Seema Maddali
Name: Seema Maddali
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner - District 3
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 952-200-7951
Website: https://www.maddalidistrict3.com/
Twitter Handle: @SeemaMaddali
Facebook Page: Seema Maddali For Dakota County Commissioner
Candidate Bio
My family and I have been residents of Eagan for more than 15 years and in that time, we have come to love the City and enjoy the facilities of the County. I work as an Emergency Room physician at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis and have over 35 years of clinical experience with board-certification in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care. I have also obtained a Master's in Healthcare Administration from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.
Throughout my career as a healthcare provider, I have served in several administrative and leadership roles in major healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities, where focus has been on building patient centered programs to improve community health. Additionally, I have co-authored many clinical care guidelines and was a contributor to the Minnesota Department of Health’s Healthy Minnesota 2020 initiative.
Outside of healthcare, I have served in community-based leadership roles that have ranged from the PTA, nonprofit fundraisers, and sports organizations. I have also had the opportunity to regularly volunteer at homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and The Open Door Pantry.
Why are you running for this seat?
The recent world and national events have demonstrated that the so-called usual way of thinking and doing things may not be successful moving forward. We have had to face unforeseen and unanticipated circumstances, and in the future, we must respond to similar events swiftly, smartly, and off evidence-based best practices. My hands-on experience and energy, along with my collaborative, non-partisan approach will allow for actionable decision making that will prepare District 3 residents for recovery and future growth.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
The COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effect are the biggest challenges facing District 3. The pandemic is an unprecedented challenge that is impacting every aspect of life, the full magnitude of which is yet to be determined. We have seen unexpected illness and death, graduations and sports events cancelled, and weddings postponed. Businesses have closed, unemployment has risen, and food insecurity and housing instability have rapidly grown to an alarming level.
These issues are unlikely to resolve quickly and will require constant attention and concerted efforts for recovery. Investment in the health of communities, senior living facilities, and schools will require ongoing public messaging to prevent and contain the spread of the disease. We need to ensure that our services, messaging, and outreach are transparent, accessible, and in alignment with the needs of the population. We must be proactive and vigilant about the disease for the foreseeable future. Designating a COVID-19 coordinator for the County, that could help with District 3, would be a great step in streamlining this effort. Community health will directly translate into success of businesses and the economy as well.
The District will need to invest in the community at large with the help of the several nonprofit, State, and Federal agencies. We would need ongoing civic engagement in recovery efforts to address the needs that are not filled by the formal agencies. Addressing the non-conventional challenges is key to our success in being a welcoming community for residents and businesses alike.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Dakota County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing Dakota County currently is the financial impact and fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We will need to be nimble and smart in our approach to economic recovery for our residents and businesses. It is imperative that we use these unprecedented circumstances to make thoughtful futuristic adjustments to our planning processes so that we can set up the County for long-term success. By listening to the needs of constituents, we must develop actionable solutions to increase employment, provide affordable childcare, and stimulate small-business prosperity so that confidence in our economic stability can be restored. Being transparent and supportive as we make deliberate choices based on objectivity would foster trust and galvanize economic and social well-being for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners?
My first priority would be to restore the economy as the County addresses the inevitable financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated slowdown. This would be a multifaceted approach resting on the shoulders of the health of the community at large. Second, I intend to strengthen the Public Health infrastructure by employing accurate data collection methods, increasing access to science-based interventions, and furthering community education about best practices for maintaining health. These would be key to long term pandemic recovery and prevention of recurrences, and would also enable the County to be well prepared for any future adversity. My third priority would be to increase civic engagement, as it is the cornerstone to building a vibrant and healthy community and would facilitate restoration and progression of the economy. County office bearers must lead by example, using transparent, simple, evidence-based messaging to promote greater resident involvement in various community revitalization efforts.
Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
The employment landscape is rapidly evolving because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be a County of the future, a welcoming demeanor and strategic partnerships are critical. Dakota County needs to foster an atmosphere that promotes entrepreneurship and creativity. The County has an enormous role in providing the backdrop that would serve as a fertile ground for the growth of small businesses and large employers. Providing convenient and safe transit, affordable housing and childcare, good technological education, reliable internet availability, and an “easy to work with” County office is important. Keeping a low tax base at a time that resources are scant for most employers would be helpful for the foreseeable future. These efforts should be viewed as community investments and are likely to result in future payoff.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
A collaborative approach to address the needs of the present, as well as the future, would be the preferred path for economic development in the County. The last few months have demonstrated that the health and safety of residents is the foundation of economic development. Social determinants of health have bearings on these outcomes, and thus, inequalities in access and quality of care need to be addressed. Public education and civic engagement will have long lasting benefits, and the Board needs to be open and responsive to ideas that citizens bring forward, judging them based on their merit. Providing a hassle-free, approachable County office and access to business-friendly resources would foster commercial economic growth.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Safety: Safe communities are the foundation of attracting residents and building businesses. They provide the cocoon in which everyone achieves their best potential. There is a function of true, as well as perceived, safety. The former is more statistical, and the latter is the “gut feeling”, and both are critical to enhancing quality of life. The County needs to have ongoing metrics of safety and must pay close attention to trends that have the potential to unsettle matters.
Housing: Affordable housing options for all age and income levels are building blocks of an inclusive society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to affordable housing, and policies to achieve this need to be reflected in current and future plans. Transportation planning needs to be linked to urban planning and should keep population density into consideration when approving such proposals. There should also be appropriate adjustments to new construction, such as updating building codes and making homes more energy efficient.
Health and Related Activities: An entire spectrum of services needs to be addressed by the County to support and promote the health of residents. These services should include access to different levels of care (clinics, hospitals etc.) and healthcare delivery in different settings (assisted living facilities, schools etc.) based on population needs. Focus needs to be on mental and occupational health, addiction recovery, as well as prevention of communicable diseases. Monitoring trends will help the County stay prepared for any emerging threats. In addition, developing more green spaces and decreasing pollution and greenhouse emissions will have a large positive impact on the long-term health of the community. Food options ranging from traditional grocery stores to locally produced Farmers’ markets should also be encouraged. Community food banks need the support of the County as well as the community and local businesses to address growing food insecurity. Additionally, non-professional sports and health clubs need County support, thereby promoting physical activity and its long-lasting health and wellness benefits.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
The pandemic has made evident the lack of access to affordable childcare in the County. To help people get back on their feet, low-cost childcare options should be expanded. In addition, residents of the County have demonstrated time and again, an eagerness to provide goods to families in need, and thus food shelves and food banks should provide services over the weekends too, not just weekdays. The County should also develop mobile immunization clinics, especially in the context of seniors and children, which would help boost the health of the population at large. If we can eliminate the barriers to receiving health promoting services, more of our residents will remain healthy. Additionally, the County should work with the DMV to increase options for driver’s education/retraining in conjunction with senior living facilities so that residents may have greater independence.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Sustained economic growth is stimulated through strategic investment in services that provide benefit to county residents. To ensure funding is allocated to efficiency, a broad review of services and in-depth dialogue with the stakeholders would be required as we recover from the pandemic and its economic impact as well as the changing social dynamic. Surely, we can find areas of collaboration with agencies of different cities and counties. Dakota County should work in greater collaboration with the MN Department of Health and Human Services to find more shared services and work with the Veterans’ Affairs to address the health and social needs of the County veterans. In addition, collaboration with the Metropolitan Council can likely provide more efficient options for recycling and development of waterways.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
Dakota County is business-friendly; this is evident from the rapid growth that the County has experienced over the last few years. We have welcomed large employers, the Vikings, hotels, big-box retailers, healthcare providers and clinics, trucking, and industrial companies amongst others. Our county, along with all others, is facing a unique set of financial challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic uncertainty. Every business owner is facing a conundrum of the present and future and we need to implement policies to restore business prosperity in a sustainable manner. We must do more to encourage small business development, provide business owners with better and more accessible resources, and educate them about the availability of Federal and State loans, assistance, and incentives. Small, focused initiatives would help us close the income gap and uplift the community at large which in turn would have a positive impact on businesses.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
In order to increase accessibility to resources necessary for business prosperity, namely for minority- and women-owned businesses, we need to better understand the needs of the community members utilizing those resources. This means making decisions by listening to the needs and concerns of prospective business owners, rather than through assumptions. Community empowerment must be ongoing and concerted with active outreach to the relatively underrepresented segments of the population. Community members need to know that their voice will be heard, and a Board that is reflective of the communities they serve is essential to developing community trust. Being relatable and approachable are keys to creating success stories of the aforementioned. However, it is not enough to merely listen to community feedback; the Board needs to implement policies that provide these requested resources to County constituents. The Board must also foster an environment that promotes business ownership for future generations. To do so, schools must not only educate students with the knowledge needed to successfully operate a business, but must work with the County to provide real-world opportunities for skill improvement and career advancement.
Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Dakota County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Dakota County has done extensive collaborative work with several agencies including the Metropolitan Airports Commission & Metropolitan Council. By addressing, for example, the issue of airport noise reduction and wastewater treatment respectively, our quality of life has much improved and we have found financial benefits. MVTA is another excellent partnership for providing affordable transit options. Additionally, Fire and Police Departments (County and City based) have a strong collaborative relationship with other communities and have supported each other based on needs.
As we redesign the societal structure in the COVID-19 era, these and other collaborations are more relevant than ever. We will need to lean on each other in a mutually beneficial manner and enable efficiencies of scale. Healthcare agencies, especially those related to public health monitoring and contact tracing, should be shared within the cities and agencies. Immunizations should be collaborated with the MN Department of Health. Outside of health, the County must strengthen the preservation of natural resources including underground water and wetlands by working with the DNR. The Association of MN Counties would be the perfect forum as we learn from shared experiences and adopt best practices.
Within Dakota County, there are many services that have potential for integration. We can do a better job of consolidating services across cities as they relate to internet providers, building permits, inspections, and recycling to name a few. As the budgets get tight, most cities are likely to find value and efficiency in consolidation as well as better bargaining power.
In your view, what is Dakota County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Public transportation in a “COVID-19 world” will require design adjustment and ingenuity. To restore confidence in public transportation, residents must feel that the policies implemented by the County to minimize risk of infection are reliable. Resident health and safety are the main priority on public transportation, and the County must implement measures in a transparent, evidence-based manner. Once there is a system in place to mitigate infection risk, it is important that the County realigns services to meet the changing needs and population dynamics. To improve transportation efficiency and accessibility, ridership reviews for the several public transport options are needed. Furthermore, traffic congestion reviews based on the current and anticipated growth would help us prioritize improving road safety. We have had several fatal accidents on the County roads that possibly could have been avoided with better traffic signals (the turn lane to Eagan High School on Diffley Road, turn lanes at the intersection of Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle etc.). With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic, reassessment of the speed limits on the major County roads is required to address any further catastrophic accidents.
What further policies can Dakota County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dakota County must provide access to resources that can lower the tax bill for recovering businesses, such as adopting IRS approved alternative accounting methods. In addition, the County should designate a COVID-19 coordinator to help businesses navigate the evolving medical and industrial guidelines needed to promote the health and safety of employees and customers. Business-owners must have access to affordable resources and technologies that can help them modify operations and adapt to new protocols in a manner that promotes prosperity in the new social environment. For the health and safety of owners, employees, their families, and community residents, a COVID-19 sick-leave policy should be instituted to ensure job security and public health are maintained.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My profession has taught me the need to be a problem solver, a listener, a quick learner, relatable and empathetic. I recognize that life is not perfect. I have seen suffering, loss, and joy all in a 10-hour shift, too many times to count. I have, as my veteran patients would say, “boots on the ground” experience. I am an average citizen, not a politician; I subscribe to the party of common sense. I believe in the goodness of all humans and objectivity is my lens. We can disagree without being disagreeable, because in the end, collaboration and engagement are the keys to success for any community. I am humbled and thankful for all I have, and I believe servile leadership is the best reflection of gratitude.
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner - District 3
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 952-200-7951
Website: https://www.maddalidistrict3.com/
Twitter Handle: @SeemaMaddali
Facebook Page: Seema Maddali For Dakota County Commissioner
Candidate Bio
My family and I have been residents of Eagan for more than 15 years and in that time, we have come to love the City and enjoy the facilities of the County. I work as an Emergency Room physician at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis and have over 35 years of clinical experience with board-certification in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care. I have also obtained a Master's in Healthcare Administration from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.
Throughout my career as a healthcare provider, I have served in several administrative and leadership roles in major healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities, where focus has been on building patient centered programs to improve community health. Additionally, I have co-authored many clinical care guidelines and was a contributor to the Minnesota Department of Health’s Healthy Minnesota 2020 initiative.
Outside of healthcare, I have served in community-based leadership roles that have ranged from the PTA, nonprofit fundraisers, and sports organizations. I have also had the opportunity to regularly volunteer at homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and The Open Door Pantry.
Why are you running for this seat?
The recent world and national events have demonstrated that the so-called usual way of thinking and doing things may not be successful moving forward. We have had to face unforeseen and unanticipated circumstances, and in the future, we must respond to similar events swiftly, smartly, and off evidence-based best practices. My hands-on experience and energy, along with my collaborative, non-partisan approach will allow for actionable decision making that will prepare District 3 residents for recovery and future growth.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you address it?
The COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effect are the biggest challenges facing District 3. The pandemic is an unprecedented challenge that is impacting every aspect of life, the full magnitude of which is yet to be determined. We have seen unexpected illness and death, graduations and sports events cancelled, and weddings postponed. Businesses have closed, unemployment has risen, and food insecurity and housing instability have rapidly grown to an alarming level.
These issues are unlikely to resolve quickly and will require constant attention and concerted efforts for recovery. Investment in the health of communities, senior living facilities, and schools will require ongoing public messaging to prevent and contain the spread of the disease. We need to ensure that our services, messaging, and outreach are transparent, accessible, and in alignment with the needs of the population. We must be proactive and vigilant about the disease for the foreseeable future. Designating a COVID-19 coordinator for the County, that could help with District 3, would be a great step in streamlining this effort. Community health will directly translate into success of businesses and the economy as well.
The District will need to invest in the community at large with the help of the several nonprofit, State, and Federal agencies. We would need ongoing civic engagement in recovery efforts to address the needs that are not filled by the formal agencies. Addressing the non-conventional challenges is key to our success in being a welcoming community for residents and businesses alike.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Dakota County as a whole and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing Dakota County currently is the financial impact and fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We will need to be nimble and smart in our approach to economic recovery for our residents and businesses. It is imperative that we use these unprecedented circumstances to make thoughtful futuristic adjustments to our planning processes so that we can set up the County for long-term success. By listening to the needs of constituents, we must develop actionable solutions to increase employment, provide affordable childcare, and stimulate small-business prosperity so that confidence in our economic stability can be restored. Being transparent and supportive as we make deliberate choices based on objectivity would foster trust and galvanize economic and social well-being for all.
What would be your top three priorities if elected to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners?
My first priority would be to restore the economy as the County addresses the inevitable financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated slowdown. This would be a multifaceted approach resting on the shoulders of the health of the community at large. Second, I intend to strengthen the Public Health infrastructure by employing accurate data collection methods, increasing access to science-based interventions, and furthering community education about best practices for maintaining health. These would be key to long term pandemic recovery and prevention of recurrences, and would also enable the County to be well prepared for any future adversity. My third priority would be to increase civic engagement, as it is the cornerstone to building a vibrant and healthy community and would facilitate restoration and progression of the economy. County office bearers must lead by example, using transparent, simple, evidence-based messaging to promote greater resident involvement in various community revitalization efforts.
Should county government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? If yes, please describe the role for the county in this process.
The employment landscape is rapidly evolving because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be a County of the future, a welcoming demeanor and strategic partnerships are critical. Dakota County needs to foster an atmosphere that promotes entrepreneurship and creativity. The County has an enormous role in providing the backdrop that would serve as a fertile ground for the growth of small businesses and large employers. Providing convenient and safe transit, affordable housing and childcare, good technological education, reliable internet availability, and an “easy to work with” County office is important. Keeping a low tax base at a time that resources are scant for most employers would be helpful for the foreseeable future. These efforts should be viewed as community investments and are likely to result in future payoff.
What role should county government play in economic development, and how should the county work with partner organizations?
A collaborative approach to address the needs of the present, as well as the future, would be the preferred path for economic development in the County. The last few months have demonstrated that the health and safety of residents is the foundation of economic development. Social determinants of health have bearings on these outcomes, and thus, inequalities in access and quality of care need to be addressed. Public education and civic engagement will have long lasting benefits, and the Board needs to be open and responsive to ideas that citizens bring forward, judging them based on their merit. Providing a hassle-free, approachable County office and access to business-friendly resources would foster commercial economic growth.
What do you believe are the most essential services provided by county government?
Safety: Safe communities are the foundation of attracting residents and building businesses. They provide the cocoon in which everyone achieves their best potential. There is a function of true, as well as perceived, safety. The former is more statistical, and the latter is the “gut feeling”, and both are critical to enhancing quality of life. The County needs to have ongoing metrics of safety and must pay close attention to trends that have the potential to unsettle matters.
Housing: Affordable housing options for all age and income levels are building blocks of an inclusive society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to affordable housing, and policies to achieve this need to be reflected in current and future plans. Transportation planning needs to be linked to urban planning and should keep population density into consideration when approving such proposals. There should also be appropriate adjustments to new construction, such as updating building codes and making homes more energy efficient.
Health and Related Activities: An entire spectrum of services needs to be addressed by the County to support and promote the health of residents. These services should include access to different levels of care (clinics, hospitals etc.) and healthcare delivery in different settings (assisted living facilities, schools etc.) based on population needs. Focus needs to be on mental and occupational health, addiction recovery, as well as prevention of communicable diseases. Monitoring trends will help the County stay prepared for any emerging threats. In addition, developing more green spaces and decreasing pollution and greenhouse emissions will have a large positive impact on the long-term health of the community. Food options ranging from traditional grocery stores to locally produced Farmers’ markets should also be encouraged. Community food banks need the support of the County as well as the community and local businesses to address growing food insecurity. Additionally, non-professional sports and health clubs need County support, thereby promoting physical activity and its long-lasting health and wellness benefits.
Are there any services that the county does not provide that you believe it should?
The pandemic has made evident the lack of access to affordable childcare in the County. To help people get back on their feet, low-cost childcare options should be expanded. In addition, residents of the County have demonstrated time and again, an eagerness to provide goods to families in need, and thus food shelves and food banks should provide services over the weekends too, not just weekdays. The County should also develop mobile immunization clinics, especially in the context of seniors and children, which would help boost the health of the population at large. If we can eliminate the barriers to receiving health promoting services, more of our residents will remain healthy. Additionally, the County should work with the DMV to increase options for driver’s education/retraining in conjunction with senior living facilities so that residents may have greater independence.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated?
Sustained economic growth is stimulated through strategic investment in services that provide benefit to county residents. To ensure funding is allocated to efficiency, a broad review of services and in-depth dialogue with the stakeholders would be required as we recover from the pandemic and its economic impact as well as the changing social dynamic. Surely, we can find areas of collaboration with agencies of different cities and counties. Dakota County should work in greater collaboration with the MN Department of Health and Human Services to find more shared services and work with the Veterans’ Affairs to address the health and social needs of the County veterans. In addition, collaboration with the Metropolitan Council can likely provide more efficient options for recycling and development of waterways.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County? What, if anything, would you do to change it?
Dakota County is business-friendly; this is evident from the rapid growth that the County has experienced over the last few years. We have welcomed large employers, the Vikings, hotels, big-box retailers, healthcare providers and clinics, trucking, and industrial companies amongst others. Our county, along with all others, is facing a unique set of financial challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic uncertainty. Every business owner is facing a conundrum of the present and future and we need to implement policies to restore business prosperity in a sustainable manner. We must do more to encourage small business development, provide business owners with better and more accessible resources, and educate them about the availability of Federal and State loans, assistance, and incentives. Small, focused initiatives would help us close the income gap and uplift the community at large which in turn would have a positive impact on businesses.
What is the role of the Board of Commissioners in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
In order to increase accessibility to resources necessary for business prosperity, namely for minority- and women-owned businesses, we need to better understand the needs of the community members utilizing those resources. This means making decisions by listening to the needs and concerns of prospective business owners, rather than through assumptions. Community empowerment must be ongoing and concerted with active outreach to the relatively underrepresented segments of the population. Community members need to know that their voice will be heard, and a Board that is reflective of the communities they serve is essential to developing community trust. Being relatable and approachable are keys to creating success stories of the aforementioned. However, it is not enough to merely listen to community feedback; the Board needs to implement policies that provide these requested resources to County constituents. The Board must also foster an environment that promotes business ownership for future generations. To do so, schools must not only educate students with the knowledge needed to successfully operate a business, but must work with the County to provide real-world opportunities for skill improvement and career advancement.
Many communities and government entities in the East Metro collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe that Dakota County uses such partnerships appropriately, and can you identify any specific areas where more sharing of services should be used?
Dakota County has done extensive collaborative work with several agencies including the Metropolitan Airports Commission & Metropolitan Council. By addressing, for example, the issue of airport noise reduction and wastewater treatment respectively, our quality of life has much improved and we have found financial benefits. MVTA is another excellent partnership for providing affordable transit options. Additionally, Fire and Police Departments (County and City based) have a strong collaborative relationship with other communities and have supported each other based on needs.
As we redesign the societal structure in the COVID-19 era, these and other collaborations are more relevant than ever. We will need to lean on each other in a mutually beneficial manner and enable efficiencies of scale. Healthcare agencies, especially those related to public health monitoring and contact tracing, should be shared within the cities and agencies. Immunizations should be collaborated with the MN Department of Health. Outside of health, the County must strengthen the preservation of natural resources including underground water and wetlands by working with the DNR. The Association of MN Counties would be the perfect forum as we learn from shared experiences and adopt best practices.
Within Dakota County, there are many services that have potential for integration. We can do a better job of consolidating services across cities as they relate to internet providers, building permits, inspections, and recycling to name a few. As the budgets get tight, most cities are likely to find value and efficiency in consolidation as well as better bargaining power.
In your view, what is Dakota County’s top transportation priority and how would you advance it?
Public transportation in a “COVID-19 world” will require design adjustment and ingenuity. To restore confidence in public transportation, residents must feel that the policies implemented by the County to minimize risk of infection are reliable. Resident health and safety are the main priority on public transportation, and the County must implement measures in a transparent, evidence-based manner. Once there is a system in place to mitigate infection risk, it is important that the County realigns services to meet the changing needs and population dynamics. To improve transportation efficiency and accessibility, ridership reviews for the several public transport options are needed. Furthermore, traffic congestion reviews based on the current and anticipated growth would help us prioritize improving road safety. We have had several fatal accidents on the County roads that possibly could have been avoided with better traffic signals (the turn lane to Eagan High School on Diffley Road, turn lanes at the intersection of Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle etc.). With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic, reassessment of the speed limits on the major County roads is required to address any further catastrophic accidents.
What further policies can Dakota County adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dakota County must provide access to resources that can lower the tax bill for recovering businesses, such as adopting IRS approved alternative accounting methods. In addition, the County should designate a COVID-19 coordinator to help businesses navigate the evolving medical and industrial guidelines needed to promote the health and safety of employees and customers. Business-owners must have access to affordable resources and technologies that can help them modify operations and adapt to new protocols in a manner that promotes prosperity in the new social environment. For the health and safety of owners, employees, their families, and community residents, a COVID-19 sick-leave policy should be instituted to ensure job security and public health are maintained.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
My profession has taught me the need to be a problem solver, a listener, a quick learner, relatable and empathetic. I recognize that life is not perfect. I have seen suffering, loss, and joy all in a 10-hour shift, too many times to count. I have, as my veteran patients would say, “boots on the ground” experience. I am an average citizen, not a politician; I subscribe to the party of common sense. I believe in the goodness of all humans and objectivity is my lens. We can disagree without being disagreeable, because in the end, collaboration and engagement are the keys to success for any community. I am humbled and thankful for all I have, and I believe servile leadership is the best reflection of gratitude.