Jimmy Francis
Name: Jimmy Francis
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner-District 2
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-321-8348
Campaign Website: forwardwithfrancis.com
Twitter handle: @forwardfrancis
Facebook Page: JimmyFrancisforDakotaCountyDistrict2
Candidate Bio
Since 2017, when elected Mayor up to today, we have done over $100+ million of new or redeveloped business, equilling roughly $1.2 million dollars in NEW tax support for our community of South St. Paul. This is where I live and I want the very best for our community, for our families, and for our future. I have been instrumental in our success because of the desire to bring us forward by taking calculated risks,collaborating with stakeholders and being available and at the table. In my day job , as an employee benefits administrator, my number one priority is people. As Mayor of South St. Paul, my number one priority is people. I am here to be of service to my community and make decisions that make our district better. I listen and I am thoughtful with decisions, I am available and accessible to citizens. Finally this isn’t a career for me, it’s a chance for me to be MORE of service, accomplish some things and then show others a path to step up and serve in this same capacity. Fresh eyes, ears and energy to move things forward is what you will get with voting Jimmy Francis for Dakota County Commissioner.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
#1 Listening to residents of the district #2 Mental Health #3 Public Safety. When we progressively address these key issues for district two, we solve issues for the entire county. Oftentimes the current priorities are based off of old initiatives and not taking into account the changing district demographics and expectations of residents. #1 is listening, residents currently don't feel they are being heard. #2 One in five adults experienced a mental health issue and we need proactive mental wellness options. #3 Public Safety needs our support and some rethinking. Because of #1 listening, I have learned #2 Mental Health and #3 Public Safety is linked closer than we realize and Jimmy Francis will make them a priority moving forward.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I speak with a lot of business owners and for the most part, they like doing business in Dakota County. If we were more robust with our efforts, we could get the existing business owners to attract new business to locate here with marketing campaigns about our success stories. Business owners are not super wealthy, they are not the “big bad corporations” , they are our neighbors and friends who provide much needed products, services and jobs. Let’s stop vilifying successful businesses and be a better partner to learn from their successes and help strengthen the workforce and encourage entrepreneurship with support from the county.
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in Dakota County?
We are the visionaries, so we, as elected leaders, need to be the conduit to the people who will make the vision a reality, the business owners! We need to be the biggest cheerleaders of the region! When we are better partners with current businesses we remove the obstacles. It’s one thing to say “we are pro business” and another thing to get out of the way! The county should be making priority connections with world renowned businesses including hospital systems and tech manufacturing. Attracting the best of the best to locate here and then give them tools of support. This will grow the jobs in Dakota County as well as strengthen the relationships with current and long standing businesses to retain the secure jobs at good pay.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Dakota County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Dakota County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I would need time and space to understand better what policies are in place now to give an informed answer. I come from a blue collar home in a historically strong union town, I understand the importance of liveable wages. I work every day with business owners/employers so I have knowledge from this standpoint and would be bringing that with me when elected to the county board to have further discussions on policy.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Policies won’t help labor shortages. There are several options already inplace and funded by the county to help people get jobs. Our workforce center might need more support and direction to address this issue. Data can also be measured with regards to mental health and the abilities for people to hold or maintain employment. I believe this is an opportunity to enhance the workforce centers to address this factor in labor shortage while maintaining current efforts.
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?
Again, policies won’t help this situation. What will help is supporting the men and women who manage our public safety, help them by giving them the funding and tools they have been begging for and give them the respect they deserve and be better partners. Policy makers do not have the real world experience nor the education these public safety people have. We just need to listen and support. The county also needs to be better partners with the cities in the county and get creative on how we work together to address these issues.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
In my community of SSP , the highest in the county for low or subsidized housing along with WSP are actively addressing these issues. In South St. Paul, we are also working to bring in a higher amenities/services housing stock for people who want it and need this option. Each community is different and we can’t make an overall policy because each of the communities in District #2 are very different and need customized support. I would bring each of my cities together and discuss their vision and their needs before I would propose strategies. I believe we need to monitor the levels we have already and ensure we have the adequate resources to support. Want to make sure our roads and EMS/Fire and retail can properly handle the increases.
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 am hearing from the district residents that our transportation issues in the northern part of Dakota county are different from the southern part and that tells me more listening needs to be done. To have a policy is good, to adjust that policy as things change is even better. Once Elected i will focus on this topic and collaborate on solutions that work for my district and the entire county system. I know the burden the county places on cities for the county roads that run through each city and will be able to better address directly one elected to the county board.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
It is clear to me and District 2, investments into proactive measures for mental health and wellness needs to be a budget priority. Currently our county provides funds enough for a safety net or crisis intervention. We need to invest in people and provide robust and impactful tailored services for people experiencing mental health emergencies and provide for Mental Health Wellness. Public Safety budget needs to be explored in conjunction with allocations to Dakota County Jail System for improvements, technology and personnel. Transportation East/West Connections would be another budget priority of my district.
What will you do to expand Dakota County’s tax base?
I will do everything I can and I will support my fellow commissioners in making plans to expand the county’s tax base. I would be a champion of programs that attract business to Dakota County. We have great opportunities to attract global business to Dakota County but also businesses looking to expand or exit from surrounding areas.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I would encourage and support Dakota County investing in scholarships to students for memberships in chambers of commerce, Robert Street Business Association, SSP/IGH/WSP Rotary to mentor kids starting in the 9th grade. These scholarships would provide the local organizations a future workforce, these students would find employment and mentorship in a variety of business or non profit organizations and the county would benefit from all of these activities. We have seen success in the post secondary support with the Educational Foundation in South St. Paul, I would support efforts at the county level to implement these scholarships for the High Schools in Dakota County. I have worked side by side with the president of Inver Hills / Dakota County Tech to bring business opportunities in and students out to the business community. At our public high school, I have personally brought in business owners to have the opportunity to teach these students their technology skills, provide a pathway for a career and mentorship to students who are looking for that support outside of their home and school.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
There are always opportunities to improve. I would be short-sighted to suggest any cuts or eliminations of services in my first and second year in office, these would come in year 3 or 4 of my term when elected County Commissioner. Opportunities are already here at the doorstep of the county, I would like to be elected to show my courage to put forward the efforts to make them a reality.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
This can be accomplished by continuing to make this a priority and to invest in people. We are a world class location and Dakota County could be the leaders in attracting world wide opportunities for these entrepreneurs. The role of the county board in this area should be of support and encouragement.
What further policies can Dakota County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Policies won’t help in this situation but what would help is to continue to provide resources to the residents and business owners of Dakota County and work more closely with removing barriers implemented by the same body to move business forward. Oftentimes policy makers want to put forward policy when all that is required is to get out of the way.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Jimmy Francis is one of the hardest working, approachable and honest local elected officials in Dakota County today. Being active and available is key to the success of this position moving forward. If my answers here sparked something in you, feel free to call me 651-321-8348. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I ask you for your vote to move forward with Jimmy Francis.
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner-District 2
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-321-8348
Campaign Website: forwardwithfrancis.com
Twitter handle: @forwardfrancis
Facebook Page: JimmyFrancisforDakotaCountyDistrict2
Candidate Bio
Since 2017, when elected Mayor up to today, we have done over $100+ million of new or redeveloped business, equilling roughly $1.2 million dollars in NEW tax support for our community of South St. Paul. This is where I live and I want the very best for our community, for our families, and for our future. I have been instrumental in our success because of the desire to bring us forward by taking calculated risks,collaborating with stakeholders and being available and at the table. In my day job , as an employee benefits administrator, my number one priority is people. As Mayor of South St. Paul, my number one priority is people. I am here to be of service to my community and make decisions that make our district better. I listen and I am thoughtful with decisions, I am available and accessible to citizens. Finally this isn’t a career for me, it’s a chance for me to be MORE of service, accomplish some things and then show others a path to step up and serve in this same capacity. Fresh eyes, ears and energy to move things forward is what you will get with voting Jimmy Francis for Dakota County Commissioner.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
#1 Listening to residents of the district #2 Mental Health #3 Public Safety. When we progressively address these key issues for district two, we solve issues for the entire county. Oftentimes the current priorities are based off of old initiatives and not taking into account the changing district demographics and expectations of residents. #1 is listening, residents currently don't feel they are being heard. #2 One in five adults experienced a mental health issue and we need proactive mental wellness options. #3 Public Safety needs our support and some rethinking. Because of #1 listening, I have learned #2 Mental Health and #3 Public Safety is linked closer than we realize and Jimmy Francis will make them a priority moving forward.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I speak with a lot of business owners and for the most part, they like doing business in Dakota County. If we were more robust with our efforts, we could get the existing business owners to attract new business to locate here with marketing campaigns about our success stories. Business owners are not super wealthy, they are not the “big bad corporations” , they are our neighbors and friends who provide much needed products, services and jobs. Let’s stop vilifying successful businesses and be a better partner to learn from their successes and help strengthen the workforce and encourage entrepreneurship with support from the county.
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in Dakota County?
We are the visionaries, so we, as elected leaders, need to be the conduit to the people who will make the vision a reality, the business owners! We need to be the biggest cheerleaders of the region! When we are better partners with current businesses we remove the obstacles. It’s one thing to say “we are pro business” and another thing to get out of the way! The county should be making priority connections with world renowned businesses including hospital systems and tech manufacturing. Attracting the best of the best to locate here and then give them tools of support. This will grow the jobs in Dakota County as well as strengthen the relationships with current and long standing businesses to retain the secure jobs at good pay.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Dakota County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Dakota County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I would need time and space to understand better what policies are in place now to give an informed answer. I come from a blue collar home in a historically strong union town, I understand the importance of liveable wages. I work every day with business owners/employers so I have knowledge from this standpoint and would be bringing that with me when elected to the county board to have further discussions on policy.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Policies won’t help labor shortages. There are several options already inplace and funded by the county to help people get jobs. Our workforce center might need more support and direction to address this issue. Data can also be measured with regards to mental health and the abilities for people to hold or maintain employment. I believe this is an opportunity to enhance the workforce centers to address this factor in labor shortage while maintaining current efforts.
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?
Again, policies won’t help this situation. What will help is supporting the men and women who manage our public safety, help them by giving them the funding and tools they have been begging for and give them the respect they deserve and be better partners. Policy makers do not have the real world experience nor the education these public safety people have. We just need to listen and support. The county also needs to be better partners with the cities in the county and get creative on how we work together to address these issues.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
In my community of SSP , the highest in the county for low or subsidized housing along with WSP are actively addressing these issues. In South St. Paul, we are also working to bring in a higher amenities/services housing stock for people who want it and need this option. Each community is different and we can’t make an overall policy because each of the communities in District #2 are very different and need customized support. I would bring each of my cities together and discuss their vision and their needs before I would propose strategies. I believe we need to monitor the levels we have already and ensure we have the adequate resources to support. Want to make sure our roads and EMS/Fire and retail can properly handle the increases.
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 am hearing from the district residents that our transportation issues in the northern part of Dakota county are different from the southern part and that tells me more listening needs to be done. To have a policy is good, to adjust that policy as things change is even better. Once Elected i will focus on this topic and collaborate on solutions that work for my district and the entire county system. I know the burden the county places on cities for the county roads that run through each city and will be able to better address directly one elected to the county board.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
It is clear to me and District 2, investments into proactive measures for mental health and wellness needs to be a budget priority. Currently our county provides funds enough for a safety net or crisis intervention. We need to invest in people and provide robust and impactful tailored services for people experiencing mental health emergencies and provide for Mental Health Wellness. Public Safety budget needs to be explored in conjunction with allocations to Dakota County Jail System for improvements, technology and personnel. Transportation East/West Connections would be another budget priority of my district.
What will you do to expand Dakota County’s tax base?
I will do everything I can and I will support my fellow commissioners in making plans to expand the county’s tax base. I would be a champion of programs that attract business to Dakota County. We have great opportunities to attract global business to Dakota County but also businesses looking to expand or exit from surrounding areas.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I would encourage and support Dakota County investing in scholarships to students for memberships in chambers of commerce, Robert Street Business Association, SSP/IGH/WSP Rotary to mentor kids starting in the 9th grade. These scholarships would provide the local organizations a future workforce, these students would find employment and mentorship in a variety of business or non profit organizations and the county would benefit from all of these activities. We have seen success in the post secondary support with the Educational Foundation in South St. Paul, I would support efforts at the county level to implement these scholarships for the High Schools in Dakota County. I have worked side by side with the president of Inver Hills / Dakota County Tech to bring business opportunities in and students out to the business community. At our public high school, I have personally brought in business owners to have the opportunity to teach these students their technology skills, provide a pathway for a career and mentorship to students who are looking for that support outside of their home and school.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
There are always opportunities to improve. I would be short-sighted to suggest any cuts or eliminations of services in my first and second year in office, these would come in year 3 or 4 of my term when elected County Commissioner. Opportunities are already here at the doorstep of the county, I would like to be elected to show my courage to put forward the efforts to make them a reality.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
This can be accomplished by continuing to make this a priority and to invest in people. We are a world class location and Dakota County could be the leaders in attracting world wide opportunities for these entrepreneurs. The role of the county board in this area should be of support and encouragement.
What further policies can Dakota County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Policies won’t help in this situation but what would help is to continue to provide resources to the residents and business owners of Dakota County and work more closely with removing barriers implemented by the same body to move business forward. Oftentimes policy makers want to put forward policy when all that is required is to get out of the way.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Jimmy Francis is one of the hardest working, approachable and honest local elected officials in Dakota County today. Being active and available is key to the success of this position moving forward. If my answers here sparked something in you, feel free to call me 651-321-8348. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I ask you for your vote to move forward with Jimmy Francis.