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What’s one burning issue that’s prompted you to run for this position (25 words):
The actions of City Staff and the City Council differ from the views of a majority of residents. Ordinances often fail to support citizen wishes.
Since 2003, the city has increased the amount of taxes it levies on property by 8 percent annually. Do you u favor continuing this policy, or do you favor a lower or higher amount of property tax increase? What
specific increase would you support, and what budget adjustments would you make in light of your
choice? (100 words)
Annual arbitrary increases in property tax levies are inappropriate and property taxes already
excessive in many cases. I think most property owners consider the amount of money collected
in all forms of taxes excessive and wonder just how all of that money is spent.
It seems to me that the City has gone too far beyond providing basic services – Police, Fire, and
Public Works - and has become involved in oversight not within reasonable expectations of City government.
Perhaps the City has too generous pension obligations, and health care costs are affecting all employers. Minneapolis’s financial obligations have become excessive.
With state aid declining and property taxes rising, should the city diversify the taxes and fees through
which it derives income? If so, how? (100 words)
It is possible that the present decline of State revenues may continue. The ability of the private
sector to bear the cost of government by way of increased taxes may not be possible.
Fees collected by government are transferred directly to customers in the form of higher charges,
and the mechanisms that City government administers fees leads to service provider exclusiveness
and limits competition.
Establishing fees for basic services that were previously paid for by taxes are very distasteful.
The solution is recognizing there are limited resources and money, and thinking in terms of sustainability.
The council is considering how to use the property taxes from its older development districts. This
tax increment by law may only be used to pay for Target Center debt and for neighborhood revitalization, or a alternately, the tax base in these districts can be returned to the general tax base. What percentage
would you allocate to each of these three purposes? (100 words)
I am not prepared to say what percentage of property tax revenue I would allocate to each of these three purposes, nor am I able to comment importance of the Target Center or the Convention Center to the City relative to other financial obligations. Understanding these matters will take time and experience.
Neighborhood revitalization, including community engagement, is important and deserves adequate funding. However, individual neighborhood groups must meet specific objectives of financial
integrity, inclusiveness, and emergency preparedness.
Previous obligations will have to be met; it may be necessary to return this property tax money to
the general fund.
Council members may collect up to $400 monthly as a car allowance. Would you do so or collect a
lesser monthly allowance (how much?) or collect only per-mile payments for actual miles driven?
E explain your choice. (50 words)
With the Councilmember’s annual salary of about $70,000 per year, I believe the Councilmember’s
pay is sufficient money to pay for local employment-related transportation.
I am sure most Council members travel costs associated representing constituents is minimal.
I would not collect a monthly allowance or a per-mile reimbursement.
What are three specific things that you’d like to accomplish in your ward by the end of your four-year
term? (50 words)
Height and density limitations on new residential construction projects.
I would encourage other neighborhoods and communities to recognize group homes are good
neighbors and to accept them into their neighborhoods, and try to identify alternative uses for the formerly extravagant and grand houses group homes occupy.
Open up Nicollet Avenue.
What’s one specific city-wide accomplishment you’d like to make happen by the end of your term?
(25 words).
Create a more favorable business environment for manufacturing. Industrial employment brings
wealth to the community and makes good jobs for people who want to work.
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