Tyler Fehrman
Name: Tyler Fehrman
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-263-1688
Campaign Website: www.FehrmanForSSP.com
Twitter handle: @FehrmanForSSP
Facebook Page: facebook.com/FehrmanForSSP
Candidate Bio
I have had a successful career in public service that has focused on streamlining processes, improving relationships, and offering top-notch “customer” service to those I’ve served and worked with. As a member of the South St. Paul City Planning Commission, I have had the opportunity to work with business owners, residents, and others to help make local government a resource – instead of a barrier.
As a local husband, father, and t-ball coach I have a vested interest in South St. Paul – I want to help our city grow and prosper through thoughtful collaboration, strategic planning, and continuous improvement through engaging with residents and business owners.
I believe that my experience working in state and local government, as well as in the private renewable energy industry – paired with my passion for public service and unwavering commitment to putting people first – would serve our city well as we move into the future!
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a firm believer that the best form of leadership is servant leadership. In my opinion, there is no greater call than to serve others. My campaign and personal motto is “People First – Always, and no matter what,” and that is the type of leadership I would bring to City Hall. I believe that every resident should be seen and heard by their elected officials, and that everyone deserves a seat at the table. I also believe that our city government can address the specific, individual concerns of residents in a way that seeks to provide impactful solutions – instead of barriers to progress. My commitment is to treat everyone with dignity and respect, to aggressively seek solutions to local issues, and to collaborate with all of my colleagues at City Hall. As a servant leader, I believe it is my responsibility to serve as a “happy warrior” whose primary loyalty is to making life better for the residents of South St. Paul.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in South St. Paul?
I believe our biggest challenge is aging infrastructure and community amenities, paired with a lack of planning for the future. It is vital to the success of any small town that infrastructure is regularly maintained and improved, and that important community amenities are preserved so that residents can benefit from their use. However, due to a small tax base and a lack of planning for the future, we are at risk of watching our infrastructure continue to deteriorate – and our amenities no longer be usable. Instead of waiting until things are “beyond repair,” we should be working to identify (once again) creative funding solutions that help us repair, maintain, or replace the things important to residents of South St. Paul.
I think our biggest opportunity is the ability to attract new business to South St. Paul. We are a unique community in the larger metro area, in that we look and feel like a “small town”, but are just minutes away from major sports stadiums and concert venues. Our neighborhoods are quiet, beautiful, and safe – and so our City provides a unique and amenable atmosphere for new businesses to call home. By working on strategic redevelopment opportunities – as well as new development opportunities – that improve what our city has to offer, we can attract the sort of businesses that provide valuable opportunities and resources to existing residents, while attracting new residents.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I believe that the best opportunities are usually found within some form of public/private partnership – where local government actively works with the private sector to collaborate and address local challenges. By working to identify opportunities for affordable housing stock, new work opportunities, and investment in local educational opportunities – we can create an environment where our city grows and thrives.
South St. Paul saw some important community investment “wins” from the 2023-2024 legislative session, and I am confident that, when on Council, I can effectively maintain existing relationships with our elected officials at the state and federal level to help see this continue.
How would you characterize the business climate in South St. Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in South St. Paul?
The business climate in South St. Paul has seen improvement in recent years – but, there is also an identifiable need for more collaboration between the city and the business community that focuses on retaining local businesses.
I’m someone who believes that local government shouldn’t serve as a barrier to increased business success, and should provide the type of environment that fosters business growth – as well as community investment. By working to streamline processes, create a positive tax environment, and encourage local businesses to invest directly into the community, I am confident that we can retain well-paying jobs in our community.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
We have an incredible police force in South St. Paul who actively engage with community members and have build strong, trusting relationships with residents. I believe that we absolutely must ensure that our safety service providers in South St. Paul have the tools and resources they need to continue to address safety concerns. Additionally, I believe that we need to continue to provide resources for our uniformed officers that ensure they are equipped to deal with the stressful, complex nature of their work.
Currently, we partner with Dakota County to provide social-work services alongside our police department. I would like to see this offering continue, and potentially increased to be able to handle more cases to ensure that residents are served well when they find themselves interacting with law enforcement.
One significant issue within our community is the drug epidemic. I believe we need to work to secure funding for our police and fire departments to increase their ability to combat this growing problem.
Council should work, hand-in-hand, with our law enforcement and safety services to ensure that city government is never a blockade to those who keep us safe.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
We have a limited and aging housing stock in South St. Paul and, while we have a large amount of affordable housing options in comparison with neighboring communities, I believe that we can make an effort to improve these options – as well as encourage growth in homeownership by creating an environment that attracts developers interested in affordable options, assisting first-time home buyers with downpayments, and ensuring that our infrastructure can handle increased usage.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
South St. Paul has a wealth of transportation options readily available to residents. This is an excellent benefit to our community. However, there have been challenges that have presented themselves when we have worked to re-design certain roads in town that have had an impact on residents. There are plenty of opportunities for improvement – whether it is something as small as increased safety for residents and pedestrians in neighborhoods that see high traffic volumes, or it is the creation of new bike lanes and a more walkable business district. As a member of council, I would work to analyze these issues in individual neighborhoods and identify opportunities for improvements based on the needs and requests of residents.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
I believe that, as these funds run out, we must work to budget our existing funds in a way that ensures that the programs and policies funded by these important dollars are not left by the wayside. While we must make sure that these investments do not place an undue burden on our city budget and take away from other items, we should work to minimize the effect of these dollars running out by working to identify funding solutions that help us continue to benefit from our investment in public safety initiatives.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
South St. Paul currently pays a higher local property tax rate than other communities – and there is likely little to no appetite amongst residents to pay more. However, we are also a city with a heavy concentration of very important labor unions that value fair wages and opportunities for residents to have their financial needs met. I believe that local government should never “get in the way” of business – but that it is also important to ensure that working people are treated fairly and are able to make a living. This is why it is imperative that we work to attract new business, new development, and expand our City’s tax base – so that we can free up money to invest in programs that assist individuals and families with everyday financial concerns. While the free market should certainly determine rates for things like ridesharing, it is also important to have protections put in place to ensure that those who rely on this as a form of employment are not being treated unfairly.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-263-1688
Campaign Website: www.FehrmanForSSP.com
Twitter handle: @FehrmanForSSP
Facebook Page: facebook.com/FehrmanForSSP
Candidate Bio
I have had a successful career in public service that has focused on streamlining processes, improving relationships, and offering top-notch “customer” service to those I’ve served and worked with. As a member of the South St. Paul City Planning Commission, I have had the opportunity to work with business owners, residents, and others to help make local government a resource – instead of a barrier.
As a local husband, father, and t-ball coach I have a vested interest in South St. Paul – I want to help our city grow and prosper through thoughtful collaboration, strategic planning, and continuous improvement through engaging with residents and business owners.
I believe that my experience working in state and local government, as well as in the private renewable energy industry – paired with my passion for public service and unwavering commitment to putting people first – would serve our city well as we move into the future!
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a firm believer that the best form of leadership is servant leadership. In my opinion, there is no greater call than to serve others. My campaign and personal motto is “People First – Always, and no matter what,” and that is the type of leadership I would bring to City Hall. I believe that every resident should be seen and heard by their elected officials, and that everyone deserves a seat at the table. I also believe that our city government can address the specific, individual concerns of residents in a way that seeks to provide impactful solutions – instead of barriers to progress. My commitment is to treat everyone with dignity and respect, to aggressively seek solutions to local issues, and to collaborate with all of my colleagues at City Hall. As a servant leader, I believe it is my responsibility to serve as a “happy warrior” whose primary loyalty is to making life better for the residents of South St. Paul.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
- Creative Funding Solutions: South St. Paul has one of the smallest tax-bases in the County, and many projects that need to be completed. However, I believe that these projects can – and should – be completed without placing financial burdens on residents who already pay too much in taxes. By working with county, state, federal, and private partners I am confident that our city can identify new funding solutions that allow us to move forward with important development without asking residents to give more of their hard-earned money.
- Responsible Development: South St. Paul is in need of new businesses that attract new residents and create opportunities for existing residents. Council should be working to market the city as a business-friendly environment that is focused on ensuring that any and all new development is done in a way that is fiscally responsible, but also provides growth for our city.
- People First Local Government: I want to serve as the vehicle for the voices of residents at City Hall. Many in SSP feel unseen and unheard by our current council, despite bringing their issues and concerns to the City. I believe that the best local government is the one that gives everyone a seat at the table and ensures that measures being taken are those prioritized by residents.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in South St. Paul?
I believe our biggest challenge is aging infrastructure and community amenities, paired with a lack of planning for the future. It is vital to the success of any small town that infrastructure is regularly maintained and improved, and that important community amenities are preserved so that residents can benefit from their use. However, due to a small tax base and a lack of planning for the future, we are at risk of watching our infrastructure continue to deteriorate – and our amenities no longer be usable. Instead of waiting until things are “beyond repair,” we should be working to identify (once again) creative funding solutions that help us repair, maintain, or replace the things important to residents of South St. Paul.
I think our biggest opportunity is the ability to attract new business to South St. Paul. We are a unique community in the larger metro area, in that we look and feel like a “small town”, but are just minutes away from major sports stadiums and concert venues. Our neighborhoods are quiet, beautiful, and safe – and so our City provides a unique and amenable atmosphere for new businesses to call home. By working on strategic redevelopment opportunities – as well as new development opportunities – that improve what our city has to offer, we can attract the sort of businesses that provide valuable opportunities and resources to existing residents, while attracting new residents.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I believe that the best opportunities are usually found within some form of public/private partnership – where local government actively works with the private sector to collaborate and address local challenges. By working to identify opportunities for affordable housing stock, new work opportunities, and investment in local educational opportunities – we can create an environment where our city grows and thrives.
South St. Paul saw some important community investment “wins” from the 2023-2024 legislative session, and I am confident that, when on Council, I can effectively maintain existing relationships with our elected officials at the state and federal level to help see this continue.
How would you characterize the business climate in South St. Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in South St. Paul?
The business climate in South St. Paul has seen improvement in recent years – but, there is also an identifiable need for more collaboration between the city and the business community that focuses on retaining local businesses.
I’m someone who believes that local government shouldn’t serve as a barrier to increased business success, and should provide the type of environment that fosters business growth – as well as community investment. By working to streamline processes, create a positive tax environment, and encourage local businesses to invest directly into the community, I am confident that we can retain well-paying jobs in our community.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
We have an incredible police force in South St. Paul who actively engage with community members and have build strong, trusting relationships with residents. I believe that we absolutely must ensure that our safety service providers in South St. Paul have the tools and resources they need to continue to address safety concerns. Additionally, I believe that we need to continue to provide resources for our uniformed officers that ensure they are equipped to deal with the stressful, complex nature of their work.
Currently, we partner with Dakota County to provide social-work services alongside our police department. I would like to see this offering continue, and potentially increased to be able to handle more cases to ensure that residents are served well when they find themselves interacting with law enforcement.
One significant issue within our community is the drug epidemic. I believe we need to work to secure funding for our police and fire departments to increase their ability to combat this growing problem.
Council should work, hand-in-hand, with our law enforcement and safety services to ensure that city government is never a blockade to those who keep us safe.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
We have a limited and aging housing stock in South St. Paul and, while we have a large amount of affordable housing options in comparison with neighboring communities, I believe that we can make an effort to improve these options – as well as encourage growth in homeownership by creating an environment that attracts developers interested in affordable options, assisting first-time home buyers with downpayments, and ensuring that our infrastructure can handle increased usage.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
South St. Paul has a wealth of transportation options readily available to residents. This is an excellent benefit to our community. However, there have been challenges that have presented themselves when we have worked to re-design certain roads in town that have had an impact on residents. There are plenty of opportunities for improvement – whether it is something as small as increased safety for residents and pedestrians in neighborhoods that see high traffic volumes, or it is the creation of new bike lanes and a more walkable business district. As a member of council, I would work to analyze these issues in individual neighborhoods and identify opportunities for improvements based on the needs and requests of residents.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
I believe that, as these funds run out, we must work to budget our existing funds in a way that ensures that the programs and policies funded by these important dollars are not left by the wayside. While we must make sure that these investments do not place an undue burden on our city budget and take away from other items, we should work to minimize the effect of these dollars running out by working to identify funding solutions that help us continue to benefit from our investment in public safety initiatives.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
South St. Paul currently pays a higher local property tax rate than other communities – and there is likely little to no appetite amongst residents to pay more. However, we are also a city with a heavy concentration of very important labor unions that value fair wages and opportunities for residents to have their financial needs met. I believe that local government should never “get in the way” of business – but that it is also important to ensure that working people are treated fairly and are able to make a living. This is why it is imperative that we work to attract new business, new development, and expand our City’s tax base – so that we can free up money to invest in programs that assist individuals and families with everyday financial concerns. While the free market should certainly determine rates for things like ridesharing, it is also important to have protections put in place to ensure that those who rely on this as a form of employment are not being treated unfairly.