Kris Lillemo
Name: Kris Lillemo
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-373-6118
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Kris w/ a K Lillemo for City Council Mounds View
Candidate Bio
I’ve been a resident of Mounds View for nearly 20 years. When my daughter was younger, we often visited the local park, only to be disappointed to find our favorite slide cracked. Instead of just complaining, I decided to be part of the solution. This led me to join the Park and Recreation, Forestry, and Sustainability Commission, where I’ve served for the past four years. During this time we have done so much like successfully renovated two playgrounds, initiated the development of an off-leash dog area, and are currently working on a community garden partnership in Mounds View
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I embrace a servant leadership style, prioritizing service and collaboration with the community. I aim to build on the recent leadership changes in Mounds View by actively encouraging community involvement and creating avenues for residents to be heard. I also advocate for simplifying and transparently sharing city information to ensure that residents can easily stay informed. My focus is on implementing practical, feasible, and sustainable solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Mounds View?
One of the most pressing issues we face is prioritizing direct engagement with our community. Rather than investing heavily in planning firms, PR campaigns, and biased surveys, we should focus on listening to the voices of our residents first. The experiences with the Ardan project and the Community center have shown us that spending substantial amounts on these external resources can lead to ineffective outcomes and wasted resources.
Our greatest opportunity lies in involving the community early in the process. By prioritizing citizen input from the start, we can build a list of project ideas that genuinely reflect the needs and desires of our residents. This approach will allow us to make more informed decisions and ensure that our investments in planning and marketing are aligned with what the community truly wants and needs
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Effective workforce development requires collaboration to create programs that match labor market demands with available talent. Governments can design policies that support job training and education initiatives, while businesses can offer input on skills needs and participate in training programs. This partnership helps to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and experiences, promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment.
In all these areas, the key to successful collaboration is open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to addressing the community’s needs through combined resources and expertise.
How would you characterize the business climate in Mounds View and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Mounds View?
Our climate has been tough but getting encouraging. I’m a big fan of Mounds View classics like RJ Richies and Pink Flower, and I’ve been thrilled to see the excitement around new additions like Dos Hermanos and Kusina. It’s encouraging to see these businesses thriving. Personally, I still envision the addition of a brew pub in Mounds View, but our focus must go beyond just restaurants.
As a council member, my commitment is to not only listen to our residents but also actively engage with our local businesses. We need to explore innovative strategies to support our existing businesses, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant. At the same time, we should create a business-friendly environment that attracts new enterprises, fosters investment, and generates job opportunities. Strengthening our commercial tax base is crucial for controlling property taxes and ensuring long-term financial stability for our city.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Mounds View is fortunate to have dedicated professionals safeguarding our community, from the SBM Firefighters and the Mounds View Police to our outstanding K9s, Grizz and Ace. Our city is well-protected. However, we must keep moving forward by investing in the latest technology to ensure our officers stay ahead of emerging crime trends. Additionally, it’s crucial to collaborate with the community to address traffic issues and enhance safety for all our families.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Our rental prices are among the lowest in the area, and we offer a variety of housing options, including two manufactured home communities. I am open to listening to community feedback on housing issues. However, there seems to be a growing concern among residents about our city reaching capacity. The recent experience with the proposed housing project near Ardan Park, where citizens voiced strong opposition in large numbers over several months, highlighted the need for careful consideration. While I am not opposed to all redevelopment, any future projects must align with the needs and character of our city.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Mounds View boasts some excellent trails and paths, and I am committed to exploring opportunities to connect them with neighboring cities. However, it's important to carefully consider the overall costs and risks associated. Based on feedback from residents, I have concerns about the redevelopment of the path on Spring Lake Road, as the costs to the local neighbors and property seemed excessive. Perhaps exploring alternative routes could have provided a better solution.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Mounds View must adhere to a budget that prioritizes maintaining our existing assets and keeping property taxes low. With limited funding, it’s essential that we use our resources wisely and ensure that projects are aligned with the true needs of our community.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
State governments oversee broad issues affecting the entire state, such as education and transportation, and laws. County governments manage regional services and administrative functions within their counties, such as public health and infrastructure, and are led by County Commissioners. City governments focus on local issues specific to individual cities, like zoning and municipal services, and are led by a Mayor or City Manager and a City Council.
I believe in the separation of powers. I plan to keep focused in on our city maintaining it and growing it into the future.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-373-6118
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Kris w/ a K Lillemo for City Council Mounds View
Candidate Bio
I’ve been a resident of Mounds View for nearly 20 years. When my daughter was younger, we often visited the local park, only to be disappointed to find our favorite slide cracked. Instead of just complaining, I decided to be part of the solution. This led me to join the Park and Recreation, Forestry, and Sustainability Commission, where I’ve served for the past four years. During this time we have done so much like successfully renovated two playgrounds, initiated the development of an off-leash dog area, and are currently working on a community garden partnership in Mounds View
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I embrace a servant leadership style, prioritizing service and collaboration with the community. I aim to build on the recent leadership changes in Mounds View by actively encouraging community involvement and creating avenues for residents to be heard. I also advocate for simplifying and transparently sharing city information to ensure that residents can easily stay informed. My focus is on implementing practical, feasible, and sustainable solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
- Maintain Current Property Tax Rates: Ensure that there is no increase in property taxes from the city on residents.
- Enhance City Engagement: Improve engagement with the community by actively listening and finding more effective ways to communicate information.
- Revitalize the Business Environment: Explore innovative strategies to boost commercial investment and redevelopment of commercial properties, such as the Bear Lot space. Support existing businesses to help them thrive and strengthen our commercial tax base, which is essential for reducing property taxes.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Mounds View?
One of the most pressing issues we face is prioritizing direct engagement with our community. Rather than investing heavily in planning firms, PR campaigns, and biased surveys, we should focus on listening to the voices of our residents first. The experiences with the Ardan project and the Community center have shown us that spending substantial amounts on these external resources can lead to ineffective outcomes and wasted resources.
Our greatest opportunity lies in involving the community early in the process. By prioritizing citizen input from the start, we can build a list of project ideas that genuinely reflect the needs and desires of our residents. This approach will allow us to make more informed decisions and ensure that our investments in planning and marketing are aligned with what the community truly wants and needs
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Effective workforce development requires collaboration to create programs that match labor market demands with available talent. Governments can design policies that support job training and education initiatives, while businesses can offer input on skills needs and participate in training programs. This partnership helps to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and experiences, promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment.
In all these areas, the key to successful collaboration is open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to addressing the community’s needs through combined resources and expertise.
How would you characterize the business climate in Mounds View and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Mounds View?
Our climate has been tough but getting encouraging. I’m a big fan of Mounds View classics like RJ Richies and Pink Flower, and I’ve been thrilled to see the excitement around new additions like Dos Hermanos and Kusina. It’s encouraging to see these businesses thriving. Personally, I still envision the addition of a brew pub in Mounds View, but our focus must go beyond just restaurants.
As a council member, my commitment is to not only listen to our residents but also actively engage with our local businesses. We need to explore innovative strategies to support our existing businesses, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant. At the same time, we should create a business-friendly environment that attracts new enterprises, fosters investment, and generates job opportunities. Strengthening our commercial tax base is crucial for controlling property taxes and ensuring long-term financial stability for our city.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Mounds View is fortunate to have dedicated professionals safeguarding our community, from the SBM Firefighters and the Mounds View Police to our outstanding K9s, Grizz and Ace. Our city is well-protected. However, we must keep moving forward by investing in the latest technology to ensure our officers stay ahead of emerging crime trends. Additionally, it’s crucial to collaborate with the community to address traffic issues and enhance safety for all our families.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Our rental prices are among the lowest in the area, and we offer a variety of housing options, including two manufactured home communities. I am open to listening to community feedback on housing issues. However, there seems to be a growing concern among residents about our city reaching capacity. The recent experience with the proposed housing project near Ardan Park, where citizens voiced strong opposition in large numbers over several months, highlighted the need for careful consideration. While I am not opposed to all redevelopment, any future projects must align with the needs and character of our city.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Mounds View boasts some excellent trails and paths, and I am committed to exploring opportunities to connect them with neighboring cities. However, it's important to carefully consider the overall costs and risks associated. Based on feedback from residents, I have concerns about the redevelopment of the path on Spring Lake Road, as the costs to the local neighbors and property seemed excessive. Perhaps exploring alternative routes could have provided a better solution.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Mounds View must adhere to a budget that prioritizes maintaining our existing assets and keeping property taxes low. With limited funding, it’s essential that we use our resources wisely and ensure that projects are aligned with the true needs of our community.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
State governments oversee broad issues affecting the entire state, such as education and transportation, and laws. County governments manage regional services and administrative functions within their counties, such as public health and infrastructure, and are led by County Commissioners. City governments focus on local issues specific to individual cities, like zoning and municipal services, and are led by a Mayor or City Manager and a City Council.
I believe in the separation of powers. I plan to keep focused in on our city maintaining it and growing it into the future.