Fritz Johnson
Name: Fritz Johnson
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-839-1083
Campaign Website: MayorFritz.US
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
With 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, combined with a decade of civic involvement in Lino Lakes as former President of the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Public Safety Citizens Committee, I’ve gained an appreciation for the delicate balance between the needs and concerns of citizen stakeholders, business stake holders and municipal administrators. My wide-ranging background is well suited to building consensus and creating sustainable plans to carry North Oaks forward for the next 76 years.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Consultative collaboration. As mayor I only have one vote, just the same as the 4 city council members. Consultative collaboration is not leadership by committee, it is a deliberative process of asking questions, gaining knowledge from a broad cross section of stakeholders then working in collaboration with elected officials and administrative staff, both within the city but also coordinated with surrounding communities to create sustainable solutions that provide durable, long-term outcomes. As mayor of North Oaks, it’ll be my responsibility to guide this process forward.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Restoring collaborative communication with our citizens and surrounding communities. No one can solve problems if the problem isn’t well understood and the citizens of North Oaks are very intelligent people. We need to hear from them and put this knowledge into action. Restoring effective communication is my top priority. Along with that, we can then collaborate on infrastructure, safety and sustaining the North Oaks state of mind. As for impacts of state and federal funding, North Oaks has long been positioned for independence and self-reliance. We’re blessed with a lot of smart, hardworking people. Together, we can figure things out.
What is the biggest challenge facing North Oaks right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The City of North Oaks, that is the elected officials and administration, have lost the ability to actively collaborate with key stakeholders including the North Oaks Homeowners Association and surrounding cities. This is more than a challenge. It’s a huge problem. Opportunity’s favorite disguise is a problem and I believe we can make great strides for North Oaks by developing an open dialogue with our neighbors, both the people living in North Oaks and also those cities that surround us.
How would you characterize the business climate in North Oaks, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Well, elected officials should make a habit of talking to the business owners, managers and employees. North Oaks doesn’t have a big business base but these businesses are significant to our community. My big idea theme of improving communication and collaboration carries over to our local businesses. We need to listen and understand their challenges before offering any solutions.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
In North Oaks we are very fortunate to enjoy low crime and enjoy a broadly safe place to live, work and play. Having said that, my experience on the Lino Lake Public Safety Commission informs my opinion that community-oriented policing is very effective at minimizing crime and maximizing public safety.
Neighborhood block captains are a very effective, low-cost way to raise awareness. I’d like to work with the Ramsey County Sheriff and Lake Johanna Fire District to increase engagement beyond a single Night to Unite event.
Also, drivers, slow the heck down!!
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?
I have to admit, this is a subject that I haven’t researched. I don’t have all the answers and solutions to every concern.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
North Oaks Homeowners Association is responsible for roads and trails. The City of North Oaks needs to collaborate with NOHOA and do what the city is intentionally intended to do.
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?
I’m building my knowledge base on the scope of our increasing property taxes. I’m aware the City of North Oaks has amassed a surplus and we’ve continued to see our city taxes, along with other property taxes, increase at a breathtaking rate. Keeping in mind that I’m a small business entrepreneur, I approach budgets from the expenses portion of the P&L first before I look at the income portion.
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?
The City of North Oaks, that is the elected officials and administrative elements of our community, has an atypically small role in this wonderful community. This is a city unlike any other. The majority of leadership comes from the citizen taxpayers who are members of the North Oaks Homeowners Association. Frankly the “City” can best lead by:
Enforcing local city ordinances, codes, and deer management policies.
Overseeing police and fire service contracting.
Issuing building permits, septic system compliance, and business licenses.
Overseeing public water, sewer, and recycling infrastructure.
(These 4 points literally came from a Google search. Our role is pretty cut and dried)
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?
I’m new to this level of city administration so I risk advocating for something that may not be fully in bounds with city, county or state law. Having made that disclaimer, clear and concise financial accounting must be practiced. If we can post bank transactions online and provide a means to sort them to know exactly how much money is spent on every category and each payee is clearly identified, I’d be a big supporter of that. The money that is collected and spent does NOT belong to the “City” It belongs to the taxpayers, and the city must be a good steward of those funds.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-839-1083
Campaign Website: MayorFritz.US
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
With 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, combined with a decade of civic involvement in Lino Lakes as former President of the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Public Safety Citizens Committee, I’ve gained an appreciation for the delicate balance between the needs and concerns of citizen stakeholders, business stake holders and municipal administrators. My wide-ranging background is well suited to building consensus and creating sustainable plans to carry North Oaks forward for the next 76 years.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Consultative collaboration. As mayor I only have one vote, just the same as the 4 city council members. Consultative collaboration is not leadership by committee, it is a deliberative process of asking questions, gaining knowledge from a broad cross section of stakeholders then working in collaboration with elected officials and administrative staff, both within the city but also coordinated with surrounding communities to create sustainable solutions that provide durable, long-term outcomes. As mayor of North Oaks, it’ll be my responsibility to guide this process forward.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Restoring collaborative communication with our citizens and surrounding communities. No one can solve problems if the problem isn’t well understood and the citizens of North Oaks are very intelligent people. We need to hear from them and put this knowledge into action. Restoring effective communication is my top priority. Along with that, we can then collaborate on infrastructure, safety and sustaining the North Oaks state of mind. As for impacts of state and federal funding, North Oaks has long been positioned for independence and self-reliance. We’re blessed with a lot of smart, hardworking people. Together, we can figure things out.
What is the biggest challenge facing North Oaks right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The City of North Oaks, that is the elected officials and administration, have lost the ability to actively collaborate with key stakeholders including the North Oaks Homeowners Association and surrounding cities. This is more than a challenge. It’s a huge problem. Opportunity’s favorite disguise is a problem and I believe we can make great strides for North Oaks by developing an open dialogue with our neighbors, both the people living in North Oaks and also those cities that surround us.
How would you characterize the business climate in North Oaks, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Well, elected officials should make a habit of talking to the business owners, managers and employees. North Oaks doesn’t have a big business base but these businesses are significant to our community. My big idea theme of improving communication and collaboration carries over to our local businesses. We need to listen and understand their challenges before offering any solutions.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
In North Oaks we are very fortunate to enjoy low crime and enjoy a broadly safe place to live, work and play. Having said that, my experience on the Lino Lake Public Safety Commission informs my opinion that community-oriented policing is very effective at minimizing crime and maximizing public safety.
Neighborhood block captains are a very effective, low-cost way to raise awareness. I’d like to work with the Ramsey County Sheriff and Lake Johanna Fire District to increase engagement beyond a single Night to Unite event.
Also, drivers, slow the heck down!!
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?
I have to admit, this is a subject that I haven’t researched. I don’t have all the answers and solutions to every concern.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
North Oaks Homeowners Association is responsible for roads and trails. The City of North Oaks needs to collaborate with NOHOA and do what the city is intentionally intended to do.
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?
I’m building my knowledge base on the scope of our increasing property taxes. I’m aware the City of North Oaks has amassed a surplus and we’ve continued to see our city taxes, along with other property taxes, increase at a breathtaking rate. Keeping in mind that I’m a small business entrepreneur, I approach budgets from the expenses portion of the P&L first before I look at the income portion.
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?
The City of North Oaks, that is the elected officials and administrative elements of our community, has an atypically small role in this wonderful community. This is a city unlike any other. The majority of leadership comes from the citizen taxpayers who are members of the North Oaks Homeowners Association. Frankly the “City” can best lead by:
Enforcing local city ordinances, codes, and deer management policies.
Overseeing police and fire service contracting.
Issuing building permits, septic system compliance, and business licenses.
Overseeing public water, sewer, and recycling infrastructure.
(These 4 points literally came from a Google search. Our role is pretty cut and dried)
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?
I’m new to this level of city administration so I risk advocating for something that may not be fully in bounds with city, county or state law. Having made that disclaimer, clear and concise financial accounting must be practiced. If we can post bank transactions online and provide a means to sort them to know exactly how much money is spent on every category and each payee is clearly identified, I’d be a big supporter of that. The money that is collected and spent does NOT belong to the “City” It belongs to the taxpayers, and the city must be a good steward of those funds.