Robin Schroeder
Name: Robin Schroeder
Public Office Sought: Roseville City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-488-0129
Campaign Website: schroederforroseville.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I have deep roots in Roseville and love the community. My parents moved here in 1950; my husband grew up here, and we chose to raise our two daughters here. My career was also dedicated to the community and family, as I was the 4th generation to own and operate Schroeder Milk Company, which contributed to the community’s success for decades. I previously served the City of Roseville when the Council appointed me to the Roseville Finance Commission for a number of years and was elected as Chair in each of those years. I am a Board Member and Treasurer of the McCarrons Lakefront Alliance, because I care about water quality and the environment. Additionally, I have served as Board Member and Finance Chair for another nonprofit organization that addresses early education using a culture-to-culture home visiting model for some of the most isolated families in the Twin Cities.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Approaching the annual budget and tax levy process in a fiscally responsible manner that is also easily understood by the residents. 2. Maintaining emergency services (fire and police) in a way that keeps residents safe while also promoting community outreach. 3. Make sure we continue to invest in parks and trails to preserve what we have, while at the same time being responsive to the changing needs of the community.
How would you characterize the business climate in Roseville and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I view Roseville’s business climate as healthy. When there is a healthy business climate it creates jobs, supports the tax levy and provides services for the community which supports quality of life and convenience. Businesses also tend to be involved with community by contributing to local community groups, sports organizations and community events.
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 Roseville?
Roseville is strategically placed between Mpls and St. Paul and has close access to major roadways, so it’s a great place for businesses as well as employees. Roseville has a welcoming environment for business and should continue to work with them to make it easy to move here, expand here and stay here. Businesses are a very important part of the healthy balance in a city.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
This is a difficult time for businesses as they compete for employees. Those in Roseville are no exception to those challenges. The city can help in a number of ways by making sure Roseville is a healthy livable community for people, by supporting transit and infrastructure improvements, providing a community where people feel safe, and by paying attention to the possible repercussions of new policies.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Roseville (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Roseville and how would you define any exceptions to those policies? I believe that broader employment proposals are best addressed at the state level. Roseville has a very diversified business sector, so we need to ensure we are not unduly harming the business community by creating additional barriers. I would also make sure that businesses were surveyed, visited and invited to engage in discussion on any policies that would affect them in the future.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
As stated in my priorities; I would make sure we maintain the excellent police and fire departments that are currently serving the city of Roseville. It is also important to invest in programs and staffing that promote outreach and support of citizens, businesses, police and firefighters.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community? My vision is to keep our neighborhoods strong by having housing options for all – from just starting out, to raising a family or long past retirement. We must ensure Roseville is a healthy livable community that has the right mix of home options for all ages and economic levels. I support new construction, as well as helping residents find resources to help them preserve existing homes. Keeping property taxes at a reasonable level is also important for affordability.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
The A-line bus rapid transit route running along Snelling Avenue has been successful. However, the city needs to work more closely with other agencies to expand the bus routes available, as there are still areas of Roseville that are lacking easy access to routes. We also need to work closely with the county and the state to ensure traffic flows more easily through the city’s most congested intersections, as well as in and around Rosedale and neighboring businesses. A more robust transit system would help employees get to work, and residents and visitors to access medical appointments, shopping and entertainment which ultimately supports Roseville businesses as well.
What are your priorities for the city’s budget?
With the costs of everyday living going up and everyone still trying to recover from the last 2 years I would push to keep the budget flat. I do not think residents or businesses need another cost increase. Maintaining the quality of basic services such as police, fire and parks & recreation is most important. As well as continuing to look for ways to reduce costs like the solar and geothermal projects at the city’s campus.
What will you do to expand Roseville’s tax base?
Keep investing in infrastructure, improve transit options and continue to be a city that welcomes and supports businesses. Additionally, we need to make sure we have safe, livable and affordable housing options. A good balance of residential and commercial properties is important for maintaining and growing the tax base in Roseville.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The city does not have a direct role with schools, as the districts are governed independently by local school boards. That said, I believe the city could do more than it has to work with businesses, the school districts and other educational institutions. The city can help be a conduit to businesses through internships, student tours and visits, and other partnerships, such as having joint events to encourage further collaboration.
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?
We should always evaluate what the city is doing and look at opportunities for efficiencies. We need to look at not only what the city is doing, but how they are doing it. I think Roseville has a good level of services, so I do not see anywhere that cuts are needed. However, exploring ways to collaborate with other entities makes sense, including civic groups and other government units.
What is the role of the city council in fostering increased minority- and women owned businesses in Roseville?
Being a woman who owns a business myself means that I have a personal understanding on some of the challenges. Support from others is important. In fact, I am part of a group of women business owners and that really helps me with my business issues and ideas. The city’s current diversity work combined with the positive business climate is a good start. Roseville does reach out to businesses but I think helping them to network more with other business owners would offer another resource.
What further polices can Roseville adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic? My understanding is Roseville did offer a package of support for local small businesses (and housing) using CARES Act funds. Additionally, I think waving or reducing licensing fees may help and possibly creating a loan program to help small businesses.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Having served as Chair of the city’s Finance Commission for many years, I fully understand how our city operates. That means I can hit the ground running as a city councilmember. I am passionate and committed to Roseville and will work for the people of Roseville. I do not have any intention of running for other political positions and would be honored to serve on Roseville’s city council.
Please vote for Robin Schroeder in the primary election on Aug. 9th and again in the general election on Nov. 8th!
Public Office Sought: Roseville City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-488-0129
Campaign Website: schroederforroseville.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I have deep roots in Roseville and love the community. My parents moved here in 1950; my husband grew up here, and we chose to raise our two daughters here. My career was also dedicated to the community and family, as I was the 4th generation to own and operate Schroeder Milk Company, which contributed to the community’s success for decades. I previously served the City of Roseville when the Council appointed me to the Roseville Finance Commission for a number of years and was elected as Chair in each of those years. I am a Board Member and Treasurer of the McCarrons Lakefront Alliance, because I care about water quality and the environment. Additionally, I have served as Board Member and Finance Chair for another nonprofit organization that addresses early education using a culture-to-culture home visiting model for some of the most isolated families in the Twin Cities.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Approaching the annual budget and tax levy process in a fiscally responsible manner that is also easily understood by the residents. 2. Maintaining emergency services (fire and police) in a way that keeps residents safe while also promoting community outreach. 3. Make sure we continue to invest in parks and trails to preserve what we have, while at the same time being responsive to the changing needs of the community.
How would you characterize the business climate in Roseville and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I view Roseville’s business climate as healthy. When there is a healthy business climate it creates jobs, supports the tax levy and provides services for the community which supports quality of life and convenience. Businesses also tend to be involved with community by contributing to local community groups, sports organizations and community events.
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 Roseville?
Roseville is strategically placed between Mpls and St. Paul and has close access to major roadways, so it’s a great place for businesses as well as employees. Roseville has a welcoming environment for business and should continue to work with them to make it easy to move here, expand here and stay here. Businesses are a very important part of the healthy balance in a city.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
This is a difficult time for businesses as they compete for employees. Those in Roseville are no exception to those challenges. The city can help in a number of ways by making sure Roseville is a healthy livable community for people, by supporting transit and infrastructure improvements, providing a community where people feel safe, and by paying attention to the possible repercussions of new policies.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Roseville (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Roseville and how would you define any exceptions to those policies? I believe that broader employment proposals are best addressed at the state level. Roseville has a very diversified business sector, so we need to ensure we are not unduly harming the business community by creating additional barriers. I would also make sure that businesses were surveyed, visited and invited to engage in discussion on any policies that would affect them in the future.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
As stated in my priorities; I would make sure we maintain the excellent police and fire departments that are currently serving the city of Roseville. It is also important to invest in programs and staffing that promote outreach and support of citizens, businesses, police and firefighters.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community? My vision is to keep our neighborhoods strong by having housing options for all – from just starting out, to raising a family or long past retirement. We must ensure Roseville is a healthy livable community that has the right mix of home options for all ages and economic levels. I support new construction, as well as helping residents find resources to help them preserve existing homes. Keeping property taxes at a reasonable level is also important for affordability.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
The A-line bus rapid transit route running along Snelling Avenue has been successful. However, the city needs to work more closely with other agencies to expand the bus routes available, as there are still areas of Roseville that are lacking easy access to routes. We also need to work closely with the county and the state to ensure traffic flows more easily through the city’s most congested intersections, as well as in and around Rosedale and neighboring businesses. A more robust transit system would help employees get to work, and residents and visitors to access medical appointments, shopping and entertainment which ultimately supports Roseville businesses as well.
What are your priorities for the city’s budget?
With the costs of everyday living going up and everyone still trying to recover from the last 2 years I would push to keep the budget flat. I do not think residents or businesses need another cost increase. Maintaining the quality of basic services such as police, fire and parks & recreation is most important. As well as continuing to look for ways to reduce costs like the solar and geothermal projects at the city’s campus.
What will you do to expand Roseville’s tax base?
Keep investing in infrastructure, improve transit options and continue to be a city that welcomes and supports businesses. Additionally, we need to make sure we have safe, livable and affordable housing options. A good balance of residential and commercial properties is important for maintaining and growing the tax base in Roseville.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
The city does not have a direct role with schools, as the districts are governed independently by local school boards. That said, I believe the city could do more than it has to work with businesses, the school districts and other educational institutions. The city can help be a conduit to businesses through internships, student tours and visits, and other partnerships, such as having joint events to encourage further collaboration.
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?
We should always evaluate what the city is doing and look at opportunities for efficiencies. We need to look at not only what the city is doing, but how they are doing it. I think Roseville has a good level of services, so I do not see anywhere that cuts are needed. However, exploring ways to collaborate with other entities makes sense, including civic groups and other government units.
What is the role of the city council in fostering increased minority- and women owned businesses in Roseville?
Being a woman who owns a business myself means that I have a personal understanding on some of the challenges. Support from others is important. In fact, I am part of a group of women business owners and that really helps me with my business issues and ideas. The city’s current diversity work combined with the positive business climate is a good start. Roseville does reach out to businesses but I think helping them to network more with other business owners would offer another resource.
What further polices can Roseville adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic? My understanding is Roseville did offer a package of support for local small businesses (and housing) using CARES Act funds. Additionally, I think waving or reducing licensing fees may help and possibly creating a loan program to help small businesses.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Having served as Chair of the city’s Finance Commission for many years, I fully understand how our city operates. That means I can hit the ground running as a city councilmember. I am passionate and committed to Roseville and will work for the people of Roseville. I do not have any intention of running for other political positions and would be honored to serve on Roseville’s city council.
Please vote for Robin Schroeder in the primary election on Aug. 9th and again in the general election on Nov. 8th!