Ryan Collins

Name: Ryan Collins
Public Office Sought: Stillwater City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-246-8264
Website: ryancollins4council.com
Twitter Handle: @ryancollins2014
Facebook Page: Ryan Collins for Stillwater City Council
Candidate Bio
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in history (minor: political science) as well as a Master of Science degree in education at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. I will be starting my 18th year as a middle school social studies teacher this fall in Mahtomedi. I was appointed to the City of Stillwater Planning Commission in December 2012 and am currently serving my second year as Chairman. I have served on the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) board of directors since 2015 (also served from 2004-2007) and recently became Vice President of the board. I serve as a representative for WCHS on the Washington County Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee, which I have done since 2017. Finally, I am on the City of Stillwater Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which began in early 2017.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Stillwater?
Stillwater is a vibrant community that attracts business owners and customers alike, providing a rich opportunity for a thriving business climate. With the arrival of spring and summer, the few vacant buildings in the downtown area have filled. We have a number of new restaurants that have opened downtown as well as new hotels. Many people were concerned that the new bridge would hurt downtown businesses by diverting traffic away. I’ve kept in touch with many downtown business owners to understand the evolving impact that the new bridge location has had, with the consensus being that business is unchanged. Many Stillwater residents are going downtown regularly for the first time in years due to decreased traffic congestion and new amenities such as bike trails.
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, Stillwater?
Economic development is an integral part of the city’s comprehensive plan. I am fortunate to be a part of the committee that works on this plan and appreciate how much the city encourages small, locally owned businesses. It also calls for cooperation with regional and local economic development organizations to promote the local economy. The plan stipulates working with the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce to promote local industries as well. As the chairman of the planning commission, I understand the importance of the Comprehensive Plan and its role in the decisions that we make.
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 Stillwater?
I am always open to new ideas. For me, the priority always revolves around the best interest of our residents. The city has a good relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. Our city staff does an excellent job with some of that work already, especially regarding the impact of proposed regulations on the business climate.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Stillwater? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Stillwater 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?
For some local business this could make it hard to compete. With that being said, for people and families that rely on a minimum wage job for employment, it is very difficult to make ends meet with some jobs that only pay minimum wage. This is a complicated issue that would require thorough research.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Stillwater (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 Stillwater and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Some local governments have enacted ordinances that deal specifically with businesses, including paid sick and safe days. To gain a better understanding of the impact to business related proposals in Stillwater, it would be necessary to meet with stakeholders to get multiple perspectives and further investigate any exceptions to such policies.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
My first step is to meet with the Police Chief to learn about the biggest issues that the Police Department is dealing with. I will also communicate with residents to understand any concerns they have in regard to public safety and ask them for ideas to make their neighborhoods safer. Over the past year, many neighborhoods have experienced individuals targeting unlocked vehicles with valuables inside in the overnight hours. This has been a big concern in many neighborhoods.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I will make sure that the residents of Stillwater are the top priority. The budget should provide residents with quality services in a cost effective manner. Maintaining adequate staffing is also important. Recently, a part time position was added to the planning staff which was needed to better serve the residents. Our Fire Department and Police Department require adequate staffing and access to necessary items to provide residents with excellent public safety.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Both commercial and residential property taxes are vital to the city. This is where the money comes from to cover the budget. If we are able to bring in more commercial businesses, it helps to take some of the tax burden off of the residents.
9. What will you do to expand Stillwater’s tax base?
Stillwater continues to have some open land in the industrial park area. The Comprehensive Plan encourages the development of small locally owned businesses downtown as well as a mix of employment and retail service activities in and around the West Business Park area. We can encourage businesses to make Stillwater their home, but not at the detriment of the residents. I don’t want to see any deals that in the long run will cost the residents more because of incentives that were offered to a business to move to Stillwater.
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?
As an educator I understand and greatly appreciate the importance of education. The residents of Stillwater also understand this and they pride themselves with strong schools and innovation in curriculum. There are many choices for families between the public school, charter schools, and private schools. We need to let these schools know that they are vital in our communities. Today’s students are tomorrow's business owners, leaders, and neighbors. We need to equip them with the skills and tools that they will need to be successful in an ever changing world.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Stillwater?
Stillwater public schools are of great importance in the community. Currently, the Stillwater Fire Department does a phenomenal job of visiting elementary schools to talk about fire safety. It’s important for kids to see what pieces go into making their community great. When the potential arises for changes in neighborhood parks, it would be great for our youth to feel that they have some say in what play equipment could go in or what amenities would be available. Having someone talk to kids about the parks would show them the value of hearing all voices and how to make things happen in the community.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
As with many cities, there will be the ever present budget constraints due to increases in operational costs and the costs to maintain infrastructure. I will address this by making informed decisions and keeping the residents of the city my top priority. Key future issues include possible redevelopment opportunities as well as small infill housing developments.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I do not have a specific agenda; rather I want to make sure that the people have someone who is willing to listen and to help lead. Looking out for the best interest of the residents is my top priority. I want the City of Stillwater to be a great place to live, work, and play. I want the city to be a place that our children will want stay in or come back to. It’s important that people have representatives who listen and work on their behalf. Stillwater is a great community to live and raise a family. I will help to keep it that way.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
The biggest complaint that I hear is about the traffic back up in the afternoon on Highway 36. I believe this is being assessed by MnDOT, as highway 36 is a state highway. There are some people who would like additional bus services from Stillwater into the twin cities.
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?
I believe that the residents of Stillwater get a pretty good return on the services that they receive. In regard to opportunities to share services, I am always willing to listen to new ideas.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota. Stillwater’s story begins in 1848, when sixty-one men met here to begin the process of becoming Minnesota Territory, which led to statehood nine years later. It all began much the way it continues today--with a group of committed residents coming together to make this city work. We have a very rich history here. I appreciate that history and will honor it as we move into the future.
Public Office Sought: Stillwater City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-246-8264
Website: ryancollins4council.com
Twitter Handle: @ryancollins2014
Facebook Page: Ryan Collins for Stillwater City Council
Candidate Bio
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in history (minor: political science) as well as a Master of Science degree in education at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. I will be starting my 18th year as a middle school social studies teacher this fall in Mahtomedi. I was appointed to the City of Stillwater Planning Commission in December 2012 and am currently serving my second year as Chairman. I have served on the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) board of directors since 2015 (also served from 2004-2007) and recently became Vice President of the board. I serve as a representative for WCHS on the Washington County Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee, which I have done since 2017. Finally, I am on the City of Stillwater Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which began in early 2017.
Business climate
1. How would you characterize the business climate in Stillwater?
Stillwater is a vibrant community that attracts business owners and customers alike, providing a rich opportunity for a thriving business climate. With the arrival of spring and summer, the few vacant buildings in the downtown area have filled. We have a number of new restaurants that have opened downtown as well as new hotels. Many people were concerned that the new bridge would hurt downtown businesses by diverting traffic away. I’ve kept in touch with many downtown business owners to understand the evolving impact that the new bridge location has had, with the consensus being that business is unchanged. Many Stillwater residents are going downtown regularly for the first time in years due to decreased traffic congestion and new amenities such as bike trails.
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, Stillwater?
Economic development is an integral part of the city’s comprehensive plan. I am fortunate to be a part of the committee that works on this plan and appreciate how much the city encourages small, locally owned businesses. It also calls for cooperation with regional and local economic development organizations to promote the local economy. The plan stipulates working with the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce to promote local industries as well. As the chairman of the planning commission, I understand the importance of the Comprehensive Plan and its role in the decisions that we make.
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 Stillwater?
I am always open to new ideas. For me, the priority always revolves around the best interest of our residents. The city has a good relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. Our city staff does an excellent job with some of that work already, especially regarding the impact of proposed regulations on the business climate.
4. Do you support an increase to the minimum wage in Stillwater? If so, what specific steps would you take to understand the impact of an increase on the many types of businesses in Stillwater 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?
For some local business this could make it hard to compete. With that being said, for people and families that rely on a minimum wage job for employment, it is very difficult to make ends meet with some jobs that only pay minimum wage. This is a complicated issue that would require thorough research.
5. Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Stillwater (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 Stillwater and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Some local governments have enacted ordinances that deal specifically with businesses, including paid sick and safe days. To gain a better understanding of the impact to business related proposals in Stillwater, it would be necessary to meet with stakeholders to get multiple perspectives and further investigate any exceptions to such policies.
Public safety
6. What is your strategy to address public safety concerns?
My first step is to meet with the Police Chief to learn about the biggest issues that the Police Department is dealing with. I will also communicate with residents to understand any concerns they have in regard to public safety and ask them for ideas to make their neighborhoods safer. Over the past year, many neighborhoods have experienced individuals targeting unlocked vehicles with valuables inside in the overnight hours. This has been a big concern in many neighborhoods.
Budget
7. What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
I will make sure that the residents of Stillwater are the top priority. The budget should provide residents with quality services in a cost effective manner. Maintaining adequate staffing is also important. Recently, a part time position was added to the planning staff which was needed to better serve the residents. Our Fire Department and Police Department require adequate staffing and access to necessary items to provide residents with excellent public safety.
8. How do you view the relationship between commercial and residential property taxes?
Both commercial and residential property taxes are vital to the city. This is where the money comes from to cover the budget. If we are able to bring in more commercial businesses, it helps to take some of the tax burden off of the residents.
9. What will you do to expand Stillwater’s tax base?
Stillwater continues to have some open land in the industrial park area. The Comprehensive Plan encourages the development of small locally owned businesses downtown as well as a mix of employment and retail service activities in and around the West Business Park area. We can encourage businesses to make Stillwater their home, but not at the detriment of the residents. I don’t want to see any deals that in the long run will cost the residents more because of incentives that were offered to a business to move to Stillwater.
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?
As an educator I understand and greatly appreciate the importance of education. The residents of Stillwater also understand this and they pride themselves with strong schools and innovation in curriculum. There are many choices for families between the public school, charter schools, and private schools. We need to let these schools know that they are vital in our communities. Today’s students are tomorrow's business owners, leaders, and neighbors. We need to equip them with the skills and tools that they will need to be successful in an ever changing world.
11. What do you see as the city council’s role with regard to public schools in Stillwater?
Stillwater public schools are of great importance in the community. Currently, the Stillwater Fire Department does a phenomenal job of visiting elementary schools to talk about fire safety. It’s important for kids to see what pieces go into making their community great. When the potential arises for changes in neighborhood parks, it would be great for our youth to feel that they have some say in what play equipment could go in or what amenities would be available. Having someone talk to kids about the parks would show them the value of hearing all voices and how to make things happen in the community.
Other
12. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it?
As with many cities, there will be the ever present budget constraints due to increases in operational costs and the costs to maintain infrastructure. I will address this by making informed decisions and keeping the residents of the city my top priority. Key future issues include possible redevelopment opportunities as well as small infill housing developments.
13. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I do not have a specific agenda; rather I want to make sure that the people have someone who is willing to listen and to help lead. Looking out for the best interest of the residents is my top priority. I want the City of Stillwater to be a great place to live, work, and play. I want the city to be a place that our children will want stay in or come back to. It’s important that people have representatives who listen and work on their behalf. Stillwater is a great community to live and raise a family. I will help to keep it that way.
14. What do you think should be the city’s top transportation related priority?
The biggest complaint that I hear is about the traffic back up in the afternoon on Highway 36. I believe this is being assessed by MnDOT, as highway 36 is a state highway. There are some people who would like additional bus services from Stillwater into the twin cities.
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?
I believe that the residents of Stillwater get a pretty good return on the services that they receive. In regard to opportunities to share services, I am always willing to listen to new ideas.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota. Stillwater’s story begins in 1848, when sixty-one men met here to begin the process of becoming Minnesota Territory, which led to statehood nine years later. It all began much the way it continues today--with a group of committed residents coming together to make this city work. We have a very rich history here. I appreciate that history and will honor it as we move into the future.