Patti Ray
Name: Patti Ray
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-812-5590
Campaign Website: https://pattiray.com
Twitter handle: None
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/patti.boyerray/
Candidate Bio
Patti Ray is an accomplished community leader and passionate advocate for Scandia. As Deputy Mayor and a member of the City Council, Patti has championed key initiatives, including the successful expansion of high-speed internet and the founding of the Scandia Sister City Council, fostering cultural and educational ties with Mellerud, Sweden. Her leadership extends to her roles as President of the Scandia-Marine Lions and The Bone Lake Association, where she has driven impactful community projects and environmental stewardship. Patti's commitment to Scandia is further demonstrated through her advocacy for renewable energy, public health, and economic development, making her uniquely qualified to serve as Scandia’s next mayor.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My leadership as Mayor would be characterized by dedication to making Scandia a place where every resident feels heard, valued, and supported.
As Mayor of Scandia, I would bring a collaborative, community-focused leadership style emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and innovation. My leadership would be rooted in listening to the voices of Scandia's residents and actively engaging them in the decision-making process. By fostering strong partnerships within the community and beyond, I would ensure that every initiative reflects the needs and aspirations of the people I serve.
My approach would be proactive and strategic. I would always look for opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Scandia while preserving its unique heritage. I have a track record of driving positive change through consensus-building and bringing people together to achieve common goals. Whether securing grants, promoting local businesses, or advocating for environmental sustainability, my leadership style would be one of empowerment, encouraging others to shape Scandia’s future.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Building on my previous work, I will continue to advocate for finishing expanding high-speed internet access across Scandia. Reliable Internet is essential for education, business, and overall quality of life, and I will work to ensure that every household and business has access to this critical service. State funding and grants play a significant role in infrastructure projects.
I will prioritize the preservation of Scandia’s natural beauty and resources, promoting environmental sustainability and renewable energy initiatives. This includes protecting our lakes and parks, supporting clean energy projects, and ensuring that development in Scandia is environmentally responsible. Community volunteers will be essential in these efforts, as their involvement will help drive grassroots initiatives and foster a strong sense of shared responsibility for our environment. Environmental initiatives often rely on state and federal support, primarily through grants and subsidies.
I will focus on driving sustainable economic growth by supporting local businesses, attracting new enterprises, and enhancing Scandia's overall economic vitality. We will seek to attract high-tech companies and innovative thinkers with out-of-the-box ideas that can bring sustainable, well-paying jobs to our residents. This approach will strengthen our local economy and provide opportunities for our community to thrive in the modern economy.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Scandia?
Scandia's biggest challenge is balancing growth with preserving our community’s unique character and natural environment. As more people discover the appeal of living in Scandia, there is increased pressure for development and expansion. While growth can bring economic benefits, it also risks altering the small-town charm and pristine natural resources that make Scandia special. Ensuring that development is slow and carefully managed, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the community’s values is a significant challenge that requires thoughtful leadership and strong community involvement.
Conversely, the biggest opportunity in Scandia lies in leveraging our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of community to create a vibrant and sustainable future. By promoting Scandia as a destination for eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and innovative small businesses, we can attract new investments and residents who share our commitment to preserving what makes our town unique. Additionally, with strategic initiatives like high-speed internet expansion, we can position Scandia as a hub for remote work and high-tech industries, offering residents sustainable, well-paying jobs without compromising our way of life. This blend of tradition and innovation is our greatest asset and presents a remarkable opportunity for Scandia’s future.
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?
The ideal collaboration between the government and the business community should be rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to our community's well-being. The government should act as both a facilitator and a partner, creating an environment where businesses can thrive while addressing critical challenges like education and workforce development.
In this partnership, the government provides the necessary infrastructure, regulatory support, and incentives to encourage businesses to invest in the community. Meanwhile, the business community can offer valuable insights, resources, and innovative solutions to address local challenges. This collaboration should be ongoing, with regular feedback loops and adjustments to ensure government and businesses align their goals and strategies.
In summary, while the legislative session had mixed impacts, I believe that through strong collaboration and proactive local governance, we can continue to foster a positive relationship between the government and the business community, ultimately benefiting Scandia and its residents.
How would you characterize the business climate in Scandia and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Scandia?
The business climate in Scandia has potential and opportunity. Our community values innovation and local entrepreneurship, but we face challenges in providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to support our business community’s growth fully. While we have a strong base of small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs, there is a clear need for more office space and professional networking opportunities to foster collaboration and expansion.
The city should actively participate in creating an environment that attracts and retains businesses and provides opportunities for job creation. A key part of this strategy should include working with the building owners to repurpose existing spaces, such as the empty medical building, into modern office spaces that can accommodate new and growing businesses. This not only maximizes the use of current infrastructure but also provides a much-needed resource for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Scandia.
Additionally, the city should facilitate the creation of a professional organization to bring together those working from home offices and other small businesses. This organization could serve as a platform for networking, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects, strengthening our business community and fostering innovation.
By addressing these needs—more office space and enhanced networking opportunities—the city can make Scandia more attractive and supportive for businesses to grow and thrive. This proactive approach will help retain existing businesses while attracting new ones, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and sustainable local economy.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
As Scandia continues to grow, traffic on our roads increases, making providing safe, dedicated spaces for children to ride their bikes more crucial than ever. Many areas around Scandia Elementary lack proper bike paths, forcing young riders to navigate busy roads or uneven terrain. This discourages biking and raises significant safety concerns for children and their parents. Washington County is currently working on a study to address this issue.
Not only would more bike paths improve safety, but they would also encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. Promoting biking as a viable and safe mode of transportation can instill a sense of independence in our children, foster a stronger connection to our community, and contribute to a greener environment.
Engaging young people in positive activities is a powerful way to prevent crime and promote safety. I would support and expand youth programs that provide mentorship, education, and recreational opportunities, helping to steer young people away from risky behaviors.
I would work closely with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they have the resources and support to keep our community safe. Regular updates and feedback sessions between law enforcement and the community would help build trust and ensure that policing strategies are aligned with community needs.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
One of my top priorities is to develop townhouses designed for seniors wishing to retire and stay in the community they love. These townhouses would offer a comfortable, low-maintenance living option, allowing seniors to downsize without leaving Scandia. By providing accessible, single-level homes with features that cater to the needs of older adults, we can help our senior residents age in place with dignity and independence. These could be built in the City Center, which offers walkability, access to parks, and the Community Center for social activities.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
A key priority would be addressing the intersection at Hwy 97 and Oakhill Rd, which I believe is the most dangerous intersection in Scandia. I would advocate for installing a roundabout at this location to improve traffic flow and significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, continuing to work on road maintenance and implementing traffic calming measures in other high-risk areas will ensure our roads are safer for everyone.
While Scandia is a rural community, partnerships with nearby towns and transit authorities to improve public transportation options must be explored. This could include offering shuttle services for seniors, providing shuttle service to the airport, and creating more park-and-ride options.
I would advocate for installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the center of town. This initiative would support residents and visitors who drive electric cars, encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation options. The presence of an EV charging station would not only make Scandia more accessible to EV drivers but also signal our community’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking infrastructure.
By integrating these strategies, I aim to make Scandia a safer, more connected, and environmentally conscious community, ensuring that our transportation options meet the needs of all residents.
Cities 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?
Regular financial audits and reviews are essential to maintaining fiscal discipline. I would support ongoing financial oversight to ensure that our spending aligns with our budget and that we make the most efficient use of our resources. This proactive approach allows us to identify potential issues early and adjust as needed.
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?
As a candidate for Scandia mayor, I believe there are several key areas where our city should take the lead, even in lieu of state or county government action. By being proactive in these areas, we can better address our community's unique needs and priorities.
Scandia should lead in fostering local economic growth, particularly by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. While state and county programs offer resources, our city is best positioned to understand and respond to the specific needs of our local businesses. This includes repurposing vacant properties, such as the empty medical building, to create much-needed office space for new and growing businesses. We can also establish a professional organization that encourages collaboration and networking among home-based businesses and other entrepreneurs.
Scandia has a rich natural environment that we must preserve. While state and county policies set broad guidelines, Scandia should lead by implementing more stringent local regulations and initiatives to protect our lakes, forests, and green spaces. For example, we successfully delisted Bone Lake from the impaired waters list, showing that local action can make a significant difference. We should continue leading on water quality, conservation, and sustainable development practices.
As mentioned earlier, the intersection at Hwy 97 and Oakhill Rd poses a significant safety risk. While we can seek support from state and county authorities, Scandia should advocate for and implement the necessary changes, such as installing a roundabout. Additionally, our city should spearhead the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and expanding pedestrian and bike infrastructure, ensuring that these projects align with our community’s specific needs.
By tailoring programs and policies to our local context, Scandia can lead in areas like public safety, emergency preparedness, and community health. For instance, we can develop community-specific initiatives that address our residents' health and safety concerns, such as supporting mental health services or creating more robust emergency response plans.
Cultural and Historical Preservation: Scandia has a unique cultural heritage, and we should lead efforts to preserve and celebrate it. This includes organizing events like the FIKA gathering with Swedish visitors or working on projects that highlight our local history. Taking the lead in these areas ensures that our community’s identity is preserved and celebrated for future generations.
In these specific areas, Scandia can and should lead, ensuring that our policies reflect our residents' values, needs, and aspirations. We can create a more vibrant, sustainable, and connected community by taking a proactive approach.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-812-5590
Campaign Website: https://pattiray.com
Twitter handle: None
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/patti.boyerray/
Candidate Bio
Patti Ray is an accomplished community leader and passionate advocate for Scandia. As Deputy Mayor and a member of the City Council, Patti has championed key initiatives, including the successful expansion of high-speed internet and the founding of the Scandia Sister City Council, fostering cultural and educational ties with Mellerud, Sweden. Her leadership extends to her roles as President of the Scandia-Marine Lions and The Bone Lake Association, where she has driven impactful community projects and environmental stewardship. Patti's commitment to Scandia is further demonstrated through her advocacy for renewable energy, public health, and economic development, making her uniquely qualified to serve as Scandia’s next mayor.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My leadership as Mayor would be characterized by dedication to making Scandia a place where every resident feels heard, valued, and supported.
As Mayor of Scandia, I would bring a collaborative, community-focused leadership style emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and innovation. My leadership would be rooted in listening to the voices of Scandia's residents and actively engaging them in the decision-making process. By fostering strong partnerships within the community and beyond, I would ensure that every initiative reflects the needs and aspirations of the people I serve.
My approach would be proactive and strategic. I would always look for opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Scandia while preserving its unique heritage. I have a track record of driving positive change through consensus-building and bringing people together to achieve common goals. Whether securing grants, promoting local businesses, or advocating for environmental sustainability, my leadership style would be one of empowerment, encouraging others to shape Scandia’s future.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Building on my previous work, I will continue to advocate for finishing expanding high-speed internet access across Scandia. Reliable Internet is essential for education, business, and overall quality of life, and I will work to ensure that every household and business has access to this critical service. State funding and grants play a significant role in infrastructure projects.
I will prioritize the preservation of Scandia’s natural beauty and resources, promoting environmental sustainability and renewable energy initiatives. This includes protecting our lakes and parks, supporting clean energy projects, and ensuring that development in Scandia is environmentally responsible. Community volunteers will be essential in these efforts, as their involvement will help drive grassroots initiatives and foster a strong sense of shared responsibility for our environment. Environmental initiatives often rely on state and federal support, primarily through grants and subsidies.
I will focus on driving sustainable economic growth by supporting local businesses, attracting new enterprises, and enhancing Scandia's overall economic vitality. We will seek to attract high-tech companies and innovative thinkers with out-of-the-box ideas that can bring sustainable, well-paying jobs to our residents. This approach will strengthen our local economy and provide opportunities for our community to thrive in the modern economy.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Scandia?
Scandia's biggest challenge is balancing growth with preserving our community’s unique character and natural environment. As more people discover the appeal of living in Scandia, there is increased pressure for development and expansion. While growth can bring economic benefits, it also risks altering the small-town charm and pristine natural resources that make Scandia special. Ensuring that development is slow and carefully managed, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the community’s values is a significant challenge that requires thoughtful leadership and strong community involvement.
Conversely, the biggest opportunity in Scandia lies in leveraging our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of community to create a vibrant and sustainable future. By promoting Scandia as a destination for eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and innovative small businesses, we can attract new investments and residents who share our commitment to preserving what makes our town unique. Additionally, with strategic initiatives like high-speed internet expansion, we can position Scandia as a hub for remote work and high-tech industries, offering residents sustainable, well-paying jobs without compromising our way of life. This blend of tradition and innovation is our greatest asset and presents a remarkable opportunity for Scandia’s future.
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?
The ideal collaboration between the government and the business community should be rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to our community's well-being. The government should act as both a facilitator and a partner, creating an environment where businesses can thrive while addressing critical challenges like education and workforce development.
In this partnership, the government provides the necessary infrastructure, regulatory support, and incentives to encourage businesses to invest in the community. Meanwhile, the business community can offer valuable insights, resources, and innovative solutions to address local challenges. This collaboration should be ongoing, with regular feedback loops and adjustments to ensure government and businesses align their goals and strategies.
In summary, while the legislative session had mixed impacts, I believe that through strong collaboration and proactive local governance, we can continue to foster a positive relationship between the government and the business community, ultimately benefiting Scandia and its residents.
How would you characterize the business climate in Scandia and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Scandia?
The business climate in Scandia has potential and opportunity. Our community values innovation and local entrepreneurship, but we face challenges in providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to support our business community’s growth fully. While we have a strong base of small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs, there is a clear need for more office space and professional networking opportunities to foster collaboration and expansion.
The city should actively participate in creating an environment that attracts and retains businesses and provides opportunities for job creation. A key part of this strategy should include working with the building owners to repurpose existing spaces, such as the empty medical building, into modern office spaces that can accommodate new and growing businesses. This not only maximizes the use of current infrastructure but also provides a much-needed resource for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Scandia.
Additionally, the city should facilitate the creation of a professional organization to bring together those working from home offices and other small businesses. This organization could serve as a platform for networking, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects, strengthening our business community and fostering innovation.
By addressing these needs—more office space and enhanced networking opportunities—the city can make Scandia more attractive and supportive for businesses to grow and thrive. This proactive approach will help retain existing businesses while attracting new ones, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and sustainable local economy.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
As Scandia continues to grow, traffic on our roads increases, making providing safe, dedicated spaces for children to ride their bikes more crucial than ever. Many areas around Scandia Elementary lack proper bike paths, forcing young riders to navigate busy roads or uneven terrain. This discourages biking and raises significant safety concerns for children and their parents. Washington County is currently working on a study to address this issue.
Not only would more bike paths improve safety, but they would also encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. Promoting biking as a viable and safe mode of transportation can instill a sense of independence in our children, foster a stronger connection to our community, and contribute to a greener environment.
Engaging young people in positive activities is a powerful way to prevent crime and promote safety. I would support and expand youth programs that provide mentorship, education, and recreational opportunities, helping to steer young people away from risky behaviors.
I would work closely with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they have the resources and support to keep our community safe. Regular updates and feedback sessions between law enforcement and the community would help build trust and ensure that policing strategies are aligned with community needs.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
One of my top priorities is to develop townhouses designed for seniors wishing to retire and stay in the community they love. These townhouses would offer a comfortable, low-maintenance living option, allowing seniors to downsize without leaving Scandia. By providing accessible, single-level homes with features that cater to the needs of older adults, we can help our senior residents age in place with dignity and independence. These could be built in the City Center, which offers walkability, access to parks, and the Community Center for social activities.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
A key priority would be addressing the intersection at Hwy 97 and Oakhill Rd, which I believe is the most dangerous intersection in Scandia. I would advocate for installing a roundabout at this location to improve traffic flow and significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, continuing to work on road maintenance and implementing traffic calming measures in other high-risk areas will ensure our roads are safer for everyone.
While Scandia is a rural community, partnerships with nearby towns and transit authorities to improve public transportation options must be explored. This could include offering shuttle services for seniors, providing shuttle service to the airport, and creating more park-and-ride options.
I would advocate for installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the center of town. This initiative would support residents and visitors who drive electric cars, encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation options. The presence of an EV charging station would not only make Scandia more accessible to EV drivers but also signal our community’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking infrastructure.
By integrating these strategies, I aim to make Scandia a safer, more connected, and environmentally conscious community, ensuring that our transportation options meet the needs of all residents.
Cities 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?
Regular financial audits and reviews are essential to maintaining fiscal discipline. I would support ongoing financial oversight to ensure that our spending aligns with our budget and that we make the most efficient use of our resources. This proactive approach allows us to identify potential issues early and adjust as needed.
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?
As a candidate for Scandia mayor, I believe there are several key areas where our city should take the lead, even in lieu of state or county government action. By being proactive in these areas, we can better address our community's unique needs and priorities.
Scandia should lead in fostering local economic growth, particularly by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. While state and county programs offer resources, our city is best positioned to understand and respond to the specific needs of our local businesses. This includes repurposing vacant properties, such as the empty medical building, to create much-needed office space for new and growing businesses. We can also establish a professional organization that encourages collaboration and networking among home-based businesses and other entrepreneurs.
Scandia has a rich natural environment that we must preserve. While state and county policies set broad guidelines, Scandia should lead by implementing more stringent local regulations and initiatives to protect our lakes, forests, and green spaces. For example, we successfully delisted Bone Lake from the impaired waters list, showing that local action can make a significant difference. We should continue leading on water quality, conservation, and sustainable development practices.
As mentioned earlier, the intersection at Hwy 97 and Oakhill Rd poses a significant safety risk. While we can seek support from state and county authorities, Scandia should advocate for and implement the necessary changes, such as installing a roundabout. Additionally, our city should spearhead the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and expanding pedestrian and bike infrastructure, ensuring that these projects align with our community’s specific needs.
By tailoring programs and policies to our local context, Scandia can lead in areas like public safety, emergency preparedness, and community health. For instance, we can develop community-specific initiatives that address our residents' health and safety concerns, such as supporting mental health services or creating more robust emergency response plans.
Cultural and Historical Preservation: Scandia has a unique cultural heritage, and we should lead efforts to preserve and celebrate it. This includes organizing events like the FIKA gathering with Swedish visitors or working on projects that highlight our local history. Taking the lead in these areas ensures that our community’s identity is preserved and celebrated for future generations.
In these specific areas, Scandia can and should lead, ensuring that our policies reflect our residents' values, needs, and aspirations. We can create a more vibrant, sustainable, and connected community by taking a proactive approach.