Lori Hansen
Name: Lori (Otto) Hansen
Public Office Sought: South St. Paul City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-249-4701
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: @LoriHansenSSPCityCouncil
Candidate Bio
I make decisions based on all the facts and concerns presented. My service to the community has been long and varied for example: City Council member since 2001, past Park & Rec Commission chairperson, Dakota County Planning Commission Chairperson, Dakota Communications Center Board member, River Heights Local Issues member, SSP Economic Development Authority Commissioner, Airport Comp Plan Task Force member and a member of various task forces and committees for the betterment of SSP. I am dedicated and experienced and would continue to provide educated decisions for our community.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities would be to continue working on increasing the tax base, provide excellent core services and making sure all feel safe when walking on any SSP street.
How would you characterize the business climate in South St. Paul and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
SSP is becoming a place where businesses are seeking us out to expand or start up a new business. The City staff works very hard to retain and attract business. Our role is so to offer affordable housing options for local workers.
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, South St. Paul?
We should use all the tools we have to help retain and attract new business. This could include financing assistance, site locations and guidance on the process to start and maintain a profitable business. We would be a liaison/source for other assistance programs.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in South St. Paul (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 South St. Paul and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I do not believe it is the job of the city to impose restrictions on everyday business operations. I believe in open communications to discuss and assist in business concerns.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
It is important to plan. The Housing Task Force has presented us with a plan for future housing needs. It is my goal plan to implement the plan and associated transportation concerns. Working with our Police department to address safety concerns is an ongoing process. I will continue to assist in implementing new safety initiatives.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My goal is to keep taxes low while providing quality services for our citizens and businesses. We carefully review all department requests and budgets.
What will you do to expand South St. Paul’s tax base?
The process is already in place and I will continue to support our EDA(Economic Development Authority) staff to retain and attract quality businesses to SSP.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
It important to work with the schools and provide quality education to attract residents and business. I have always supported the schools in referendums and offering educational job related opportunities. Partially due to discussions in our Local Issues meetings, classes are now offered relating to local business needs such as diesel mechanic and health care.
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?
At this point I would not cut back on any services. I think we have opportunities to work with other entities such as Dakota County to provide more services in Northern Dakota County. We can also work with the School District regarding the future of Central Square as a community-gathering place.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in South St. Paul?
As a Council, we need to work with all citizens to provide opportunities for growth. We need to share the news with all groups that SSP is a great place for a business and we are excited to help all who are interested.
What further policies can South St. Paul adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As needs arise we will look at ways we can assist our local businesses. The best way is to frequent our local businesses and restaurants! Also, encourage others to shop locally!
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
South St Paul is a great place to live, work and play. I want to continue working to provide a great experience for the citizens and businesses in SSP. Contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for your vote!
Public Office Sought: South St. Paul City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-249-4701
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: @LoriHansenSSPCityCouncil
Candidate Bio
I make decisions based on all the facts and concerns presented. My service to the community has been long and varied for example: City Council member since 2001, past Park & Rec Commission chairperson, Dakota County Planning Commission Chairperson, Dakota Communications Center Board member, River Heights Local Issues member, SSP Economic Development Authority Commissioner, Airport Comp Plan Task Force member and a member of various task forces and committees for the betterment of SSP. I am dedicated and experienced and would continue to provide educated decisions for our community.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities would be to continue working on increasing the tax base, provide excellent core services and making sure all feel safe when walking on any SSP street.
How would you characterize the business climate in South St. Paul and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
SSP is becoming a place where businesses are seeking us out to expand or start up a new business. The City staff works very hard to retain and attract business. Our role is so to offer affordable housing options for local workers.
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, South St. Paul?
We should use all the tools we have to help retain and attract new business. This could include financing assistance, site locations and guidance on the process to start and maintain a profitable business. We would be a liaison/source for other assistance programs.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in South St. Paul (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 South St. Paul and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I do not believe it is the job of the city to impose restrictions on everyday business operations. I believe in open communications to discuss and assist in business concerns.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
It is important to plan. The Housing Task Force has presented us with a plan for future housing needs. It is my goal plan to implement the plan and associated transportation concerns. Working with our Police department to address safety concerns is an ongoing process. I will continue to assist in implementing new safety initiatives.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My goal is to keep taxes low while providing quality services for our citizens and businesses. We carefully review all department requests and budgets.
What will you do to expand South St. Paul’s tax base?
The process is already in place and I will continue to support our EDA(Economic Development Authority) staff to retain and attract quality businesses to SSP.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
It important to work with the schools and provide quality education to attract residents and business. I have always supported the schools in referendums and offering educational job related opportunities. Partially due to discussions in our Local Issues meetings, classes are now offered relating to local business needs such as diesel mechanic and health care.
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?
At this point I would not cut back on any services. I think we have opportunities to work with other entities such as Dakota County to provide more services in Northern Dakota County. We can also work with the School District regarding the future of Central Square as a community-gathering place.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in South St. Paul?
As a Council, we need to work with all citizens to provide opportunities for growth. We need to share the news with all groups that SSP is a great place for a business and we are excited to help all who are interested.
What further policies can South St. Paul adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As needs arise we will look at ways we can assist our local businesses. The best way is to frequent our local businesses and restaurants! Also, encourage others to shop locally!
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
South St Paul is a great place to live, work and play. I want to continue working to provide a great experience for the citizens and businesses in SSP. Contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for your vote!