ROBERT STREET
I strongly support our local business community and the work of the South Robert Street Business Association. We are fortunate to have so many great community events sponsored by South Robert Street Business Association, including most recently the very successful Winter Fun Fest in February. I have been active in supporting the implementation of a Special Service District (SSD) for the Robert Street corridor. An SSD will allow the City to implement and collect fees in order to enhance marketing, beatification, and coordination between businesses and the City. The City approved funding in its recent budget to establish the SSD. I also voted in favor of our recently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides development throughout the city and establishes a unified vision for Robert Street over the next decade. We must continue to implement that plan through policy changes and not just let another plan collect dust on a shelf. With increased density requirements and changes to allow residential housing along Robert Street, we must carefully study and consider changes to our parking, design and other development standards to ensure we build up a community we can all be proud to call home. |
PUBLIC SAFETY
We are fortunate to have a very professional and well run police department in our city. I believe the appointment of Brian Sturgeon as our police chief following the retirement of Chief Shaver in 2019 was a good decision. When rioting and violence came to our city in May, Chief Sturgeon really stepped up to protect West St. Paul businesses and residents. I witnessed the violence and looting first hand at my shop on Robert Street. It was scary and I hope to never have to experience that fear in my community again. But I also witnessed the quick, professional and appropriate response from our police department and its many partners. I fully support our Police Department. Yet the events in Minneapolis is an opportunity to do better and to listen to our community. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis is a turning point not just for Minneapolis but nationwide. As a council and a city, we must continue to evaluate our police department, its culture and practices; review and implement change for the better in our use of force policies; consider and question all requests for additional funding; and hold our police department to a very high standard to ensure they serve the people of our city. I also continue to support South Metro Fire as they continue to receive high marks for response times, training and professionalism. |
ACCESSIBLE TO YOU
Having a visible and long established family owned business on the corner of Robert Street and Moreland, residents know where to find me. And you sure have. I have more conversations with residents, other council members and staff at my shop than at any other place in the city. My door is open and you always know where to find me. I love hearing from residents, getting feedback on our agendas and debating the issues right here on Robert Street, the backbone of our city. I will continue to be your councilmember that listens to all viewpoints in the community. Leadership requires open access, listening, and weighing all viewpoints to reach a decision that is in the best interests of the entire city not just special interests. During my time on the Council, I have done that, will continue to do that, and look forward to working for you for another 4 years. |
WORKING TOGETHER
Under the leadership of Mayor Dave Napier, Council has reached consensus on many of the issues coming before us, including unanimous passage of many important proclamations. We have worked together to reach sound budget decisions and move development projects forward. I was also a member of the committee that unanimously recommended appointment of Councilperson Lisa Eng-Sarne to Mayor Napier’s seat in Ward 3 in 2019, the first woman ever appointed to our Council. No matter the politics or personalities involved, we still must work to find common ground and work together for the good of the city. Each year our neighborhood meeting surveys have provided important insight into what residents would like to see in West St. Paul. We have used that feedback to form the framework of our Council priorities established in 2019. I look forward to working with the Council and Mayor in 2021 and beyond to review and update those priorities for the future. |