Joseph Krueger
Name: Joseph Krueger
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-222-1360
Campaign Website: joekrueger4eaganmayor.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Joe Krueger for Eagan Mayor
Candidate Bio
As an industrial technician, I traveled across the Midwest, engaging with a broad range of businesses. I could be talking with the regional manager of a Fortune 500 company, clerical personnel, maintenance crews, small business owners, engineers, skilled trades workers, or equipment operators. On a daily basis, I interacted with unique individuals to troubleshoot issues with their equipment. I bring solution-focused leadership to the role of mayor. My goal is to solve problems while increasing efficiency and maintaining transparency, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
I have always followed the government's decisions that cut closest to citizens on the local level. As an honorably discharged veteran and long-time resident of Eagan, I will bring an authentic voice for the people of Eagan. Our current issues require unique solutions. As someone who has previously served on a city council, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and good governance—making sure that we exercise vigorous oversight on city spending.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As mayor, I will bring a willingness to listen and, more importantly, a willingness to act. Eagan residents will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, knowing that they will be heard. The average citizen’s concern should be brought to the forefront, rather than limiting our issues to those of entrenched interests. I am willing to engage with difficult topics and represent the citizens of Eagan. Problems often require creative solutions, and I will listen to new ideas and weigh their costs and benefits carefully.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Fiscal Equity: Eagan residents are major contributors, paying more into state and regional tax pools while receiving very little in return. I will raise awareness and strongly advocate for the people of Eagan.
Thriving Community: I will support the development of gathering places and opportunities for all ages, both public and private, to promote mental health and connection.
Honest Governance: Fraud is a rapidly rising concern, wasting hard-earned tax dollars. I will guarantee oversight on city spending.
The City of Eagan is primarily funded by local property taxes, but it is still important for us to monitor state and federal policies as they implement mandates, provide potential grants, and ultimately have a downstream effect on our government.
What is the biggest challenge facing Eagan right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge facing Eagan right now is that tax dollars are taken from Eagan and redistributed to other communities around Minnesota. The citizens of Eagan are subsidizing local governments across Minnesota. It is time for communities like Eagan to band together and work toward ending this imbalance.
The greatest opportunity for Eagan lies in its residents. By celebrating our residents' contributions and encouraging participation in local government, organizations, and activities, we can foster a truly connected community. By actively valuing every voice and encouraging participation in local organizations, we will cultivate an authentic, thriving civic life where every neighbor feels connected.
How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I would like to facilitate the growth of small businesses. Larger businesses have recently located in Eagan or expanded their facilities, including Amazon, Ecolab, and Solventum. I would like to explore opportunities to support entrepreneurship and small businesses, including working with other levels of government to expedite licensing and permits. As the City of Eagan begins work on its next Comprehensive Plan, it is critical to seek extensive input from residents to guide development over the next 20 years.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
The main public safety challenge in Eagan is property crime. As mayor, I will use a data-driven approach to ensure rapid response times to calls for service. I aim to assist Eagan residents and property owners in reducing their likelihood of becoming targets of criminal activity. I will support efforts to increase participation in Eagan's Citizens' Academy and Teen Citizens' Academy, encouraging Eagan residents to take a greater interest in their community's safety. I aim to continue and improve Eagan’s public safety and communication efforts.
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?
In Eagan, residential properties continue to be developed. I do not believe that rent control would be beneficial in Eagan. The average home price in Eagan is over $400,000, and high mortgage interest rates affect affordability.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Eagan has prioritized safety, and I am unaware of any major changes that would be needed.
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?
When looking at the annual city budget we should examine where your dollars are going, the first question is should the city be engaged in that activity. Is that the role of city government? If the answer is no, then it should be eliminated. If the answer is yes, then the question is if there is a way to deliver this service more efficiently and effectively.
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 that the issue of local government aid is best addressed by the mayor of the city of Eagan. It is not being addressed by any other state or county representative. Eagan carries one of the heaviest burdens to support local government aid, and as mayor, I can act as a distinct advocate against the system.
The city government is closest to the people and is positioned to support community connections. Taking our unique fiscal responsibility into account, the city should foster opportunities for growth and authentic engagement, especially public and private spaces for all ages.
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 will ensure that Minnesota Open Meeting Laws and ethics codes are followed. As mayor, I am committed to transparency and will never sign a non-disclosure agreement related to a data center being planned within the City of Eagan. I welcome feedback from City of Eagan employees who may be questioning city government practices, including those who may fear retaliation. I am also committed to the disclosure of conflicts of interest involving City Council decision-making.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-222-1360
Campaign Website: joekrueger4eaganmayor.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Joe Krueger for Eagan Mayor
Candidate Bio
As an industrial technician, I traveled across the Midwest, engaging with a broad range of businesses. I could be talking with the regional manager of a Fortune 500 company, clerical personnel, maintenance crews, small business owners, engineers, skilled trades workers, or equipment operators. On a daily basis, I interacted with unique individuals to troubleshoot issues with their equipment. I bring solution-focused leadership to the role of mayor. My goal is to solve problems while increasing efficiency and maintaining transparency, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
I have always followed the government's decisions that cut closest to citizens on the local level. As an honorably discharged veteran and long-time resident of Eagan, I will bring an authentic voice for the people of Eagan. Our current issues require unique solutions. As someone who has previously served on a city council, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and good governance—making sure that we exercise vigorous oversight on city spending.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As mayor, I will bring a willingness to listen and, more importantly, a willingness to act. Eagan residents will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, knowing that they will be heard. The average citizen’s concern should be brought to the forefront, rather than limiting our issues to those of entrenched interests. I am willing to engage with difficult topics and represent the citizens of Eagan. Problems often require creative solutions, and I will listen to new ideas and weigh their costs and benefits carefully.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Fiscal Equity: Eagan residents are major contributors, paying more into state and regional tax pools while receiving very little in return. I will raise awareness and strongly advocate for the people of Eagan.
Thriving Community: I will support the development of gathering places and opportunities for all ages, both public and private, to promote mental health and connection.
Honest Governance: Fraud is a rapidly rising concern, wasting hard-earned tax dollars. I will guarantee oversight on city spending.
The City of Eagan is primarily funded by local property taxes, but it is still important for us to monitor state and federal policies as they implement mandates, provide potential grants, and ultimately have a downstream effect on our government.
What is the biggest challenge facing Eagan right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge facing Eagan right now is that tax dollars are taken from Eagan and redistributed to other communities around Minnesota. The citizens of Eagan are subsidizing local governments across Minnesota. It is time for communities like Eagan to band together and work toward ending this imbalance.
The greatest opportunity for Eagan lies in its residents. By celebrating our residents' contributions and encouraging participation in local government, organizations, and activities, we can foster a truly connected community. By actively valuing every voice and encouraging participation in local organizations, we will cultivate an authentic, thriving civic life where every neighbor feels connected.
How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I would like to facilitate the growth of small businesses. Larger businesses have recently located in Eagan or expanded their facilities, including Amazon, Ecolab, and Solventum. I would like to explore opportunities to support entrepreneurship and small businesses, including working with other levels of government to expedite licensing and permits. As the City of Eagan begins work on its next Comprehensive Plan, it is critical to seek extensive input from residents to guide development over the next 20 years.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
The main public safety challenge in Eagan is property crime. As mayor, I will use a data-driven approach to ensure rapid response times to calls for service. I aim to assist Eagan residents and property owners in reducing their likelihood of becoming targets of criminal activity. I will support efforts to increase participation in Eagan's Citizens' Academy and Teen Citizens' Academy, encouraging Eagan residents to take a greater interest in their community's safety. I aim to continue and improve Eagan’s public safety and communication efforts.
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?
In Eagan, residential properties continue to be developed. I do not believe that rent control would be beneficial in Eagan. The average home price in Eagan is over $400,000, and high mortgage interest rates affect affordability.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Eagan has prioritized safety, and I am unaware of any major changes that would be needed.
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?
When looking at the annual city budget we should examine where your dollars are going, the first question is should the city be engaged in that activity. Is that the role of city government? If the answer is no, then it should be eliminated. If the answer is yes, then the question is if there is a way to deliver this service more efficiently and effectively.
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 that the issue of local government aid is best addressed by the mayor of the city of Eagan. It is not being addressed by any other state or county representative. Eagan carries one of the heaviest burdens to support local government aid, and as mayor, I can act as a distinct advocate against the system.
The city government is closest to the people and is positioned to support community connections. Taking our unique fiscal responsibility into account, the city should foster opportunities for growth and authentic engagement, especially public and private spaces for all ages.
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 will ensure that Minnesota Open Meeting Laws and ethics codes are followed. As mayor, I am committed to transparency and will never sign a non-disclosure agreement related to a data center being planned within the City of Eagan. I welcome feedback from City of Eagan employees who may be questioning city government practices, including those who may fear retaliation. I am also committed to the disclosure of conflicts of interest involving City Council decision-making.