Paul Hark

Name: Paul Hark
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-323-8189
Website: www.paulhark.com
Candidate Bio
a. I am honored and proud to serve my first term on the IGH City Council. We have made very good progress on all issues concerning development in IGH and need to keep the momentum we have.
b. I have many diverse professional experiences. I have owned two small business and am married to a small business owner. I understand the pressures involved in owning a business and creating jobs. I ‘ve worked in large and small organizations, and in the public and private sector.
c. I served on the IGH Planning Commission for nine years, ending up as Chair. I understand land use issues and how they impact our business climate. I have been a ceaseless promoter of the IGH business community and plan on continuing this over my second and final term. I am a budget hawk and pay attention to the budget process.
d. Please visit WWW.PAULHARK.COM for additional list of my accomplishments and plans for the next four years.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights?
The business climate in Inver Grove Heights is better than its reputation suggests. There are many bright spots and a few challenges. On the positive side, off the top of my head, here are a few successes:
i. Opening of Iwa Sushi in Argenta Hills
ii. The expansions of several car dealerships on the north part of the city
iii. The retail area adjacent to Cub foods is thriving
iv. We have a new liquor store on Cahill Ave by Aldi’s
v. The Gas station at Robert Trail and 70th street is going to be completely torn down and a new and larger gas station/convenience store will be built.
vi. We are getting a new Casey’s gas station/convenience store at the intersection of Diffly and Hwy 3
vii. A rather large light industrial/office building ins being constructed behind the UPS operation over by Thomson Reuters
viii. The relocation of the Trailer Sales operation behind Walmart.
ix. The co-op moving into the former bank building by Caribou Coffee.
x. The remolding of the AMC movie theatre and allowing the serving of alcohol.
xi. Cub Foods just completed a major remodeling project.
xii. There is a new Hotel going up by Upper 55th and Robert Street (by the Heartland Credit Union)
2. 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, Inver Grove Heights?
The City needs to consider all the tools it has at its disposal to help retain and attract new business. This can include TIF districts, reducing the impact of Sewer Access Charges “SAC” charges, and continue to look to remove barriers for business to expand and grow. Of course, all of these options have cost associated with them. The City therefore, needs to be very strategic in how it approaches this issue. Because we live in a free market economy, the city also needs to be very careful about picking business winners and losers. But all tools need to be on the table and open for discussion.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Inver Grove Heights?
As guardians of our local tax dollars we have to be very careful about increasing staff at City Hall. We do have a new Community Development Director who is bringing new energy to development in IGH. I am advocating that the new Community Development Director act as an “ombudsman” for development. This will allow development issues to be identified early and create a more frictionless development experience.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Inver Grove Heights? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Inver Grove Heights and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
Issues like minimum wage increases, tip credits, etc., are issues that need to be decided at the State level. These types of issues should be decided at the State level as they can create unfair competitive advantages or disadvantages if mandated on a city by city basis.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Issues like mandatory sick time and scheduling notices are issues that need to be decided at the State level. These types of issues should be decided at the State level as they can create unfair competitive advantages or disadvantages if mandated on a city by city basis.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
Public Safety is one of the core functions of government. We have an excellent Police Department and Fire Department. We need to ensure that both of these departments are given the resources needed to serve the community. An example of this is the new fire hall that will be built near the intersection of Concord and Courthouse. As the city grows we need to provide the services it needs. This is a top priority. This does not mean that each of these departments gets an open check book—all expenditures need to be evaluated against the benefit they will bring to the city.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Police, Fire and Public Works (sewer, roads, plowing, etc.)
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
We need to maintain an appropriate balance between commercial and residential property taxes. Commercial entities, like residents are also consumers of city services—they use roads, rely on our fire and police department for safety, use our sewer and water system and rely on the city to clear the roads in the winter. The city needs to continue to manage the budget because it affects residents and our commercial resident, as well.
9. What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’ tax base?
The city recently hired a Community Development Director. This postion will work to encourage development in IGH and to work to sell IGH as a good place to invest. In addition, I advocate the creation of an Economic Development Commission made up of various members of the community with development expertise. This commission will act as an advisory commission to City Council, much like the Planning Commission. This commission will help the city address issues early on in the development process. Another idea I am exploring is to expand the Economic Development Authority to include members who are not city council members. And finally, we all need to act as cheerleaders for Inver Grove Heights as a great place to live, work, play and do business.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Inver Grove Heights has a long history of working with our local school districts and colleges (we have three school districts and a college within our city boundaries). This must continue. The city must continue to create a livable city that young people find attractive. The schools, the city and business are all connected and need to continue to work together.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to Inver Grove Heights Public Schools?
The city needs to promote and partner with our locals schools when ever possible. For example, I supported an agreement between I.G.H. and I.S.D. 199 to coordinate active adult programming, broaden participation and promote independent aging & active lifestyles throughout I.G.H.
The city partners with the school district with the use of the Veterans Center pool. These partnerships benefit the city and schools. In addition, the city seeks out the opinion of the school district whenever significant issues affecting the schools are being considered.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing the city is effectively dealing with our population growth. It is expected that IGH will have 50,000 residents by the year 2030. We need to manage this growth and ensure that we have the right mix of housing and commercial opportunities. The estimated growth will put pressure on our budget, and affect the costs of city services. The growth will put pressure on our police and fire departments, cause more wear and tear on our roads and add pressure to our water and sewer systems. It will also create the need for additional open space ( i.e. parks).This all needs to be managed so we do not end up taxing residents out of their homes.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
a. Actively manage the spending side of the budget ( as this affects the revenue side of the budget)
b. Create a more effective Economic Development Authority ( see answer above) to create a more development friendly reputation for IGH.
c. Continue to insist on First-Class Customer Service. We have initiated a new Customer Service policy and we need to insist that it be followed.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
One of Inver Grove Heights strength is it close proximity to not only the Interstate system, but also the MSP and St Paul Airport. We need to ensure that businesses continue to have efficient access to these transportation/business assets. Locally, we need to continue funding the Pavement Management Plan to ensure our local roads remain in good condition. In addition, I am also an advocate of providing express bus service to both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
15. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Because Inver Grove Heights is in rapid growth mode (it is estimated that the population of IGH will be 50,000 by the year 2030) we need proceed very carefully and strategically with regards to which services should be reduced, enhanced, or shared. These types of decisions cannot be made in the abstract, but need to be fact based and made relative to the long term benefit of IGH.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
We have a great city and it has a bright future! There are a few challenges. We are changing the perception of IGH within the development community. Development is happening. We all need to stop speaking negatively about the business climate in IGH and start to focus on he positive. This will make a huge difference. And, at the same time, we can continue to be cheerleader for IGH and continue to make all necessary augments needed to promote the business community.
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-323-8189
Website: www.paulhark.com
Candidate Bio
a. I am honored and proud to serve my first term on the IGH City Council. We have made very good progress on all issues concerning development in IGH and need to keep the momentum we have.
b. I have many diverse professional experiences. I have owned two small business and am married to a small business owner. I understand the pressures involved in owning a business and creating jobs. I ‘ve worked in large and small organizations, and in the public and private sector.
c. I served on the IGH Planning Commission for nine years, ending up as Chair. I understand land use issues and how they impact our business climate. I have been a ceaseless promoter of the IGH business community and plan on continuing this over my second and final term. I am a budget hawk and pay attention to the budget process.
d. Please visit WWW.PAULHARK.COM for additional list of my accomplishments and plans for the next four years.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights?
The business climate in Inver Grove Heights is better than its reputation suggests. There are many bright spots and a few challenges. On the positive side, off the top of my head, here are a few successes:
i. Opening of Iwa Sushi in Argenta Hills
ii. The expansions of several car dealerships on the north part of the city
iii. The retail area adjacent to Cub foods is thriving
iv. We have a new liquor store on Cahill Ave by Aldi’s
v. The Gas station at Robert Trail and 70th street is going to be completely torn down and a new and larger gas station/convenience store will be built.
vi. We are getting a new Casey’s gas station/convenience store at the intersection of Diffly and Hwy 3
vii. A rather large light industrial/office building ins being constructed behind the UPS operation over by Thomson Reuters
viii. The relocation of the Trailer Sales operation behind Walmart.
ix. The co-op moving into the former bank building by Caribou Coffee.
x. The remolding of the AMC movie theatre and allowing the serving of alcohol.
xi. Cub Foods just completed a major remodeling project.
xii. There is a new Hotel going up by Upper 55th and Robert Street (by the Heartland Credit Union)
2. 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, Inver Grove Heights?
The City needs to consider all the tools it has at its disposal to help retain and attract new business. This can include TIF districts, reducing the impact of Sewer Access Charges “SAC” charges, and continue to look to remove barriers for business to expand and grow. Of course, all of these options have cost associated with them. The City therefore, needs to be very strategic in how it approaches this issue. Because we live in a free market economy, the city also needs to be very careful about picking business winners and losers. But all tools need to be on the table and open for discussion.
3. Would you support hiring a business advocate as a member of the city senior staff, to concentrate on business retention and expansion; new business recruitment; and business impact of proposed regulations on the business climate in Inver Grove Heights?
As guardians of our local tax dollars we have to be very careful about increasing staff at City Hall. We do have a new Community Development Director who is bringing new energy to development in IGH. I am advocating that the new Community Development Director act as an “ombudsman” for development. This will allow development issues to be identified early and create a more frictionless development experience.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Inver Grove Heights? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Inver Grove Heights and do you support proposals to mitigate the effects on businesses like a tip credit, a youth wage, a training wage, and/or a phase-in?
Issues like minimum wage increases, tip credits, etc., are issues that need to be decided at the State level. These types of issues should be decided at the State level as they can create unfair competitive advantages or disadvantages if mandated on a city by city basis.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (such as mandatory sick time or scheduling notice)? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Issues like mandatory sick time and scheduling notices are issues that need to be decided at the State level. These types of issues should be decided at the State level as they can create unfair competitive advantages or disadvantages if mandated on a city by city basis.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
Public Safety is one of the core functions of government. We have an excellent Police Department and Fire Department. We need to ensure that both of these departments are given the resources needed to serve the community. An example of this is the new fire hall that will be built near the intersection of Concord and Courthouse. As the city grows we need to provide the services it needs. This is a top priority. This does not mean that each of these departments gets an open check book—all expenditures need to be evaluated against the benefit they will bring to the city.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Police, Fire and Public Works (sewer, roads, plowing, etc.)
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
We need to maintain an appropriate balance between commercial and residential property taxes. Commercial entities, like residents are also consumers of city services—they use roads, rely on our fire and police department for safety, use our sewer and water system and rely on the city to clear the roads in the winter. The city needs to continue to manage the budget because it affects residents and our commercial resident, as well.
9. What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’ tax base?
The city recently hired a Community Development Director. This postion will work to encourage development in IGH and to work to sell IGH as a good place to invest. In addition, I advocate the creation of an Economic Development Commission made up of various members of the community with development expertise. This commission will act as an advisory commission to City Council, much like the Planning Commission. This commission will help the city address issues early on in the development process. Another idea I am exploring is to expand the Economic Development Authority to include members who are not city council members. And finally, we all need to act as cheerleaders for Inver Grove Heights as a great place to live, work, play and do business.
Workforce development
10. How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Inver Grove Heights has a long history of working with our local school districts and colleges (we have three school districts and a college within our city boundaries). This must continue. The city must continue to create a livable city that young people find attractive. The schools, the city and business are all connected and need to continue to work together.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to Inver Grove Heights Public Schools?
The city needs to promote and partner with our locals schools when ever possible. For example, I supported an agreement between I.G.H. and I.S.D. 199 to coordinate active adult programming, broaden participation and promote independent aging & active lifestyles throughout I.G.H.
The city partners with the school district with the use of the Veterans Center pool. These partnerships benefit the city and schools. In addition, the city seeks out the opinion of the school district whenever significant issues affecting the schools are being considered.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge facing the city is effectively dealing with our population growth. It is expected that IGH will have 50,000 residents by the year 2030. We need to manage this growth and ensure that we have the right mix of housing and commercial opportunities. The estimated growth will put pressure on our budget, and affect the costs of city services. The growth will put pressure on our police and fire departments, cause more wear and tear on our roads and add pressure to our water and sewer systems. It will also create the need for additional open space ( i.e. parks).This all needs to be managed so we do not end up taxing residents out of their homes.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
a. Actively manage the spending side of the budget ( as this affects the revenue side of the budget)
b. Create a more effective Economic Development Authority ( see answer above) to create a more development friendly reputation for IGH.
c. Continue to insist on First-Class Customer Service. We have initiated a new Customer Service policy and we need to insist that it be followed.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
One of Inver Grove Heights strength is it close proximity to not only the Interstate system, but also the MSP and St Paul Airport. We need to ensure that businesses continue to have efficient access to these transportation/business assets. Locally, we need to continue funding the Pavement Management Plan to ensure our local roads remain in good condition. In addition, I am also an advocate of providing express bus service to both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
15. Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Or, are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Because Inver Grove Heights is in rapid growth mode (it is estimated that the population of IGH will be 50,000 by the year 2030) we need proceed very carefully and strategically with regards to which services should be reduced, enhanced, or shared. These types of decisions cannot be made in the abstract, but need to be fact based and made relative to the long term benefit of IGH.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
We have a great city and it has a bright future! There are a few challenges. We are changing the perception of IGH within the development community. Development is happening. We all need to stop speaking negatively about the business climate in IGH and start to focus on he positive. This will make a huge difference. And, at the same time, we can continue to be cheerleader for IGH and continue to make all necessary augments needed to promote the business community.