James Jaeger
Name: James Jaeger
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, District 5
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-222-5332
Website: www.facebook.com/5thcommish
Twitter Handle: @5thcommish
Facebook Page: James Jaeger for Ramsey County Commissioner 5th District
Candidate Bio
I’m a lifelong resident of Ramsey County. I grew up in North St. Paul and now reside with my wife and “running mate”, Juno the dog, in the Cherokee Park area of St. Paul.
I hold a BA Degree from Concordia University in Marketing Management, along with an AAS Degree from St. Paul College in Civil Engineering. My career has taken me through many different industries, from development engineering, product design, and alternative energies, to product marketing, budgeting and forecasting. I plan on bringing all those experiences and skills to this position in order to market Ramsey County in potential economic development opportunities, advancements in transit options, environmental leadership, and overall operational efficiencies.
As a first timer for running for public office, I might not have all the answers from the start, but I assure you that my life experiences and professional experiences have prepared me well for the role.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
It’s quite simple really: I feel it’s time to have a fresh perspective on the county’s operations, services and overall functions. “My dad told me that it never hurts to have another set of eyes looking at the problem”. Along with my business experience, and passion for Ramsey County, I feel as I can bring a fresh perspective needed to see continued growth for the District, County, City and region.
My career in the private sector can bring new ideas, accountability measures, strategic planning, and a vision for the future of Ramsey County.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
The 5th District has a unique position within Ramsey County. Most of the district is located in and around downtown St. Paul, which is the economic engine of the county. Most of the oversight and governance comes from the City of St. Paul, but that’s not to say the county doesn’t play part in the engine.
From a county standpoint, some of the challenges where the county can get involved would be to incentivize millennials to live, build and invest in the current housing stock within the 5th district. Also, continued collaboration with the city to create a business-friendly environment for small businesses will help grow the potential economic development.
Along with economic development, housing, and a mix of housing options, combined with expansion of transit, we will provide an attractive place where all generations can live and thrive.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge I see for the county is transit. Having connectivity between all the communities throughout the county is key for future growth in business and population growth.
I’ve traveled extensively throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and Central America. The one common fiber that makes or breaks one city or country from the next, is its ability to move people, business and commerce. Striving towards a highly connected community, makes for world class cities.
One way to envision that would be through smaller street car routes that would connect all cities within Ramsey County to downtown St. Paul, Minneapolis and beyond. As we’ve seen with the expansion of Light Rail from St. Paul to Mpls., new housing opportunities have been built to offer many demographics choices in housing, along with expanded business development. So, this is the vision I have for Ramsey County and a highly developed transit system.
4. What would be your top three priorities if (re-)elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
1st: Economic development
2nd: Operational efficiencies of county budget
3rd: Leadership on environment issues
5. Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Most definitely. Part of the mission for the Board of Commissioners is to promote opportunity and prosperity. With a proper strategic plan on economic development, which includes transit, the board has a responsibility to the taxpayers in the county to promote, explore and attract new opportunities for the county; whether that be business, transit improvements or innovative ways to deliver county services to the public.
I believe it’s imperative that the county work with all outside agencies to achieve success for the county, which means working at all levels of government, state local and federal. By encouraging new business development, the hope is those new business developments will provide residents within the county greater opportunities to provide good paying jobs to allow people to live, work, own homes and play in the county they call home.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
Much like the previous question, I’m a firm supporter of the county working with other city and state agencies to market the county for business opportunities, grants for infrastructure, environmental improvements and public health and safety.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Public Safety, Infrastructure (e.g., roads & bridges), and Environmental Safety (e.g., safe waters)
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I’ve researched the services that the county provides. As a first-time candidate, I don’t have all the answers to this question because I don’t know all the details behind every initiative, operation and program. I promise that, if elected, I will do the due diligence required to make sure all services are vetted and provide the best financial outcome for the taxpayers.
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Looking at all the services that the county provides, I find validity to all of them. It’s not my job to determine if there is one service better than another, that’s for the residents of the county to decide.
My job as a commissioner would be to analyze whether each service or program has value-per-cost for the taxpayers of the county and make recommendations from that to determine the right course of action. I will always ask the question, “Does this program benefit the greater good”, meaning not just a few but the majority. If that answer is no, then I would recommend change to or elimination of the program.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I would say the business climate in Ramsey county is stale.
Why?
When we look across the river to Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis, we can see expansion in neighborhoods, revitalization of older areas, a developing office space creation and a bustling entertainment and recreation spaces.
I feel as though community leaders are afraid to open up new areas for development, such as new high rise living, and opportunities for businesses to come, build and thrive in the East Metro. I will encourage development throughout the county, and work together with the other state agencies such as Greater MSP, Port Authority and the Met Council to encourage growth in the East Metro. I plan to utilize my marketing & business experience to help move economic development forward.
11. Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
A good friend once told me a wise piece of wisdom, “You don’t know, what you don’t know”, so with that advice, I’d find it hard to really speak to the issues without having all the facts. I will say with all certainty that, when elected, I will utilize all my business experience to ensure that the county’s business is done effectively and efficiently.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Driving around the metro area at any time of the day, you run into congestion on the roads, proving that transportation is an issue for the metro. Cities all over the globe have invested in transit and, for Ramsey County and the metro area to remain a top city, we must think forward as the population of Ramsey County and the metro area is expected to grow.
A top wish list would include bolstering our current light rail, with spur lines to all communities within Ramsey County, leading right into downtown St. Paul: a hub and spoke approach.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As a Product Marketing Manger and Business Development Analyst, I know what it takes to build, develop and retain strong business relationships, and I’d like to take those experiences to the board. Along with my professional experience, I bring a passion for the place I call home and a dedication to see the 5th District, the City of St. Paul and the great state of Minnesota a world-class city, to work, play and call home.
I look forward to earning your support this August 14th for the primary and in November for the general election. I appreciate you taking the time to learn about me, my vision for the county, and the opportunity to move Ramsey County forward.
Thank you!
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, District 5
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-222-5332
Website: www.facebook.com/5thcommish
Twitter Handle: @5thcommish
Facebook Page: James Jaeger for Ramsey County Commissioner 5th District
Candidate Bio
I’m a lifelong resident of Ramsey County. I grew up in North St. Paul and now reside with my wife and “running mate”, Juno the dog, in the Cherokee Park area of St. Paul.
I hold a BA Degree from Concordia University in Marketing Management, along with an AAS Degree from St. Paul College in Civil Engineering. My career has taken me through many different industries, from development engineering, product design, and alternative energies, to product marketing, budgeting and forecasting. I plan on bringing all those experiences and skills to this position in order to market Ramsey County in potential economic development opportunities, advancements in transit options, environmental leadership, and overall operational efficiencies.
As a first timer for running for public office, I might not have all the answers from the start, but I assure you that my life experiences and professional experiences have prepared me well for the role.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
It’s quite simple really: I feel it’s time to have a fresh perspective on the county’s operations, services and overall functions. “My dad told me that it never hurts to have another set of eyes looking at the problem”. Along with my business experience, and passion for Ramsey County, I feel as I can bring a fresh perspective needed to see continued growth for the District, County, City and region.
My career in the private sector can bring new ideas, accountability measures, strategic planning, and a vision for the future of Ramsey County.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
The 5th District has a unique position within Ramsey County. Most of the district is located in and around downtown St. Paul, which is the economic engine of the county. Most of the oversight and governance comes from the City of St. Paul, but that’s not to say the county doesn’t play part in the engine.
From a county standpoint, some of the challenges where the county can get involved would be to incentivize millennials to live, build and invest in the current housing stock within the 5th district. Also, continued collaboration with the city to create a business-friendly environment for small businesses will help grow the potential economic development.
Along with economic development, housing, and a mix of housing options, combined with expansion of transit, we will provide an attractive place where all generations can live and thrive.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge I see for the county is transit. Having connectivity between all the communities throughout the county is key for future growth in business and population growth.
I’ve traveled extensively throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and Central America. The one common fiber that makes or breaks one city or country from the next, is its ability to move people, business and commerce. Striving towards a highly connected community, makes for world class cities.
One way to envision that would be through smaller street car routes that would connect all cities within Ramsey County to downtown St. Paul, Minneapolis and beyond. As we’ve seen with the expansion of Light Rail from St. Paul to Mpls., new housing opportunities have been built to offer many demographics choices in housing, along with expanded business development. So, this is the vision I have for Ramsey County and a highly developed transit system.
4. What would be your top three priorities if (re-)elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
1st: Economic development
2nd: Operational efficiencies of county budget
3rd: Leadership on environment issues
5. Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Most definitely. Part of the mission for the Board of Commissioners is to promote opportunity and prosperity. With a proper strategic plan on economic development, which includes transit, the board has a responsibility to the taxpayers in the county to promote, explore and attract new opportunities for the county; whether that be business, transit improvements or innovative ways to deliver county services to the public.
I believe it’s imperative that the county work with all outside agencies to achieve success for the county, which means working at all levels of government, state local and federal. By encouraging new business development, the hope is those new business developments will provide residents within the county greater opportunities to provide good paying jobs to allow people to live, work, own homes and play in the county they call home.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
Much like the previous question, I’m a firm supporter of the county working with other city and state agencies to market the county for business opportunities, grants for infrastructure, environmental improvements and public health and safety.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Public Safety, Infrastructure (e.g., roads & bridges), and Environmental Safety (e.g., safe waters)
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I’ve researched the services that the county provides. As a first-time candidate, I don’t have all the answers to this question because I don’t know all the details behind every initiative, operation and program. I promise that, if elected, I will do the due diligence required to make sure all services are vetted and provide the best financial outcome for the taxpayers.
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Looking at all the services that the county provides, I find validity to all of them. It’s not my job to determine if there is one service better than another, that’s for the residents of the county to decide.
My job as a commissioner would be to analyze whether each service or program has value-per-cost for the taxpayers of the county and make recommendations from that to determine the right course of action. I will always ask the question, “Does this program benefit the greater good”, meaning not just a few but the majority. If that answer is no, then I would recommend change to or elimination of the program.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I would say the business climate in Ramsey county is stale.
Why?
When we look across the river to Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis, we can see expansion in neighborhoods, revitalization of older areas, a developing office space creation and a bustling entertainment and recreation spaces.
I feel as though community leaders are afraid to open up new areas for development, such as new high rise living, and opportunities for businesses to come, build and thrive in the East Metro. I will encourage development throughout the county, and work together with the other state agencies such as Greater MSP, Port Authority and the Met Council to encourage growth in the East Metro. I plan to utilize my marketing & business experience to help move economic development forward.
11. Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
A good friend once told me a wise piece of wisdom, “You don’t know, what you don’t know”, so with that advice, I’d find it hard to really speak to the issues without having all the facts. I will say with all certainty that, when elected, I will utilize all my business experience to ensure that the county’s business is done effectively and efficiently.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Driving around the metro area at any time of the day, you run into congestion on the roads, proving that transportation is an issue for the metro. Cities all over the globe have invested in transit and, for Ramsey County and the metro area to remain a top city, we must think forward as the population of Ramsey County and the metro area is expected to grow.
A top wish list would include bolstering our current light rail, with spur lines to all communities within Ramsey County, leading right into downtown St. Paul: a hub and spoke approach.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As a Product Marketing Manger and Business Development Analyst, I know what it takes to build, develop and retain strong business relationships, and I’d like to take those experiences to the board. Along with my professional experience, I bring a passion for the place I call home and a dedication to see the 5th District, the City of St. Paul and the great state of Minnesota a world-class city, to work, play and call home.
I look forward to earning your support this August 14th for the primary and in November for the general election. I appreciate you taking the time to learn about me, my vision for the county, and the opportunity to move Ramsey County forward.
Thank you!