Michelle Clasen
Name: Michelle Clasen
Public Office Sought: Washington County Commissioner - District 5
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-336-9970
Website: www.michelleclasen.com
Twitter Handle: twitter/clasen16
Facebook Page: facebook/Michelle Shelly Clasen
Candidate Bio
I’m a career public servant with over a decade of local government experience working jointly with Minnesota Counties in a variety of capacities including business services, emergency management, environmental and water issues, parks and trails, elections, infrastructure, transportation, and affordable housing.
My master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University led me to discover my talent for helping advocate for small businesses and residents by strengthening communication, improving relationships, changing policies to reflect the growing service needs while staying on top of government trends and innovation.
I plan on using my knowledge, assertiveness, and intelligence to expand the County’s programs on economic development and business services to help small businesses get back up and running. If elected, my business solution plan would expand businesses quickly and easily during this unprecedented time. I will help lead us forward to a stable and secure future.
"It shouldn’t be who you know in politics to become a county commissioner. It should be what you know." Michelle Clasen, Candidate District 5, Washington County Commissioner.
Why are you running for this seat?
I believe Woodbury deserves a motivated and visionary leader with a strong voice on the Washington County Board. A leader who has a vision for what our future can be, who is approachable, open to not only listening to constituents but actively seeking input from other counties, partnerships, business community, and stakeholders. A leader who is not afraid of challenging the status quo and has gone against the good ole’ boys’ network. A leader who knows how to ask the right questions, who is brave and motivating.
Throughout my local government career, I have proven to be a leader with integrity and conviction. I have driven change through listening to constituents, identifying disparities, partnering with stakeholders, streamlining processes, and pushing the envelope. I have accomplished great things for other Minnesota communities. But my heart lies in the community I live in, where I am a single mom raising two children, volunteering and supporting local businesses. I want to work for my community by representing Woodbury District 5 on the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Our struggling economy and unemployment rates are a major concern. Empty storefronts, unemployed residents, the consequences of Covid-19 have devastated our financial reserves. It’s time for County government to assist in building and investing in our economy by taking more of an active role in helping businesses succeed.
Our economy is struggling. Historically in times like these, government takes on the undue financial burdens until the economy normalizes. As we have seen in our history with FDR’s New Deal, government can positively influence the economy. It is time for Washington County elected officials to understand the importance of investment.
The County must partner with multi-organizations and multi-jurisdictional agencies for business resources and success. We need to do more, with less. That is why you need an expert with the inner knowledge of government to get policy accomplished. It is time to offer more to our Washington County businesses. Open to Business and B4B partnership is what currently the County’s CDA offers to struggling businesses. It is a start. My vision is a more comprehensive package, creating beneficial and evidence proven partnerships to assist small businesses in reopening and growing.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Washington County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge will be guiding Washington County to actively align and support more East Metro Regional initiatives and goals. Our County is growing, we need to think outside the box to improve our economic development and increase business resources. I have worked collaboratively with Washington County, Ramsey County and Dakota County for over a decade, providing me with unique lens when evaluating County operations, services, and programs. I am an expert at building strong relationships and partnerships. I am a people pleaser that is empathic to the needs of my constituents. More importantly, I am a knowledgeable and experienced fighter. Dealing with challenges, finding resources, and coming up with unique and creative solutions is what I do best.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Washington County Board of Commissioners?
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. As I write this on June 22, 2020, Covid-19 has devastated our business community and unemployment rates are as high as 9% in the East Metro. During this time, Washington County has worked through CareerForce to help promote open jobs in Washington County. It’s not enough. County elected officials need to expand the County’s Community Development Authority (CDA). There are little offerings on their website to incentivize and attract businesses to Washington County. Promoting, attracting, and incentivizing businesses is a long-term investment. We need a multi-jurisdictional partnership. The responsibility is not just on the cities and local chambers to come up with attractive incentive packages. Do we want Washington county to stay as a bedroom community, which means that most of the residents leave their city to go to work? How will that stabilize county taxes if we don’t focus on developing a strong business tax base to offset taxes to residents? It is counterintuitive not to focus on attracting and retaining jobs.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
I believe county government should partner with cities to develop incentive packages geared towards industries that create jobs. I was a part of leading the city of Inver Grove Heights Amazon HQ2 proposal package through MN DEED. I have been a part of partnerships between the state and city, that have worked for the common good of Minnesota. But where was the County during this opportunity? Truth is, Minnesota deserves a multi-jurisdictional partnership to attract and retain businesses that will increase jobs.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
That is a difficult question to answer since Covid-19 has damaged our economy and overwhelmed our government resources. County essential services are normally recognized as immediate daily use such as: highway and street repairs, recycling and environmental services, sheriff’s department, and emergency management. Essential to me does not mean more important than other County services. The County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) is just as vital and important as the identified essential services.
Currently, we need more resources for our businesses to survive and thrive which will level out our unemployment rate. If elected, that is my number one priority, job growth and saving businesses from going under during the pandemic and aftermath.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I do believe that the County has more of a responsibility to assist in job creation and attraction, business expansion and retention and financial incentivizing packages. I have worked for Minnesota cities that had impressive economic development programs and financial incentives in comparison to what Washington County’s CDA currently offers. Washington County elected officials need to do more.
I also think the County elected officials are failing at communicating to their constituents. I have acted as the Communication Manager for several cities for over a decade. The County lacks a strategic and comprehensive county-wide communication plan. The County doesn’t even have a communication department. They are not following communication best practices and because of that they are failing at communicating to taxpayers. Even during the pandemic, the county only sent out their regular monthly news releases. Recently, when businesses are closing, the County’s newsletter had business resources information on Page 4 of their quarterly newsletter. It is unacceptable. In today’s fast communication trends and expectations, lagging so far behind the times creates a noticeable gap between the community and the county.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
During this unprecedented time, the pandemic has shown us that government services are vital. That said, I am financially conservative. I have worked with a variety of City Councils on proposing operating budgets and capital improvements. During tough times like these, it is the job of Elected Officials to thoroughly review the budget to help eliminate any increase to taxes in 2021-2022. If elected, I will not vote to increase taxes during this difficult period of history.
How would you characterize the business climate in Washington County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
As a whole, Washington County’s business climate is scattered clusters of success. Overall, I have seen Washington County cities struggle to retain businesses. I worked for the City of Hugo from 2008-2010, the struggle to keep businesses has always been difficult. Back then, we participated in the Business, Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program through the University of Minnesota Extension Department to help expand our economic development programs. But the effort overall was compromised with the recession. If Washington County elected officials would have provided resources, assistance, or support during that time, the City would have been more successful. That is one example, but I have more. I have never understood why County elected leaders do not help more with City’s job attraction, business retention, and expansion programs. Each city has its own financial limitations on how much financial resources they can provide.
Over my career, I have seen missed opportunities. Washington County is a powerful stakeholder with influence, relationships, and partnerships that can help more businesses thrive in Washington County Cities. If elected, my goal is to push Washington County’s role from back seat driver to using their strong arm to help steer our economy into a successful future.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Washington County?
Women are starting more businesses today than men. The Latino population are among the highest minority group starting businesses. Catering programs and services to include women and minority groups will help these new businesses succeed. Success of women and minority owned businesses directly influences our economy’s growth. I understand elected officials’ counterarguments on free enterprise and allowing the market to decided which businesses succeed. But the Covid-19 crisis has changed everything! Government cannot hesitate and stand back to watch businesses fail. We must intervene to help! How is the County providing opportunities to bridge the disparities of these minority groups, who often do not understand the resources available to them? These are areas that as an elected official I will explore and advocate for real change.
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 Washington County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
My Master of Public Administration thesis was on collaborating government services. Shared services can be worthwhile when closely examining alternatives to off-set taxes. As a public servant, I have always strived to increase services to residents and businesses. While working for the city of Falcon Heights, shared services and collaborations helped provide more services to residents in cost effective measures. Partnerships often help government entities extend their services. For the most part, Washington County overall is conservative with services offered. Washington County elected officials’ current business partnerships are with Open for Business and Business4Business (B4B) MSP program. Covid-19 crisis caused business owners to close their doors for months with no revenue stream. If elected, I will advocate for Washington County to enter into more successful business partnerships that will include grant opportunities and incentivizing packages to help businesses survive. Some action steps would include mentoring, one on one counseling, partnerships, reexamining business regulations and tax rate, offering diversity and inclusivity trainings and more.
In your view, what is Washington County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
I have participated in Washington County conversations regarding the Gold Line Rapid Bus Transit since the beginning when I worked as the City Clerk/Treasurer/Secretary for the City of Landfall and Washington County Housing Redevelopment Authority. I was thrilled to hear about the plans for the Gold Line because I know the impact this will have. Many Woodbury residents use bus routes daily to avoid Minneapolis and St. Paul traffic, parking lot rates and lessen their carbon footprint. As your leader, I would like to see less of a bedroom community and more jobs offered within 10-15 miles of our homes.
The Gold Line is an opportunity for more job creation, attraction, and retention in my District. I support the plan and will support future development in transportation and earmark funds to make this Gold Line a success story for our community and the east metro.
What further policies can Washington County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Recently Washington County entered into the Business4Business (B4B) MSP program, a new regional coalition to connect small businesses to resources. But in comparison, Ramsey County has entered into 3x times as many partnerships and coalitions, including the Pay It Forward program through SCORE, where I currently mentor small businesses. Ramsey County also initiated a small business relief fund. I watch carefully what other government entities are doing because that matters. Washington County needs to represent their constituents as surrounding counties are currently doing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have experience doing more with less. During this unprecedented time, government needs to step up. In 2010, when local government aid was taken away from already struggling cities, I took on two local government positions. I worked harder so taxpayers wouldn’t have to pay more. We shared services and collaborated with surrounding cities and agencies to save taxpayers money. I have learned how to be financially conservative in government. But I wholeheartedly believe investing in businesses and partnerships will help us through to a stable and secure future.
Public Office Sought: Washington County Commissioner - District 5
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-336-9970
Website: www.michelleclasen.com
Twitter Handle: twitter/clasen16
Facebook Page: facebook/Michelle Shelly Clasen
Candidate Bio
I’m a career public servant with over a decade of local government experience working jointly with Minnesota Counties in a variety of capacities including business services, emergency management, environmental and water issues, parks and trails, elections, infrastructure, transportation, and affordable housing.
My master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University led me to discover my talent for helping advocate for small businesses and residents by strengthening communication, improving relationships, changing policies to reflect the growing service needs while staying on top of government trends and innovation.
I plan on using my knowledge, assertiveness, and intelligence to expand the County’s programs on economic development and business services to help small businesses get back up and running. If elected, my business solution plan would expand businesses quickly and easily during this unprecedented time. I will help lead us forward to a stable and secure future.
"It shouldn’t be who you know in politics to become a county commissioner. It should be what you know." Michelle Clasen, Candidate District 5, Washington County Commissioner.
Why are you running for this seat?
I believe Woodbury deserves a motivated and visionary leader with a strong voice on the Washington County Board. A leader who has a vision for what our future can be, who is approachable, open to not only listening to constituents but actively seeking input from other counties, partnerships, business community, and stakeholders. A leader who is not afraid of challenging the status quo and has gone against the good ole’ boys’ network. A leader who knows how to ask the right questions, who is brave and motivating.
Throughout my local government career, I have proven to be a leader with integrity and conviction. I have driven change through listening to constituents, identifying disparities, partnering with stakeholders, streamlining processes, and pushing the envelope. I have accomplished great things for other Minnesota communities. But my heart lies in the community I live in, where I am a single mom raising two children, volunteering and supporting local businesses. I want to work for my community by representing Woodbury District 5 on the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
Our struggling economy and unemployment rates are a major concern. Empty storefronts, unemployed residents, the consequences of Covid-19 have devastated our financial reserves. It’s time for County government to assist in building and investing in our economy by taking more of an active role in helping businesses succeed.
Our economy is struggling. Historically in times like these, government takes on the undue financial burdens until the economy normalizes. As we have seen in our history with FDR’s New Deal, government can positively influence the economy. It is time for Washington County elected officials to understand the importance of investment.
The County must partner with multi-organizations and multi-jurisdictional agencies for business resources and success. We need to do more, with less. That is why you need an expert with the inner knowledge of government to get policy accomplished. It is time to offer more to our Washington County businesses. Open to Business and B4B partnership is what currently the County’s CDA offers to struggling businesses. It is a start. My vision is a more comprehensive package, creating beneficial and evidence proven partnerships to assist small businesses in reopening and growing.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Washington County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge will be guiding Washington County to actively align and support more East Metro Regional initiatives and goals. Our County is growing, we need to think outside the box to improve our economic development and increase business resources. I have worked collaboratively with Washington County, Ramsey County and Dakota County for over a decade, providing me with unique lens when evaluating County operations, services, and programs. I am an expert at building strong relationships and partnerships. I am a people pleaser that is empathic to the needs of my constituents. More importantly, I am a knowledgeable and experienced fighter. Dealing with challenges, finding resources, and coming up with unique and creative solutions is what I do best.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Washington County Board of Commissioners?
- Increasing business resources, services, and partnerships to get our business community back up and running. That also means increase incentivizing programs to assist with job creation, attraction, and retention.
- Identifying demographic disparities and promoting diversity and inclusivity business programs throughout the County.
- Developing a County-wide communication strategy focusing on citizen and business engagement and customer service improvement strategies.
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. As I write this on June 22, 2020, Covid-19 has devastated our business community and unemployment rates are as high as 9% in the East Metro. During this time, Washington County has worked through CareerForce to help promote open jobs in Washington County. It’s not enough. County elected officials need to expand the County’s Community Development Authority (CDA). There are little offerings on their website to incentivize and attract businesses to Washington County. Promoting, attracting, and incentivizing businesses is a long-term investment. We need a multi-jurisdictional partnership. The responsibility is not just on the cities and local chambers to come up with attractive incentive packages. Do we want Washington county to stay as a bedroom community, which means that most of the residents leave their city to go to work? How will that stabilize county taxes if we don’t focus on developing a strong business tax base to offset taxes to residents? It is counterintuitive not to focus on attracting and retaining jobs.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
I believe county government should partner with cities to develop incentive packages geared towards industries that create jobs. I was a part of leading the city of Inver Grove Heights Amazon HQ2 proposal package through MN DEED. I have been a part of partnerships between the state and city, that have worked for the common good of Minnesota. But where was the County during this opportunity? Truth is, Minnesota deserves a multi-jurisdictional partnership to attract and retain businesses that will increase jobs.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
That is a difficult question to answer since Covid-19 has damaged our economy and overwhelmed our government resources. County essential services are normally recognized as immediate daily use such as: highway and street repairs, recycling and environmental services, sheriff’s department, and emergency management. Essential to me does not mean more important than other County services. The County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) is just as vital and important as the identified essential services.
Currently, we need more resources for our businesses to survive and thrive which will level out our unemployment rate. If elected, that is my number one priority, job growth and saving businesses from going under during the pandemic and aftermath.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
I do believe that the County has more of a responsibility to assist in job creation and attraction, business expansion and retention and financial incentivizing packages. I have worked for Minnesota cities that had impressive economic development programs and financial incentives in comparison to what Washington County’s CDA currently offers. Washington County elected officials need to do more.
I also think the County elected officials are failing at communicating to their constituents. I have acted as the Communication Manager for several cities for over a decade. The County lacks a strategic and comprehensive county-wide communication plan. The County doesn’t even have a communication department. They are not following communication best practices and because of that they are failing at communicating to taxpayers. Even during the pandemic, the county only sent out their regular monthly news releases. Recently, when businesses are closing, the County’s newsletter had business resources information on Page 4 of their quarterly newsletter. It is unacceptable. In today’s fast communication trends and expectations, lagging so far behind the times creates a noticeable gap between the community and the county.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
During this unprecedented time, the pandemic has shown us that government services are vital. That said, I am financially conservative. I have worked with a variety of City Councils on proposing operating budgets and capital improvements. During tough times like these, it is the job of Elected Officials to thoroughly review the budget to help eliminate any increase to taxes in 2021-2022. If elected, I will not vote to increase taxes during this difficult period of history.
How would you characterize the business climate in Washington County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
As a whole, Washington County’s business climate is scattered clusters of success. Overall, I have seen Washington County cities struggle to retain businesses. I worked for the City of Hugo from 2008-2010, the struggle to keep businesses has always been difficult. Back then, we participated in the Business, Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program through the University of Minnesota Extension Department to help expand our economic development programs. But the effort overall was compromised with the recession. If Washington County elected officials would have provided resources, assistance, or support during that time, the City would have been more successful. That is one example, but I have more. I have never understood why County elected leaders do not help more with City’s job attraction, business retention, and expansion programs. Each city has its own financial limitations on how much financial resources they can provide.
Over my career, I have seen missed opportunities. Washington County is a powerful stakeholder with influence, relationships, and partnerships that can help more businesses thrive in Washington County Cities. If elected, my goal is to push Washington County’s role from back seat driver to using their strong arm to help steer our economy into a successful future.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Washington County?
Women are starting more businesses today than men. The Latino population are among the highest minority group starting businesses. Catering programs and services to include women and minority groups will help these new businesses succeed. Success of women and minority owned businesses directly influences our economy’s growth. I understand elected officials’ counterarguments on free enterprise and allowing the market to decided which businesses succeed. But the Covid-19 crisis has changed everything! Government cannot hesitate and stand back to watch businesses fail. We must intervene to help! How is the County providing opportunities to bridge the disparities of these minority groups, who often do not understand the resources available to them? These are areas that as an elected official I will explore and advocate for real change.
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 Washington County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
My Master of Public Administration thesis was on collaborating government services. Shared services can be worthwhile when closely examining alternatives to off-set taxes. As a public servant, I have always strived to increase services to residents and businesses. While working for the city of Falcon Heights, shared services and collaborations helped provide more services to residents in cost effective measures. Partnerships often help government entities extend their services. For the most part, Washington County overall is conservative with services offered. Washington County elected officials’ current business partnerships are with Open for Business and Business4Business (B4B) MSP program. Covid-19 crisis caused business owners to close their doors for months with no revenue stream. If elected, I will advocate for Washington County to enter into more successful business partnerships that will include grant opportunities and incentivizing packages to help businesses survive. Some action steps would include mentoring, one on one counseling, partnerships, reexamining business regulations and tax rate, offering diversity and inclusivity trainings and more.
In your view, what is Washington County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
I have participated in Washington County conversations regarding the Gold Line Rapid Bus Transit since the beginning when I worked as the City Clerk/Treasurer/Secretary for the City of Landfall and Washington County Housing Redevelopment Authority. I was thrilled to hear about the plans for the Gold Line because I know the impact this will have. Many Woodbury residents use bus routes daily to avoid Minneapolis and St. Paul traffic, parking lot rates and lessen their carbon footprint. As your leader, I would like to see less of a bedroom community and more jobs offered within 10-15 miles of our homes.
The Gold Line is an opportunity for more job creation, attraction, and retention in my District. I support the plan and will support future development in transportation and earmark funds to make this Gold Line a success story for our community and the east metro.
What further policies can Washington County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Recently Washington County entered into the Business4Business (B4B) MSP program, a new regional coalition to connect small businesses to resources. But in comparison, Ramsey County has entered into 3x times as many partnerships and coalitions, including the Pay It Forward program through SCORE, where I currently mentor small businesses. Ramsey County also initiated a small business relief fund. I watch carefully what other government entities are doing because that matters. Washington County needs to represent their constituents as surrounding counties are currently doing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
I have experience doing more with less. During this unprecedented time, government needs to step up. In 2010, when local government aid was taken away from already struggling cities, I took on two local government positions. I worked harder so taxpayers wouldn’t have to pay more. We shared services and collaborated with surrounding cities and agencies to save taxpayers money. I have learned how to be financially conservative in government. But I wholeheartedly believe investing in businesses and partnerships will help us through to a stable and secure future.