Gary Hansen
Name: Gary Hansen
Public Office Sought: Eagan City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-454-1172
Website: volunteersforhansen.org
Twitter: @garyhansen1486
Candidate Bio
I am a 34-year Eagan resident and homeowner in my tenth year on the City Council. I served as acting mayor when needed in the mayor’s absence in 2011 and 2016. I have an extensive background of community and regional volunteerism and leadership.
I earned a BS degree in Economics and Political Science from South Dakota State University and a JD degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
I am a retired risk management professional and a commercial arbitrator. Before my Council election, I chaired the Eagan and Dakota County Planning Commissions. I am active in the Minnesota State Bar Association as chair of the Legislative Committee. In addition, I am a charter member of the Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club.
I am the liaison to the Advisory Planning Commission and I serve on the Council’s Communications Committee. I represent Eagan on the Dakota Communications Center Board, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Board (past chair), and the Suburban Transit Association Board (past chair). I was 2017-18 president of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities), and I am a Metro Cities representative on the regional Transportation Advisory Board and a League of Minnesota Cities Board member.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan?
The business climate in Eagan is very favorable. With more than 50,000 jobs, Eagan is the jobs center of Dakota County. More people come to Eagan to work every day than the number of people who leave for jobs elsewhere. The City has been innovative and visionary in attracting new businesses such as DataBank, Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Central Park Commons, and the Minnesota Vikings. This is exemplified by a DataBank official’s praise of Eagan’s “forward-thinking city leadership” and his comment, “ . . . these guys just get it and made our choice simple.” As a council member, I will continue to support these kinds of creative initiatives that enhance Eagan’s economic vitality.
2. 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, Eagan?
When needed to stimulate economic development due to market or economic conditions, local government can be a source of incentives to preserve and enhance the tax base and attract and retain jobs. This may be accomplished through limited use of options such as tax increment financing or tax abatement to provide assistance for development and redevelopment. Eagan also has shared in infrastructure development with businesses to help assure convenient access. In addition, the City coordinates with the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to ensure that workers have public transit options available to get them to jobs and that shoppers can patronize retail businesses.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Eagan?
I believe that Eagan’s community development staff is effective in working with businesses in Eagan and expansion prospects. Eagan is home to more than 2,000 diverse businesses ranging from sole proprietorships to large Fortune 500 companies. They have made Eagan the highest job growth community in the metro over the last decade. If that trend were to change and additional focus on business is needed, I would be receptive to considering a business advocate.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Eagan? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Eagan and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
The Eagan City Council does not engage in consideration of issues of this nature.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Eagan (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Eagan and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
The Eagan City Council does not engage in consideration of issues of this nature.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
Public safety is a primary responsibility of local government. In the City’s most recent citizen survey, Eagan residents rated safety higher in our community than national benchmarks and ratings for hundreds of cities nationwide. In response to Eagan’s strong retail and population growth, the Council has committed to increased investment in additional police officers and full-time firefighters, as well as upgraded facilities. Five new police officers were approved for hiring in 2018-19 and remodeling and expansion of the police station commenced this year. In addition, a third shift of full-time firefighters was added this year, continuing the transition from an all-volunteer fire department to part-time and career firefighters. Also, the final stage of fire station upgrades and consolidation was completed in 2017, resulting in three more strategically placed, state-of-the-art stations replacing five stations.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I will promote continued fiscal prudence, as evidenced by Eagan’s Moody’s Aaa and S&P AAA bond ratings (the highest available ratings) and recognition by the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence as the state’s fiscally healthiest city, while maintaining essential infrastructure and providing high-quality, cost-effective services. Eagan has the lowest per capital total expenditures among Minnesota cities with 50,000+ population and the sixth lowest property tax rate among cities of its size in the Twin Cities region. I will work to preserve and enhance those respective positions.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Businesses comprise the foundation of Eagan’s tax base, enabling the City to maintain high-quality services while keeping overall property taxes low. Homeowners in Eagan have benefited from the City’s robust business community. I will continue to support efforts to attract and maintain a broad base of business interests to promote a diverse tax base.
9. What will you do to expand Eagan’s tax base?
I will support continuance of the innovative and visionary strategies that have made Eagan the highest job growth community in the metro over the last decade by attracting and maintaining a diverse business community.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Eagan is within the boundaries of three different school districts – 191, 196, and 197. In addition, for-profit post-secondary institutions operate in Eagan. All have programs that successfully prepare students for the workforce. I have participated in business-oriented programs as a classroom consultant. This kind of volunteerism and ongoing communication with these institutions can serve to inform them of regional workforce needs.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Eagan?
Primary City responsibilities are to provide police and fire protection; public works serving the schools; maintenance of infrastructure for accessibility; public transit for teachers, employees, and students as needed; and an inventory of affordable housing for a range of family income levels.
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Supporting the lifestyle needs of a changing and aging population is critically important. We need to assure that our community’s housing, health care, transportation, social, and other needs are met. I support strategies to address the needs of senior citizens, including those who want to continue living independently; providing affordable life-cycle housing options; supporting availability of needed transportation services, including improving the transportation infrastructure to promote the mobility, independence, and safety of our residents; enhancing availability of services such as health care and communications technology; and advocating for the needs of older residents.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
As a board member and past chair of the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and the Suburban Transit Association and a Transportation Advisory Board member, I understand the importance of a healthy transportation system to a strong community. A transportation-related priority for Eagan is expansion of local bus routes to improve service to retail areas and major employers and ease congestion on local streets and highways. In my MVTA and STA roles, I have led efforts to work with the legislature to address the need to improve our roads, bridges, and transit system in order to assure the efficient flow of commerce and stimulate economic development, and I look forward to continuing this effort.
16. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
In my opinion, the scope of provided services is appropriate based on demonstrated needs.
My regional representation of Eagan has reinforced my opinion of the need to coordinate and cooperate with neighboring communities and the county for our common benefit. The High Performance Partnerships (HiPP) project resulted in successful implementation of the Dakota Communications Center (9-1-1 call center) ten years ago. It is now time to review DCC governance and operations and consider whether it is appropriate to transfer oversight and operations to the County.
Additional opportunities having potential to enhance service delivery or reduce costs, or both, may include joint delivery of high-quality and cost-effective employee training; sharing of technical expertise in areas such as energy management/HVAC/facility management, OSHA/safety compliance, and joint/shared purchasing; and public safety initiatives such as joint fire training facilities, expanding on the ABLE facility that Eagan shares with Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Lakeville.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
During my 9+ years on the city council, Eagan has been continually recognized for local government innovation, prudent fiscal management, budget transparency, and citizen engagement. I have successfully represented Eagan in the regional transit and transportation decision-making process, ensuring that Eagan taxpayers get their fair share of state and federal funding for operations, infrastructure, and capital improvements. In addition, I have demonstrated regional leadership as Metro Cities president and a League of Minnesota Cities Board member. These results warrant my continued Council service and the opportunity to achieve similar future performance. An overview of Eagan's successes in recent years and current initiatives is provided in my recent interview on "Access to Democracy" which is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1blZ8Y6puh0.
Public Office Sought: Eagan City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-454-1172
Website: volunteersforhansen.org
Twitter: @garyhansen1486
Candidate Bio
I am a 34-year Eagan resident and homeowner in my tenth year on the City Council. I served as acting mayor when needed in the mayor’s absence in 2011 and 2016. I have an extensive background of community and regional volunteerism and leadership.
I earned a BS degree in Economics and Political Science from South Dakota State University and a JD degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
I am a retired risk management professional and a commercial arbitrator. Before my Council election, I chaired the Eagan and Dakota County Planning Commissions. I am active in the Minnesota State Bar Association as chair of the Legislative Committee. In addition, I am a charter member of the Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club.
I am the liaison to the Advisory Planning Commission and I serve on the Council’s Communications Committee. I represent Eagan on the Dakota Communications Center Board, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Board (past chair), and the Suburban Transit Association Board (past chair). I was 2017-18 president of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities), and I am a Metro Cities representative on the regional Transportation Advisory Board and a League of Minnesota Cities Board member.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan?
The business climate in Eagan is very favorable. With more than 50,000 jobs, Eagan is the jobs center of Dakota County. More people come to Eagan to work every day than the number of people who leave for jobs elsewhere. The City has been innovative and visionary in attracting new businesses such as DataBank, Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Central Park Commons, and the Minnesota Vikings. This is exemplified by a DataBank official’s praise of Eagan’s “forward-thinking city leadership” and his comment, “ . . . these guys just get it and made our choice simple.” As a council member, I will continue to support these kinds of creative initiatives that enhance Eagan’s economic vitality.
2. 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, Eagan?
When needed to stimulate economic development due to market or economic conditions, local government can be a source of incentives to preserve and enhance the tax base and attract and retain jobs. This may be accomplished through limited use of options such as tax increment financing or tax abatement to provide assistance for development and redevelopment. Eagan also has shared in infrastructure development with businesses to help assure convenient access. In addition, the City coordinates with the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to ensure that workers have public transit options available to get them to jobs and that shoppers can patronize retail businesses.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Eagan?
I believe that Eagan’s community development staff is effective in working with businesses in Eagan and expansion prospects. Eagan is home to more than 2,000 diverse businesses ranging from sole proprietorships to large Fortune 500 companies. They have made Eagan the highest job growth community in the metro over the last decade. If that trend were to change and additional focus on business is needed, I would be receptive to considering a business advocate.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Eagan? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Eagan and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
The Eagan City Council does not engage in consideration of issues of this nature.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Eagan (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Eagan and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
The Eagan City Council does not engage in consideration of issues of this nature.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
Public safety is a primary responsibility of local government. In the City’s most recent citizen survey, Eagan residents rated safety higher in our community than national benchmarks and ratings for hundreds of cities nationwide. In response to Eagan’s strong retail and population growth, the Council has committed to increased investment in additional police officers and full-time firefighters, as well as upgraded facilities. Five new police officers were approved for hiring in 2018-19 and remodeling and expansion of the police station commenced this year. In addition, a third shift of full-time firefighters was added this year, continuing the transition from an all-volunteer fire department to part-time and career firefighters. Also, the final stage of fire station upgrades and consolidation was completed in 2017, resulting in three more strategically placed, state-of-the-art stations replacing five stations.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I will promote continued fiscal prudence, as evidenced by Eagan’s Moody’s Aaa and S&P AAA bond ratings (the highest available ratings) and recognition by the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence as the state’s fiscally healthiest city, while maintaining essential infrastructure and providing high-quality, cost-effective services. Eagan has the lowest per capital total expenditures among Minnesota cities with 50,000+ population and the sixth lowest property tax rate among cities of its size in the Twin Cities region. I will work to preserve and enhance those respective positions.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Businesses comprise the foundation of Eagan’s tax base, enabling the City to maintain high-quality services while keeping overall property taxes low. Homeowners in Eagan have benefited from the City’s robust business community. I will continue to support efforts to attract and maintain a broad base of business interests to promote a diverse tax base.
9. What will you do to expand Eagan’s tax base?
I will support continuance of the innovative and visionary strategies that have made Eagan the highest job growth community in the metro over the last decade by attracting and maintaining a diverse business community.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Eagan is within the boundaries of three different school districts – 191, 196, and 197. In addition, for-profit post-secondary institutions operate in Eagan. All have programs that successfully prepare students for the workforce. I have participated in business-oriented programs as a classroom consultant. This kind of volunteerism and ongoing communication with these institutions can serve to inform them of regional workforce needs.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Eagan?
Primary City responsibilities are to provide police and fire protection; public works serving the schools; maintenance of infrastructure for accessibility; public transit for teachers, employees, and students as needed; and an inventory of affordable housing for a range of family income levels.
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
Supporting the lifestyle needs of a changing and aging population is critically important. We need to assure that our community’s housing, health care, transportation, social, and other needs are met. I support strategies to address the needs of senior citizens, including those who want to continue living independently; providing affordable life-cycle housing options; supporting availability of needed transportation services, including improving the transportation infrastructure to promote the mobility, independence, and safety of our residents; enhancing availability of services such as health care and communications technology; and advocating for the needs of older residents.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
- Continued fiscal prudence while maintaining essential infrastructure and providing high-quality, cost-effective services.
- Maintenance of effective and reliable public safety and security through adequately staffed and equipped fire and police departments.
- Continued orderly development/redevelopment in the best interests of Eagan residents and businesses that supports the community’s economic vitality.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
As a board member and past chair of the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and the Suburban Transit Association and a Transportation Advisory Board member, I understand the importance of a healthy transportation system to a strong community. A transportation-related priority for Eagan is expansion of local bus routes to improve service to retail areas and major employers and ease congestion on local streets and highways. In my MVTA and STA roles, I have led efforts to work with the legislature to address the need to improve our roads, bridges, and transit system in order to assure the efficient flow of commerce and stimulate economic development, and I look forward to continuing this effort.
16. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
In my opinion, the scope of provided services is appropriate based on demonstrated needs.
My regional representation of Eagan has reinforced my opinion of the need to coordinate and cooperate with neighboring communities and the county for our common benefit. The High Performance Partnerships (HiPP) project resulted in successful implementation of the Dakota Communications Center (9-1-1 call center) ten years ago. It is now time to review DCC governance and operations and consider whether it is appropriate to transfer oversight and operations to the County.
Additional opportunities having potential to enhance service delivery or reduce costs, or both, may include joint delivery of high-quality and cost-effective employee training; sharing of technical expertise in areas such as energy management/HVAC/facility management, OSHA/safety compliance, and joint/shared purchasing; and public safety initiatives such as joint fire training facilities, expanding on the ABLE facility that Eagan shares with Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Lakeville.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
During my 9+ years on the city council, Eagan has been continually recognized for local government innovation, prudent fiscal management, budget transparency, and citizen engagement. I have successfully represented Eagan in the regional transit and transportation decision-making process, ensuring that Eagan taxpayers get their fair share of state and federal funding for operations, infrastructure, and capital improvements. In addition, I have demonstrated regional leadership as Metro Cities president and a League of Minnesota Cities Board member. These results warrant my continued Council service and the opportunity to achieve similar future performance. An overview of Eagan's successes in recent years and current initiatives is provided in my recent interview on "Access to Democracy" which is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1blZ8Y6puh0.