Janice Rettman
Name: Janice Rettman
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, District 3
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-489-8630
Website: ramsey3.com
Mailing Address:
Rettman Volunteer Committee
PO Box 17063 Rice Street Station
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Candidate Bio
As District 3 County Commissioner, I proudly serve residents living in Falcon Heights and portions of Saint Paul since April 1997. Earlier, as Saint Paul City Councilperson I worked with City Council and residents {North End, South Como, Como Park, and Eastside} for effective legislation and policies to abate problem properties, assist businesses, and make neighborhoods safer. As Commissioner I continue working for these communities/ neighborhoods, Frogtown and the Midway area.
Affordable housing, environmental protection, and encouraging meaningful citizen input/ participation about County services are my continual priorities.
Simply, the County must work for its residents with equal hiring/training opportunities, living wage jobs, and opportunities for disadvantaged businesses to access county contracts.
Listening to citizen environmental concerns, I led the Environmental Response Fund legislation – cleaning polluted lands while creating new jobs/housing. The return on the investment/leverage is excellent.
For returning veterans, I sought County, Building Trades and Labor assistance to renovate the first RC house for veterans! A District 3 veteran and electrician proudly provided the flag, work and lighted flagpole. Plumbers, Painters, Electricians, Pipefitters were phenomenal.
Prior to elective service, I was Saint Paul Housing Information Office Director, District 10 Community Council Chair/Board member, and VISTA volunteer.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
I am running to serve the people in the District 3. I have represented this area for several years and have worked hard to keep county government within its focus, to assure that high quality services are provided, to assure that residents and businesses participate in meaningful ways and to do those things that help businesses be successful and expand to provide new job opportunities and provide fiscally responsible stewardship. The communities and neighborhoods and my office have worked together on dozens and dozens of successful projects throughout the area I serve.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
For all residents, Ramsey County must provide the safety net for those in need… maintaining County services that protect children, preserving public health programs that assist our elderly residents, and providing Ramsey County Veteran services to our returning veterans. Therefore, the biggest challenge is ensuring that Ramsey County operates efficiently and effectively while maintaining a solid tax base and providing quality services mandated by the State and with an eye for economic prosperity and job training to assure a vibrant County workforce and community.
Simply put, the biggest challenge is making sure that Ramsey County works for you - by providing cost-effective responsive services.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
Economic growth and prosperity. This is the proverbial three-legged stool built by jobs, housing and transportation.
First, more employment opportunities are needed so that Ramsey County residents can thrive. Ramsey County investments should encourage a wide range of job opportunities that lead to or provide living wages and that are sustainable for many years. Our work in this area must include businesses, education, apprenticeships and training so that we have a skilled workforce that closely matches the jobs available.
Second, public transportation is a major investment needed to open those job opportunities for all residents. This means that Ramsey County should support transportation, so city residents can access good paying jobs in the suburbs & suburban residents can more easily access jobs located in the cities.
Which leads us to the third leg - more affordable housing opportunities countywide. This is why I support affordable housing (available to households at 60% of area median income) at the TCAAP site while also requiring the number of housing units needed for bus rapid transit so city residents can access job opportunities. This is especially important anytime Ramsey County makes major investments. Equally we must assure jobs created with County projects pay prevailing and livable wages.
4. What would be your top three priorities if (re-)elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Quality services for those in need are a given. But it is important to me that Ramsey County create opportunities and develop or refine programs that support its residents and businesses. My answer of priorities is found in this questionnaire.
The County Board refines and defines the priorities by asking during the annual budget process and engaging residents and businesses to answer –
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.
The role of job creation really lies with cities and private investors, not county government per se. Ramsey County must work with cities and the township to achieve their job goals. Workforce Solutions is the County’s vehicle to address worker readiness, and Ramsey County has an opportunity to focus on training for what employers need if we work together to project the future employment skills and knowledge needed for successful employment. Great for the individual, great for the economy, great for employer, great for tapestry of reinvestment of the monies here.
We can do this by using effective programs such as the Environmental Response Fund (ERF) in which our $9 million ERF investment has helped clean up 305 acres of brownfields, added 1004 new housing units of which 322 are affordable, helped create 5055 new jobs and added an estimated $612,553,399 in new market value which helps keep property taxes down. Additionally, according to the most recent February 2018 report, $43,766,707 non-county dollars were leveraged by our investment!
And Ramsey County must do its job of maintaining its county road and bridge system so that people can get to jobs and businesses can move goods efficiently and supplies without delays. Residents and Businesses agree on that focus!
My work as Chair of the MN High Speed Rail Commission focusing on the TCMC second train is a job creator as a multimodal second train to and from Chicago directly to the Union Depot becomes an economic generator for tourism, education, and attractions found in the Twin Cities. From St Paul to Red Wing onto Winona and LaCrosse WI; it is a collaboration of the communities, counties, and All Aboard MN - all posed for a robust second train which is an economic engine up and down the line which is great for the Midwest region.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
A few years ago, as chair of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, I initiated discussions for a small HRA property tax levy to assist suburban cities in achieving their development and job goals. The suburban cities made it very clear that they did not want a County HRA levy nor Ramsey County’s direct involvement in development in their communities. The suburban cities remain adamantly opposed to any Ramsey County levy or direct involvement. Since Saint Paul has an HRA levy, Ramsey County does not do development projects in the City of Saint Paul. Land Use and Zoning Authority are also in the hands of the municipalities. I do not support an HRA levy at this time without the full support of our suburban cities.
The” 4R” program, which I wrote, is now used by the County’s Tax Forfeited section in evaluation with houses being placed up for auction to be returned to the tax rolls. Houses under the “4R” program are “Ready for MOVE IN” on the day of the auction. “As Is” sales mean that the houses are not ready for occupancy until all work cited by the municipality is done and up to code and certified by the municipality. Just at this May’s auction, a 4R house sold for $230,000+ in Saint Paul and an “As Is” also in St Paul sold for under $100,000.
The county is also often viewed as having the “deep pockets” to help on projects. For example, I fought the Ramsey County’s ½ cent sales tax for the Vikings Stadium because it did not provide a financial payback for Ramsey County or its citizens who would have paid the bill. Instead I developed and promoted an alternative financing scenario which would have used part of the Viking parking revenue to come to Ramsey County in lieu of us passing on a new sales tax, etc. financial source to the tax payers. Clearly the Vikings did not support sharing the parking revenue with the County. Simply, Ramsey County residents should see a financial benefit when we are making major financial investments in projects.
Ramsey County can and does, however, play a major role in transportation through the Regional Rail Authority and, equally, in job training through our workforce development programs. One must remember 80+% of the County’s responsibilities are mandated by the legislature with or without 100% of the State’s funding provided.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
The role of the county is well-defined in state statute along with other mandates from the state. First, we must be the safety net for those in need. Second, we must be the protector of our children so that they can survive and thrive. They are our workers, our residents, and our leaders in the future. Next, we must insure that those nearing the end of their lives receive the right services, the right support, and the right care from qualified caregivers so that they can continue to live with honor and dignity in a safe place be it their own home, assisted living or a nursing home. Next, we must assure that our veterans are able to get the services they need to successfully return to the community and grow and prosper. Next, we need to make sure that those who have debilitating physical or mental disabilities receive quality care throughout their lives. Equally, public health has a critical responsibility for keeping people safe from illness, outreach with new immigrants, healthy opportunities for all communities, visiting nurses, responding to pandemics, etc. Our Law Enforcement has a major role to provide in Public Safety as does the County Attorney’s Office in litigation and child support. The Face of our Libraries and Parks opens doors to education, literacy, and healthy options and opportunities. Our Dispatch Center and Emergency Preparedness staff and volunteers provide a vital safety net that is critical to all residents and businesses.
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
There is no shortage of ideas and possibilities that the county could provide, but there is a shortage of tax dollars available to pay for all of them. As I have in the past, I will continue to evaluate new initiatives but focus ways that we may incorporate them into our existing practices. For instance, clean water is both an environmental and a public health matter. Parks and Recreation and Public Works can work closely with our watershed districts and watershed management organizations to properly manage stormwater run-off while also reducing chemical applications. Equally with the recent 2018 legislative change in the Conservation District services, the County may have an opportunity to do more. The Metro Healthy Families Initiative is expanding its efforts to assist new parents. Public Health monitors our swimming lakes for bacteria and responds quickly when action is called for. In collaboration with other Counties, we are involved with Mosquito Control and monitoring for diseases carried by mosquitoes, MELSA Library Board is expanding learning opportunities.
One such program that I worked on and brought to the Board answered the proverbial question that residents asked - what do residents do with our wood waste after trimming trees and bushes. Moreover, municipalities and the County often found the dumping of wood waste in its parks and open spaces a problem. Approached by my residents, I created several options to address the issue. When I presented to the County Board the way our yard waste sites could be the places for wood waste to be delivered by residents, I had already met with District Energy to accept the wood waste thus creating a triple win. The Downtown gets the energy from the wood waste going to District Energy, the residents can clean their yards and haul their wood away for free to the sites. Residents can also use free wood waste mulch for their gardens, tree, and shrubs - AT NO EXTRA TAX.
FYI: In 2017: 28,000 tons of tree brush and wood waste arrived at the four Ramsey County yard waste sites—great for the environment, the residents, and the downtown businesses!
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
We must look at all aspects of the budget to make sure we are providing the right services in a cost-effective manner. With changing mandates at both State and Federal levels and the reality that rarely are those mandates fully funded, the County Board and its staff must daily perform its due diligence to assure a return on the investment for the residents and businesses with a fiduciary eye and excellent service delivery.
As one example, given that more cities are now collecting waste and recyclable materials and charging for the service and Ramsey/Washington Counties having now taken over the waste recovery facility in Newport, I believe we can reduce the County Environmental Charge.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I believe that Ramsey County is a desirable place to operate a business. I hear few complaints about the county but remember that zoning, licensing, building permits and other regulatory controls lie with each city. Ramsey County Public Health does conduct restaurant inspections, and they make every effort to work with willing owners to solve problems – while acting decisively when the situation calls for it.
But we can assist new or growing businesses with our Environmental Response Fund (ERF) and other brownfield clean-up programs. I remain opposed to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) except in the rare case where it is the only site cleanup tool available and the increase in jobs or affordable housing units are significant. This is part of the return on public investment that I look for.
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?
I am always open to efficiencies in government and using joint powers to manage specific goals and projects. The solid waste resource recovery program and our wood waste collection program are two successful examples. I pushed the County to accept tree brush at County yard sites – converting household wood waste into District Energy fuel source while providing cost-effective services for residents. Just in 2017, the tree and brush brought to the sites was over 28,000 tons of brush and wood waste.
We contract with Saint Paul to plow and maintain county roads in the city.
I did not and do not support a partnership with Hennepin County for a youth facility because a Hennepin County youth facility places our youth nearly out of reach from their families. Furthermore, the problems we are trying to correct are much different for each county.
I believe our citizens are better served by partnerships in the east metro, such as our “economic gardening” program that involves the CEO’s of east metro companies helping to grow other local businesses in concert with a revamped Workforce Solutions.
Collaborative efforts to help veterans is another place we can look to improve access to services. We have made great strides there.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Maintaining the existing bus and transit routes in the face of budget cuts and adding new routes or enhancing existing routes to carry those living at an economic disadvantage to living wage jobs located outside of their neighborhoods. In other words, getting people to and from well-paying jobs in the suburbs where most job growth is occurring in an efficient manner.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Since 1997, I have the honor of serving as your Ramsey County Commissioner, which simply means serving you. I believe that residents must be heard and involved – so often I personally door knock and flyer many neighborhoods before public hearings. This community outreach can be much work, but it is also my opportunity to talk with Ramsey County residents especially those who are often unable to attend meetings due to job and family constraints. I treasure and use their input as part of my due diligence on each issue.
As I talk with residents, I am often in awe of Ramsey County residents who often are just struggling to pay their bills and working to love their family. Therefore, representing Ramsey County residents and businesses means that I must work hard to ensure that
Ramsey County is providing responsive County services in a cost-effective way.
So, when I challenge outcomes and initiatives, I am challenging the County do better – to work harder for you. As an example, I recently fought to retain Boys Totem Town because I believe that Ramsey County should help families-in-crisis to stay together - not relocate our youth-in-need to western Hennepin County. Just as I also fought hard to retain Ramsey County Nursing Home in respect for our elders as well as the Lake Owasso Home.
Most of all, I believe the strength of our democracy begins with respecting our residents who may often feel powerless. People Come First-People Before Politics
Public Office Sought: Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, District 3
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-489-8630
Website: ramsey3.com
Mailing Address:
Rettman Volunteer Committee
PO Box 17063 Rice Street Station
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Candidate Bio
As District 3 County Commissioner, I proudly serve residents living in Falcon Heights and portions of Saint Paul since April 1997. Earlier, as Saint Paul City Councilperson I worked with City Council and residents {North End, South Como, Como Park, and Eastside} for effective legislation and policies to abate problem properties, assist businesses, and make neighborhoods safer. As Commissioner I continue working for these communities/ neighborhoods, Frogtown and the Midway area.
Affordable housing, environmental protection, and encouraging meaningful citizen input/ participation about County services are my continual priorities.
Simply, the County must work for its residents with equal hiring/training opportunities, living wage jobs, and opportunities for disadvantaged businesses to access county contracts.
Listening to citizen environmental concerns, I led the Environmental Response Fund legislation – cleaning polluted lands while creating new jobs/housing. The return on the investment/leverage is excellent.
For returning veterans, I sought County, Building Trades and Labor assistance to renovate the first RC house for veterans! A District 3 veteran and electrician proudly provided the flag, work and lighted flagpole. Plumbers, Painters, Electricians, Pipefitters were phenomenal.
Prior to elective service, I was Saint Paul Housing Information Office Director, District 10 Community Council Chair/Board member, and VISTA volunteer.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
I am running to serve the people in the District 3. I have represented this area for several years and have worked hard to keep county government within its focus, to assure that high quality services are provided, to assure that residents and businesses participate in meaningful ways and to do those things that help businesses be successful and expand to provide new job opportunities and provide fiscally responsible stewardship. The communities and neighborhoods and my office have worked together on dozens and dozens of successful projects throughout the area I serve.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
For all residents, Ramsey County must provide the safety net for those in need… maintaining County services that protect children, preserving public health programs that assist our elderly residents, and providing Ramsey County Veteran services to our returning veterans. Therefore, the biggest challenge is ensuring that Ramsey County operates efficiently and effectively while maintaining a solid tax base and providing quality services mandated by the State and with an eye for economic prosperity and job training to assure a vibrant County workforce and community.
Simply put, the biggest challenge is making sure that Ramsey County works for you - by providing cost-effective responsive services.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
Economic growth and prosperity. This is the proverbial three-legged stool built by jobs, housing and transportation.
First, more employment opportunities are needed so that Ramsey County residents can thrive. Ramsey County investments should encourage a wide range of job opportunities that lead to or provide living wages and that are sustainable for many years. Our work in this area must include businesses, education, apprenticeships and training so that we have a skilled workforce that closely matches the jobs available.
Second, public transportation is a major investment needed to open those job opportunities for all residents. This means that Ramsey County should support transportation, so city residents can access good paying jobs in the suburbs & suburban residents can more easily access jobs located in the cities.
Which leads us to the third leg - more affordable housing opportunities countywide. This is why I support affordable housing (available to households at 60% of area median income) at the TCAAP site while also requiring the number of housing units needed for bus rapid transit so city residents can access job opportunities. This is especially important anytime Ramsey County makes major investments. Equally we must assure jobs created with County projects pay prevailing and livable wages.
4. What would be your top three priorities if (re-)elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Quality services for those in need are a given. But it is important to me that Ramsey County create opportunities and develop or refine programs that support its residents and businesses. My answer of priorities is found in this questionnaire.
The County Board refines and defines the priorities by asking during the annual budget process and engaging residents and businesses to answer –
- Is Ramsey County serving its customers – its residents and businesses?
- Is Ramsey County providing services in a cost-effective way?
- Are Ramsey County programs encouraging private financial investment?
- Are Ramsey County services meeting the outcomes projected?
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.
The role of job creation really lies with cities and private investors, not county government per se. Ramsey County must work with cities and the township to achieve their job goals. Workforce Solutions is the County’s vehicle to address worker readiness, and Ramsey County has an opportunity to focus on training for what employers need if we work together to project the future employment skills and knowledge needed for successful employment. Great for the individual, great for the economy, great for employer, great for tapestry of reinvestment of the monies here.
We can do this by using effective programs such as the Environmental Response Fund (ERF) in which our $9 million ERF investment has helped clean up 305 acres of brownfields, added 1004 new housing units of which 322 are affordable, helped create 5055 new jobs and added an estimated $612,553,399 in new market value which helps keep property taxes down. Additionally, according to the most recent February 2018 report, $43,766,707 non-county dollars were leveraged by our investment!
And Ramsey County must do its job of maintaining its county road and bridge system so that people can get to jobs and businesses can move goods efficiently and supplies without delays. Residents and Businesses agree on that focus!
My work as Chair of the MN High Speed Rail Commission focusing on the TCMC second train is a job creator as a multimodal second train to and from Chicago directly to the Union Depot becomes an economic generator for tourism, education, and attractions found in the Twin Cities. From St Paul to Red Wing onto Winona and LaCrosse WI; it is a collaboration of the communities, counties, and All Aboard MN - all posed for a robust second train which is an economic engine up and down the line which is great for the Midwest region.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
A few years ago, as chair of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, I initiated discussions for a small HRA property tax levy to assist suburban cities in achieving their development and job goals. The suburban cities made it very clear that they did not want a County HRA levy nor Ramsey County’s direct involvement in development in their communities. The suburban cities remain adamantly opposed to any Ramsey County levy or direct involvement. Since Saint Paul has an HRA levy, Ramsey County does not do development projects in the City of Saint Paul. Land Use and Zoning Authority are also in the hands of the municipalities. I do not support an HRA levy at this time without the full support of our suburban cities.
The” 4R” program, which I wrote, is now used by the County’s Tax Forfeited section in evaluation with houses being placed up for auction to be returned to the tax rolls. Houses under the “4R” program are “Ready for MOVE IN” on the day of the auction. “As Is” sales mean that the houses are not ready for occupancy until all work cited by the municipality is done and up to code and certified by the municipality. Just at this May’s auction, a 4R house sold for $230,000+ in Saint Paul and an “As Is” also in St Paul sold for under $100,000.
The county is also often viewed as having the “deep pockets” to help on projects. For example, I fought the Ramsey County’s ½ cent sales tax for the Vikings Stadium because it did not provide a financial payback for Ramsey County or its citizens who would have paid the bill. Instead I developed and promoted an alternative financing scenario which would have used part of the Viking parking revenue to come to Ramsey County in lieu of us passing on a new sales tax, etc. financial source to the tax payers. Clearly the Vikings did not support sharing the parking revenue with the County. Simply, Ramsey County residents should see a financial benefit when we are making major financial investments in projects.
Ramsey County can and does, however, play a major role in transportation through the Regional Rail Authority and, equally, in job training through our workforce development programs. One must remember 80+% of the County’s responsibilities are mandated by the legislature with or without 100% of the State’s funding provided.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
The role of the county is well-defined in state statute along with other mandates from the state. First, we must be the safety net for those in need. Second, we must be the protector of our children so that they can survive and thrive. They are our workers, our residents, and our leaders in the future. Next, we must insure that those nearing the end of their lives receive the right services, the right support, and the right care from qualified caregivers so that they can continue to live with honor and dignity in a safe place be it their own home, assisted living or a nursing home. Next, we must assure that our veterans are able to get the services they need to successfully return to the community and grow and prosper. Next, we need to make sure that those who have debilitating physical or mental disabilities receive quality care throughout their lives. Equally, public health has a critical responsibility for keeping people safe from illness, outreach with new immigrants, healthy opportunities for all communities, visiting nurses, responding to pandemics, etc. Our Law Enforcement has a major role to provide in Public Safety as does the County Attorney’s Office in litigation and child support. The Face of our Libraries and Parks opens doors to education, literacy, and healthy options and opportunities. Our Dispatch Center and Emergency Preparedness staff and volunteers provide a vital safety net that is critical to all residents and businesses.
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
There is no shortage of ideas and possibilities that the county could provide, but there is a shortage of tax dollars available to pay for all of them. As I have in the past, I will continue to evaluate new initiatives but focus ways that we may incorporate them into our existing practices. For instance, clean water is both an environmental and a public health matter. Parks and Recreation and Public Works can work closely with our watershed districts and watershed management organizations to properly manage stormwater run-off while also reducing chemical applications. Equally with the recent 2018 legislative change in the Conservation District services, the County may have an opportunity to do more. The Metro Healthy Families Initiative is expanding its efforts to assist new parents. Public Health monitors our swimming lakes for bacteria and responds quickly when action is called for. In collaboration with other Counties, we are involved with Mosquito Control and monitoring for diseases carried by mosquitoes, MELSA Library Board is expanding learning opportunities.
One such program that I worked on and brought to the Board answered the proverbial question that residents asked - what do residents do with our wood waste after trimming trees and bushes. Moreover, municipalities and the County often found the dumping of wood waste in its parks and open spaces a problem. Approached by my residents, I created several options to address the issue. When I presented to the County Board the way our yard waste sites could be the places for wood waste to be delivered by residents, I had already met with District Energy to accept the wood waste thus creating a triple win. The Downtown gets the energy from the wood waste going to District Energy, the residents can clean their yards and haul their wood away for free to the sites. Residents can also use free wood waste mulch for their gardens, tree, and shrubs - AT NO EXTRA TAX.
FYI: In 2017: 28,000 tons of tree brush and wood waste arrived at the four Ramsey County yard waste sites—great for the environment, the residents, and the downtown businesses!
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
We must look at all aspects of the budget to make sure we are providing the right services in a cost-effective manner. With changing mandates at both State and Federal levels and the reality that rarely are those mandates fully funded, the County Board and its staff must daily perform its due diligence to assure a return on the investment for the residents and businesses with a fiduciary eye and excellent service delivery.
As one example, given that more cities are now collecting waste and recyclable materials and charging for the service and Ramsey/Washington Counties having now taken over the waste recovery facility in Newport, I believe we can reduce the County Environmental Charge.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I believe that Ramsey County is a desirable place to operate a business. I hear few complaints about the county but remember that zoning, licensing, building permits and other regulatory controls lie with each city. Ramsey County Public Health does conduct restaurant inspections, and they make every effort to work with willing owners to solve problems – while acting decisively when the situation calls for it.
But we can assist new or growing businesses with our Environmental Response Fund (ERF) and other brownfield clean-up programs. I remain opposed to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) except in the rare case where it is the only site cleanup tool available and the increase in jobs or affordable housing units are significant. This is part of the return on public investment that I look for.
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?
I am always open to efficiencies in government and using joint powers to manage specific goals and projects. The solid waste resource recovery program and our wood waste collection program are two successful examples. I pushed the County to accept tree brush at County yard sites – converting household wood waste into District Energy fuel source while providing cost-effective services for residents. Just in 2017, the tree and brush brought to the sites was over 28,000 tons of brush and wood waste.
We contract with Saint Paul to plow and maintain county roads in the city.
I did not and do not support a partnership with Hennepin County for a youth facility because a Hennepin County youth facility places our youth nearly out of reach from their families. Furthermore, the problems we are trying to correct are much different for each county.
I believe our citizens are better served by partnerships in the east metro, such as our “economic gardening” program that involves the CEO’s of east metro companies helping to grow other local businesses in concert with a revamped Workforce Solutions.
Collaborative efforts to help veterans is another place we can look to improve access to services. We have made great strides there.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Maintaining the existing bus and transit routes in the face of budget cuts and adding new routes or enhancing existing routes to carry those living at an economic disadvantage to living wage jobs located outside of their neighborhoods. In other words, getting people to and from well-paying jobs in the suburbs where most job growth is occurring in an efficient manner.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Since 1997, I have the honor of serving as your Ramsey County Commissioner, which simply means serving you. I believe that residents must be heard and involved – so often I personally door knock and flyer many neighborhoods before public hearings. This community outreach can be much work, but it is also my opportunity to talk with Ramsey County residents especially those who are often unable to attend meetings due to job and family constraints. I treasure and use their input as part of my due diligence on each issue.
As I talk with residents, I am often in awe of Ramsey County residents who often are just struggling to pay their bills and working to love their family. Therefore, representing Ramsey County residents and businesses means that I must work hard to ensure that
Ramsey County is providing responsive County services in a cost-effective way.
So, when I challenge outcomes and initiatives, I am challenging the County do better – to work harder for you. As an example, I recently fought to retain Boys Totem Town because I believe that Ramsey County should help families-in-crisis to stay together - not relocate our youth-in-need to western Hennepin County. Just as I also fought hard to retain Ramsey County Nursing Home in respect for our elders as well as the Lake Owasso Home.
Most of all, I believe the strength of our democracy begins with respecting our residents who may often feel powerless. People Come First-People Before Politics