Tom Fabel
Name: Tom Fabel
Public Office Sought: Arden Hills City Council-Special Election
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: (651) 636 2423
Campaign Website: advanceardenhills.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I am a retired attorney with a long history in public and private law which well equip me to serve on the Arden Hills City Council. My public service began with 16 years with the Minnesota Attorney General, 14 of which were as a Deputy A.G., supervising divisions within that office, including all divisions concerned with public protection and public safety. Subsequent public positions were as Deputy Mayor of St. Paul (under Mayor Norm Coleman); as a complex crime prosecutor for Hennepin County; and as an appellate judge for two Native American communities. In private law I was a partner with Lindquist & Vennum for 20 years, representing numerous large and small businesses, individuals and government agencies, mostly in litigation.
My experience in administrative and financial oversight, in addition to my legal offices, include board service for the St. Paul YMCA (past board chair), the Ramsey County Historical Society, the Minnesota Lawyer’s International Human Rights Committee, and the Youth Service Bureau.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority, which is the issue which prompted this candidacy, is the need to obtain approval for an agreement with Ramsey County to proceed with development of the former TCAAP property in northern Arden Hills, which has been blocked for several years by the current city officials. This priority is the unifying factor for a slate of 4 candidates, myself included, for election to the open Arden Hills mayoral and council positions. Other priorities announced by our slate of candidates include the completion of a trail system throughout the city and the implementation of increased openness and citizen participation in city government. In addition, befitting my own background in public safety, I would intend to increase oversight of the contracted services and to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the current provider of law enforcement.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
As a 38 year resident of Arden Hills I certainly appreciate both the industrial and commercial businesses in our midst and I would be supportive of their concerns which are affected by city government. The commercial districts along County Road E and Lexington Avenue contribute greatly to our quality of life and are deserving of ongoing nurture.
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, Arden Hills?
The immediate priority for the City, should I and the rest of our slate get elected, is for the approval of an agreement with Ramsey County, enabling commencement of development of the 450 acre TCAAP property. This mixed use development will attract $700 million in new investment for housing, offices, commercial and light industrial businesses, restaurants, etc. That development will also provide additional customers and employees for existing businesses, while making Arden Hills an ever more attractive location for new businesses.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
A major issue in Arden Hills is the availability and expense of housing for prospective employees. Availability is low, and expense is high. Once again, securing approval for the TCAAP development is an immediate way to address these problems. Studies have shown that the property could accommodate as many as 2,500 residential units, but the current city officials are stuck on limiting that number to just over 1,400, while limiting the affordable portion of any housing to an unacceptable amount. These positions are what have produced the stalemate with the property owner, Ramsey County, in proceeding with development.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Arden Hills (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 Arden Hills and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As a general principle I do not support the imposition of arbitrary employment-related regulations at the municipal level of government. Regulations at the federal and state levels generally affect all municipalities evenly, which is more sensible and less injurious than local regulation.
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?
I believe that the first duty of municipal government is to assure the safety of residents and businesses. A commitment to public safety has been a major focus of much of my professional career, and the same commitment will continue if elected to office in Arden Hills. One immediate strategy would be to create an official city commission or committee on public safety, which does not currently exist. That body would be charged with evaluating and overseeing current public safety providers, recommending changes where needed, and opening communication with residents and businesses on related issues.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
As stated above (in answer to question #5) an immediate strategy on the housing problem is to secure approval for development of the TCAAP property, with proper provision for both density and affordability of housing now denied by city officials. Beyond that, the city zoning code should be evaluated and amended as necessary to encourage more density and more affordability for the housing stock.
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?
Arden Hills is not well served by the existing public transportation system. Efforts should be pursued through the state legislature and the Metropolitan Council to obtain improved service through the MTC. Certainly a stronger case for such service will exist after approval of TCAAP development and a significant addition to the city’s population which will follow. The need for such service is not diminished by the reduction in commuting to the downtown areas resulting from Covid, etc.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Certain principles are applicable to all budgeting in which I have been involved (including for state agencies and for the City of St. Paul). First, each budget request must stand on its own feet. Across the board increases or cuts reflect laziness. Second, all budget requests must be supported by evidence of efficient and effective performance of the underlying activity. Third, the devil is often in the details. I’ve searched out such devils in the past and I would continue to do so for the City of Arden Hills. Fourth, which activities deserve budget support must come from citizen input, to which city officials must give careful and open consideration - - which has sometimes been lacking under current officials.
What will you do to expand Arden Hills’s tax base?
Again I must reference the issue which is the reason for my candidacy: the need for approval of an agreement with Ramsey County to begin development of the TCAAP property. This opportunity will greatly increase the city’s tax base, while also improving conditions for the current tax base.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Arden Hills is served by the Mounds View School District, which is one of the best in the State, and it is also home to excellent universities, Bethel and Northwestern (shared with Roseville). The City should strongly support these schools and promote exchanges between them and the Arden Hills busines community. The schools should be assured of the City’s concern for their welfare, and the City must always be responsive to their needs for City support.
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?
Currently I am not aware of any unnecessary or excessive services, nor am I now aware of opportunities to share services with other agencies. However, I am keenly aware of the importance of both these issues and if elected I will give both my careful attention.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Arden Hills?
I believe that it is important for all public officials to recognize historic barriers to minority and women-owned businesses, and to remove such barriers whenever found. I believe strongly in affirmative action to encourage such business ownership, but I do not believe in the creation of specific quotas to accomplish the same. Certainly complete openness and extensive advertising in the awarding of city business is imperative in the proper pursuit of this objective.
What further policies can Arden Hills adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ideas for recovery coming to the city from the business community should be heeded and acted upon to the extent possible. Importantly, the city should do nothing to impede the recovery, and any existing impediments should be removed, again if possible. In this and in all other matters openness and receptivity to public input should be a high priority.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Let me just express my appreciation to anyone who has read my responses to these questions and to invite you to contact me with any concerns. I also wish to emphasize that my candidacy is part of a slate of candidates, election of all being required to accomplish the objectives which I have identified. Please see the webpage for our group, advanceardenhills.com. Thank you.
Public Office Sought: Arden Hills City Council-Special Election
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: (651) 636 2423
Campaign Website: advanceardenhills.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I am a retired attorney with a long history in public and private law which well equip me to serve on the Arden Hills City Council. My public service began with 16 years with the Minnesota Attorney General, 14 of which were as a Deputy A.G., supervising divisions within that office, including all divisions concerned with public protection and public safety. Subsequent public positions were as Deputy Mayor of St. Paul (under Mayor Norm Coleman); as a complex crime prosecutor for Hennepin County; and as an appellate judge for two Native American communities. In private law I was a partner with Lindquist & Vennum for 20 years, representing numerous large and small businesses, individuals and government agencies, mostly in litigation.
My experience in administrative and financial oversight, in addition to my legal offices, include board service for the St. Paul YMCA (past board chair), the Ramsey County Historical Society, the Minnesota Lawyer’s International Human Rights Committee, and the Youth Service Bureau.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My first priority, which is the issue which prompted this candidacy, is the need to obtain approval for an agreement with Ramsey County to proceed with development of the former TCAAP property in northern Arden Hills, which has been blocked for several years by the current city officials. This priority is the unifying factor for a slate of 4 candidates, myself included, for election to the open Arden Hills mayoral and council positions. Other priorities announced by our slate of candidates include the completion of a trail system throughout the city and the implementation of increased openness and citizen participation in city government. In addition, befitting my own background in public safety, I would intend to increase oversight of the contracted services and to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the current provider of law enforcement.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
As a 38 year resident of Arden Hills I certainly appreciate both the industrial and commercial businesses in our midst and I would be supportive of their concerns which are affected by city government. The commercial districts along County Road E and Lexington Avenue contribute greatly to our quality of life and are deserving of ongoing nurture.
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, Arden Hills?
The immediate priority for the City, should I and the rest of our slate get elected, is for the approval of an agreement with Ramsey County, enabling commencement of development of the 450 acre TCAAP property. This mixed use development will attract $700 million in new investment for housing, offices, commercial and light industrial businesses, restaurants, etc. That development will also provide additional customers and employees for existing businesses, while making Arden Hills an ever more attractive location for new businesses.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
A major issue in Arden Hills is the availability and expense of housing for prospective employees. Availability is low, and expense is high. Once again, securing approval for the TCAAP development is an immediate way to address these problems. Studies have shown that the property could accommodate as many as 2,500 residential units, but the current city officials are stuck on limiting that number to just over 1,400, while limiting the affordable portion of any housing to an unacceptable amount. These positions are what have produced the stalemate with the property owner, Ramsey County, in proceeding with development.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Arden Hills (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 Arden Hills and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
As a general principle I do not support the imposition of arbitrary employment-related regulations at the municipal level of government. Regulations at the federal and state levels generally affect all municipalities evenly, which is more sensible and less injurious than local regulation.
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?
I believe that the first duty of municipal government is to assure the safety of residents and businesses. A commitment to public safety has been a major focus of much of my professional career, and the same commitment will continue if elected to office in Arden Hills. One immediate strategy would be to create an official city commission or committee on public safety, which does not currently exist. That body would be charged with evaluating and overseeing current public safety providers, recommending changes where needed, and opening communication with residents and businesses on related issues.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
As stated above (in answer to question #5) an immediate strategy on the housing problem is to secure approval for development of the TCAAP property, with proper provision for both density and affordability of housing now denied by city officials. Beyond that, the city zoning code should be evaluated and amended as necessary to encourage more density and more affordability for the housing stock.
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?
Arden Hills is not well served by the existing public transportation system. Efforts should be pursued through the state legislature and the Metropolitan Council to obtain improved service through the MTC. Certainly a stronger case for such service will exist after approval of TCAAP development and a significant addition to the city’s population which will follow. The need for such service is not diminished by the reduction in commuting to the downtown areas resulting from Covid, etc.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Certain principles are applicable to all budgeting in which I have been involved (including for state agencies and for the City of St. Paul). First, each budget request must stand on its own feet. Across the board increases or cuts reflect laziness. Second, all budget requests must be supported by evidence of efficient and effective performance of the underlying activity. Third, the devil is often in the details. I’ve searched out such devils in the past and I would continue to do so for the City of Arden Hills. Fourth, which activities deserve budget support must come from citizen input, to which city officials must give careful and open consideration - - which has sometimes been lacking under current officials.
What will you do to expand Arden Hills’s tax base?
Again I must reference the issue which is the reason for my candidacy: the need for approval of an agreement with Ramsey County to begin development of the TCAAP property. This opportunity will greatly increase the city’s tax base, while also improving conditions for the current tax base.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Arden Hills is served by the Mounds View School District, which is one of the best in the State, and it is also home to excellent universities, Bethel and Northwestern (shared with Roseville). The City should strongly support these schools and promote exchanges between them and the Arden Hills busines community. The schools should be assured of the City’s concern for their welfare, and the City must always be responsive to their needs for City support.
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?
Currently I am not aware of any unnecessary or excessive services, nor am I now aware of opportunities to share services with other agencies. However, I am keenly aware of the importance of both these issues and if elected I will give both my careful attention.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Arden Hills?
I believe that it is important for all public officials to recognize historic barriers to minority and women-owned businesses, and to remove such barriers whenever found. I believe strongly in affirmative action to encourage such business ownership, but I do not believe in the creation of specific quotas to accomplish the same. Certainly complete openness and extensive advertising in the awarding of city business is imperative in the proper pursuit of this objective.
What further policies can Arden Hills adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ideas for recovery coming to the city from the business community should be heeded and acted upon to the extent possible. Importantly, the city should do nothing to impede the recovery, and any existing impediments should be removed, again if possible. In this and in all other matters openness and receptivity to public input should be a high priority.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Let me just express my appreciation to anyone who has read my responses to these questions and to invite you to contact me with any concerns. I also wish to emphasize that my candidacy is part of a slate of candidates, election of all being required to accomplish the objectives which I have identified. Please see the webpage for our group, advanceardenhills.com. Thank you.