Dino Guerin
Name: Dino Guerin
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Commissioner-District 6
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-366-3296
Campaign Website: WWW.dinoforcountyboard.com
Twitter handle: n/a
Facebook Page: WWW.facebook.com/dino.guerin
Candidate Bio
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses, and retain existing businesses in, Ramsey County?
Provide safety and security for business employees and patrons and promote the County as a family friendly entertainment and work destination that it can be. Create an environment where business can prosper, combat crime, keep taxes low, minimize regulations when possible, rid the county of graffiti and litter, provide a safe and clean work and living environment.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Ramsey County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Ramsey County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I would let businesses run their own business. It’s in their best interest to provide competitive wages and working conditions. Let the market set the standard.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
I will organize workforce hubs at Ramsey County libraries. Once a week the libraries would provide assistance and provide resources to job seekers. We would identify current job postings, assist with individuals resumes and the application process. We will partner with employers to aid them in filling their workforce needs.
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?
I would advocate for proper staffing levels for public safety based on the needs of the citizens. Crime levels are too high, which affects housing, all businesses, and even transportation. At some point the dedicated Law Enforcement officials need to be allowed to arrest criminals. Public safety and security are the focal point. By maintaining safety and security many other priorities are also served. A clean and safe county attracts business, shoppers, entertainment, events, etc.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
I will support and collaborate with existing and established organizations that are already providing housing services. The H.R.A. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority), the Minnesota Home Buyer Program, H.U.D. (Housing and Urban Development), Ramsey County Homeownership Preservation Program, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, Minnesota Housing Trust Fund, and banking institutions that have programs for a path to home ownership.
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 number one issue to be addressed regarding public transportation is it simply is not safe due to criminal activity. People are assaulted and killed at a high rate on public transportation. Also, there are far too many people riding the light rail without paying. We need more of a police presence on public transportation. The current metro transit police department function more as ambassadors than police officers.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
The starting point would be a zero (0%) tax levy increase. I will work to consolidate services when possible and reduce and/or eliminate programs and services that aren’t benefitting taxpayers.
What will you do to expand Ramsey County’s tax base?
My first priority is to strengthen relationships with companies already established and committed to Ramsey County. Expansion of current businesses within Ramsey County benefits all stakeholders. Providing the quick and effective quality services and streamlining the permit authorization process for business projects is the goal for new and established business partners.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I will motivate and encourage students to be the best they can be by partnering with local business leaders, athletes, religious leaders, community leaders, etc. I will call on our adults to speak at schools, events, and churches to show what can be accomplished when you prepare yourself for the future.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
All services should and will be reviewed to insure they are of value and important to County residents. I would conduct listening sessions throughout the County to determine what services are valued most by citizens and business owners.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Ramsey County?
Success can be achieved by offering everyone access to business opportunities while reducing burdensome regulations and streamlining the application and permit process. Creating a business friendly code compliance division that assists business owners efficiently and quickly work through code requirements.
What further policies can Ramsey County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I will meet with and listen to business owners concerns and find solutions that work for them. I will be their advocate and partner to help build a strong and financially secure County. Let people know Ramsey County is open for business, recreation, and entertainment.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I will represent and be an advocate for every resident, business owner, and visitor to Ramsey County. If there is a problem, issue or concern, I want to know about it. I will work for you to solve it. I was born and raised in Ramsey County. My wife and I raised our daughter here. I worked 30+ years for the City of Saint Paul Fire Department. Ramsey County is my home and I want to provide the same sense of home for all citizens.
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Commissioner-District 6
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-366-3296
Campaign Website: WWW.dinoforcountyboard.com
Twitter handle: n/a
Facebook Page: WWW.facebook.com/dino.guerin
Candidate Bio
- Elected to three terms to the Saint Paul City Council to serve the residents of Ward 7.
- Elected as the District 6 County Commissioner. I provided policy and budget direction, conducted public hearings, and led community outreach programs I led economic development projects, including the construction of the River Center and Xcel Energy Center.
- While serving as a District Fire Chief for the City of Saint Paul my training included: State and Federal Emergency Preparedness, Critical Incident Command and Control, as well as Community Diversity, and Mental Health training.
- Currently, I work at the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department. I function as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Threat Prevention Planner.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
- I will work with my fellow commissioners to run Ramsey County as a business while focusing on the needs of our customers (the residents and visitors).
- My focus is public safety. All aspects of life, freedom and happiness are based on safety and security. I will insure that all Ramsey County residents and visitors are provided a safe and secure environment.
- In addition, I would provide top level public services to residents and businesses. I will create an atmosphere that will allow businesses to operate and expand by supporting them and eliminating burdensome and redundant regulations.
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses, and retain existing businesses in, Ramsey County?
Provide safety and security for business employees and patrons and promote the County as a family friendly entertainment and work destination that it can be. Create an environment where business can prosper, combat crime, keep taxes low, minimize regulations when possible, rid the county of graffiti and litter, provide a safe and clean work and living environment.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Ramsey County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Ramsey County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I would let businesses run their own business. It’s in their best interest to provide competitive wages and working conditions. Let the market set the standard.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
I will organize workforce hubs at Ramsey County libraries. Once a week the libraries would provide assistance and provide resources to job seekers. We would identify current job postings, assist with individuals resumes and the application process. We will partner with employers to aid them in filling their workforce needs.
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?
I would advocate for proper staffing levels for public safety based on the needs of the citizens. Crime levels are too high, which affects housing, all businesses, and even transportation. At some point the dedicated Law Enforcement officials need to be allowed to arrest criminals. Public safety and security are the focal point. By maintaining safety and security many other priorities are also served. A clean and safe county attracts business, shoppers, entertainment, events, etc.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
I will support and collaborate with existing and established organizations that are already providing housing services. The H.R.A. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority), the Minnesota Home Buyer Program, H.U.D. (Housing and Urban Development), Ramsey County Homeownership Preservation Program, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, Minnesota Housing Trust Fund, and banking institutions that have programs for a path to home ownership.
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 number one issue to be addressed regarding public transportation is it simply is not safe due to criminal activity. People are assaulted and killed at a high rate on public transportation. Also, there are far too many people riding the light rail without paying. We need more of a police presence on public transportation. The current metro transit police department function more as ambassadors than police officers.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
The starting point would be a zero (0%) tax levy increase. I will work to consolidate services when possible and reduce and/or eliminate programs and services that aren’t benefitting taxpayers.
What will you do to expand Ramsey County’s tax base?
My first priority is to strengthen relationships with companies already established and committed to Ramsey County. Expansion of current businesses within Ramsey County benefits all stakeholders. Providing the quick and effective quality services and streamlining the permit authorization process for business projects is the goal for new and established business partners.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I will motivate and encourage students to be the best they can be by partnering with local business leaders, athletes, religious leaders, community leaders, etc. I will call on our adults to speak at schools, events, and churches to show what can be accomplished when you prepare yourself for the future.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
All services should and will be reviewed to insure they are of value and important to County residents. I would conduct listening sessions throughout the County to determine what services are valued most by citizens and business owners.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Ramsey County?
Success can be achieved by offering everyone access to business opportunities while reducing burdensome regulations and streamlining the application and permit process. Creating a business friendly code compliance division that assists business owners efficiently and quickly work through code requirements.
What further policies can Ramsey County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I will meet with and listen to business owners concerns and find solutions that work for them. I will be their advocate and partner to help build a strong and financially secure County. Let people know Ramsey County is open for business, recreation, and entertainment.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I will represent and be an advocate for every resident, business owner, and visitor to Ramsey County. If there is a problem, issue or concern, I want to know about it. I will work for you to solve it. I was born and raised in Ramsey County. My wife and I raised our daughter here. I worked 30+ years for the City of Saint Paul Fire Department. Ramsey County is my home and I want to provide the same sense of home for all citizens.