Mark Voss
Name: Mark Voss
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-216-2428
Website: markvoss.org
Facebook Page: Mark Voss for County Commissioner
Candidate Bio
In 2001 I married my wife, Tina, we live in White Bear Township where we have been raising our two boys, Gabe 11 and Micah 8. Tina works as a Police officer for the City of Oakdale, and has spent the past several years as the School Resource Officer for Tartan High School. We strive to instill in our boys the same core beliefs we were raised on with hopes they one day will grow from our example of dedication to our community and strong work ethic. As a family, we can often be found on the sidelines at one of the boy’s baseball or soccer games, judo classes or just getting out into nature and exploring.
After becoming a member of Sheet Metal Workers local #10 and finishing my Apprenticeship, I was propelled into my career. I hold a Master license in warm air and ventilation and truly enjoy the work I do. My dedication to my career was tested in 2007 when after sustaining severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident that doctors expected would take my job from me, I pushed myself to prove them wrong and 9 months later was back on full duty, stronger than ever. I let this event remind me that most everything in life can be overcome with dedication, perseverance and belief in yourself.
My passion extends past my family, and work, to my church, St. John’s Lutheran in Stillwater, where I am not only a church member but sit on the council. My downtime is spent mostly in the kitchen, baking or cooking, and I find the most joy in doing so for events where I can share my passion for food with the people I love.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
I am running for Ramsey County Commissioner to be a voice for the middle class, to provide a common sense approach to the issues facing the northern suburbs, and to make sure Ramsey County is focused on helping everyone in our community thrive.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Rice Creek Commons is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the North Metro for years to come. The redevelopment of 400 acres of land that formerly housed the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) has the potential to be an economic engine providing jobs and expanding the County’s tax base for decades to come.
As your County Commissioner, Mark will work to bring people together to move this project forward so we can start building our future today.
Why Rice Creek Commons matters:
The development will create jobs that have an immediate impact on the local economy.
It provides an opportunity to build affordable housing for people at all stages of life.
Local schools have already taken on a huge financial burden preparing for a population increase.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
I believe housing is the biggest challenge currently facing the County, This includes homelessness, affordable housing for everyone, including recent college graduates and fixed income retirees.
4. What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Getting TCAPP, Rice Creek Commons project out of the courts and under construction.
Developing more affordable, life-long housing.
Promoting career path development to funnel people into high paying in demand jobs.
5. Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Absolutely, I believe it is critical that county government works closely with in-county companies, unions and higher education institutions to provide clear pathways to a better life. I think a highly skilled workforce is critical to retaining and attracting more business to Ramsey County, this in turn creates local jobs and stimulates the local economy.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
The county should be actively seeking to make economic progress at all times. With proper workforce development and by partnering with local companies we can make a positive and immediate economic impact.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Public safety and justice
Social Services
Community & Economic Development
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I believe all the services are essential. That being said they should all be administered with a focus on fiscal responsibility.
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Not that I am aware of.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I think Ramsey County is a wonderful place and we should continue to proactively seek community and economic growth to the betterment of all residents.
11. Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Ramsey County has done a very good job managing on a tight budget. I believe partnerships and sharing of services can be a good tool for cost effectiveness. That being said, I would like to see county money spent in the county to maximize the local economic benefit.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Cost effective and environmentally friendly public transportation should be a priority in the future development plans of the county. There are also flooding issues on county roads that should be addressed as soon as possible.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As your County Commissioner, I will bring my personal, family, community, and work experience to the County Board. I will be your representative and advocate for working hand-in-hand with community members, our City Councils, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
As a proud union member and as someone married to a police officer I can provide a different perspective on the challenges facing and opportunities available to families in Ramsey County.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-216-2428
Website: markvoss.org
Facebook Page: Mark Voss for County Commissioner
Candidate Bio
In 2001 I married my wife, Tina, we live in White Bear Township where we have been raising our two boys, Gabe 11 and Micah 8. Tina works as a Police officer for the City of Oakdale, and has spent the past several years as the School Resource Officer for Tartan High School. We strive to instill in our boys the same core beliefs we were raised on with hopes they one day will grow from our example of dedication to our community and strong work ethic. As a family, we can often be found on the sidelines at one of the boy’s baseball or soccer games, judo classes or just getting out into nature and exploring.
After becoming a member of Sheet Metal Workers local #10 and finishing my Apprenticeship, I was propelled into my career. I hold a Master license in warm air and ventilation and truly enjoy the work I do. My dedication to my career was tested in 2007 when after sustaining severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident that doctors expected would take my job from me, I pushed myself to prove them wrong and 9 months later was back on full duty, stronger than ever. I let this event remind me that most everything in life can be overcome with dedication, perseverance and belief in yourself.
My passion extends past my family, and work, to my church, St. John’s Lutheran in Stillwater, where I am not only a church member but sit on the council. My downtime is spent mostly in the kitchen, baking or cooking, and I find the most joy in doing so for events where I can share my passion for food with the people I love.
1. Why are you running for this seat?
I am running for Ramsey County Commissioner to be a voice for the middle class, to provide a common sense approach to the issues facing the northern suburbs, and to make sure Ramsey County is focused on helping everyone in our community thrive.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Rice Creek Commons is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the North Metro for years to come. The redevelopment of 400 acres of land that formerly housed the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) has the potential to be an economic engine providing jobs and expanding the County’s tax base for decades to come.
As your County Commissioner, Mark will work to bring people together to move this project forward so we can start building our future today.
Why Rice Creek Commons matters:
The development will create jobs that have an immediate impact on the local economy.
It provides an opportunity to build affordable housing for people at all stages of life.
Local schools have already taken on a huge financial burden preparing for a population increase.
3. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Ramsey County as a whole and how would you address it?
I believe housing is the biggest challenge currently facing the County, This includes homelessness, affordable housing for everyone, including recent college graduates and fixed income retirees.
4. What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners?
Getting TCAPP, Rice Creek Commons project out of the courts and under construction.
Developing more affordable, life-long housing.
Promoting career path development to funnel people into high paying in demand jobs.
5. Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
Absolutely, I believe it is critical that county government works closely with in-county companies, unions and higher education institutions to provide clear pathways to a better life. I think a highly skilled workforce is critical to retaining and attracting more business to Ramsey County, this in turn creates local jobs and stimulates the local economy.
6. What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
The county should be actively seeking to make economic progress at all times. With proper workforce development and by partnering with local companies we can make a positive and immediate economic impact.
7. What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Public safety and justice
Social Services
Community & Economic Development
8. Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I believe all the services are essential. That being said they should all be administered with a focus on fiscal responsibility.
9. Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Not that I am aware of.
10. How would you characterize the business climate in Ramsey County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
I think Ramsey County is a wonderful place and we should continue to proactively seek community and economic growth to the betterment of all residents.
11. Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Ramsey County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Ramsey County has done a very good job managing on a tight budget. I believe partnerships and sharing of services can be a good tool for cost effectiveness. That being said, I would like to see county money spent in the county to maximize the local economic benefit.
12. In your view, what is Ramsey County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Cost effective and environmentally friendly public transportation should be a priority in the future development plans of the county. There are also flooding issues on county roads that should be addressed as soon as possible.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
As your County Commissioner, I will bring my personal, family, community, and work experience to the County Board. I will be your representative and advocate for working hand-in-hand with community members, our City Councils, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
As a proud union member and as someone married to a police officer I can provide a different perspective on the challenges facing and opportunities available to families in Ramsey County.