Sue Denkinger

Name: Sue Denkinger
Public Office Sought: Shoreview Mayor
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website: suedenkinger.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Sue Denkinger for Shoreview Mayor
Candidate Bio
I have a total of 16 years’ experience working with the city, volunteering for 10 years with the Economic Development Commission and then being appointed to the Economic Development Authority where I currently serve as President.
In 2016, I was elected to the City Council and continue in that role. My current responsibilities include representing the city on the Lake Johanna Fire Board and the Ramsey County League of Local Governments where I served as President.
I retired from Thomson Reuters where I held a variety of leadership roles which included Senior Director of Customer Service and Global Business Process Owner/ Deployment Executive. I earned a BA and an MBA from Augsburg University.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Economic Development: Focus on business retention and expansion to keep our tax base vibrant and attract quality jobs
Housing opportunities for new and existing residents
Quality of life issues most important to residents: Public Safety, Environment and Sense of Community according to our most recent survey
Shoreview is a welcoming community with a responsive fire department and low crime rate.
How would you characterize the business climate in Shoreview and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Shoreview is thriving. The city actively engages with current and future businesses through our ThinkShoreview website, local business leaders and our Business Retention and Expansion program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoreview provided two rounds of forgivable business loans to sustain local businesses. All the qualifying businesses that received assistance survived the pandemic.
The role of businesses supporting quality of life is through:
Volunteerism on projects such as affordable housing
Engagement with the Shoreview Foundation which provides grants to a wide variety of community organizations such as arts, environmental, education and recreational programs
Local business representatives serve on the city’s Economic Development Commission providing valuable input
Working with the city to implement a county sponsored initiative that helps businesses increase recycling and reduce waste.
What role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Shoreview?
Shoreview’s role should continue to be one of partner, advocate, and a resource for local businesses. To attract jobs, the city created a ThinkShoreview website that provides demographic and geographic information, city resources plus links to other organizations and agencies that provide businesses with financial, educational, and environmental information about the city. The Economic Development Commission, comprised of city staff, citizens, and local business members, also developed a Business Expansion and Retention Program that proactively works with businesses to help them thrive and grow. This group also has expanded their partnership to include the county and surrounding communities to work together to support new and existing businesses through various initiatives.
I would advocate continuous enhancement of the ThinkShoreview website and additional partnerships with the county to leverage existing programs that can drive business growth.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Our Economic Development Commission is working with Ramsey County on a program to address labor shortages and recruitment, leveraging county resources and identifying other potential partners such as school districts.
Shoreview has enacted a number of housing policies that support protection for renters, affordable housing and down payment assistance to new homeowners who qualify. These options assist with helping current or potential employees who may need assistance for housing near their Shoreview jobs.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Shoreview (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 Shoreview and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Currently Shoreview does not have any employment-related proposals under consideration. Should the city consider them in the future, I would leverage our Community Development staff and the Economic Development Commission to explore the implications of such ordinances on our businesses. Our Business Retention and Expansion Program has identified and built partnerships with both small and large businesses. Understanding the impact on all businesses would be critical to implementation and determining exceptions.
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?
Shoreview contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff for law enforcement services. Our community remains safe, however, like other metro cities, we have seen a rise in certain types of crimes. I see an opportunity to enhance communication from the Sheriff’s Department when we need specific information. As a city, I would like to see Shoreview provide enhanced communication to citizens on criminal activity so that people in the community feel informed beyond social media and local police reports.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Shoreview recently enacted a policy to support renters to avoid sudden displacement, particularly important for affordable housing. Other recent policy changes provided low interest loans for residents needing home improvements, down payment assistance for new residents to purchase a home, and new guidelines for developers to support affordable housing.
Another proposal under consideration, to which I would lend support, provides qualifying homeowners with financial assistance for urgent home repairs.
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?
I support the strategy of approaching our transportation needs from a multi community level. Current public transportation in Shoreview is lightly used yet nearby communities have expressed concern that they do not have enough public transportation to support workers commuting to their cities. Rather than address specific city needs, I am interested in a broader approach to gather data and look for transportation solutions from a multi city perspective. Many who rely on public transportation may not have the option to work from home which limits where they can work.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My priorities for the City’s budget are to:
What will you do to expand Shoreview’s tax base?
We currently have several development opportunities to broaden our tax base through careful planning for underutilized properties or those needing renovation. Shoreview’s redevelopment strategy encourages quality jobs and high value properties.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Shoreview’s Economic Development Commission and city staff are currently partnering with the county to leverage existing programs to address labor shortages. This approach brings in key stakeholders, which includes school districts, to identify both labor and recruitment solutions.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
At this point, I don’t see any services that should be eliminated. Shoreview currently shares Fire Department services with two other cities which has proven financially beneficial with excellent service. The city has been asked to provide water to a neighboring city on occasion. The city contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff for law enforcement services.
What is the role of the Mayor in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Shoreview?
The role of the Mayor is to work with city commissions such as Economic Development, to ensure that city policies and practices support minority and women- owned businesses. The Mayor also has the ability to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses are invited to participate as business partners in city sponsored events.
What further policies can Shoreview adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoreview provided two rounds of forgivable business grants to local businesses to help sustain them. All the qualifying businesses that received assistance survived the pandemic.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Shoreview recently created a destination playground and renovated the Commons area near city hall to create a community park with a variety of offerings for all ages.
Shoreview maintains focus on environmental issues in a variety of ways:
Public Office Sought: Shoreview Mayor
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website: suedenkinger.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Sue Denkinger for Shoreview Mayor
Candidate Bio
I have a total of 16 years’ experience working with the city, volunteering for 10 years with the Economic Development Commission and then being appointed to the Economic Development Authority where I currently serve as President.
In 2016, I was elected to the City Council and continue in that role. My current responsibilities include representing the city on the Lake Johanna Fire Board and the Ramsey County League of Local Governments where I served as President.
I retired from Thomson Reuters where I held a variety of leadership roles which included Senior Director of Customer Service and Global Business Process Owner/ Deployment Executive. I earned a BA and an MBA from Augsburg University.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Economic Development: Focus on business retention and expansion to keep our tax base vibrant and attract quality jobs
Housing opportunities for new and existing residents
Quality of life issues most important to residents: Public Safety, Environment and Sense of Community according to our most recent survey
Shoreview is a welcoming community with a responsive fire department and low crime rate.
How would you characterize the business climate in Shoreview and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The business climate in Shoreview is thriving. The city actively engages with current and future businesses through our ThinkShoreview website, local business leaders and our Business Retention and Expansion program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoreview provided two rounds of forgivable business loans to sustain local businesses. All the qualifying businesses that received assistance survived the pandemic.
The role of businesses supporting quality of life is through:
Volunteerism on projects such as affordable housing
Engagement with the Shoreview Foundation which provides grants to a wide variety of community organizations such as arts, environmental, education and recreational programs
Local business representatives serve on the city’s Economic Development Commission providing valuable input
Working with the city to implement a county sponsored initiative that helps businesses increase recycling and reduce waste.
What role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Shoreview?
Shoreview’s role should continue to be one of partner, advocate, and a resource for local businesses. To attract jobs, the city created a ThinkShoreview website that provides demographic and geographic information, city resources plus links to other organizations and agencies that provide businesses with financial, educational, and environmental information about the city. The Economic Development Commission, comprised of city staff, citizens, and local business members, also developed a Business Expansion and Retention Program that proactively works with businesses to help them thrive and grow. This group also has expanded their partnership to include the county and surrounding communities to work together to support new and existing businesses through various initiatives.
I would advocate continuous enhancement of the ThinkShoreview website and additional partnerships with the county to leverage existing programs that can drive business growth.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Our Economic Development Commission is working with Ramsey County on a program to address labor shortages and recruitment, leveraging county resources and identifying other potential partners such as school districts.
Shoreview has enacted a number of housing policies that support protection for renters, affordable housing and down payment assistance to new homeowners who qualify. These options assist with helping current or potential employees who may need assistance for housing near their Shoreview jobs.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Shoreview (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 Shoreview and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Currently Shoreview does not have any employment-related proposals under consideration. Should the city consider them in the future, I would leverage our Community Development staff and the Economic Development Commission to explore the implications of such ordinances on our businesses. Our Business Retention and Expansion Program has identified and built partnerships with both small and large businesses. Understanding the impact on all businesses would be critical to implementation and determining exceptions.
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?
Shoreview contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff for law enforcement services. Our community remains safe, however, like other metro cities, we have seen a rise in certain types of crimes. I see an opportunity to enhance communication from the Sheriff’s Department when we need specific information. As a city, I would like to see Shoreview provide enhanced communication to citizens on criminal activity so that people in the community feel informed beyond social media and local police reports.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
Shoreview recently enacted a policy to support renters to avoid sudden displacement, particularly important for affordable housing. Other recent policy changes provided low interest loans for residents needing home improvements, down payment assistance for new residents to purchase a home, and new guidelines for developers to support affordable housing.
Another proposal under consideration, to which I would lend support, provides qualifying homeowners with financial assistance for urgent home repairs.
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?
I support the strategy of approaching our transportation needs from a multi community level. Current public transportation in Shoreview is lightly used yet nearby communities have expressed concern that they do not have enough public transportation to support workers commuting to their cities. Rather than address specific city needs, I am interested in a broader approach to gather data and look for transportation solutions from a multi city perspective. Many who rely on public transportation may not have the option to work from home which limits where they can work.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My priorities for the City’s budget are to:
- Maintain our AAA bond rating by keeping our funds healthy. In a recent bond issuance, Shoreview saved nearly a half million dollars through a lower interest rate as a result of the city’s financial stability
- Continue to hold our tax levy to lower than average for similarly sized cities in the metro area
- Provide competitive wages for our city staff to retain our talent and attract qualified people
- Retain the ability to support our Economic Development and housing initiatives
What will you do to expand Shoreview’s tax base?
We currently have several development opportunities to broaden our tax base through careful planning for underutilized properties or those needing renovation. Shoreview’s redevelopment strategy encourages quality jobs and high value properties.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Shoreview’s Economic Development Commission and city staff are currently partnering with the county to leverage existing programs to address labor shortages. This approach brings in key stakeholders, which includes school districts, to identify both labor and recruitment solutions.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
At this point, I don’t see any services that should be eliminated. Shoreview currently shares Fire Department services with two other cities which has proven financially beneficial with excellent service. The city has been asked to provide water to a neighboring city on occasion. The city contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff for law enforcement services.
What is the role of the Mayor in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Shoreview?
The role of the Mayor is to work with city commissions such as Economic Development, to ensure that city policies and practices support minority and women- owned businesses. The Mayor also has the ability to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses are invited to participate as business partners in city sponsored events.
What further policies can Shoreview adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoreview provided two rounds of forgivable business grants to local businesses to help sustain them. All the qualifying businesses that received assistance survived the pandemic.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Shoreview recently created a destination playground and renovated the Commons area near city hall to create a community park with a variety of offerings for all ages.
Shoreview maintains focus on environmental issues in a variety of ways:
- The city achieved Green Step Cities level 5 in 2019 and has maintained that highest level, which requires not only meeting goals, but continuous improvements reviewed annually
- The city also won a 2019 state-wide League of Minnesota Cities Sustainable City Award for its water management program
- Electric vehicle charging stations were installed in city parking lots
- Solar array was installed on the city’s maintenance center
- The new destination playground at Shoreview Commons incorporates native plants and rain gardens
- The city’s Environmental Quality Commission hosts expert educational programs annually, presents awards to residents who implement green initiatives and support best environmental practices and initiatives
- City processes, including street surfacing practices, stormwater management and limited salt use on roads in winter incorporate green practices to reduce material waste and environmental impacts.