Ed Nelsen
Name: Ed Nelsen
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-300-7936
Campaign Website: EdForStillwater.com
Twitter handle: n/a
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553188007439
Candidate Bio
I live in Stillwater with my wife, Jackie, and our daughter, Sophia. I also have two older daughters, Lindsey and Whitney.
I work for a basic human services nonprofit in the St. Croix Valley. I have 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and public service sectors. Public service is an integral part of my ethos. I have worked for multiple organizations and served on nonprofit boards supporting children, education, the environment, human rights, National Parks, and the arts.
I am the Chair of the Human Rights Commission, a Certified DEI Facilitator, a member of the United Way of Washington County East DEI Task Force, a Volunteer National Park Ranger, Board Chair for the St. Croix Valley Opera, Union Art Ally committee member, and an Ambassador for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.
I entered this race because it became very clear to me that we are not as inclusive as we should be at the government level. Not all voices in our community are represented at the table. This insight intersected with my own background; growing up Latino and being inspired by political involvement and activism, as well as the commitment of my family to inclusiveness and social equity.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am curious and forward-thinking by nature. I like to take in as much information as is available so I can bring ideas to the table that are grounded in knowledge and provide a clear vision for the future. It is also important to me to make sure all voices are represented. I find these things help motivate others to get on board and work toward common goals. As a leader I appreciate all perspectives, therefore I prefer a transformational leadership style that fosters growth in individuals and social systems. To me, it’s about inspiring and motivating team members to exceed their own expectations and capabilities, which inherently promotes growth and innovation for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My first priority is inclusiveness at all levels of city government. That all citizens of Stillwater are thought of and represented no matter what issue or task force is enacted and that we consider the impact on all residents in an equitable fashion before moving forward.
Second, I will ensure a thorough, proactive, and transparent response to the clean water issue facing our community.
And my third priority is to find solutions for additional affordable housing that is in unison with greater transportation resources. As an example, I will work with the Planning Commission to look for ways that the updated zoning maps might make room for affordable housing.
With the state's current positive economic outlook and the availability of programs that have an impact at the city level, we have an opportunity to help our lowest-income citizens. My goal is to enhance our community, strengthen socio-economic confidence, and ultimately boost our local economy.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Stillwater?
I believe it’s important to maintain our charm, history, open spaces, and protect our watershed while at the same time evolving as a community by addressing affordable housing and infrastructure. The opportunity lies within a stronger bond between the community and our business leaders. Together we can work to find the right balance that will allow us to keep what is special about our city while enabling us to grow in a meaningful manner and where no one gets left behind.
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 should be a partnership where both sectors work together to raise the quality of life for everyone and at the same time address societal challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. I envision these partnerships being driven by a common goal of long-term sustainability and the well-being of all of our citizens, rather than short-term gains. Decisions should be based on mutual respect and grounded in data.
Collaboration between government and business is crucial for addressing complex challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. The 2023-2024 legislative session in Minnesota had a mixed impact on this collaboration and the state’s business climate. There were positive and necessary steps toward social equity and long-term sustainability. The concern is that this also seemed to increase financial demands on businesses that may have created challenges for certain sectors. Overall I feel the outcomes lean toward the positive, particularly if we are committed to social equity and long-term, sustainable growth.
How would you characterize the business climate in Stillwater and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Stillwater?
Stillwater, with its historic charm and picturesque setting along the St. Croix River, has a unique and vibrant business climate. We do a great job of balancing a vibrant tourism industry with a community that continuously supports our unique blend of small businesses, local shops, and dining establishments. The city embraces this balance by providing countless festivals, events, and seasonal activities to draw both tourism and the community alike. The city’s role is to promote our unique offering to attract new residents and businesses. We also have an obligation to maintain a clean, safe, and friendly environment. This includes working together with our residents and our business community on solutions that allow both to thrive.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
This is one of many areas that I believe we excel at. Led by an extraordinary and thoughtful Police Chief. As chair of the Human Rights Commission, I am inspired and proud of the innovative work and community relations that our public safety agencies perform every day. For example, our city has a full-time social worker who is partnered with an officer to intervene in appropriate situations to de-escalate and take into account the human factor.
I do however want to make sure we are very careful, thoughtful, and strategic as we potentially move forward with the “social district” concept. I have some concerns about the larger impacts of such a decision, especially when it comes to safety and engendering a wonderful family environment.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I would like to work with the planning committee when the zoning maps are being redrawn to preserve existing affordable housing and implement inclusionary zoning policies that require a percentage of new housing developments to be set aside as affordable units. I also plan to work with our county and state representatives on solutions that provide developers incentives such as density bonuses or tax breaks in return.
But we also need to educate the community at large about the benefits of affordable housing, and how providing lower-income families with housing that is affordable will have long-term benefits for our community as a whole.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
First, we need to expand models like The Community Thread Connector Loop. There are many in our community that this makes a big difference and I believe it is imperative for us to look at offering more like this. This is one of those equity and inclusion issues that I plan to address.
We have what I believe is a wonderful foundation for walkability and bicycling but we can and should do even more.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
The city was responsible in its use of funds received and invested in areas that would not require ongoing expenditures.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
City and county governments play a critical role in managing local services, infrastructure, and community-specific issues, while state governments handle broader policies and regulations. By focusing on areas where local leadership is most effective and collaborating with state authorities on broader issues, cities can ensure that these policies meet the long-term goals and overall well-being of their citizens and business community.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-300-7936
Campaign Website: EdForStillwater.com
Twitter handle: n/a
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553188007439
Candidate Bio
I live in Stillwater with my wife, Jackie, and our daughter, Sophia. I also have two older daughters, Lindsey and Whitney.
I work for a basic human services nonprofit in the St. Croix Valley. I have 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and public service sectors. Public service is an integral part of my ethos. I have worked for multiple organizations and served on nonprofit boards supporting children, education, the environment, human rights, National Parks, and the arts.
I am the Chair of the Human Rights Commission, a Certified DEI Facilitator, a member of the United Way of Washington County East DEI Task Force, a Volunteer National Park Ranger, Board Chair for the St. Croix Valley Opera, Union Art Ally committee member, and an Ambassador for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.
I entered this race because it became very clear to me that we are not as inclusive as we should be at the government level. Not all voices in our community are represented at the table. This insight intersected with my own background; growing up Latino and being inspired by political involvement and activism, as well as the commitment of my family to inclusiveness and social equity.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am curious and forward-thinking by nature. I like to take in as much information as is available so I can bring ideas to the table that are grounded in knowledge and provide a clear vision for the future. It is also important to me to make sure all voices are represented. I find these things help motivate others to get on board and work toward common goals. As a leader I appreciate all perspectives, therefore I prefer a transformational leadership style that fosters growth in individuals and social systems. To me, it’s about inspiring and motivating team members to exceed their own expectations and capabilities, which inherently promotes growth and innovation for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My first priority is inclusiveness at all levels of city government. That all citizens of Stillwater are thought of and represented no matter what issue or task force is enacted and that we consider the impact on all residents in an equitable fashion before moving forward.
Second, I will ensure a thorough, proactive, and transparent response to the clean water issue facing our community.
And my third priority is to find solutions for additional affordable housing that is in unison with greater transportation resources. As an example, I will work with the Planning Commission to look for ways that the updated zoning maps might make room for affordable housing.
With the state's current positive economic outlook and the availability of programs that have an impact at the city level, we have an opportunity to help our lowest-income citizens. My goal is to enhance our community, strengthen socio-economic confidence, and ultimately boost our local economy.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Stillwater?
I believe it’s important to maintain our charm, history, open spaces, and protect our watershed while at the same time evolving as a community by addressing affordable housing and infrastructure. The opportunity lies within a stronger bond between the community and our business leaders. Together we can work to find the right balance that will allow us to keep what is special about our city while enabling us to grow in a meaningful manner and where no one gets left behind.
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 should be a partnership where both sectors work together to raise the quality of life for everyone and at the same time address societal challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. I envision these partnerships being driven by a common goal of long-term sustainability and the well-being of all of our citizens, rather than short-term gains. Decisions should be based on mutual respect and grounded in data.
Collaboration between government and business is crucial for addressing complex challenges like education, housing, and workforce development. The 2023-2024 legislative session in Minnesota had a mixed impact on this collaboration and the state’s business climate. There were positive and necessary steps toward social equity and long-term sustainability. The concern is that this also seemed to increase financial demands on businesses that may have created challenges for certain sectors. Overall I feel the outcomes lean toward the positive, particularly if we are committed to social equity and long-term, sustainable growth.
How would you characterize the business climate in Stillwater and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Stillwater?
Stillwater, with its historic charm and picturesque setting along the St. Croix River, has a unique and vibrant business climate. We do a great job of balancing a vibrant tourism industry with a community that continuously supports our unique blend of small businesses, local shops, and dining establishments. The city embraces this balance by providing countless festivals, events, and seasonal activities to draw both tourism and the community alike. The city’s role is to promote our unique offering to attract new residents and businesses. We also have an obligation to maintain a clean, safe, and friendly environment. This includes working together with our residents and our business community on solutions that allow both to thrive.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
This is one of many areas that I believe we excel at. Led by an extraordinary and thoughtful Police Chief. As chair of the Human Rights Commission, I am inspired and proud of the innovative work and community relations that our public safety agencies perform every day. For example, our city has a full-time social worker who is partnered with an officer to intervene in appropriate situations to de-escalate and take into account the human factor.
I do however want to make sure we are very careful, thoughtful, and strategic as we potentially move forward with the “social district” concept. I have some concerns about the larger impacts of such a decision, especially when it comes to safety and engendering a wonderful family environment.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I would like to work with the planning committee when the zoning maps are being redrawn to preserve existing affordable housing and implement inclusionary zoning policies that require a percentage of new housing developments to be set aside as affordable units. I also plan to work with our county and state representatives on solutions that provide developers incentives such as density bonuses or tax breaks in return.
But we also need to educate the community at large about the benefits of affordable housing, and how providing lower-income families with housing that is affordable will have long-term benefits for our community as a whole.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
First, we need to expand models like The Community Thread Connector Loop. There are many in our community that this makes a big difference and I believe it is imperative for us to look at offering more like this. This is one of those equity and inclusion issues that I plan to address.
We have what I believe is a wonderful foundation for walkability and bicycling but we can and should do even more.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
The city was responsible in its use of funds received and invested in areas that would not require ongoing expenditures.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
City and county governments play a critical role in managing local services, infrastructure, and community-specific issues, while state governments handle broader policies and regulations. By focusing on areas where local leadership is most effective and collaborating with state authorities on broader issues, cities can ensure that these policies meet the long-term goals and overall well-being of their citizens and business community.