My wife of 41 years, Kathy and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for the last 34 years, living in three great neighborhoods one on Karth Lake, then near Benton Way and now we call the Townhomes on Hamline our home. We have raised our four children here, sending them through St. Odilia grade school and graduating from Mounds View High school.
Having previously served on the Arden Hills City Council, I have the experience; I understand how city government works, I have been involved for more than a decade, Commissioner on the Economic Development Council, personally visited our businesses and encouraged other business to move here brining good jobs and I wrote part of the script for the creation of a marketing video.
As Chair of the Finance Council, we studied the water billings and developed a formula of fairness on cost sharing. I lead the discussion that redefined City staff health care that led to $100,000 in annual cost savings for the city. I understand the finances; I understand our infrastructure, and how to plan for future needs. I want taxpayers protected; I want residents treated respectfully. I will make council decisions based on facts rather than personalities. I'll spend money where it produces value, but I won't spend simply because something would be nice to have. Together, we can preserve our residential charm while building a future for residential and commercial projects.
To the question of my style 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.
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.
I truly appreciate our business community as their growth will bring good jobs to our community. Kathy and I are big supporters of the Military and their families, in particular, the MN National Guard.
My main interests are with maintaining the infrastructure of our community, safe drinking water, clean air, lots of Trees, well maintained Parks, walking trails and roadways. I will continue to push for TCAAP development as well as trails that continue to connect to our parks and community.
