Seema Maddali
Name: Seema Maddali
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner-District 4
Campaign Phone: N/A
Campaign Website: www.maddalicounty4.com
Twitter handle: @maddalicounty4
Facebook Page: @maddalicounty4
Candidate Bio
My husband and I have been residents of Eagan for nearly 20 years and have come to love the city and enjoy the facilities in Dakota County. I work as an emergency room physician at the VA hospital in Minneapolis with 35 years of clinical experience with board certifications in Internal Medicine & Hospice and Palliative Care. I have also had the opportunity to mentor the next generation of physicians as an Assistant Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, I have obtained a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. My profession has taught me to be a problem solver, listener, and quick learner.
Throughout my career as a healthcare professional, I have served in leadership roles in major healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities with focus on building patient-centered programs to improve community health. I understand the issues of mental health ailments, substance dependence, public safety, housing, food insecurity, and healthcare beyond the pandemic.
Outside of healthcare, I have worked alongside my neighbors in the PTA, nonprofit fundraisers, sports organizations, and by volunteering at local homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and The Open-Door Pantry.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority for the County is to address the issue of public safety. All County residents and businesses have an inherent desire to feel safe pursuing their law-abiding activities. County office bearers must engage with civic leaders, schools, police departments, and other law-enforcement bodies on an ongoing basis to make Dakota County a safe and congenial place to live, educate, work, and do business in. Citizens should feel comfortable in their neighborhoods, and we must utilize our individual strengths to develop fair and effective measures to maintain the safety and well-being of our fellow community members.
My second priority focuses on the issue of mental health and its impact on the community at large. This issue cannot be segregated from the focus of public safety. Often ignored, mental health challenges cause a significant impact on the overall health of individuals, families, and communities. The time has come for us to address this matter head-on, destigmatizing this important aspect of individuals health. Dedicated resources, trained personnel, and specific action plans should be easily accessible to all citizens who may need assistance. We must have open dialogues about the challenges our neighbors are working to overcome, and the County should engage with leaders at the local, state, and regional level, while also involving non-profits and healthcare organizations, to provide guidance for this cause.
My third priority is to improve housing and childcare accessibility and affordability. Affordable housing options for all ages and income levels are the building blocks of an inclusive and prosperous society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to safe and cost-effective housing. We must strive to develop policies that allow for more families to feel secure about their housing situation, without having to sacrifice daily necessities. In the same vein, we must work to achieve more affordable childcare options so that more working families can be confident that their children are in a safe, educational environment.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
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, such as the Minnesota Vikings, hotels, big-box retailers, healthcare clinics, trucking companies, and industrial enterprises. Our County, along with all others, is facing a set of financial challenges as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic uncertainty. The rising costs of goods and services, as well as the unprecedented levels of inflation, are posing unique challenges that effect business in the County.
Every business owner is facing a conundrum between remaining sustainable in the present, while preparing for the future. As a County, we need to implement policies to restore business prosperity and promote longevity. We must do more to encourage and incentivize small business development and provide business owners with more accessible resources, such as Federal and State loans and financial assistance programs. 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 community businesses.
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in Dakota County?
The County has a direct and indirect role in supporting its businesses and employers.
Being business friendly and proactive in reaching out to prospective employers is critical as we transition into this competitive workforce environment. Having a low tax base would translate into employers’ ability to pay their employees a better wage. Making public transportation more accessible should be a priority and would help the County facilitate easier commutes for employees to businesses. County-wide affordable housing, green spaces, and entertainment venues would also provide a favorable environment for employee retention. Most importantly, public and business safety are pivotal for the retention and promotion of enterprises.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Dakota County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Dakota County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In the broad landscape of the County workforce, it would be unfair to single-handedly decide the needs of all employers. Dakota County is fortunate to have a variety of employers ranging in size large refineries and hospital systems to family-owned small businesses. We should encourage discussions with these employers to assess which measures are fiscally sustainable for their livelihoods, while also encourage labor retention by providing employees with favorable working conditions. Employees should also be heard to better understand which labor provisions are most important to workers in the County. Once there is a better understanding of the interests of employers and employees, the County can make appropriate decisions on labor proposals, with ultimate determinations often made at the state level.
Specifically, a provision for sick leave and a minimum wage requirement would be good for steps in addressing the needs of employees and would make the County a preferable place to work and encourage job retention. Yet we also need to find solutions to address this need in a manner that allows for business sustainability and promotes an environment that is favorable for job development in the County. Robust community discussions with employers and employees are key to finding effective labor provisions that serve the interests of all.
6. What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
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 also be helpful for the foreseeable future. These efforts should be viewed as community investments and are likely to result in future payoff.
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?
All County residents and businesses have an inherent desire to feel safe pursuing their law-abiding activities. County office bearers must engage with civic leaders, schools, police departments, and other law-enforcement bodies on an ongoing basis to make Dakota County a safe and congenial place to live, educate, work, and do business in. Citizens should feel comfortable in their neighborhoods, and we must utilize our individual strengths to develop fair and effective measures to maintain the safety and well-being of our fellow community members.
8. What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Affordable housing options for all ages and income levels are the building blocks of an inclusive and prosperous society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to safe and cost-effective housing. To do this, the County would benefit from taking learnings from the Minnesota Housing Department to address these issues. This would also include obtaining financial assistance from the State Department and federal sources. Financial assistance would need to be delegated in a fiscally responsible, transparent, need-based approach, with allocated funds given to discrete items. For instance, funding assistance could be provided for rental assistance, decreasing evictions, and helping first time homebuyers with better loan terms. By helping provide housing stability to those who need it most, we can provide needed stability so that families can invest in their future, and the future of their children.
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?
Improving transportation efficiency and accessibility are key to meeting the changing needs of the County population. Creating traffic congestion projections based on the anticipated community growth would help shape planning to reduce hinderance when commuting. We must also evaluate the safety and quality of our roadways and find solutions to revitalize any deteriorating streets so we can all feel comfortable traveling throughout the County. Moreover, we should find more effective public transportation options that are accessible to all and develop incentives for community members to utilize these modes of travel.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
My priorities for the County’s budget include developing strategies to improve public safety, expanding access to mental health resources, developing more affordable housing and childcare facilities, and investing in our infrastructure by improving our green spaces and transportation systems. At the end of the day, the County’s budget needs to be allocated to suit the needs of its constituents, thus we must also continue to have open conversations with all citizens to identify which resources are most needed for their wellbeing. This also includes having a transparent budgeting process open to input from businesses and residents. The aspects that encompass the five/ten-year plan for the County are joint community decisions, and we must work together to find avenues that benefit our interests, as well as those of our fellow community members.
What will you do to expand Dakota County’s tax base?
Dakota county has one of the lowest tax burdens on its citizens and businesses in the state of Minnesota. This has made the County to be a desirable place to live and do business in. Continuing to support the needs of County members as the community grows will require financial resources. Yet, we must be mindful of spending so that we do not allocate resources on areas that may not provide the greatest benefit to citizens. To do so, we must recognize redundant services and prioritize resources with a future-oriented lens, without placing undue financial hardship on citizens or business owners.
Using available federal and state resources to augment infrastructure needs, including transportation and preservation of environmental resources, would be avenues to be explored. Working with school districts to ensure appropriate fiscal planning as the County demographics change would be another way of addressing budget needs. Furthermore, promoting businesses has a ripple effect on expanding the tax base, while also helping provide employment opportunities, which too can widen the tax base. We must all work together to develop strategies to maximize the benefit of appropriate County resources for all citizens.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
A futuristic approach that understands the dreams and aspirations of students, while also providing the necessary tools for career prosperity, would be key to workforce retention. Students should be encouraged to pursue employment aligning with their interests, while also being aware of the importance of finding a sustainable career that allows for growth and stability in the future. The County has the opportunity to work with curriculum creators at the high-school and post-secondary level to provide students with education and skills necessary for career growth. Students should also be exposed to opportunities that are available to young professionals in Dakota County through mentorship programs with volunteers in the Dakota County workforce. By having the ability to explore different fields, students will be more aware of the breadth of career possibilities for their future. We must also not forget those re-entering the workforce or transitioning careers, as they should be provided with opportunities for learning and developing the skills necessary for their career goal. Additionally, it is important to highlight non-traditional educational avenues and to provide students with information for pursuing this path.
We must also continue to acknowledge that all employees deserve fair wages with safe and reliable workplaces. The County should be aware that worker retention is reflected in the ability of a person to be comfortable in their working environment, while also being able to provide for themselves and their families.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
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 this new 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 budgets get tight, most cities are likely to find value and efficiency in consolidation, as well as better bargaining power. The quality of public services provided by the County will remain preserved, or even improve, as we find ways to grow through a fiscally responsible, collaborative approach.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
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 through 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 in a fiscally responsible way. 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.
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. For the health and safety of business 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. This policy should be developed with the interests of both employers and employees in mind. In addition, new inflationary, labor, and supply chain issues pose new challenges for businesses. Business-owners small and large should have a forum to indicate which County services would be most beneficial for their longevity and prosperity. This includes having access to affordable resources and technologies that can help them modify operations and adopt new protocols in a manner that is compatible with the current socioeconomic environment.
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, listener, quick learner, relatable, and empathetic. 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 service-based leadership is the best reflection of gratitude.
Public Office Sought: Dakota County Commissioner-District 4
Campaign Phone: N/A
Campaign Website: www.maddalicounty4.com
Twitter handle: @maddalicounty4
Facebook Page: @maddalicounty4
Candidate Bio
My husband and I have been residents of Eagan for nearly 20 years and have come to love the city and enjoy the facilities in Dakota County. I work as an emergency room physician at the VA hospital in Minneapolis with 35 years of clinical experience with board certifications in Internal Medicine & Hospice and Palliative Care. I have also had the opportunity to mentor the next generation of physicians as an Assistant Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, I have obtained a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. My profession has taught me to be a problem solver, listener, and quick learner.
Throughout my career as a healthcare professional, I have served in leadership roles in major healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities with focus on building patient-centered programs to improve community health. I understand the issues of mental health ailments, substance dependence, public safety, housing, food insecurity, and healthcare beyond the pandemic.
Outside of healthcare, I have worked alongside my neighbors in the PTA, nonprofit fundraisers, sports organizations, and by volunteering at local homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and The Open-Door Pantry.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority for the County is to address the issue of public safety. All County residents and businesses have an inherent desire to feel safe pursuing their law-abiding activities. County office bearers must engage with civic leaders, schools, police departments, and other law-enforcement bodies on an ongoing basis to make Dakota County a safe and congenial place to live, educate, work, and do business in. Citizens should feel comfortable in their neighborhoods, and we must utilize our individual strengths to develop fair and effective measures to maintain the safety and well-being of our fellow community members.
My second priority focuses on the issue of mental health and its impact on the community at large. This issue cannot be segregated from the focus of public safety. Often ignored, mental health challenges cause a significant impact on the overall health of individuals, families, and communities. The time has come for us to address this matter head-on, destigmatizing this important aspect of individuals health. Dedicated resources, trained personnel, and specific action plans should be easily accessible to all citizens who may need assistance. We must have open dialogues about the challenges our neighbors are working to overcome, and the County should engage with leaders at the local, state, and regional level, while also involving non-profits and healthcare organizations, to provide guidance for this cause.
My third priority is to improve housing and childcare accessibility and affordability. Affordable housing options for all ages and income levels are the building blocks of an inclusive and prosperous society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to safe and cost-effective housing. We must strive to develop policies that allow for more families to feel secure about their housing situation, without having to sacrifice daily necessities. In the same vein, we must work to achieve more affordable childcare options so that more working families can be confident that their children are in a safe, educational environment.
How would you characterize the business climate in Dakota County and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
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, such as the Minnesota Vikings, hotels, big-box retailers, healthcare clinics, trucking companies, and industrial enterprises. Our County, along with all others, is facing a set of financial challenges as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic uncertainty. The rising costs of goods and services, as well as the unprecedented levels of inflation, are posing unique challenges that effect business in the County.
Every business owner is facing a conundrum between remaining sustainable in the present, while preparing for the future. As a County, we need to implement policies to restore business prosperity and promote longevity. We must do more to encourage and incentivize small business development and provide business owners with more accessible resources, such as Federal and State loans and financial assistance programs. 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 community businesses.
What role do you think the county should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in Dakota County?
The County has a direct and indirect role in supporting its businesses and employers.
Being business friendly and proactive in reaching out to prospective employers is critical as we transition into this competitive workforce environment. Having a low tax base would translate into employers’ ability to pay their employees a better wage. Making public transportation more accessible should be a priority and would help the County facilitate easier commutes for employees to businesses. County-wide affordable housing, green spaces, and entertainment venues would also provide a favorable environment for employee retention. Most importantly, public and business safety are pivotal for the retention and promotion of enterprises.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Dakota County (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a policy on the many types of businesses in Dakota County and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In the broad landscape of the County workforce, it would be unfair to single-handedly decide the needs of all employers. Dakota County is fortunate to have a variety of employers ranging in size large refineries and hospital systems to family-owned small businesses. We should encourage discussions with these employers to assess which measures are fiscally sustainable for their livelihoods, while also encourage labor retention by providing employees with favorable working conditions. Employees should also be heard to better understand which labor provisions are most important to workers in the County. Once there is a better understanding of the interests of employers and employees, the County can make appropriate decisions on labor proposals, with ultimate determinations often made at the state level.
Specifically, a provision for sick leave and a minimum wage requirement would be good for steps in addressing the needs of employees and would make the County a preferable place to work and encourage job retention. Yet we also need to find solutions to address this need in a manner that allows for business sustainability and promotes an environment that is favorable for job development in the County. Robust community discussions with employers and employees are key to finding effective labor provisions that serve the interests of all.
6. What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
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 also be helpful for the foreseeable future. These efforts should be viewed as community investments and are likely to result in future payoff.
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?
All County residents and businesses have an inherent desire to feel safe pursuing their law-abiding activities. County office bearers must engage with civic leaders, schools, police departments, and other law-enforcement bodies on an ongoing basis to make Dakota County a safe and congenial place to live, educate, work, and do business in. Citizens should feel comfortable in their neighborhoods, and we must utilize our individual strengths to develop fair and effective measures to maintain the safety and well-being of our fellow community members.
8. What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Affordable housing options for all ages and income levels are the building blocks of an inclusive and prosperous society. The County government must do everything in its power to provide access to safe and cost-effective housing. To do this, the County would benefit from taking learnings from the Minnesota Housing Department to address these issues. This would also include obtaining financial assistance from the State Department and federal sources. Financial assistance would need to be delegated in a fiscally responsible, transparent, need-based approach, with allocated funds given to discrete items. For instance, funding assistance could be provided for rental assistance, decreasing evictions, and helping first time homebuyers with better loan terms. By helping provide housing stability to those who need it most, we can provide needed stability so that families can invest in their future, and the future of their children.
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?
Improving transportation efficiency and accessibility are key to meeting the changing needs of the County population. Creating traffic congestion projections based on the anticipated community growth would help shape planning to reduce hinderance when commuting. We must also evaluate the safety and quality of our roadways and find solutions to revitalize any deteriorating streets so we can all feel comfortable traveling throughout the County. Moreover, we should find more effective public transportation options that are accessible to all and develop incentives for community members to utilize these modes of travel.
What are your priorities for the county’s budget?
My priorities for the County’s budget include developing strategies to improve public safety, expanding access to mental health resources, developing more affordable housing and childcare facilities, and investing in our infrastructure by improving our green spaces and transportation systems. At the end of the day, the County’s budget needs to be allocated to suit the needs of its constituents, thus we must also continue to have open conversations with all citizens to identify which resources are most needed for their wellbeing. This also includes having a transparent budgeting process open to input from businesses and residents. The aspects that encompass the five/ten-year plan for the County are joint community decisions, and we must work together to find avenues that benefit our interests, as well as those of our fellow community members.
What will you do to expand Dakota County’s tax base?
Dakota county has one of the lowest tax burdens on its citizens and businesses in the state of Minnesota. This has made the County to be a desirable place to live and do business in. Continuing to support the needs of County members as the community grows will require financial resources. Yet, we must be mindful of spending so that we do not allocate resources on areas that may not provide the greatest benefit to citizens. To do so, we must recognize redundant services and prioritize resources with a future-oriented lens, without placing undue financial hardship on citizens or business owners.
Using available federal and state resources to augment infrastructure needs, including transportation and preservation of environmental resources, would be avenues to be explored. Working with school districts to ensure appropriate fiscal planning as the County demographics change would be another way of addressing budget needs. Furthermore, promoting businesses has a ripple effect on expanding the tax base, while also helping provide employment opportunities, which too can widen the tax base. We must all work together to develop strategies to maximize the benefit of appropriate County resources for all citizens.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
A futuristic approach that understands the dreams and aspirations of students, while also providing the necessary tools for career prosperity, would be key to workforce retention. Students should be encouraged to pursue employment aligning with their interests, while also being aware of the importance of finding a sustainable career that allows for growth and stability in the future. The County has the opportunity to work with curriculum creators at the high-school and post-secondary level to provide students with education and skills necessary for career growth. Students should also be exposed to opportunities that are available to young professionals in Dakota County through mentorship programs with volunteers in the Dakota County workforce. By having the ability to explore different fields, students will be more aware of the breadth of career possibilities for their future. We must also not forget those re-entering the workforce or transitioning careers, as they should be provided with opportunities for learning and developing the skills necessary for their career goal. Additionally, it is important to highlight non-traditional educational avenues and to provide students with information for pursuing this path.
We must also continue to acknowledge that all employees deserve fair wages with safe and reliable workplaces. The County should be aware that worker retention is reflected in the ability of a person to be comfortable in their working environment, while also being able to provide for themselves and their families.
Are there any services currently provided by the county that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
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 this new 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 budgets get tight, most cities are likely to find value and efficiency in consolidation, as well as better bargaining power. The quality of public services provided by the County will remain preserved, or even improve, as we find ways to grow through a fiscally responsible, collaborative approach.
What is the role of the County Board in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Dakota County?
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 through 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 in a fiscally responsible way. 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.
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. For the health and safety of business 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. This policy should be developed with the interests of both employers and employees in mind. In addition, new inflationary, labor, and supply chain issues pose new challenges for businesses. Business-owners small and large should have a forum to indicate which County services would be most beneficial for their longevity and prosperity. This includes having access to affordable resources and technologies that can help them modify operations and adopt new protocols in a manner that is compatible with the current socioeconomic environment.
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, listener, quick learner, relatable, and empathetic. 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 service-based leadership is the best reflection of gratitude.