Mark Wiens
Name: MARK WIENS
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-283-3953
Campaign Website: Wiens4washco.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561846646509
Candidate Bio
I am a leader who works with all folks of good will to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, economy, environment, citizens and future. I am tireless in the pursuit of friendship and excellence. As a Veteran with 30 years of service, I have experience building & leading diverse executive-level teams in pursuit of solving wicked complex issues. As a State Representative, I introduced and supported multiple bills including funding for Hwy 36, clean water for Lake Elmo and East Metro communities, First Responders' Mental Health, government reform & accountability and Veterans Restorative Justice Act. I was rated as one of the top Bipartisan House members by the watchdog organization ‘Majority in the Middle.’ I strove to assist making Washington County a great place to Live, Work and Play.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Collaboration, Innovation, Actualization.
I am an advocate of several problem-solving methodologies to address: simple, complicated or complex issues for dynamic groups. I enjoy working with folks of good will to solve problems.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Preserving our environment, Investing in our transportation infrastructure and Accountability of our tax dollars and resources. I believe our best practices of engagement with our businesses, legislators, and workforce will assist in a smooth recovery.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Washington County?
Adequate clean water for development. Poised for growth with improving economic conditions and 2024-2029 Washington County Strategic Plan.
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?
I believe the legislature could have collaborated to a greater degree and been inclusive of the Chamber and business community ideas to grow our economy and provide great jobs for our youth and new Minnesotans. My hope is that the leaders in St Paul listen to our feedback to make course corrections to support our job creators, innovators, trades folk and workers so that all in our community can thrive.
How would you characterize the business climate in Washington County and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Washington County?
Being a border community has challenges for our businesses compared to those across the St Croix during this period of economic recovery from worker retention to cost of doing business. County leadership provides collaborative support through connections with the Chamber and business groups as well as being an advocate with our state level legislators.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Our Washington County Law & Order team does a terrific job of enforcing the law, keeping criminal elements from other counties out. This balanced approach has been noticed by families looking for safer communities in the Metro. I am excited about the Veterans Court and opportunities to assist folks to become restored to our community, which Washington County Attorney has taken a lead. The Sheriff has led innovation by establishing Crisis Intervention Mental Health Teams to aid his sworn officers on calls when behavioral health is the issue.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Home ownership is a key element of the American Dream, a greater holistic understanding of the market forces will assist us in crafting our plans for development which can promote ownership. There will be a need for a variety of housing and various levels as the county continues to grow. The integrated study done in collaboration with our cities and townships will assist in that capacity, ensuring that communities have a voice in how they develop.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Comprehensive study of transportation environmental & economic impact in our development, will ensure that our roads stay in good repair and safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. This will assist understanding where our road network needs to be expanded or rethought. I believe utilizing and expanding the existing road & highway networks with Bus Rapid Transit is the most economical, efficient, effective and least obstructive for our metro area public transportation
Counties 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?
Continuing the wise practice whereby Washington County has done well in maintaining a low property tax rate, ensuring every dollar is spent effectively and preserving our highest bond rating from S&P and Moody’s. Proper economic impact studies, accountability balanced with sustainability for future budgets is a best practice.
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?
County Boards are not legislative bodies, rather a local executive board making decisions on effectiveness and resource management rather than advancing polices. Washington County has a legacy of working towards preserving the original intent which has served our community well.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-283-3953
Campaign Website: Wiens4washco.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561846646509
Candidate Bio
I am a leader who works with all folks of good will to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, economy, environment, citizens and future. I am tireless in the pursuit of friendship and excellence. As a Veteran with 30 years of service, I have experience building & leading diverse executive-level teams in pursuit of solving wicked complex issues. As a State Representative, I introduced and supported multiple bills including funding for Hwy 36, clean water for Lake Elmo and East Metro communities, First Responders' Mental Health, government reform & accountability and Veterans Restorative Justice Act. I was rated as one of the top Bipartisan House members by the watchdog organization ‘Majority in the Middle.’ I strove to assist making Washington County a great place to Live, Work and Play.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Collaboration, Innovation, Actualization.
I am an advocate of several problem-solving methodologies to address: simple, complicated or complex issues for dynamic groups. I enjoy working with folks of good will to solve problems.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Preserving our environment, Investing in our transportation infrastructure and Accountability of our tax dollars and resources. I believe our best practices of engagement with our businesses, legislators, and workforce will assist in a smooth recovery.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Washington County?
Adequate clean water for development. Poised for growth with improving economic conditions and 2024-2029 Washington County Strategic Plan.
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?
I believe the legislature could have collaborated to a greater degree and been inclusive of the Chamber and business community ideas to grow our economy and provide great jobs for our youth and new Minnesotans. My hope is that the leaders in St Paul listen to our feedback to make course corrections to support our job creators, innovators, trades folk and workers so that all in our community can thrive.
How would you characterize the business climate in Washington County and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Washington County?
Being a border community has challenges for our businesses compared to those across the St Croix during this period of economic recovery from worker retention to cost of doing business. County leadership provides collaborative support through connections with the Chamber and business groups as well as being an advocate with our state level legislators.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Our Washington County Law & Order team does a terrific job of enforcing the law, keeping criminal elements from other counties out. This balanced approach has been noticed by families looking for safer communities in the Metro. I am excited about the Veterans Court and opportunities to assist folks to become restored to our community, which Washington County Attorney has taken a lead. The Sheriff has led innovation by establishing Crisis Intervention Mental Health Teams to aid his sworn officers on calls when behavioral health is the issue.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Home ownership is a key element of the American Dream, a greater holistic understanding of the market forces will assist us in crafting our plans for development which can promote ownership. There will be a need for a variety of housing and various levels as the county continues to grow. The integrated study done in collaboration with our cities and townships will assist in that capacity, ensuring that communities have a voice in how they develop.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Comprehensive study of transportation environmental & economic impact in our development, will ensure that our roads stay in good repair and safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. This will assist understanding where our road network needs to be expanded or rethought. I believe utilizing and expanding the existing road & highway networks with Bus Rapid Transit is the most economical, efficient, effective and least obstructive for our metro area public transportation
Counties 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?
Continuing the wise practice whereby Washington County has done well in maintaining a low property tax rate, ensuring every dollar is spent effectively and preserving our highest bond rating from S&P and Moody’s. Proper economic impact studies, accountability balanced with sustainability for future budgets is a best practice.
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?
County Boards are not legislative bodies, rather a local executive board making decisions on effectiveness and resource management rather than advancing polices. Washington County has a legacy of working towards preserving the original intent which has served our community well.