Deborah A. Larson
Name: Deborah A. Larson
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident of Woodbury since 1983 when Colby Lake was the only housing development in the area. I have seen the City grow and prosper over the past several years and I would like to see the growth continue at a rate that the infrastructure can accommodate.
My background is in the medical field. I have a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Nurse Anesthesia. I have been employed by M Health/Fairview for 18 years in that field. I have had various leadership roles throughout my career.
I have been on the board of the HOA of Windom Ponds and on the new construction advisory board of that same HOA. I am on the planning committee for the St. Ambrose Fall Festival. I done various volunteer work for candidates and organizations throughout the years. I have an interest in the PFAS contamination of the water supply and have been following the 3M settlement along with the progress made in that arena. This was the initial reason that I became more interested in city government.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Safe and sustainable drinking water 2. A launch area at La Lake for kayakers and paddleboarders 3. A safe environment for the citizens of Woodbury.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The businesses in Woodbury need to accommodate the standards that are set forth by the City which can include esthetics and nature of the business. The wage offered would be congruent with the standards offered by similar employers and be competitive. I believe that it is the choice of a business to contribute to a charity or indulge in philanthropy.
Woodbury has a lot to offer businesses due to the expanding population, location and the standards of the City. It is sometimes referred to as the Edina of the east.
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, Woodbury?
Washington County and the state of Minnesota have programs that offer direction and guidance to businesses. Open to business is a program offered through Washington County that may be of assistance. Duplication of these services is probably not warranted by Woodbury at this time.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (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 Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am not in favor of instituting any specific-employment related programs.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety is a priority. An equipped and strong police force will aid in that regard. Housing is competitive and the market will dictate the situation. Woodbury’s population generally drives to destinations and there is not a high demand for public transportation currently.
Those wanting or needing transportation can use the Gold Line Bus transportation with pickup locations throughout the City. The construction of a bus station is included in the future for Woodbury. Medical assisted transportation is available.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
The goals that I have mentioned before would be my priorities for allocation of funds. Many necessary infrastructure repairs are necessary and are essential at this time. These are included in the budget.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
Woodbury is a growing city and with the increase in housing, the tax base question will take care of itself without a rise in taxes. Green space has always been a priority and as I see it, will continue to be in the future. The resources that we have in our lakes, trails and parks are necessary for the good of the community.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The school districts generally operate to ensure education due to the state standards. Woodbury has typically done better than the national average in this regard. The schools operate separately from the city although one of the goals for our City is Youth Development and Education. This encompasses programs through Community Education that involve sports and play centered activity which promotes health both physically and emotionally. Other proposals may be initiated along these lines.
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?
I do not believe that there are any services that the City needs to eliminate but some may be obsolete and that will be determined as we go forward. The Hero Center which is located in Cottage Grove is a prime example of cooperation between our two cities. Other opportunities may present themselves in the future.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
I believe merit, intelligence, collaboration, follow through etc. should be rewarded regardless of skin color or other specifics.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
That is a good question and I am open to suggestions.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am fiscally responsible and ethically motivated. I want to retain Woodbury’s standards and personality.
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I have been a resident of Woodbury since 1983 when Colby Lake was the only housing development in the area. I have seen the City grow and prosper over the past several years and I would like to see the growth continue at a rate that the infrastructure can accommodate.
My background is in the medical field. I have a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Nurse Anesthesia. I have been employed by M Health/Fairview for 18 years in that field. I have had various leadership roles throughout my career.
I have been on the board of the HOA of Windom Ponds and on the new construction advisory board of that same HOA. I am on the planning committee for the St. Ambrose Fall Festival. I done various volunteer work for candidates and organizations throughout the years. I have an interest in the PFAS contamination of the water supply and have been following the 3M settlement along with the progress made in that arena. This was the initial reason that I became more interested in city government.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Safe and sustainable drinking water 2. A launch area at La Lake for kayakers and paddleboarders 3. A safe environment for the citizens of Woodbury.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The businesses in Woodbury need to accommodate the standards that are set forth by the City which can include esthetics and nature of the business. The wage offered would be congruent with the standards offered by similar employers and be competitive. I believe that it is the choice of a business to contribute to a charity or indulge in philanthropy.
Woodbury has a lot to offer businesses due to the expanding population, location and the standards of the City. It is sometimes referred to as the Edina of the east.
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, Woodbury?
Washington County and the state of Minnesota have programs that offer direction and guidance to businesses. Open to business is a program offered through Washington County that may be of assistance. Duplication of these services is probably not warranted by Woodbury at this time.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (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 Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am not in favor of instituting any specific-employment related programs.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety is a priority. An equipped and strong police force will aid in that regard. Housing is competitive and the market will dictate the situation. Woodbury’s population generally drives to destinations and there is not a high demand for public transportation currently.
Those wanting or needing transportation can use the Gold Line Bus transportation with pickup locations throughout the City. The construction of a bus station is included in the future for Woodbury. Medical assisted transportation is available.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
The goals that I have mentioned before would be my priorities for allocation of funds. Many necessary infrastructure repairs are necessary and are essential at this time. These are included in the budget.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
Woodbury is a growing city and with the increase in housing, the tax base question will take care of itself without a rise in taxes. Green space has always been a priority and as I see it, will continue to be in the future. The resources that we have in our lakes, trails and parks are necessary for the good of the community.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The school districts generally operate to ensure education due to the state standards. Woodbury has typically done better than the national average in this regard. The schools operate separately from the city although one of the goals for our City is Youth Development and Education. This encompasses programs through Community Education that involve sports and play centered activity which promotes health both physically and emotionally. Other proposals may be initiated along these lines.
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?
I do not believe that there are any services that the City needs to eliminate but some may be obsolete and that will be determined as we go forward. The Hero Center which is located in Cottage Grove is a prime example of cooperation between our two cities. Other opportunities may present themselves in the future.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
I believe merit, intelligence, collaboration, follow through etc. should be rewarded regardless of skin color or other specifics.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
That is a good question and I am open to suggestions.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am fiscally responsible and ethically motivated. I want to retain Woodbury’s standards and personality.