Steve Sandell
Name: Steve Sandell
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 53B
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-224-2152
Campaign website: https://www.sandellmn53b.com/
Twitter handle: @SteveSandell53b
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sandell53B/
Candidate Bio
I was elected to the legislature in 2018. Before that, I’d been a teacher and an administrator in public and independent schools, a program director at the Minnesota Historical Society and at the University of Minnesota. Each responsibility involved balancing competing interests, managing personnel, and leveraging limited revenues.
I’ve worked with organizations and volunteer groups representing a wide variety of backgrounds. I’ve served on three boards of directors, raised money from public and private sources, and lobbied at the state legislature and federal agencies. I know the importance of accurate detail, open and clear communication.
I’m a member of the House committees on Environment and Natural Resources Finance, Education Policy and Finance, and am vice-chair of the sub-committee on water. I earned a B.A. in history at Brown University, M.A. in public policy and education at Stanford, and my teaching certificate from Macalester College.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Education
I authored HF 2079 to reform K-12 finance, shifting the burden from regressive taxes to a more progressive schedule of capital gains, estate tax and limited commercial/industrial property, while protecting small business and farmers. It would reduce homestead property tax by 20%, and distribute revenue equally across the state. The bill has positive implications for home ownership and direct benefits to business and work force development.
Health and Equity
I believe health is the foundation of an equitable society and a vibrant private sector. I’ll introduce legislation to establish full-service school-linked health care services accessible in every community. I’ve had discussions with the Department of Health, county administrators, public health professionals, medical practitioners, and school personnel--all believe that the structure and operation of the service is feasible and fiscally prudent.
Water
Clean water is a universal issue. I’ve authored bills that would help reduce the migration of PFAs and PFOs from waste water to the food chain, establish water quality standards, and establish standards for dams holding tailings from non-ferrous mining.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
I met a lobbyist at an event just days before the 2019 session. I said that I was particularly interested in job growth and economic development in greater Minnesota and wondered how the legislature could help companies like his grow outside the metro area. His response surprised me: “The best think you can do,” he said, “is leave us alone.”
It seems to me that the private and public sectors of our state need to work together. While growth in the East Metro has been strong during the last 20 years, the city, county and state have been partners. So have the school districts and the Metro Council. The Woodbury city council and administration are proud of the city’s growth and the quality of life that continues to attract residents and business. We need to stay in touch in order benefit from each other’s ideas, anticipate opportunities, and solve problems.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
One way to answer that question is easy. Let’s continue to invest in all that’s kept us in Minnesota and attracted business to the East Metro: schools, business opportunities, shopping, housing options, parks and recreation, moderate property taxes, health care, and governments attentive to our interests.
But there are other more challenging questions. How can this part of town welcome its growing diversity, provide jobs for those who need them, guarantee equitable educational opportunities for all, offer affordable housing, and make sure all of us have access to the benefits these cities offer?
I’m a fan of public-private partnerships. Strengthening the business climate and attracting new enterprise to the East Metro has to be a partnership. I often use the collaboration between the city of Thief River Falls and Digi-Key Electronics as an example of an area’s initiative to keep the company in town and expand, provide new jobs, benefit the schools, strengthen city services, and generate new state revenues. I think it has lessons for us.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I’d expect there those who consider that some of my votes have opposed to the interests of business. I’ve supported paid family leave, a minimum wage increase, drivers’ licenses for all qualified drivers, workers safety, economic support for those affected by the COVID crisis, and a strong anti-wage-theft bill. I voted for each because I sincerely believe that each offers significant benefit for business and labor. None is a “one-size-fits-all” mandate. Each supports commerce and strengthens the relationship between successful business practices and loyal and motivated employees.
I’ve represented both employers and employees in contract bargaining. The best results of those negotiations occur when each side respects and values the interests and contributions of the other.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
I’m not sure how to answer this beyond the comments I’ve made above and with reference to legislation I’ve supported in the House. I voted for bills related to gun safety and I authored another limiting the size of high-capacity magazines. I voted for the covid-19 response bill which strengthened protection for first responders. I voted for each transportation initiative offered during this session and supported bonding for the Manning Avenue/Highway 36 “flyover” project. Woodbury continues to be sensitive about the balance of housing options in the city and I’ve kept my eye on those developments.
I attended a press conference this morning (June 2) called by Rep. Carlos Mariani, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, and other House members presenting proposals specific to the interests of communities of color and under-represented groups. I’m sure the discussion will influence legislative debate during our special session and in the 2021 session and will be of interest to Chamber members.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
The 2021 session will face challenging budgeting issues. The COVID crisis and the response to issues of economic and educational inequities will have an impact on each of the state’s budgets. I expect those issues to dominate our budget discussion. I’m an advocate for education and environmental legislation, and will continue to pursue the priorities I’ve identified above.
I’ll continue to ask for rigorous analysis of any budgeting proposal: What are the assumptions on which state revenues are based? Is there a reliable cost-benefit analysis supporting agency requests? What are the measurable outcomes and costs of each program? What are the quantifiable and qualitative evidence supporting an agency’s requests and plans? How do historical data compare with an agency’s requests? What is the sustainability of each policy, and how would each impact our population and economy over time?
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
I’ll work to maintain a fair and progressive tax structure supporting the interests of the middle class and helping those who need it most. I believe I can work with businesses, industry, and entrepreneurs to find ways each can benefit while contributing to the well-being of communities in which they operate and the customers they wish to serve.
I carried a lodging tax bill for the city of Woodbury during the 2020 session and I expect to introduce the bill again in 2021 if I’m re-elected.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Schools have changed. New designs for teaching, learning, and district administration are already in place and will continue to develop. The last three months have made sure of that. I authored the Educational Innovation Zone bill in the 2020 session (HF 4098) to facilitate flexibility in the planning and implementation of changes in curriculum, facility use, resource allocation, and the “learning year”. A major element of the bill would promote careers in the trades and offer students, if they desired, to accelerate their course work, graduate early and enter the trades.
I’ve also authored bills supporting the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, College in the Schools (referred to as “concurrent enrollment” in greater Minnesota), and Service Learning programs that would allow students to earn credit and meet curriculum standards while working and learning outside the classroom.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
I received a National Defense Education Act loan to pay for school while I earned a teaching certificate after college graduation. A portion of the loan was to be forgiven for every year I taught in a high-poverty neighborhood. I paid off the loan that way.
The state could sponsor a loan-forgiveness program for start-ups led by women and people of color, similar to the NDEA program that benefitted both teachers and school districts. A portion of those loans could be forgiven for every year the business remained in operation or some other measurement. It’s a win/win proposal and a promising public-private partnership.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
None of us can know the eventual impact of this crisis. The legislature responded immediately with a $200 million COVID-19 Relief Act and subsequent appropriations to help those impacted. The federal government’s grants have been much larger. Most businesses have received some relief and most individuals who lost income have had assistance, though some frustration remains. We can anticipate a difficult debate to establish priorities in the next session.
What if the Chamber were to organize a series of seminars to anticipate the challenges for business? Invite legislators, managers and executives, entrepreneurs, non-profits, labor and others together for a few formal presentations, case studies, broad discussion and strategy. Hold the sessions in different parts of the state. The participants could change from session to session. It could be a model for other states facing the same problems, but more importantly it would suggest that we can work together, that we don’t have to bicker down to the end of the legislative session, and that some ideas can turn into projects quickly. I’d be eager to help organize the project or just lend support in our caucus if I’m re-elected.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Two years ago, I campaigned with ambitious plans for our state. Despite the enormous and unanticipated challenges we face today, I remain optimistic about our future. My experience at the legislature has taught me that legislation doesn’t happen quickly, and our shared experience during the last three months has taught all of us that events both close-to-home and those around the world can change our priorities overnight.
Traditionally, there’s been distance between the Chamber and moderate or progressive DFLers. But these are not traditional times. Old habits won’t bring positive results and separation stands in the way of cooperation and accomplishment. I believe in the examples of Luther Youngdahl and Hubert Humphrey, Dave Durenberger and Josie Johnson. Each had a respect for history and a belief in the possibilities of politics and partnership. I do, too. I hope you agree that I’d be a thoughtful partner, an effective legislator, and a candidate for your endorsement.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 53B
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-224-2152
Campaign website: https://www.sandellmn53b.com/
Twitter handle: @SteveSandell53b
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sandell53B/
Candidate Bio
I was elected to the legislature in 2018. Before that, I’d been a teacher and an administrator in public and independent schools, a program director at the Minnesota Historical Society and at the University of Minnesota. Each responsibility involved balancing competing interests, managing personnel, and leveraging limited revenues.
I’ve worked with organizations and volunteer groups representing a wide variety of backgrounds. I’ve served on three boards of directors, raised money from public and private sources, and lobbied at the state legislature and federal agencies. I know the importance of accurate detail, open and clear communication.
I’m a member of the House committees on Environment and Natural Resources Finance, Education Policy and Finance, and am vice-chair of the sub-committee on water. I earned a B.A. in history at Brown University, M.A. in public policy and education at Stanford, and my teaching certificate from Macalester College.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Education
I authored HF 2079 to reform K-12 finance, shifting the burden from regressive taxes to a more progressive schedule of capital gains, estate tax and limited commercial/industrial property, while protecting small business and farmers. It would reduce homestead property tax by 20%, and distribute revenue equally across the state. The bill has positive implications for home ownership and direct benefits to business and work force development.
Health and Equity
I believe health is the foundation of an equitable society and a vibrant private sector. I’ll introduce legislation to establish full-service school-linked health care services accessible in every community. I’ve had discussions with the Department of Health, county administrators, public health professionals, medical practitioners, and school personnel--all believe that the structure and operation of the service is feasible and fiscally prudent.
Water
Clean water is a universal issue. I’ve authored bills that would help reduce the migration of PFAs and PFOs from waste water to the food chain, establish water quality standards, and establish standards for dams holding tailings from non-ferrous mining.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
I met a lobbyist at an event just days before the 2019 session. I said that I was particularly interested in job growth and economic development in greater Minnesota and wondered how the legislature could help companies like his grow outside the metro area. His response surprised me: “The best think you can do,” he said, “is leave us alone.”
It seems to me that the private and public sectors of our state need to work together. While growth in the East Metro has been strong during the last 20 years, the city, county and state have been partners. So have the school districts and the Metro Council. The Woodbury city council and administration are proud of the city’s growth and the quality of life that continues to attract residents and business. We need to stay in touch in order benefit from each other’s ideas, anticipate opportunities, and solve problems.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
One way to answer that question is easy. Let’s continue to invest in all that’s kept us in Minnesota and attracted business to the East Metro: schools, business opportunities, shopping, housing options, parks and recreation, moderate property taxes, health care, and governments attentive to our interests.
But there are other more challenging questions. How can this part of town welcome its growing diversity, provide jobs for those who need them, guarantee equitable educational opportunities for all, offer affordable housing, and make sure all of us have access to the benefits these cities offer?
I’m a fan of public-private partnerships. Strengthening the business climate and attracting new enterprise to the East Metro has to be a partnership. I often use the collaboration between the city of Thief River Falls and Digi-Key Electronics as an example of an area’s initiative to keep the company in town and expand, provide new jobs, benefit the schools, strengthen city services, and generate new state revenues. I think it has lessons for us.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I’d expect there those who consider that some of my votes have opposed to the interests of business. I’ve supported paid family leave, a minimum wage increase, drivers’ licenses for all qualified drivers, workers safety, economic support for those affected by the COVID crisis, and a strong anti-wage-theft bill. I voted for each because I sincerely believe that each offers significant benefit for business and labor. None is a “one-size-fits-all” mandate. Each supports commerce and strengthens the relationship between successful business practices and loyal and motivated employees.
I’ve represented both employers and employees in contract bargaining. The best results of those negotiations occur when each side respects and values the interests and contributions of the other.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
I’m not sure how to answer this beyond the comments I’ve made above and with reference to legislation I’ve supported in the House. I voted for bills related to gun safety and I authored another limiting the size of high-capacity magazines. I voted for the covid-19 response bill which strengthened protection for first responders. I voted for each transportation initiative offered during this session and supported bonding for the Manning Avenue/Highway 36 “flyover” project. Woodbury continues to be sensitive about the balance of housing options in the city and I’ve kept my eye on those developments.
I attended a press conference this morning (June 2) called by Rep. Carlos Mariani, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, and other House members presenting proposals specific to the interests of communities of color and under-represented groups. I’m sure the discussion will influence legislative debate during our special session and in the 2021 session and will be of interest to Chamber members.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
The 2021 session will face challenging budgeting issues. The COVID crisis and the response to issues of economic and educational inequities will have an impact on each of the state’s budgets. I expect those issues to dominate our budget discussion. I’m an advocate for education and environmental legislation, and will continue to pursue the priorities I’ve identified above.
I’ll continue to ask for rigorous analysis of any budgeting proposal: What are the assumptions on which state revenues are based? Is there a reliable cost-benefit analysis supporting agency requests? What are the measurable outcomes and costs of each program? What are the quantifiable and qualitative evidence supporting an agency’s requests and plans? How do historical data compare with an agency’s requests? What is the sustainability of each policy, and how would each impact our population and economy over time?
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
I’ll work to maintain a fair and progressive tax structure supporting the interests of the middle class and helping those who need it most. I believe I can work with businesses, industry, and entrepreneurs to find ways each can benefit while contributing to the well-being of communities in which they operate and the customers they wish to serve.
I carried a lodging tax bill for the city of Woodbury during the 2020 session and I expect to introduce the bill again in 2021 if I’m re-elected.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Schools have changed. New designs for teaching, learning, and district administration are already in place and will continue to develop. The last three months have made sure of that. I authored the Educational Innovation Zone bill in the 2020 session (HF 4098) to facilitate flexibility in the planning and implementation of changes in curriculum, facility use, resource allocation, and the “learning year”. A major element of the bill would promote careers in the trades and offer students, if they desired, to accelerate their course work, graduate early and enter the trades.
I’ve also authored bills supporting the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, College in the Schools (referred to as “concurrent enrollment” in greater Minnesota), and Service Learning programs that would allow students to earn credit and meet curriculum standards while working and learning outside the classroom.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
I received a National Defense Education Act loan to pay for school while I earned a teaching certificate after college graduation. A portion of the loan was to be forgiven for every year I taught in a high-poverty neighborhood. I paid off the loan that way.
The state could sponsor a loan-forgiveness program for start-ups led by women and people of color, similar to the NDEA program that benefitted both teachers and school districts. A portion of those loans could be forgiven for every year the business remained in operation or some other measurement. It’s a win/win proposal and a promising public-private partnership.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
None of us can know the eventual impact of this crisis. The legislature responded immediately with a $200 million COVID-19 Relief Act and subsequent appropriations to help those impacted. The federal government’s grants have been much larger. Most businesses have received some relief and most individuals who lost income have had assistance, though some frustration remains. We can anticipate a difficult debate to establish priorities in the next session.
What if the Chamber were to organize a series of seminars to anticipate the challenges for business? Invite legislators, managers and executives, entrepreneurs, non-profits, labor and others together for a few formal presentations, case studies, broad discussion and strategy. Hold the sessions in different parts of the state. The participants could change from session to session. It could be a model for other states facing the same problems, but more importantly it would suggest that we can work together, that we don’t have to bicker down to the end of the legislative session, and that some ideas can turn into projects quickly. I’d be eager to help organize the project or just lend support in our caucus if I’m re-elected.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Two years ago, I campaigned with ambitious plans for our state. Despite the enormous and unanticipated challenges we face today, I remain optimistic about our future. My experience at the legislature has taught me that legislation doesn’t happen quickly, and our shared experience during the last three months has taught all of us that events both close-to-home and those around the world can change our priorities overnight.
Traditionally, there’s been distance between the Chamber and moderate or progressive DFLers. But these are not traditional times. Old habits won’t bring positive results and separation stands in the way of cooperation and accomplishment. I believe in the examples of Luther Youngdahl and Hubert Humphrey, Dave Durenberger and Josie Johnson. Each had a respect for history and a belief in the possibilities of politics and partnership. I do, too. I hope you agree that I’d be a thoughtful partner, an effective legislator, and a candidate for your endorsement.