Jennifer Beck-Brown
Name: Jennifer Beck-Brown
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckbrown4council/
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beckbrown4council
Candidate Bio
I have been honored to serve my country and my state in the military. As a proud Inver Grove Heights resident, I now want to serve as a City Council member.
Throughout my life, and in both of my occupations, giving back to my community through public service has been a priority. I have served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 29 years. Over the years, I have responded during state emergencies and have deployed multiple times into hostile fire zones. My civilian career is as a prosecutor. In the past 15 years, I have handled cases involving property crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, child protection, and child support.
My involvement in the community has changed with the ages of my children. When they were young, I coached their sports teams and managed, as they got older. I have served on the Veterans Employment Work Group, Inver Grove Heights Yellow Ribbon Campaign, Dakota County Veterans Memorial Greenway focus group, and the Argent Hills Homeowners Association.
As an Inver Grove Heights City Council member, I will use the skills I have learned to make Inver Grove Heights a safe and prosperous city to live, work, and visit.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Public Safety: Our Police Officers and Firefighters must have the right equipment, training, and people to do their job. These public servants work with the community and put their lives on the line daily to make our neighborhoods safe. They must be supported and budgeted the resources to succeed.
Strategic Development: Changes in the community must be viewed through two lenses: supporting the needs of those that live here today and creating a city for future residents. Housing that fits community needs, concurrently developed with businesses to shop and work at, and parks for our children to play. The City Council must take an active role in promoting projects which benefit all residents.
Road maintenance: A holistic approach on Road maintenance must be prioritized. Well-maintained roads cut down on the wear and tear of vehicles and increase property value. A long-term plan for road maintenance for the city needs to be established, funded and followed.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Many businesses are still recovering from COVID restrictions, being impacted by raising inflation, or struggling to adapt to todays work environment. There are opportunities to fill vacant storefronts and industrial development.
Solid and varied businesses promote a healthy city by creating an environment where people can live, work, shop, and gather-essential components of a prosperous city.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
As a part of a long-term plan, the city should be proactive in reaching out to businesses and maintain those already here. City leaders must ensure that the rules are not over burdensome and that tax benefits or other incentives are considered. The IGH 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies the types of businesses that would do well as the city moves forward. Attracting those businesses and negotiating their development while supporting current businesses is key to sustainable and responsible growth across Inver Grove Heights.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
We must ensure that there are different housing types for those who want to live and work in Inver Grove Heights. We can also encourage collaboration with Simley High School and Inver Grove Heights Community College to develop programs that benefit students with a paycheck and job training while benefiting employers by expanding the workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am not aware of any proposals.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
Public safety is a top concern for me. First and foremost, Police funding must be adequate to provide the proper training, to train the right people, and equipment to do their jobs. I support looking at forming focused task force teams on things like car thefts or warrants within the Inver Grove Heights Police Department and partnering with other cities to address criminal behavior. Police officers working with the community and collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions will deter and stop some of the increasing crime in Inver Grove Heights.
Community members should have tools available to be directly involved in public safety. Inver Grove Heights has a successful annual citizen's academy. It should be held more frequently or allow more people into the course. The development of a neighborhood watch group standard operating procedure should be available for those neighborhoods that want to participate.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
The city council needs to take an active approach to housing development along with business development that preserves the character of Inver Grove Heights. Housing development must include a wide variety of housing for the needs of those that live and work here. It is essential to listen to all stakeholders and give great weight to comments made by the residents.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
I support partnerships with groups that are focusing on the issue of transportation. For example, the East Metro is a group of public-private entities whose goal is to bring better transit to the east metro including Dakota County.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As a city council member, I will have a fiduciary duty to each resident in Inver Grove Heights. It is a responsibility I take very seriously, and any decisions about the budget will align with my commitment to all taxpayers. A fiscally responsible budget focused on growth that benefits all of Inver Growth Heights is among my top priorities.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’s tax base?
We are at a pivotal time and in a position to make good decisions that increase the tax base. Strategic decisions involving housing development and businesses together will foster a climate of positive growth in both areas. I will encourage business and industry activity in the city and ensure that ordinances and policies do not deter growth.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a city council member, I will have a limited ability to impact the schools. I support joint discussions with the educational community and businesses. Bilateral talks can help shape new and current programs, like the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) at Simley High School; or the many two-year degrees at Inver Hills Community College that allow students to start their careers sooner.
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 am not aware of any services being provided by the city that should be cut back or eliminated. However, I will be looking for the best ways to use limited resources.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
As a city council member, I will do everything that I can to support all those looking at bringing their business to Inver Grove Heights. Businesses must reflect the needs of all residents and encouraging business development among all community members is vital for a successful community.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I am not aware of a policy that I would support right now. As a City Council member, I will be on the lookout for opportunities or policies that will help the business community.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The purpose of government, and all elected officials, is centered around aiding the community in a way that individuals cannot. I truly appreciate those who have stopped to talk with me and told me their thoughts about our city. As a City Council member, I will look to Inver Grove Heights residents on how to best move the city forward.
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckbrown4council/
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beckbrown4council
Candidate Bio
I have been honored to serve my country and my state in the military. As a proud Inver Grove Heights resident, I now want to serve as a City Council member.
Throughout my life, and in both of my occupations, giving back to my community through public service has been a priority. I have served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 29 years. Over the years, I have responded during state emergencies and have deployed multiple times into hostile fire zones. My civilian career is as a prosecutor. In the past 15 years, I have handled cases involving property crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, child protection, and child support.
My involvement in the community has changed with the ages of my children. When they were young, I coached their sports teams and managed, as they got older. I have served on the Veterans Employment Work Group, Inver Grove Heights Yellow Ribbon Campaign, Dakota County Veterans Memorial Greenway focus group, and the Argent Hills Homeowners Association.
As an Inver Grove Heights City Council member, I will use the skills I have learned to make Inver Grove Heights a safe and prosperous city to live, work, and visit.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Public Safety: Our Police Officers and Firefighters must have the right equipment, training, and people to do their job. These public servants work with the community and put their lives on the line daily to make our neighborhoods safe. They must be supported and budgeted the resources to succeed.
Strategic Development: Changes in the community must be viewed through two lenses: supporting the needs of those that live here today and creating a city for future residents. Housing that fits community needs, concurrently developed with businesses to shop and work at, and parks for our children to play. The City Council must take an active role in promoting projects which benefit all residents.
Road maintenance: A holistic approach on Road maintenance must be prioritized. Well-maintained roads cut down on the wear and tear of vehicles and increase property value. A long-term plan for road maintenance for the city needs to be established, funded and followed.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Many businesses are still recovering from COVID restrictions, being impacted by raising inflation, or struggling to adapt to todays work environment. There are opportunities to fill vacant storefronts and industrial development.
Solid and varied businesses promote a healthy city by creating an environment where people can live, work, shop, and gather-essential components of a prosperous city.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
As a part of a long-term plan, the city should be proactive in reaching out to businesses and maintain those already here. City leaders must ensure that the rules are not over burdensome and that tax benefits or other incentives are considered. The IGH 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies the types of businesses that would do well as the city moves forward. Attracting those businesses and negotiating their development while supporting current businesses is key to sustainable and responsible growth across Inver Grove Heights.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
We must ensure that there are different housing types for those who want to live and work in Inver Grove Heights. We can also encourage collaboration with Simley High School and Inver Grove Heights Community College to develop programs that benefit students with a paycheck and job training while benefiting employers by expanding the workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am not aware of any proposals.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
Public safety is a top concern for me. First and foremost, Police funding must be adequate to provide the proper training, to train the right people, and equipment to do their jobs. I support looking at forming focused task force teams on things like car thefts or warrants within the Inver Grove Heights Police Department and partnering with other cities to address criminal behavior. Police officers working with the community and collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions will deter and stop some of the increasing crime in Inver Grove Heights.
Community members should have tools available to be directly involved in public safety. Inver Grove Heights has a successful annual citizen's academy. It should be held more frequently or allow more people into the course. The development of a neighborhood watch group standard operating procedure should be available for those neighborhoods that want to participate.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
The city council needs to take an active approach to housing development along with business development that preserves the character of Inver Grove Heights. Housing development must include a wide variety of housing for the needs of those that live and work here. It is essential to listen to all stakeholders and give great weight to comments made by the residents.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
I support partnerships with groups that are focusing on the issue of transportation. For example, the East Metro is a group of public-private entities whose goal is to bring better transit to the east metro including Dakota County.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
As a city council member, I will have a fiduciary duty to each resident in Inver Grove Heights. It is a responsibility I take very seriously, and any decisions about the budget will align with my commitment to all taxpayers. A fiscally responsible budget focused on growth that benefits all of Inver Growth Heights is among my top priorities.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’s tax base?
We are at a pivotal time and in a position to make good decisions that increase the tax base. Strategic decisions involving housing development and businesses together will foster a climate of positive growth in both areas. I will encourage business and industry activity in the city and ensure that ordinances and policies do not deter growth.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
As a city council member, I will have a limited ability to impact the schools. I support joint discussions with the educational community and businesses. Bilateral talks can help shape new and current programs, like the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) at Simley High School; or the many two-year degrees at Inver Hills Community College that allow students to start their careers sooner.
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 am not aware of any services being provided by the city that should be cut back or eliminated. However, I will be looking for the best ways to use limited resources.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
As a city council member, I will do everything that I can to support all those looking at bringing their business to Inver Grove Heights. Businesses must reflect the needs of all residents and encouraging business development among all community members is vital for a successful community.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I am not aware of a policy that I would support right now. As a City Council member, I will be on the lookout for opportunities or policies that will help the business community.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The purpose of government, and all elected officials, is centered around aiding the community in a way that individuals cannot. I truly appreciate those who have stopped to talk with me and told me their thoughts about our city. As a City Council member, I will look to Inver Grove Heights residents on how to best move the city forward.