio
I am seeking my third term on the City Council. I have proven to be the most effective and qualified candidate with a track record of getting things done for the the diverse communities in Ward 1 and St. Paul. Ward. I am an experienced and practical policy analyst, hardworking and fair public servant. I am very responsive to the needs and concerns of my constituents and believe all voices have to be at the table. For example, during the City’s minimum wage discussion, I engaged and brought small business owners to the table to discuss their concerns, and as a result, I championed a fair implementation schedule for small businesses to adapt.
I also serve on St. Paul Port Authority and have been successful in creating hundreds of new good paying jobs along the Phalen Corridor and at the Treasure Island Center. I co-led the effort to create the Open for Business initiative and supported the biggest privately-funded stadium and largest investment outside of downtown. I am a uniter with a vision for the entire ward; I can work across race and culture, neighborhoods and income, gender and generations making Ward 1 the fastest growing ward in St. Paul.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Saint Paul?
The business climate is St. Paul is exciting with the Snelling-Midway redevelopment, the revitalization of downtown, and quality restaurants across the city. While we are making strides in the food and hospitality sector, we need to do more to help immigrant, small and women-owned businesses. The City needs to provide more efficient and quality customer services across our departments in DSI, PED, and Public Works. I am excited and eager to continue doing that work through our Open for Business initiative.
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, Saint Paul?
The City plays a critical role in supporting current businesses to attract and retain jobs. For example the City can ease the access to capital, grants and loans, more bonding and creative tax strategies to help attract, expand and retain jobs. The City can also get rid of outdated ordinances and regulations to create better business environment. These are the important work I have been doing through the Open for Business initiative, and on the St. Paul Port Authority.
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 Saint Paul?
I think the City has a good PED department and I am open to adding additional staff to concentrate on business retention and expansion. I also believe that one person cannot do the job of being a business advocate. We need a culture shift in our City to support and empower staff across all departments to be creative in supporting businesses.
4. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Saint Paul (such as mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Saint Paul and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
At this time, I think it’s important for us to first gather data on the economic impact from previous ordinances like Earned Sick and Safe Time and minimum wage, before I can initiate new employment related proposals. If by chance someone proposes such policy, I would listen and do my own thorough research as I did for minimum wage. My decision will be based on facts and data, and thorough analysis.
5. Would you support modifying or repealing the new earned sick and safe time or minimum wage ordinances that apply to the city? If so, how?
I fought for a fair implementation of $15, to give micro and small employer a chance to adapt. I am proud of that work. Even though some folks were upset with me and want to unseat me, it was the right and balanced thing to do. With that said, I believe it is premature to repeal.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
In my experience, we need multiple concurrent strategies for public safety. Public safety includes improving the health and wellness of our community members economically, mentally, and physically. These are things I believe in and am working on:
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
We need to protect commercially zoned properties in the City and increase housing density to support, expand, and diversify our tax base. This will make it so that property taxes do not overburden commercial or residential property owners.
9. What will you do to expand Saint Paul’s tax base?
I have a long term strategy when it come to expanding the tax base. We must make it less difficult to grow new business while helping those already in business expand. I implemented those strategies on the Council and Port Authority where I supported increased housing density to grow the tax base and have been proactive in providing entrepreneurs and employers with the tools and funding mechanisms they need start and grow their businesses. As you can see, because of my leadership, Ward 1 is the fastest growing ward in the city.
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?
As council member and Port Authority Commissioner, I will continue to be an active partner in providing our educational institutions and businesses the financial support, tools and leverage they need to develop and retain an educated workforce. This includes preventing displacement of families and keeping kids in the school district so they have consistent community members present to support them. I’ve also partnered with our local technical colleges to do outreach with labor partners, high schools, and non-profits to prepare people for different jobs that require specific and advanced skills.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Saint Paul?
The city council’s role is to work in partnership with the district and deliver quality out of school time for all our students and families. We must also do a better job of sharing resources and facilities in the future to cut costs and strengthen the city/school relationship.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Affordable housing and economic injustices are two issues that need to be addressed. In the next for years I want to help create 2000 new housing units in Ward 1. I will also work with our partners and developers to open 25 new businesses to help stabilize tax revenues so we can provide better services and more opportunities for wealth creation.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
15. 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?
Yes, we need to revise the Vacant Building program and allow for property owners to have more flexibility in making repairs and selling it. I’m certain there are more but we do not know what else is taking the bulk amount of staff time that are creating inefficiencies. This is why I’m co-leading an audit of the city departments to get a better handle on how our departments are performing.
Also, I want to create a centralized interactive multilingual web portal for businesses to learn how to open a business in the City and completely understand the licensing requirements it needs from the front end.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have a track record of real outcomes, not empty campaign slogan or talking points. I don’t do the work for glory, I do the hard work of serving the entire Ward because I care about the people like they are my own family. The fact is under my leadership Ward 1 has come a very long way economically and the quality of life has improved overall. We fixed a lot of problem properties that created illegal dumping and crime, crime has gone down overall, and the delivery of city services are improving. Even though we had challenging times of racial tensions and economic disparity, I was able to unite Ward 1 across race and cultures, gender and generations, income and neighborhoods. This unity gave me tremendous leverage in the city to drive hard bargains for Ward 1. I have done just what I promised I would do - fight for everyone, unite the ward, and ensure progress for all. This isn’t the time to hit reset and start all over again with empty promises. Change takes time and we’ve done too much good for each other, we’ve come too far for each other to only go back now. Let’s lead on, let’s show the rest of the city Ward 1 is number one, because in ward one, we are one, and together we are achieving progress for all.
Public Office Sought: Saint Paul City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-715-8806
Website: www.daithao.org
Twitter Handle: @daithao1
Facebook: Dai Thao for St. Paul City Council Ward 1
Candidate Bio
I am seeking my third term on the City Council. I have proven to be the most effective and qualified candidate with a track record of getting things done for the the diverse communities in Ward 1 and St. Paul. Ward. I am an experienced and practical policy analyst, hardworking and fair public servant. I am very responsive to the needs and concerns of my constituents and believe all voices have to be at the table. For example, during the City’s minimum wage discussion, I engaged and brought small business owners to the table to discuss their concerns, and as a result, I championed a fair implementation schedule for small businesses to adapt.
I also serve on St. Paul Port Authority and have been successful in creating hundreds of new good paying jobs along the Phalen Corridor and at the Treasure Island Center. I co-led the effort to create the Open for Business initiative and supported the biggest privately-funded stadium and largest investment outside of downtown. I am a uniter with a vision for the entire ward; I can work across race and culture, neighborhoods and income, gender and generations making Ward 1 the fastest growing ward in St. Paul.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Saint Paul?
The business climate is St. Paul is exciting with the Snelling-Midway redevelopment, the revitalization of downtown, and quality restaurants across the city. While we are making strides in the food and hospitality sector, we need to do more to help immigrant, small and women-owned businesses. The City needs to provide more efficient and quality customer services across our departments in DSI, PED, and Public Works. I am excited and eager to continue doing that work through our Open for Business initiative.
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, Saint Paul?
The City plays a critical role in supporting current businesses to attract and retain jobs. For example the City can ease the access to capital, grants and loans, more bonding and creative tax strategies to help attract, expand and retain jobs. The City can also get rid of outdated ordinances and regulations to create better business environment. These are the important work I have been doing through the Open for Business initiative, and on the St. Paul Port Authority.
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 Saint Paul?
I think the City has a good PED department and I am open to adding additional staff to concentrate on business retention and expansion. I also believe that one person cannot do the job of being a business advocate. We need a culture shift in our City to support and empower staff across all departments to be creative in supporting businesses.
4. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Saint Paul (such as mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Saint Paul and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
At this time, I think it’s important for us to first gather data on the economic impact from previous ordinances like Earned Sick and Safe Time and minimum wage, before I can initiate new employment related proposals. If by chance someone proposes such policy, I would listen and do my own thorough research as I did for minimum wage. My decision will be based on facts and data, and thorough analysis.
5. Would you support modifying or repealing the new earned sick and safe time or minimum wage ordinances that apply to the city? If so, how?
I fought for a fair implementation of $15, to give micro and small employer a chance to adapt. I am proud of that work. Even though some folks were upset with me and want to unseat me, it was the right and balanced thing to do. With that said, I believe it is premature to repeal.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
In my experience, we need multiple concurrent strategies for public safety. Public safety includes improving the health and wellness of our community members economically, mentally, and physically. These are things I believe in and am working on:
- Youth Employment - give young people incentives to do good, be responsible and productive. One hour at their job is one hour away from other influences. It helps young people build relationships, develop skills and have a sense of pride while learning to be self-sufficient.
- After School Program, Park & Rec and Library - create more opportunities for young people to excel and build positive relationships with responsible adults
- De-escalation Training - teach young people and adults how to de-escalate potentially violent situations
- Improved lighting in our streets and alleys
- Provide appropriate anti-crime prevention funding in areas of high crime
- Increase housing and job opportunities
- Build trust with community members and St. Paul Police
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
- Affordable housing and neighborhood investment
- Economic development, environmental and racial justice
- Public safety, early childhood and youth development
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
We need to protect commercially zoned properties in the City and increase housing density to support, expand, and diversify our tax base. This will make it so that property taxes do not overburden commercial or residential property owners.
9. What will you do to expand Saint Paul’s tax base?
I have a long term strategy when it come to expanding the tax base. We must make it less difficult to grow new business while helping those already in business expand. I implemented those strategies on the Council and Port Authority where I supported increased housing density to grow the tax base and have been proactive in providing entrepreneurs and employers with the tools and funding mechanisms they need start and grow their businesses. As you can see, because of my leadership, Ward 1 is the fastest growing ward in the city.
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?
As council member and Port Authority Commissioner, I will continue to be an active partner in providing our educational institutions and businesses the financial support, tools and leverage they need to develop and retain an educated workforce. This includes preventing displacement of families and keeping kids in the school district so they have consistent community members present to support them. I’ve also partnered with our local technical colleges to do outreach with labor partners, high schools, and non-profits to prepare people for different jobs that require specific and advanced skills.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Saint Paul?
The city council’s role is to work in partnership with the district and deliver quality out of school time for all our students and families. We must also do a better job of sharing resources and facilities in the future to cut costs and strengthen the city/school relationship.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Affordable housing and economic injustices are two issues that need to be addressed. In the next for years I want to help create 2000 new housing units in Ward 1. I will also work with our partners and developers to open 25 new businesses to help stabilize tax revenues so we can provide better services and more opportunities for wealth creation.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
- Affordable housing and neighborhood investment
- Economic development, environmental and racial justice
- Public safety, early childhood and youth development
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
- Better snow plow and enforcement of snow emergency
- More parking along University Ave.
- Alley plowing
- Mass transit connecting us to the airport
- B route from Uptown to downtown St. Paul
15. 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?
Yes, we need to revise the Vacant Building program and allow for property owners to have more flexibility in making repairs and selling it. I’m certain there are more but we do not know what else is taking the bulk amount of staff time that are creating inefficiencies. This is why I’m co-leading an audit of the city departments to get a better handle on how our departments are performing.
Also, I want to create a centralized interactive multilingual web portal for businesses to learn how to open a business in the City and completely understand the licensing requirements it needs from the front end.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have a track record of real outcomes, not empty campaign slogan or talking points. I don’t do the work for glory, I do the hard work of serving the entire Ward because I care about the people like they are my own family. The fact is under my leadership Ward 1 has come a very long way economically and the quality of life has improved overall. We fixed a lot of problem properties that created illegal dumping and crime, crime has gone down overall, and the delivery of city services are improving. Even though we had challenging times of racial tensions and economic disparity, I was able to unite Ward 1 across race and cultures, gender and generations, income and neighborhoods. This unity gave me tremendous leverage in the city to drive hard bargains for Ward 1. I have done just what I promised I would do - fight for everyone, unite the ward, and ensure progress for all. This isn’t the time to hit reset and start all over again with empty promises. Change takes time and we’ve done too much good for each other, we’ve come too far for each other to only go back now. Let’s lead on, let’s show the rest of the city Ward 1 is number one, because in ward one, we are one, and together we are achieving progress for all.