Mark R Swenson
Name: Mark R Swenson
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-270-5385
Campaign Website:
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I was previously on the City Council from 1998-2018. I am retired from Bayport Fire Department (Chief, Captain) and as well as Andersen Windows (Production Supervisor). After my retirement, we were blessed with 3 granddaughters and my wife and I have the pleasure of watching them daily. When the former Mayor passed away, there was an opening on the city council which I applied for. I truly missed the council position and I am blessed to be on it again. My past record on the council was always common sense and being the voice of reason. I pride myself in my careers as a leader and a mentor to those wishing to further their skills.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a very non micro manager and a strong people person. I enjoy talking with others and helping them. In my life with the leadership roles that I have done, I am proud to say that I have succeeded and achieved all of my goals and those of the city.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
What is the biggest challenge facing Oak Park Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The new well that will be online shortly will more than likely require PFAS treatment. This is a very expensive task and the city leaders will have to make non traditional funding to support this. The council has begun exploring some very viable funding already.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oak Park Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
The business climate for new openings has been fairly smooth. The addition of Cannabis stores has proven to be challenging but the city staff has been outstanding considering this is a new challenge and new territory to cover. Overall, the city will continue to assist developers as needed and be a positive partner.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Hwy 36 continues to gain more traffic daily and will only continue to grow as Western Wisconsin develops. Ensuring we have good relationships with the county and state will allow us to work as a team to drive changes needed.
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?
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I will continue to support the infrastructure of our trail system and making non-motorized trails available.
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 will continue to control spending at the city level and ensure that our spending is controlled. Our city staff continues to hold spending and no added frills to the levy numbers. We do our best to retain staff and if possible, reduce staff through job sharing.
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?
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?
In today’s world, there is no trust in elected officials. To gain trust you have to be honest and truthful to your constituents. This not only to our Oak Park Residents but our neighbors too. When you are not forth coming on your visions and goals, you lose trust and credibility. I do not have an agenda that I am running on, I only have my promise to you that I will do what is right for the people. The elected officials in Oak Park Heights are the finest that I have ever seen. The honesty between the members is strong. The trust in having different opinions shared with the rest of the council is nothing short of amazing. The council does not ever show disrespect to each other or any member of the community. WE are not in the daily news because we do our jobs well. When I say we that is from the top down: Our Mayor, Council members, City staff and employees. WE all have pride in our positions and want this city to shine every day.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-270-5385
Campaign Website:
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I was previously on the City Council from 1998-2018. I am retired from Bayport Fire Department (Chief, Captain) and as well as Andersen Windows (Production Supervisor). After my retirement, we were blessed with 3 granddaughters and my wife and I have the pleasure of watching them daily. When the former Mayor passed away, there was an opening on the city council which I applied for. I truly missed the council position and I am blessed to be on it again. My past record on the council was always common sense and being the voice of reason. I pride myself in my careers as a leader and a mentor to those wishing to further their skills.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a very non micro manager and a strong people person. I enjoy talking with others and helping them. In my life with the leadership roles that I have done, I am proud to say that I have succeeded and achieved all of my goals and those of the city.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
- The closing of the Allen S. King plant is going to affect our budget. The city needs strong leaders that will stand up and fight for what we have. This will involve our state elected leaders.
- Our city has an done an exceptional job with our budget. The reserve funds are good and we have to keep that moving. Keeping our costs at a minimum and working positively with the residents and business owners will foster good relationships
- Unfunded mandates from our state elected leaders has gotten out of control and the cities need to unite together to stop the unnecessary mandates.
What is the biggest challenge facing Oak Park Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The new well that will be online shortly will more than likely require PFAS treatment. This is a very expensive task and the city leaders will have to make non traditional funding to support this. The council has begun exploring some very viable funding already.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oak Park Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
The business climate for new openings has been fairly smooth. The addition of Cannabis stores has proven to be challenging but the city staff has been outstanding considering this is a new challenge and new territory to cover. Overall, the city will continue to assist developers as needed and be a positive partner.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Hwy 36 continues to gain more traffic daily and will only continue to grow as Western Wisconsin develops. Ensuring we have good relationships with the county and state will allow us to work as a team to drive changes needed.
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?
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I will continue to support the infrastructure of our trail system and making non-motorized trails available.
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 will continue to control spending at the city level and ensure that our spending is controlled. Our city staff continues to hold spending and no added frills to the levy numbers. We do our best to retain staff and if possible, reduce staff through job sharing.
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?
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?
In today’s world, there is no trust in elected officials. To gain trust you have to be honest and truthful to your constituents. This not only to our Oak Park Residents but our neighbors too. When you are not forth coming on your visions and goals, you lose trust and credibility. I do not have an agenda that I am running on, I only have my promise to you that I will do what is right for the people. The elected officials in Oak Park Heights are the finest that I have ever seen. The honesty between the members is strong. The trust in having different opinions shared with the rest of the council is nothing short of amazing. The council does not ever show disrespect to each other or any member of the community. WE are not in the daily news because we do our jobs well. When I say we that is from the top down: Our Mayor, Council members, City staff and employees. WE all have pride in our positions and want this city to shine every day.