Jeff Schafer
Name: Jeff Schafer
Public Office Sought: Grant City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651 653 0743
Website: jeffsforgrant.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I am a 30 year homeowner of Grant now retired from a 25 year career as a small business owner. I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Grant city council January 2020. Prior to that appointment I served for four years on the Grant planning commission which provided me with valuable experience regarding city operations.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I will work to preserve our quality of life in Grant by maintaining our 10 acre density, ensure the city is fiscally responsible, and prevent expansion of Met Council sewer and water. I will look for and suggest improvements—- examples include road maintenance, city website, and city hall maintenance.
How would you characterize the business climate in Grant and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Grant is primarily a rural residential community with occasional rural businesses and a small general business area which are supported through our code of ordinances. These businesses provide income to the owners and employees which supports their quality of life
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, Grant?
Because Grant is a diversified rural residential city, and has a small general business area, I don’t believe the city can solicit new businesses. Existing businesses should be supported through our code of ordinances.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Grant (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Grant and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
These issues do not apply to the City of Grant.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Grant contracts with Washington County for public safety which is working well. Grant is a desirable area without housing or transportation issues.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I plan to be a good steward of taxpayers money.
What will you do to expand Grants’ tax base?
I will support landowners rights to develop their property as long as Grant’s code of ordinances is followed
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Grant is part of the Mahtomedi and Stillwater school districts which I fully support.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
I do not believe any current services should be cut back. I’m always interested in improvements and if the possibility of sharing services with a neighboring city is available, I would research it.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Grant?
Very little, other than support these businesses through the code of ordinances.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Because we are a rural residential community with a limited budget, very little.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Grant is an unique rural community with large open spaces, hobby farms, horses, bike trails, and so much more all within a short distance to the big city, which I will work hard to keep that way.
Public Office Sought: Grant City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651 653 0743
Website: jeffsforgrant.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I am a 30 year homeowner of Grant now retired from a 25 year career as a small business owner. I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Grant city council January 2020. Prior to that appointment I served for four years on the Grant planning commission which provided me with valuable experience regarding city operations.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I will work to preserve our quality of life in Grant by maintaining our 10 acre density, ensure the city is fiscally responsible, and prevent expansion of Met Council sewer and water. I will look for and suggest improvements—- examples include road maintenance, city website, and city hall maintenance.
How would you characterize the business climate in Grant and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Grant is primarily a rural residential community with occasional rural businesses and a small general business area which are supported through our code of ordinances. These businesses provide income to the owners and employees which supports their quality of life
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, Grant?
Because Grant is a diversified rural residential city, and has a small general business area, I don’t believe the city can solicit new businesses. Existing businesses should be supported through our code of ordinances.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Grant (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Grant and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
These issues do not apply to the City of Grant.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Grant contracts with Washington County for public safety which is working well. Grant is a desirable area without housing or transportation issues.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I plan to be a good steward of taxpayers money.
What will you do to expand Grants’ tax base?
I will support landowners rights to develop their property as long as Grant’s code of ordinances is followed
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Grant is part of the Mahtomedi and Stillwater school districts which I fully support.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
I do not believe any current services should be cut back. I’m always interested in improvements and if the possibility of sharing services with a neighboring city is available, I would research it.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Grant?
Very little, other than support these businesses through the code of ordinances.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Because we are a rural residential community with a limited budget, very little.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Grant is an unique rural community with large open spaces, hobby farms, horses, bike trails, and so much more all within a short distance to the big city, which I will work hard to keep that way.