Dan Walsh
Name: Dan Walsh
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-799-2242
Campaign Website: www.walshfor64A.org
Twitter handle: @WalshFor64A
Facebook Page: never
Candidate Bio
Dan Walsh
A lifelong resident of St. Paul, I attended Nativity Grade School and Cretin High School, and have proudly called this city home for over 45 years. I spent 30 years in corporate America, primarily supporting the cybersecurity sector, where I served as an account manager for various organizations. This role demanded high levels of accountability, responsibility, and a deep understanding of risk management. With the shift in work dynamics during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to establish a property management brokerage, further honing my skills in leadership and fiscal management.
My extensive experience in managing risk and understanding the impact of decisions uniquely positions me to address the challenges we face in government today. As we witness declining standards and fiscal irresponsibility, I bring a critical perspective and the practical know-how to balance budgets and make sound policy decisions. I am committed to restoring the principles of accountability and responsibility in our state legislature.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
Focus on ensuring that the state's budget is balanced, and that spending aligns with economic realities. This includes reducing wasteful spending, fraud, and prioritizing essential services.
With a potentially challenging economic outlook, prudent financial management becomes even more crucial. My experience in managing budgets and understanding financial risk positions me to make informed decisions that will safeguard our state's financial health.
Public Safety and Community Well-Being
Strengthening public safety through support for law enforcement, community programs, and initiatives that address the root causes of crime.
Economic downturns can often lead to increased crime rates and strain on community resources. By focusing on efficient resource allocation and proactive community engagement, we can maintain public safety without overextending the budget.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Promoting policies that encourage business growth, support local entrepreneurs, and create jobs. This includes reducing regulatory burdens and providing incentives for businesses to invest in our district.
In a sluggish economy, attracting and retaining businesses is vital. My experience in the private sector equips me with the insight needed to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, even in challenging times.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
Headline today, 8/15/2024, in the Pioneer Press front page, “Lowry Apartments in downtown St Paul are in foreclosure” nothing else needs to be said and unfortunately there are many that are teetering on foreclosure all due to progressive policies.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration between government and the business community is one rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to transparency. By fostering a balanced partnership, we can address critical issues like education, housing, and workforce development more effectively. Public-private partnerships, regular dialogue, and clear accountability are key to ensuring that our efforts result in real, tangible benefits for our community.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
A policy to eliminate Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties.
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in its current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
While the Paid Family Medical Leave program and other mandates from the 2023-2024 Legislature are well-intentioned, I believe they require further refinement before implementation. These policies, as currently structured, could place undue financial and administrative burdens on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially hindering job creation.
If elected, I would engage directly with East Metro business owners to understand the impact of these mandates. By conducting roundtable discussions, surveys, and impact studies, I would ensure that policy decisions are data-driven and reflect the diverse needs of our business community.
Moreover, it's essential to define exceptions and scalable solutions that allow businesses to comply without compromising their viability. This approach would help protect jobs and support business sustainability while respecting workers' rights.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategy to address public safety challenges focuses on a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening law enforcement, addressing the root causes of crime, and engaging the community. I will advocate for increased support and resources for our law enforcement agencies to ensure they are well-equipped to protect our communities. At the same time, I'll work to expand youth programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to tackle the underlying issues that contribute to crime.
Investing in modernizing our public safety infrastructure, leveraging technology, and enhancing emergency response systems are also key components of my plan. Additionally, I support balanced criminal justice reforms that protect public safety while promoting fairness and rehabilitation. Community engagement is vital, and I will work to build trust and collaboration between residents and law enforcement to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Transportation projects are bankrupting us and this desire to put a bike path everywhere, including destroying historic Summit Avenue, needs to stop.
By eliminating and doing a deeper inspection of these attempts can focus on truly what is needed and then produce an evidence-based approach to solving some of these problems.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
One idea is to state housing shortage and affordability issues more accurately. There is an affordability issue because there is inflation, and we are over regulated and overtaxed. You’re not going to see new development with all the constraints in place today. St Paul is now realizing this as they back pedal on rent control and Ryan Companies is screaming for more subsidy because few investors want to park their money here based upon the political climate.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
You had a large surplus that was spent immediately and along with that was a celebrated historic %40 explosion in the operational budget of the state. The only thing that can solve this is the elimination of all who made this happen which was mainly one group. This is the difference between private and government, accountability. Yesterday there was an article about the teachers hiring a forensic auditor to see what is going on with the Teachers Retirement Account. What’s the priority? Transparency and accountability. How many people have been let go from the Department of Education after letting $250 million of taxpayer money disappear? The answer is zero that is not accountability and needs to be changed.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-799-2242
Campaign Website: www.walshfor64A.org
Twitter handle: @WalshFor64A
Facebook Page: never
Candidate Bio
Dan Walsh
A lifelong resident of St. Paul, I attended Nativity Grade School and Cretin High School, and have proudly called this city home for over 45 years. I spent 30 years in corporate America, primarily supporting the cybersecurity sector, where I served as an account manager for various organizations. This role demanded high levels of accountability, responsibility, and a deep understanding of risk management. With the shift in work dynamics during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to establish a property management brokerage, further honing my skills in leadership and fiscal management.
My extensive experience in managing risk and understanding the impact of decisions uniquely positions me to address the challenges we face in government today. As we witness declining standards and fiscal irresponsibility, I bring a critical perspective and the practical know-how to balance budgets and make sound policy decisions. I am committed to restoring the principles of accountability and responsibility in our state legislature.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
Focus on ensuring that the state's budget is balanced, and that spending aligns with economic realities. This includes reducing wasteful spending, fraud, and prioritizing essential services.
With a potentially challenging economic outlook, prudent financial management becomes even more crucial. My experience in managing budgets and understanding financial risk positions me to make informed decisions that will safeguard our state's financial health.
Public Safety and Community Well-Being
Strengthening public safety through support for law enforcement, community programs, and initiatives that address the root causes of crime.
Economic downturns can often lead to increased crime rates and strain on community resources. By focusing on efficient resource allocation and proactive community engagement, we can maintain public safety without overextending the budget.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Promoting policies that encourage business growth, support local entrepreneurs, and create jobs. This includes reducing regulatory burdens and providing incentives for businesses to invest in our district.
In a sluggish economy, attracting and retaining businesses is vital. My experience in the private sector equips me with the insight needed to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, even in challenging times.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
Headline today, 8/15/2024, in the Pioneer Press front page, “Lowry Apartments in downtown St Paul are in foreclosure” nothing else needs to be said and unfortunately there are many that are teetering on foreclosure all due to progressive policies.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
The ideal collaboration between government and the business community is one rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to transparency. By fostering a balanced partnership, we can address critical issues like education, housing, and workforce development more effectively. Public-private partnerships, regular dialogue, and clear accountability are key to ensuring that our efforts result in real, tangible benefits for our community.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
A policy to eliminate Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties.
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in its current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
While the Paid Family Medical Leave program and other mandates from the 2023-2024 Legislature are well-intentioned, I believe they require further refinement before implementation. These policies, as currently structured, could place undue financial and administrative burdens on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially hindering job creation.
If elected, I would engage directly with East Metro business owners to understand the impact of these mandates. By conducting roundtable discussions, surveys, and impact studies, I would ensure that policy decisions are data-driven and reflect the diverse needs of our business community.
Moreover, it's essential to define exceptions and scalable solutions that allow businesses to comply without compromising their viability. This approach would help protect jobs and support business sustainability while respecting workers' rights.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategy to address public safety challenges focuses on a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening law enforcement, addressing the root causes of crime, and engaging the community. I will advocate for increased support and resources for our law enforcement agencies to ensure they are well-equipped to protect our communities. At the same time, I'll work to expand youth programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to tackle the underlying issues that contribute to crime.
Investing in modernizing our public safety infrastructure, leveraging technology, and enhancing emergency response systems are also key components of my plan. Additionally, I support balanced criminal justice reforms that protect public safety while promoting fairness and rehabilitation. Community engagement is vital, and I will work to build trust and collaboration between residents and law enforcement to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Transportation projects are bankrupting us and this desire to put a bike path everywhere, including destroying historic Summit Avenue, needs to stop.
By eliminating and doing a deeper inspection of these attempts can focus on truly what is needed and then produce an evidence-based approach to solving some of these problems.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
One idea is to state housing shortage and affordability issues more accurately. There is an affordability issue because there is inflation, and we are over regulated and overtaxed. You’re not going to see new development with all the constraints in place today. St Paul is now realizing this as they back pedal on rent control and Ryan Companies is screaming for more subsidy because few investors want to park their money here based upon the political climate.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
You had a large surplus that was spent immediately and along with that was a celebrated historic %40 explosion in the operational budget of the state. The only thing that can solve this is the elimination of all who made this happen which was mainly one group. This is the difference between private and government, accountability. Yesterday there was an article about the teachers hiring a forensic auditor to see what is going on with the Teachers Retirement Account. What’s the priority? Transparency and accountability. How many people have been let go from the Department of Education after letting $250 million of taxpayer money disappear? The answer is zero that is not accountability and needs to be changed.