Pam Tollefson
Name: Pam Tollefson
Public Office Sought: St. Paul City Council Ward 5
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-964-5227
Campaign Website: pamtollefsonward5.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I had a long career working on rules and regulations. This included leading a team who was
responsible for data retrieval, editing, and adding enhancements. I believe this will help
me have a good understanding on one of the roles of city councils.
I was on a committee that managed city funds and delegated amounts to
recreation centers in St. Paul. It wasn't always easy because we had to balance
needs and priorities with limited funds.
My diverse life experiences provide me with a multifaceted understanding
of the various challenges, needs, and aspirations that residents of St. Paul may have.
This breadth of perspective is a valuable asset for a council member.
My range of roles, from renter to homeowner, and my involvement as a
volunteer, mother, daughter, (who took care of her elderly parents so they could stay in their home), and landlord, allow me to connect with different
segments of the community and make informed decisions that reflect their interests.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a team player and I like collaborating with others. I always have a
goal in mind and will work diligently to complete that goal. I am always open
to exploring various ideas and perspectives from others because it enhances
my problem-solving capabilities. I am an active listener and genuinely care
about all people.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Collaborate with the city and police department to make sure our residents are safe.
I want to address dangerous activities that plague certain areas of the city.
I would focus on ensuring the sustainability of essential services while minimizing
the need for tax increases. This approach involves careful budgeting and allocation
of resources to maintain public safety, transportation, housing, libraries,
recreation centers, street maintenance, and other services
without placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.
I would work on the housing crisis situation that affects low income residents and people who are transitioning into their next home.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in St. Paul?
I would probably say housing affordability and homelessness is the biggest challenge
and the biggest opportunity is making our city known as one that has beautiful parks
and lakes, our roads are repaired and easy to navigate, we have a rich array of cultural
historical buildings, and we have a transportation system that is easy (I understand there
are safety issues due to riders' criminal activity) for people to use.
How would you characterize the business climate in St. Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new
businesses in St. Paul?
I am saddened by companies that were once in downtown, move to other areas. Also,
I hate to see department stores that once were thriving, now close. I think we need
more businesses so we can have a thriving local economy, job creation and a higher quality
of life for residents. The city can play a significant role in attracting and retaining jobs and businesses by creating an environment where it promotes economic growth. The city can offer tax incentives, offer infrastructure
Changes or improvements, have business friendly permitting processes and regulations.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
I would collaborate with police department heads to assess staffing levels and make sure there
are an adequate number of officers throughout the city, especially in high crime areas.
I support advancements in technology that will ensure law enforcement officers
can do their job adequately and safely.
I believe support for the police department works both ways. While advocating
for respect and necessary resources and training, I also encourage community-oriented policing
practices that promote positive and safe interactions between officers and residents.
I would collaborate with the community to address vacant properties because it's important
for revitalizing neighborhoods and it prevents crime and a menacing environment. I would engage with community members to develop strategies that involve property rehabilitation, affordable housing
initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to repurpose vacant buildings.
Working with community leaders is very important because it addresses crime level and
fosters a proactive approach to public safety.
Support victim services because it's necessary to help individuals and families recover
from the impact of crime.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
The city should review rental assistance programs and adjust the income eligibility
thresholds. This will help ensure that people who are working but struggling to pay
rent and their essential bills, can get the assistance they need.
I think it’s good to continue to investigate zoning regulations for construction of more
(ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily buildings because it creates more housing for
low-income residents. The city must respect residents' opinions that live in the
community where zoning might change and consider their ideas and concerns.
The city should engage residents who are affected by affordable housing needs
and have them be involved in the decision-making process. It will help identify
specific challenges that might be encountered during the process.
Continue to develop homeowner support strategies that help lower income families attain homeownership.
St. Paul candidates only: Do you support the rent stabilization ordinance in its current form? If not, what would you like to change?
Yes
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Encourage traffic police to prioritize monitoring high accident areas where
reckless driving is common.
Support efforts to increase more monitoring and security on the light rail.
There are too many incidents where people are using drugs and leaving drug
paraphernalia on the train.
I would advocate for more visible and informative signage at cross walks to
alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.
Bike paths that are on higher traffic roads or where there is not a separated path, should
have bollards to separate car traffic from the bike path. While I see it in some areas of the city,
I think they can be used in more areas.
Encourage cyclists to use the designated bike path and adhere to traffic rules.
Work with Evie carshare service to provide more vehicles and charging spaces throughout
all communities in the city.
What will you do to expand St. Paul’s tax base?
Form partnerships with developers, local government officials and community organizations
to combine resources and expertise; Collaborate with developers to convert neglected
and vacant properties into business space; retain and attract businesses that will contribute to the community and provide jobs; offer tax incentives or reduced permit fees to attract new businesses and support businesses to grow; support small businesses by encouraging classes that provide training in the planning and development phases of the business.
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 would need to investigate and do research on services that I might think can be cut. I think there are
plenty of opportunities for shared services. Some of them are shared office spaces with other community or companies; shared group meeting spaces with community centers and historical buildings; share the Evie carshare program with another community.
Public Office Sought: St. Paul City Council Ward 5
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-964-5227
Campaign Website: pamtollefsonward5.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I had a long career working on rules and regulations. This included leading a team who was
responsible for data retrieval, editing, and adding enhancements. I believe this will help
me have a good understanding on one of the roles of city councils.
I was on a committee that managed city funds and delegated amounts to
recreation centers in St. Paul. It wasn't always easy because we had to balance
needs and priorities with limited funds.
My diverse life experiences provide me with a multifaceted understanding
of the various challenges, needs, and aspirations that residents of St. Paul may have.
This breadth of perspective is a valuable asset for a council member.
My range of roles, from renter to homeowner, and my involvement as a
volunteer, mother, daughter, (who took care of her elderly parents so they could stay in their home), and landlord, allow me to connect with different
segments of the community and make informed decisions that reflect their interests.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a team player and I like collaborating with others. I always have a
goal in mind and will work diligently to complete that goal. I am always open
to exploring various ideas and perspectives from others because it enhances
my problem-solving capabilities. I am an active listener and genuinely care
about all people.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Collaborate with the city and police department to make sure our residents are safe.
I want to address dangerous activities that plague certain areas of the city.
I would focus on ensuring the sustainability of essential services while minimizing
the need for tax increases. This approach involves careful budgeting and allocation
of resources to maintain public safety, transportation, housing, libraries,
recreation centers, street maintenance, and other services
without placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.
I would work on the housing crisis situation that affects low income residents and people who are transitioning into their next home.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in St. Paul?
I would probably say housing affordability and homelessness is the biggest challenge
and the biggest opportunity is making our city known as one that has beautiful parks
and lakes, our roads are repaired and easy to navigate, we have a rich array of cultural
historical buildings, and we have a transportation system that is easy (I understand there
are safety issues due to riders' criminal activity) for people to use.
How would you characterize the business climate in St. Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new
businesses in St. Paul?
I am saddened by companies that were once in downtown, move to other areas. Also,
I hate to see department stores that once were thriving, now close. I think we need
more businesses so we can have a thriving local economy, job creation and a higher quality
of life for residents. The city can play a significant role in attracting and retaining jobs and businesses by creating an environment where it promotes economic growth. The city can offer tax incentives, offer infrastructure
Changes or improvements, have business friendly permitting processes and regulations.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
I would collaborate with police department heads to assess staffing levels and make sure there
are an adequate number of officers throughout the city, especially in high crime areas.
I support advancements in technology that will ensure law enforcement officers
can do their job adequately and safely.
I believe support for the police department works both ways. While advocating
for respect and necessary resources and training, I also encourage community-oriented policing
practices that promote positive and safe interactions between officers and residents.
I would collaborate with the community to address vacant properties because it's important
for revitalizing neighborhoods and it prevents crime and a menacing environment. I would engage with community members to develop strategies that involve property rehabilitation, affordable housing
initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to repurpose vacant buildings.
Working with community leaders is very important because it addresses crime level and
fosters a proactive approach to public safety.
Support victim services because it's necessary to help individuals and families recover
from the impact of crime.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
The city should review rental assistance programs and adjust the income eligibility
thresholds. This will help ensure that people who are working but struggling to pay
rent and their essential bills, can get the assistance they need.
I think it’s good to continue to investigate zoning regulations for construction of more
(ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily buildings because it creates more housing for
low-income residents. The city must respect residents' opinions that live in the
community where zoning might change and consider their ideas and concerns.
The city should engage residents who are affected by affordable housing needs
and have them be involved in the decision-making process. It will help identify
specific challenges that might be encountered during the process.
Continue to develop homeowner support strategies that help lower income families attain homeownership.
St. Paul candidates only: Do you support the rent stabilization ordinance in its current form? If not, what would you like to change?
Yes
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Encourage traffic police to prioritize monitoring high accident areas where
reckless driving is common.
Support efforts to increase more monitoring and security on the light rail.
There are too many incidents where people are using drugs and leaving drug
paraphernalia on the train.
I would advocate for more visible and informative signage at cross walks to
alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.
Bike paths that are on higher traffic roads or where there is not a separated path, should
have bollards to separate car traffic from the bike path. While I see it in some areas of the city,
I think they can be used in more areas.
Encourage cyclists to use the designated bike path and adhere to traffic rules.
Work with Evie carshare service to provide more vehicles and charging spaces throughout
all communities in the city.
What will you do to expand St. Paul’s tax base?
Form partnerships with developers, local government officials and community organizations
to combine resources and expertise; Collaborate with developers to convert neglected
and vacant properties into business space; retain and attract businesses that will contribute to the community and provide jobs; offer tax incentives or reduced permit fees to attract new businesses and support businesses to grow; support small businesses by encouraging classes that provide training in the planning and development phases of the business.
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 would need to investigate and do research on services that I might think can be cut. I think there are
plenty of opportunities for shared services. Some of them are shared office spaces with other community or companies; shared group meeting spaces with community centers and historical buildings; share the Evie carshare program with another community.