Melanie Leehy
Name: Melanie Leehy
Public Office Sought: Falcon Heights City Council
Campaign Phone: 651-646-8113
Campaign Website: N/A
Twitter Handle: N/A
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieLeehy4u/
Candidate Bio
I love our unique City! It’s my desire to continue serving as Council Member. For 15 of my 16 years as a resident I have been consistently serving Falcon Heights. Prior to being on the Council I served as City Office Assistant, Community Engagement Commission Chair, and Task Force for Community Policing and Inclusion Co-chair. Regarding our environment, I participated in Environment fairs, and even organized electronic recycling events. My Council term has included serving on both the Parks & Recreation and also Planning Commissions, as well as the Ramsey County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
My background in banking has helped with navigating the City’s budget. I have 40 years of experience in community service and management, including nonprofit, education and corporate sectors. I am often sought out to bring strategic solutions and resources to challenging issues in urban, suburban, and even rural communities. My ability to genuinely listen, bring unity with diverse groups, initiate creative ideas and solutions are key traits.
I want to continue utilizing these skills in city leadership and find joy in seeing our community connectedness blossom.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
With our city’s limited financial resources it is essential to have a balanced budget that covers current and long range financial stability. Assuring residents that our public safety is meeting our needs adds to the sense of well-being we all deserve to have. Along with a solid infrastructure, quality of life includes our parks system. This is why I am willing to continue addressing the difficult situation and have public discussion of our need for a new building at Community Park.
How would you characterize the business climate in Falcon Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Amenities of resources and entertainment options within close walking distance/close proximity/city limits is something that I am grateful for. As a leader I have made it a priority to invest in our local businesses and participate in their events so that they know they are appreciated and valued. Beyond this I will continue to look for ways for them to be highlighted and have participation in City initiatives.
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, Falcon Heights?
Nurturing healthy relationships with local businesses so that they can thrive and continue to stay within the community is what I consider mutually enhancing.
Being good neighbors with both our for profit and non-profit sectors has benefited them. This has also given pride to residents for being hosts to original restaurants, museums, State landmarks, spaces that are good for the environment and economy, and more. It is my desire that we continue to invite these businesses to city-wide events for their introduction to residents and guests. Hopefully some of our young people will see these as early job opportunities.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Falcon 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 Falcon Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
At the present there are no employment-related proposals in the City. Yet, whenever the opportunity arises I would like for us to select vendors who have a value of job creation.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
We are a city well situated for public transit. Keeping our streets maintained is critical for the passage of residents and commuters. In the weeks to come there will be an opportunity for residents to speak to the possibility of the speed limit changing to enhance safety.
I am thrilled that the construction of Amber Union is underway which will provide 125 units of affordable housing for households with 50% AMI. In an effort to advocate for renters, multi-family unit property owner policies are being reviewed.
I am in favor of public safety services that are cost effective and stable. But what is of utmost importance is the level of safety they provide as well as their responsiveness to the concerns of residents.
When St. Anthony Village decided that they no longer wanted to provide our contract policing services, the Council of that time was left with no option but to create an agreement with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. That being said we have the ability to consider other options should they become available. I want us to choose what is best for the city as a whole, and not just continue with an agency because we had a previous agreement with them. Keeping constant communication with Ramsey County for policing and St. Paul for fire “” services must become a new norm rather than assuming they are meeting our needs in a cost effective manner.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Balancing the budget requires being fiscally responsible and utilizing accurate timing for implementation of projects or services. This must be done in such a way that city taxes are sufficient to the need, while keeping the levy at a low rate. It is essential that we continue to have a solid infrastructure and address issues before they become cost prohibitive. We need to continue actively assessing our policing services which allows for a positive relationship with the agency while at the same time being assured that the services are not excessive beyond our city’s need. As a community it is important that we have a parks system that is vibrant and safe. For this reason we need a solution to replace the Community Park building that is at point of needing to be replaced.
What will you do to expand Falcon Heights’ tax base?
Sixty percent of the land within Falcon Heights is non-taxable property including the State Fairgrounds and University of Minnesota. Nevertheless I want to see us continue and grow our relationship with them via liaisons and activities. This is of benefit to our city as a whole and also residents working or studying there.
Being that our city is fully developed, we must be creative and tenacious when opportunities present themselves to us. During my first term I have been a part of the process of seeing our tax base increase with the development of The Hendrickson senior apartments. Also the accomplishment of Amber Union apartments opening soon will add to that in years to come.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I’ve enjoyed our partnership with the FH Elementary and want to see Brimhall Elementary included in those initiatives. At the Secondary level developing inter-generational participation will benefit the younger children while at the same time readying youth for post-secondary options. With these activities I have had the pleasure of building relationship with the Roseville School Board Members. As a Council Member and prior to the pandemic, I reached out to surrounding universities for student involvement in community building endeavors I initiated. It would great to attempt this again.
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?
Our city operates on frugal budget as we are a LGA municipality with limited resources similar to other small cities and towns. We explore the most efficient and effective way to provide services. This is seen in our contracting of engineer services from Roseville, fire emergency services from St. Paul, and police services from Ramsey County. It is normative for smaller municipalities to establish shared service agreements with other entities.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Falcon Heights?
As Falcon Heights values being welcoming and inclusive this allows for business owners and entrepreneurs to feel at home here. I myself am an African American woman who is an entrepreneur owning businesses and creating job ventures. I am pleased to say that we have several women in the city who own and operate their own business at home or within brick and mortar. To highlight two of our local businesses we are home to the Eggroll Queen and Out On A Limb Dance Company which are minority- and woman- owned. We support their establishments, include them in city activities, and celebrate their victories.
What further policies can Falcon Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As Council action, we directed staff to give the opportunity for businesses to expand their venues allowing for outdoor services when weather permitted.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have a history of dedication and follow through whether called upon or see a need to step forward and serve. I would like residents to know that I desire to continue serving them, responding to their concerns, and seeking for their well-being and harmony with neighbors. My name is Melanie Leehy, and I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 2.
Public Office Sought: Falcon Heights City Council
Campaign Phone: 651-646-8113
Campaign Website: N/A
Twitter Handle: N/A
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieLeehy4u/
Candidate Bio
I love our unique City! It’s my desire to continue serving as Council Member. For 15 of my 16 years as a resident I have been consistently serving Falcon Heights. Prior to being on the Council I served as City Office Assistant, Community Engagement Commission Chair, and Task Force for Community Policing and Inclusion Co-chair. Regarding our environment, I participated in Environment fairs, and even organized electronic recycling events. My Council term has included serving on both the Parks & Recreation and also Planning Commissions, as well as the Ramsey County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
My background in banking has helped with navigating the City’s budget. I have 40 years of experience in community service and management, including nonprofit, education and corporate sectors. I am often sought out to bring strategic solutions and resources to challenging issues in urban, suburban, and even rural communities. My ability to genuinely listen, bring unity with diverse groups, initiate creative ideas and solutions are key traits.
I want to continue utilizing these skills in city leadership and find joy in seeing our community connectedness blossom.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
With our city’s limited financial resources it is essential to have a balanced budget that covers current and long range financial stability. Assuring residents that our public safety is meeting our needs adds to the sense of well-being we all deserve to have. Along with a solid infrastructure, quality of life includes our parks system. This is why I am willing to continue addressing the difficult situation and have public discussion of our need for a new building at Community Park.
How would you characterize the business climate in Falcon Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Amenities of resources and entertainment options within close walking distance/close proximity/city limits is something that I am grateful for. As a leader I have made it a priority to invest in our local businesses and participate in their events so that they know they are appreciated and valued. Beyond this I will continue to look for ways for them to be highlighted and have participation in City initiatives.
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, Falcon Heights?
Nurturing healthy relationships with local businesses so that they can thrive and continue to stay within the community is what I consider mutually enhancing.
Being good neighbors with both our for profit and non-profit sectors has benefited them. This has also given pride to residents for being hosts to original restaurants, museums, State landmarks, spaces that are good for the environment and economy, and more. It is my desire that we continue to invite these businesses to city-wide events for their introduction to residents and guests. Hopefully some of our young people will see these as early job opportunities.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Falcon 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 Falcon Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
At the present there are no employment-related proposals in the City. Yet, whenever the opportunity arises I would like for us to select vendors who have a value of job creation.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
We are a city well situated for public transit. Keeping our streets maintained is critical for the passage of residents and commuters. In the weeks to come there will be an opportunity for residents to speak to the possibility of the speed limit changing to enhance safety.
I am thrilled that the construction of Amber Union is underway which will provide 125 units of affordable housing for households with 50% AMI. In an effort to advocate for renters, multi-family unit property owner policies are being reviewed.
I am in favor of public safety services that are cost effective and stable. But what is of utmost importance is the level of safety they provide as well as their responsiveness to the concerns of residents.
When St. Anthony Village decided that they no longer wanted to provide our contract policing services, the Council of that time was left with no option but to create an agreement with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. That being said we have the ability to consider other options should they become available. I want us to choose what is best for the city as a whole, and not just continue with an agency because we had a previous agreement with them. Keeping constant communication with Ramsey County for policing and St. Paul for fire “” services must become a new norm rather than assuming they are meeting our needs in a cost effective manner.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Balancing the budget requires being fiscally responsible and utilizing accurate timing for implementation of projects or services. This must be done in such a way that city taxes are sufficient to the need, while keeping the levy at a low rate. It is essential that we continue to have a solid infrastructure and address issues before they become cost prohibitive. We need to continue actively assessing our policing services which allows for a positive relationship with the agency while at the same time being assured that the services are not excessive beyond our city’s need. As a community it is important that we have a parks system that is vibrant and safe. For this reason we need a solution to replace the Community Park building that is at point of needing to be replaced.
What will you do to expand Falcon Heights’ tax base?
Sixty percent of the land within Falcon Heights is non-taxable property including the State Fairgrounds and University of Minnesota. Nevertheless I want to see us continue and grow our relationship with them via liaisons and activities. This is of benefit to our city as a whole and also residents working or studying there.
Being that our city is fully developed, we must be creative and tenacious when opportunities present themselves to us. During my first term I have been a part of the process of seeing our tax base increase with the development of The Hendrickson senior apartments. Also the accomplishment of Amber Union apartments opening soon will add to that in years to come.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I’ve enjoyed our partnership with the FH Elementary and want to see Brimhall Elementary included in those initiatives. At the Secondary level developing inter-generational participation will benefit the younger children while at the same time readying youth for post-secondary options. With these activities I have had the pleasure of building relationship with the Roseville School Board Members. As a Council Member and prior to the pandemic, I reached out to surrounding universities for student involvement in community building endeavors I initiated. It would great to attempt this again.
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?
Our city operates on frugal budget as we are a LGA municipality with limited resources similar to other small cities and towns. We explore the most efficient and effective way to provide services. This is seen in our contracting of engineer services from Roseville, fire emergency services from St. Paul, and police services from Ramsey County. It is normative for smaller municipalities to establish shared service agreements with other entities.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Falcon Heights?
As Falcon Heights values being welcoming and inclusive this allows for business owners and entrepreneurs to feel at home here. I myself am an African American woman who is an entrepreneur owning businesses and creating job ventures. I am pleased to say that we have several women in the city who own and operate their own business at home or within brick and mortar. To highlight two of our local businesses we are home to the Eggroll Queen and Out On A Limb Dance Company which are minority- and woman- owned. We support their establishments, include them in city activities, and celebrate their victories.
What further policies can Falcon Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
As Council action, we directed staff to give the opportunity for businesses to expand their venues allowing for outdoor services when weather permitted.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have a history of dedication and follow through whether called upon or see a need to step forward and serve. I would like residents to know that I desire to continue serving them, responding to their concerns, and seeking for their well-being and harmony with neighbors. My name is Melanie Leehy, and I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 2.