Dan McGrath
Name: Dan McGrath
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Commissioner - District 2
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-702-5649
Website: https://www.danmcgrath.org
Twitter Handle: @danmc88
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/danmcgrathpage/
Candidate Bio
I’ve lived around the Twin Cities all my life. I’ve had a lot of jobs, owned a couple small businesses and worked in and around politics for many years. I’ve been an executive director, president and communications director for non-profit organizations, chairman of a ballot committee, campaign manager and a registered lobbyist.
I’ve also held government accountable, having initiated several lawsuits against different agencies to uphold the rule of law. I’ve won cases in both the Minnesota and United States Supreme Courts.
I’m a creative thinker, artistic and an author. I’m also an analytical researcher.
Some of my past professions included retail store owner, house painter, chauffeur and courier. I’m experienced in the political arena, but I know what real work is. I’ve worked in fast food restaurants and gas stations. I know how real life can kick a person around and I know how to get back up. I’ve been divorced. I’ve lost a home. I’ve been unemployed. I’ve overcome addiction. I’ve survived hard times – Just like most people have to do and I’ve turned it around.
I know what I want from government and I think it’s what most people want.
Why are you running for this seat?
It’s my hope that I can contribute to our community and improve the level of service county government provides to its citizens. Government is supposed to work for us, not the other way around!
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Right now, the big challenge, everywhere is Covid-19. It’s of supreme importance that as we work to mitigate the risks, we keep civil liberties in the front of mind and implement solutions that are respectful of individual rights, protect livelihoods and our way of life.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
See my prior answer on Covid-19. Beyond that, public safety and reinvigorating communities are present challenges. We need smooth roads with good transportation options, safe neighborhoods, healthy environments, pleasant parks and libraries to maintain communities we can be proud of.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Core services that make everyone’s quality of life, safety and living standards better should be the priority in county government. This is no place for grandstanding and pushing agendas.
Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Yes. I think county government can and should play a role in attracting and retaining jobs. This should be accomplished by creating an overall business-friendly environment, making reasonable accommodations to make it easy for new businesses to move in. It should not mean that the county plays favorites or picks winners and losers. The business environment should be fair, neutral and welcoming.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
The best economic development plan is to create an overall business-friendly environment. That means keeping bureaucracy in check. Let businesses innovate and flourish without over-burdensome local costs regulations and red tape. Government should only be involved when helpful or absolutely needed.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Core services that make everyone’s quality of life, safety and living standards better should be the priority in county government. We need smooth roads with good transportation options, safe neighborhoods, healthy environments, pleasant parks and libraries to maintain communities we can be proud of.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
To the contrary, government probably attempts to do too much. Instead of finding ways to grow it, I propose that we find ways to make it easier to interact with. Government exists to serve the people and not the other way around! Every interaction citizens have with their government should be oriented to give the best level of service, quickly, painlessly and efficiently. If there’s ever an obligation for a citizen to pay a fee, complete a form or otherwise deal with the county, the burden should be on the government to make it as smooth and simple as possible.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Not at present. Referring to my last answer, I think government services in general should be made more user-friendly.
How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
Overall, the business climate has been good, but small businesses are suffering due to government actions around Covid-19. That is likely to be an ongoing concern. For Ramsey County to maintain a healthy business climate, we have to consider the effect any risk-mitigation strategies will have on local businesses and do everything possible to minimize those impacts.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Ramsey County?
Government is obligated to provide to all its citizens, "equal protection under the law.” The best way to support minority and woman-owned businesses is to foster a business-friendly environment with a government that works for, not against its citizens and business owners. Let people innovate and smooth the way for them to advance their business ideas.
Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Ramsey County is wise to make efficient use of such partnerships. I do believe that we have abdicated too much authority to the Metropolitan Council, however and prefer local control that is accountable to the voters of Ramsey County.
In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Many of the county roads are in poor repair. Since everyone depends on roads for whatever transportation option they choose and for delivery of goods and services, durable, quality roads should be job one.
What further policies can Ramsey County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The county should commit to keeping businesses open. There should never be another total shut-down of small businesses. That move was needless and massively destructive. A public relations campaign encouraging the patronage of local businesses could give them a needed boost.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
If you like the way things have been going, you might not want to vote for me, but I really hope you do, because I already told my Dad that I won.
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Commissioner - District 2
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-702-5649
Website: https://www.danmcgrath.org
Twitter Handle: @danmc88
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/danmcgrathpage/
Candidate Bio
I’ve lived around the Twin Cities all my life. I’ve had a lot of jobs, owned a couple small businesses and worked in and around politics for many years. I’ve been an executive director, president and communications director for non-profit organizations, chairman of a ballot committee, campaign manager and a registered lobbyist.
I’ve also held government accountable, having initiated several lawsuits against different agencies to uphold the rule of law. I’ve won cases in both the Minnesota and United States Supreme Courts.
I’m a creative thinker, artistic and an author. I’m also an analytical researcher.
Some of my past professions included retail store owner, house painter, chauffeur and courier. I’m experienced in the political arena, but I know what real work is. I’ve worked in fast food restaurants and gas stations. I know how real life can kick a person around and I know how to get back up. I’ve been divorced. I’ve lost a home. I’ve been unemployed. I’ve overcome addiction. I’ve survived hard times – Just like most people have to do and I’ve turned it around.
I know what I want from government and I think it’s what most people want.
Why are you running for this seat?
It’s my hope that I can contribute to our community and improve the level of service county government provides to its citizens. Government is supposed to work for us, not the other way around!
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Right now, the big challenge, everywhere is Covid-19. It’s of supreme importance that as we work to mitigate the risks, we keep civil liberties in the front of mind and implement solutions that are respectful of individual rights, protect livelihoods and our way of life.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
See my prior answer on Covid-19. Beyond that, public safety and reinvigorating communities are present challenges. We need smooth roads with good transportation options, safe neighborhoods, healthy environments, pleasant parks and libraries to maintain communities we can be proud of.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Core services that make everyone’s quality of life, safety and living standards better should be the priority in county government. This is no place for grandstanding and pushing agendas.
Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Yes. I think county government can and should play a role in attracting and retaining jobs. This should be accomplished by creating an overall business-friendly environment, making reasonable accommodations to make it easy for new businesses to move in. It should not mean that the county plays favorites or picks winners and losers. The business environment should be fair, neutral and welcoming.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
The best economic development plan is to create an overall business-friendly environment. That means keeping bureaucracy in check. Let businesses innovate and flourish without over-burdensome local costs regulations and red tape. Government should only be involved when helpful or absolutely needed.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Core services that make everyone’s quality of life, safety and living standards better should be the priority in county government. We need smooth roads with good transportation options, safe neighborhoods, healthy environments, pleasant parks and libraries to maintain communities we can be proud of.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
To the contrary, government probably attempts to do too much. Instead of finding ways to grow it, I propose that we find ways to make it easier to interact with. Government exists to serve the people and not the other way around! Every interaction citizens have with their government should be oriented to give the best level of service, quickly, painlessly and efficiently. If there’s ever an obligation for a citizen to pay a fee, complete a form or otherwise deal with the county, the burden should be on the government to make it as smooth and simple as possible.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Not at present. Referring to my last answer, I think government services in general should be made more user-friendly.
How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
Overall, the business climate has been good, but small businesses are suffering due to government actions around Covid-19. That is likely to be an ongoing concern. For Ramsey County to maintain a healthy business climate, we have to consider the effect any risk-mitigation strategies will have on local businesses and do everything possible to minimize those impacts.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Ramsey County?
Government is obligated to provide to all its citizens, "equal protection under the law.” The best way to support minority and woman-owned businesses is to foster a business-friendly environment with a government that works for, not against its citizens and business owners. Let people innovate and smooth the way for them to advance their business ideas.
Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Ramsey County is wise to make efficient use of such partnerships. I do believe that we have abdicated too much authority to the Metropolitan Council, however and prefer local control that is accountable to the voters of Ramsey County.
In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Many of the county roads are in poor repair. Since everyone depends on roads for whatever transportation option they choose and for delivery of goods and services, durable, quality roads should be job one.
What further policies can Ramsey County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The county should commit to keeping businesses open. There should never be another total shut-down of small businesses. That move was needless and massively destructive. A public relations campaign encouraging the patronage of local businesses could give them a needed boost.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
If you like the way things have been going, you might not want to vote for me, but I really hope you do, because I already told my Dad that I won.