Paul Bakken
Name: Paul Bakken
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: N/a
Campaign Website: N/a
Twitter handle: I’ve never been on Twitter, even back when it was still called “Twitter.”
Facebook Page: I do not have a Facebook page.
Candidate Bio
I am a 33-year resident of Eagan, and my wife and I have raised our three children here. I’m a successful small business owner, and currently serve as the Executive Director of a MN Health Licensing Board. I have served on the Board of Directors of three non-profit organizations, and am a Board Member and the Chair of Dakota Electric Association. I’ve also served as an officer in the Army National Guard. I have spent over 23 years in public service to Eagan, and I have the experience and connections needed to be an effective leader. By serving another term on the City Council, I will provide continuity of leadership, and will help maintain the community standards and practices that have led to Eagan's success. In recent years, Eagan government has received 90%+ approval ratings from both residents and businesses. This is indicative of strong public support for the current management team and practices. I have a proven track record of environmentally responsible, inclusive, ethical, and fiscally conservative action, and intend to continue this work.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Experienced and independent. Please refer to my answer above for examples of my experience. Moreover, I offer a truly independent point of view: I do not belong to a political party, nor do I have aspirations to any higher, partisan office. My focus is solely on Eagan, and on what is in the best long-term interests of our community. I should also mention that while I am happy to answer this questionnaire, I do not seek, nor do I accept, endorsements or campaign contributions from any partisan political organizations, industry groups, or political action committees of any kind.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
First, I will build on the contributions that I have made to Eagan during my previous terms, and continue to work to keep Eagan safe, stable, and sustainable.
Second, I will continue to focus on the core issues that make Eagan a success. I will work to ensure good value for our tax dollars, preserve open space, support our infrastructure, and provide common sense leadership. I will also make certain that our decision-making processes are open, equitable, and accessible to input from the community.
Finally, I will continue to advocate for a common sense approach to development and redevelopment, striving to maintain a healthy, sustainable mix in our tax base.
I am less concerned about the uncertainty of State and Federal funding because, for the last 20+ years, I have worked to make certain that Eagan is not dependent on such funding for our core services.
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 the same issue rearing its head nationwide: a rise of partisan political tribalism and a loss of trust in our neighbors and government institutions. The opportunity is how we as a community respond to this challenge, and resist efforts to inject partisan politics into local government.
I know that in uncertain times it's easy to feel powerless and angry. What I've learned over two decades of public service, however, is that we build a better country by building better communities. Better communities arise from building mutual trust and support. Although we can't control everything, we can control how we treat each other, how we invest in our shared future, and whether we give up or keep working to make things better right here where we live.
I’m certainly not giving up, and while there are opportunities for me as a City Council member to maintain Eagan government’s culture of public service and community connection, these things are most effective when done in direct consultation and collaboration with the taxpayers. Ultimately, good local government is a team sport and it is important for all of us to remember that, at the end of the day, we are all on the same team.
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?
The business climate in Eagan is robust. We have been one of the first metro area communities to recover from the commercial real estate collapse during the COVID-19 years. Recent business survey results show very high ratings for Eagan government and services, so we appear to be on the right track. The best strategy for a community like Eagan is to focus on infrastructure and other common services from which we all benefit, thereby creating a solid foundation on which to build new businesses and a stable environment in which to grow existing ones.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
I have spoken to current and former public safety officials about this topic and, in a way, Eagan is blessed. We have a very low crime rate and benefit from an outstanding fulltime fire department. One emerging area of concern, however, is the growing threat of retail theft. These thefts are becoming increasingly more common and brazen, and have the effect of driving up consumer prices and attracting other types of crime to our community. The solution is a combination of retailer education and prosecution of offenders. Together, these actions will make Eagan a less attractive target for these types of criminals.
Aside from that, we must continue to maintain the high level of service that our community receives from our police and fire departments. As a City Council Member, this means working to secure the resources needed to support our public safety departments and the men and women who serve in those roles.
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 opposed efforts to open up the short-term rental industry in Eagan because it locks up affordable housing stock and degrades community standards. By resisting efforts to convert starter homes into Airbnb rental properties and the like, I have helped keep our organic supply of these homes available to new homeowners who actually live here fulltime. I have also opposed transitions from commercial or industrial uses to high density residential uses unless these re-developments include a provable component of affordable housing. Finally, rent control doesn’t really work in places like Eagan, but I have worked to maintain a strong working relationship with the Dakota County CDA, which does an excellent job of providing safe, well maintained, and well managed affordable housing opportunities in our community.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Eagan has one of the best pavement management programs in the State, and we routinely benefit from a useable road lifespan that is greater than the industry average. I would maintain this practice – it is fiscally prudent, extends the time needed between preventative maintenance and corrective service, and helps preserve scarce resources for future needs.
I have also supported adopting the Complete Streets methodology for traffic controls, road improvements, and transportation infrastructure design. I support an integrated transportation system in which driving, using transit, biking, and walking are all viable options, and it is easy to switch from one mode to another.
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?
Eagan currently offers a focused selection of services that strike the right balance between cost and benefit to the taxpayers. We enjoy high quality services and amenities, as well as one of the lowest tax rates in the Metro area among comparable communities. In all, the current mix of services is well received by Eagan’s taxpayers, and I am not aware of a compelling reason to change it. I listen to what Eagan voters say they need, and then work with my colleagues on the City Council to find cost-effective ways to deliver it.
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 feel like I should answer this question by repeating the phrase “local land use authority” two or three times. In recent years, there have been efforts in the State legislature to take planning authority away from local city government and vest it instead in the State legislature. Legislators from inner cities and outstate MN should not be dictating zoning decisions in Eagan. Decisions about how land should be used in a community are best made by the people who actually live and work here.
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?
Real taxpayer transparency looks like what Eagan already does. We hold multiple public hearings on our proposed budgets, maintain open books, and welcome an annual audit of Eagan’s finances by an independent, third-party accounting firm. We also commission a comprehensive annual financial report that is made available to the public for review and comment. Those of us who serve in city government take pride in making sure that every one of our citizens has the opportunity to become fully informed about the state of Eagan’s finances and provide their input into future planning.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: N/a
Campaign Website: N/a
Twitter handle: I’ve never been on Twitter, even back when it was still called “Twitter.”
Facebook Page: I do not have a Facebook page.
Candidate Bio
I am a 33-year resident of Eagan, and my wife and I have raised our three children here. I’m a successful small business owner, and currently serve as the Executive Director of a MN Health Licensing Board. I have served on the Board of Directors of three non-profit organizations, and am a Board Member and the Chair of Dakota Electric Association. I’ve also served as an officer in the Army National Guard. I have spent over 23 years in public service to Eagan, and I have the experience and connections needed to be an effective leader. By serving another term on the City Council, I will provide continuity of leadership, and will help maintain the community standards and practices that have led to Eagan's success. In recent years, Eagan government has received 90%+ approval ratings from both residents and businesses. This is indicative of strong public support for the current management team and practices. I have a proven track record of environmentally responsible, inclusive, ethical, and fiscally conservative action, and intend to continue this work.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Experienced and independent. Please refer to my answer above for examples of my experience. Moreover, I offer a truly independent point of view: I do not belong to a political party, nor do I have aspirations to any higher, partisan office. My focus is solely on Eagan, and on what is in the best long-term interests of our community. I should also mention that while I am happy to answer this questionnaire, I do not seek, nor do I accept, endorsements or campaign contributions from any partisan political organizations, industry groups, or political action committees of any kind.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
First, I will build on the contributions that I have made to Eagan during my previous terms, and continue to work to keep Eagan safe, stable, and sustainable.
Second, I will continue to focus on the core issues that make Eagan a success. I will work to ensure good value for our tax dollars, preserve open space, support our infrastructure, and provide common sense leadership. I will also make certain that our decision-making processes are open, equitable, and accessible to input from the community.
Finally, I will continue to advocate for a common sense approach to development and redevelopment, striving to maintain a healthy, sustainable mix in our tax base.
I am less concerned about the uncertainty of State and Federal funding because, for the last 20+ years, I have worked to make certain that Eagan is not dependent on such funding for our core services.
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 the same issue rearing its head nationwide: a rise of partisan political tribalism and a loss of trust in our neighbors and government institutions. The opportunity is how we as a community respond to this challenge, and resist efforts to inject partisan politics into local government.
I know that in uncertain times it's easy to feel powerless and angry. What I've learned over two decades of public service, however, is that we build a better country by building better communities. Better communities arise from building mutual trust and support. Although we can't control everything, we can control how we treat each other, how we invest in our shared future, and whether we give up or keep working to make things better right here where we live.
I’m certainly not giving up, and while there are opportunities for me as a City Council member to maintain Eagan government’s culture of public service and community connection, these things are most effective when done in direct consultation and collaboration with the taxpayers. Ultimately, good local government is a team sport and it is important for all of us to remember that, at the end of the day, we are all on the same team.
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?
The business climate in Eagan is robust. We have been one of the first metro area communities to recover from the commercial real estate collapse during the COVID-19 years. Recent business survey results show very high ratings for Eagan government and services, so we appear to be on the right track. The best strategy for a community like Eagan is to focus on infrastructure and other common services from which we all benefit, thereby creating a solid foundation on which to build new businesses and a stable environment in which to grow existing ones.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
I have spoken to current and former public safety officials about this topic and, in a way, Eagan is blessed. We have a very low crime rate and benefit from an outstanding fulltime fire department. One emerging area of concern, however, is the growing threat of retail theft. These thefts are becoming increasingly more common and brazen, and have the effect of driving up consumer prices and attracting other types of crime to our community. The solution is a combination of retailer education and prosecution of offenders. Together, these actions will make Eagan a less attractive target for these types of criminals.
Aside from that, we must continue to maintain the high level of service that our community receives from our police and fire departments. As a City Council Member, this means working to secure the resources needed to support our public safety departments and the men and women who serve in those roles.
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 opposed efforts to open up the short-term rental industry in Eagan because it locks up affordable housing stock and degrades community standards. By resisting efforts to convert starter homes into Airbnb rental properties and the like, I have helped keep our organic supply of these homes available to new homeowners who actually live here fulltime. I have also opposed transitions from commercial or industrial uses to high density residential uses unless these re-developments include a provable component of affordable housing. Finally, rent control doesn’t really work in places like Eagan, but I have worked to maintain a strong working relationship with the Dakota County CDA, which does an excellent job of providing safe, well maintained, and well managed affordable housing opportunities in our community.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Eagan has one of the best pavement management programs in the State, and we routinely benefit from a useable road lifespan that is greater than the industry average. I would maintain this practice – it is fiscally prudent, extends the time needed between preventative maintenance and corrective service, and helps preserve scarce resources for future needs.
I have also supported adopting the Complete Streets methodology for traffic controls, road improvements, and transportation infrastructure design. I support an integrated transportation system in which driving, using transit, biking, and walking are all viable options, and it is easy to switch from one mode to another.
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?
Eagan currently offers a focused selection of services that strike the right balance between cost and benefit to the taxpayers. We enjoy high quality services and amenities, as well as one of the lowest tax rates in the Metro area among comparable communities. In all, the current mix of services is well received by Eagan’s taxpayers, and I am not aware of a compelling reason to change it. I listen to what Eagan voters say they need, and then work with my colleagues on the City Council to find cost-effective ways to deliver it.
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 feel like I should answer this question by repeating the phrase “local land use authority” two or three times. In recent years, there have been efforts in the State legislature to take planning authority away from local city government and vest it instead in the State legislature. Legislators from inner cities and outstate MN should not be dictating zoning decisions in Eagan. Decisions about how land should be used in a community are best made by the people who actually live and work here.
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?
Real taxpayer transparency looks like what Eagan already does. We hold multiple public hearings on our proposed budgets, maintain open books, and welcome an annual audit of Eagan’s finances by an independent, third-party accounting firm. We also commission a comprehensive annual financial report that is made available to the public for review and comment. Those of us who serve in city government take pride in making sure that every one of our citizens has the opportunity to become fully informed about the state of Eagan’s finances and provide their input into future planning.