It is the largest single driver for quality of life and economic stability. I believe that it is necessary to have a well-rounded approach to Public Safety with a focus on prevention, while fully supporting our Police Department and Fire Department with technology, training, recruitment, and retention as they enforce our laws and protect our residents. In the most recent community survey, residents rated Public Safety as priority number one. It is where 49% of all city tax dollars are spent to create and maintain the safe and thriving city we have today. Public Safety encompasses a multitude of facets from all departments in the city including prevention efforts, engineering and infrastructure planning, education and community outreach and finally enforcement. By investing in a well-rounded and multi-faceted approach to public safety in addition to being proactive in our efforts, we are able to create and thriving city with a healthy economic environment that attracts and retains residents, public safety employees and businesses. 

As a city, we budget for public safety, necessary utilities, infrastructure, parks and trails and maintenance (short and long term). Other taxing entities tax, budget, staff and provide other services that we do not offer at the city level. It is crucial that we stay focused on the role of local city government in order to keep the budget from becoming inflated, taxing for duplicate services that the county/state/federal agencies already tax to provide and ultimately to focus on providing high quality city services that provide for and enhance our residents quality of life. Spending your tax dollars is not something that I take lightly therefore all spending is critically analyzed.  

Community development should follow the 2040 development plan to ensure that we have housing options available for residents in all stages of life and at all income levels. I will encourage efforts to attract and support our senior populations with housing that suits their needs and explore transportation and recreational opportunities to advance their quality of life. I will seek to support economic development that brings high paying jobs into our GMA industrial areas and create better access on Elm Creek Blvd and HWY 169 as well as supporting the completion of 610. Being we are the second largest retail hub per capita in the twin cities, we need to continue to focus on how we can support all our businesses to create a flourishing economy with marketing, transportation options and help accessing county, state and federal programs.