Mark Swenson
Name: Mark Swenson
Public Office Sought: Oak Park Heights Mayor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-270-5385
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I held the position of City Council Member for 24 consecutive years. During those years I worked with multiple Mayors in our City and learned from all of them. Many large projects were completed in those years which included the HWY 36 bridge, and multiple big box stores (Lowes, Menards and 2 major senior living projects). All of these required a Team approach and I was considered the voice of reason. I also am in management at Andersen Corporation, which is always teaching its leaders how to be better and how to function as a team not as an individual. I have always managed by focusing on the people and the process. I am not a micro manager and I am good at improving and implementing change. I will not make promises that I cannot keep, and I will always make decisions that are in the best interest of the City. I will promise that I will bring strong leadership and strong team building that will make Oak Park Heights a better place to live and work.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first would be to help develop the plan for the elimination of the AS King Plant. Second, would be to Build a stronger relationship with the neighboring communities and County offices. Third will be to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in both Social Justice issues and the Corona Virus.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oak Park Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Oak Park Heights is at a very volatile state with the Pandemic and the reduction of most of the businesses in the city. Our restaurants are running at way below cost-effective levels as well as our big box retail stores. We will need to do things in a totally different way. More people are working at home with reduced hours and are making improvements to their homes. Also, advertising is changing as is the entire business models.
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, Oak Park Heights ?
The city always has open arms to new business that fits in our Comprehensive Plan. Although there is little to no room for expansion outside of what we have now, the city will listen to new ideas. The city does a nice job with retaining businesses.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Oak Park 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 Oak Park Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
N/A
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Oak Park Heights will have a new Police Chief that is coming soon and that will help drive change to that department. Keeping our citizens safe is a top priority for me.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I feel we need to focus on city spending, planning for the future (i.e., Excel Energy) and not taking on infrastructure that the city cannot afford.
What will you do to expand Oak Park Height’s tax base?
City staff does a very good job at keeping the budget balanced. The council must listen to the data that staff gives them.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
N/A
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 believe that we are always trying to find better ways to operate. I do not know of any service that we can get rid of nor do I think we need to find one. We can however improve the working relationships with other agencies within the County.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Oak Park Heights?
What further policies can Oak Park Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am a very dedicated citizen that has a proven track record. I vote for the people that I represent and do the best that I can. I look forward to giving more to the community with my experience and dedication.
Public Office Sought: Oak Park Heights Mayor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-270-5385
Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook page:
Candidate Bio
I held the position of City Council Member for 24 consecutive years. During those years I worked with multiple Mayors in our City and learned from all of them. Many large projects were completed in those years which included the HWY 36 bridge, and multiple big box stores (Lowes, Menards and 2 major senior living projects). All of these required a Team approach and I was considered the voice of reason. I also am in management at Andersen Corporation, which is always teaching its leaders how to be better and how to function as a team not as an individual. I have always managed by focusing on the people and the process. I am not a micro manager and I am good at improving and implementing change. I will not make promises that I cannot keep, and I will always make decisions that are in the best interest of the City. I will promise that I will bring strong leadership and strong team building that will make Oak Park Heights a better place to live and work.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first would be to help develop the plan for the elimination of the AS King Plant. Second, would be to Build a stronger relationship with the neighboring communities and County offices. Third will be to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in both Social Justice issues and the Corona Virus.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oak Park Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Oak Park Heights is at a very volatile state with the Pandemic and the reduction of most of the businesses in the city. Our restaurants are running at way below cost-effective levels as well as our big box retail stores. We will need to do things in a totally different way. More people are working at home with reduced hours and are making improvements to their homes. Also, advertising is changing as is the entire business models.
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, Oak Park Heights ?
The city always has open arms to new business that fits in our Comprehensive Plan. Although there is little to no room for expansion outside of what we have now, the city will listen to new ideas. The city does a nice job with retaining businesses.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Oak Park 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 Oak Park Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
N/A
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Oak Park Heights will have a new Police Chief that is coming soon and that will help drive change to that department. Keeping our citizens safe is a top priority for me.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I feel we need to focus on city spending, planning for the future (i.e., Excel Energy) and not taking on infrastructure that the city cannot afford.
What will you do to expand Oak Park Height’s tax base?
City staff does a very good job at keeping the budget balanced. The council must listen to the data that staff gives them.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
N/A
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 believe that we are always trying to find better ways to operate. I do not know of any service that we can get rid of nor do I think we need to find one. We can however improve the working relationships with other agencies within the County.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Oak Park Heights?
What further policies can Oak Park Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I am a very dedicated citizen that has a proven track record. I vote for the people that I represent and do the best that I can. I look forward to giving more to the community with my experience and dedication.