David Radziej
Name: David Radziej (pronounced Raw-Gee)
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-269-4018
Campaign Website: www.RunningRad.com
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
Dear Residents - I am David Radziej - pronounced Raw-Gee. Having previously served on the Arden Hills City Council, I have the experience, and I am running to bring civility, fiscal accountability, and common-sense stewardship back to our city issues. My approach is rooted in balanced community growth developed from over 40 years of non-profit management in the construction industry. While my style favors slow, steady progress, I am fully prepared to advocate for rapid, strategic expansion when it serves our city’s best interests. Together, we can preserve our residential charm while building a future for residential and commercial projects.
My wife of 41 years, Kathy and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for the last 34 years, living on Karth Lake, then near Crepeau Nature Preserve and now we call the Townhomes near TCAAP our home. We have raised our four kids here, sending them through St. Odilia school and Mounds View High school.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
In one word; OPEN. I will listen to All residents. On Council I voted for the creation of Dog Parks, I supported a city-wide pavement inspection system that led to the creation of the "worst first" maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of city roadways. I pushed for park improvements and bike/walking trail connections.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My main interests are with maintaining the infrastructure, safe drinking water, clean air, lots of Trees, well maintained Parks, walking trails and roadways. I support TCAAP development as well as trails that connect our parks and community.
What is the biggest challenge facing Arden Hills right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Public safety plays an important role in our city and makes up almost half of our cities general fund budget. I support our agreements with Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Lake Johanna Fire Department as these shared agreements with other communities have proven to be the most cost-effective coverage for Arden Hills residents. Balancing the need for Housing with the desire to keep the open space feel of our community. We are blessed with 7 lakes, 14 city parks and 2 regional parks and building a walking and biking trails to connect is a real challenge.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Arden Hills is OPEN for business. We need to shorten the approvement process as time is money. Businesses need solid, predictable infrastructure and transportation systems to get their products to market. I truly appreciate our businesses as their growth will bring good jobs to our community.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
We just opened a new state of the art Firestation which is designed to lower response times for each of the three communities that they serve. The Sheriff department needs support for their work on the Samali youth gangs that are present at times in Arden Hills. Mental Health services are being utilized and by a wider group of individuals.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
The cost of permits the SAC/WAC charges the Park fees, traffic studies the water shed impact, site grading fees, inspection fees the Engineering and Design along with the length of time in the approval process all contribute to the cost of building. The items individually don’t seem to be a burden but once added together they are a significate deterrent. Rent control doesn’t seem to be working
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I supported a city-wide pavement inspection system that led to the creation of the "worst first" maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of city roadways. I pushed for park improvements and bike/walking trail connections. I will work with Ramsey County to mark crosswalks along Lexington Ave south of County Road E as the citizens cross Lexington to utilize the sidewalks.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
Arden Hills has raised property taxes at double-digit levels each year even with real surpluses at the end of the year. I believe my 40 years of financial stewardship of non-profit expenditures along with my experiences on how to stretch a dollar until it cries uncle are timely. I am ready to help guide needed discussions.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe in local control as the issues are best know by the residents near the situations that need to be corrected. I will listen to all residents and come with zero personal agenda items.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
It is a process that supplies the information required to ensure that our tax system works for the benefit of all stakeholders – in and out of government and for those who pay taxes, including any identified disadvantage and marginalized groups. All residents need to be recognized as having a voice on the issues being discussed.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-269-4018
Campaign Website: www.RunningRad.com
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
Dear Residents - I am David Radziej - pronounced Raw-Gee. Having previously served on the Arden Hills City Council, I have the experience, and I am running to bring civility, fiscal accountability, and common-sense stewardship back to our city issues. My approach is rooted in balanced community growth developed from over 40 years of non-profit management in the construction industry. While my style favors slow, steady progress, I am fully prepared to advocate for rapid, strategic expansion when it serves our city’s best interests. Together, we can preserve our residential charm while building a future for residential and commercial projects.
My wife of 41 years, Kathy and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for the last 34 years, living on Karth Lake, then near Crepeau Nature Preserve and now we call the Townhomes near TCAAP our home. We have raised our four kids here, sending them through St. Odilia school and Mounds View High school.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
In one word; OPEN. I will listen to All residents. On Council I voted for the creation of Dog Parks, I supported a city-wide pavement inspection system that led to the creation of the "worst first" maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of city roadways. I pushed for park improvements and bike/walking trail connections.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My main interests are with maintaining the infrastructure, safe drinking water, clean air, lots of Trees, well maintained Parks, walking trails and roadways. I support TCAAP development as well as trails that connect our parks and community.
What is the biggest challenge facing Arden Hills right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Public safety plays an important role in our city and makes up almost half of our cities general fund budget. I support our agreements with Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Lake Johanna Fire Department as these shared agreements with other communities have proven to be the most cost-effective coverage for Arden Hills residents. Balancing the need for Housing with the desire to keep the open space feel of our community. We are blessed with 7 lakes, 14 city parks and 2 regional parks and building a walking and biking trails to connect is a real challenge.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Arden Hills is OPEN for business. We need to shorten the approvement process as time is money. Businesses need solid, predictable infrastructure and transportation systems to get their products to market. I truly appreciate our businesses as their growth will bring good jobs to our community.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
We just opened a new state of the art Firestation which is designed to lower response times for each of the three communities that they serve. The Sheriff department needs support for their work on the Samali youth gangs that are present at times in Arden Hills. Mental Health services are being utilized and by a wider group of individuals.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
The cost of permits the SAC/WAC charges the Park fees, traffic studies the water shed impact, site grading fees, inspection fees the Engineering and Design along with the length of time in the approval process all contribute to the cost of building. The items individually don’t seem to be a burden but once added together they are a significate deterrent. Rent control doesn’t seem to be working
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I supported a city-wide pavement inspection system that led to the creation of the "worst first" maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of city roadways. I pushed for park improvements and bike/walking trail connections. I will work with Ramsey County to mark crosswalks along Lexington Ave south of County Road E as the citizens cross Lexington to utilize the sidewalks.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
Arden Hills has raised property taxes at double-digit levels each year even with real surpluses at the end of the year. I believe my 40 years of financial stewardship of non-profit expenditures along with my experiences on how to stretch a dollar until it cries uncle are timely. I am ready to help guide needed discussions.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe in local control as the issues are best know by the residents near the situations that need to be corrected. I will listen to all residents and come with zero personal agenda items.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
It is a process that supplies the information required to ensure that our tax system works for the benefit of all stakeholders – in and out of government and for those who pay taxes, including any identified disadvantage and marginalized groups. All residents need to be recognized as having a voice on the issues being discussed.