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Background Statement
I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I was brought up Lutheran and am a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. My husband and I were married in 2000 and we moved to Burnsville in 2001. He is a physician at Park Nicollet Clinic in Burnsville. I currently work for Minneapolis Public school as a speech and language clinician. We have an 8-year old daughter, who attends Echo Park Elementary School in Burnsville.
Qualifications
Why are you running for office and why should people vote for you?
I decided to run for City Council because I want to get more involved with our community and to serve the people of Burnsville. My strength is communication and I will seek to listen, understand and respect. I am very positive and will bring a refreshing new face, new energy and a collaborative spirit. My priority is to keep our neighborhoods safe. We also need to maintain infrastructures, parks and public utilities while being fiscally conservative. I love Burnsville and I truly believe it is one of best cities to live and raise families in America. If elected as a City Council member, I will strive to maintain and improve on the quality of life for all citizens of Burnsville.
Has the city of Burnsville achieved a proper balance between city services, spending and taxes?
Every year the city struggles to find a balance between services, spending and taxes. Burnsville has accomplished this task admirably as reflected by its highest bond rating of Aaa by Moody. The proposed budget and tax levy of 2.7% for 2013 is fiscally sound. To achieve this balance, our city leaders recommend eliminating the vacant deputy city manager position and postpone payments to Emerald Ash Borer, Parks Capital and Infrastructure Trust Funds. While the effect on these financial maneuvers is negligible short-term, our citizens must realize that eventually funding must resume or we will lose services.
Has the city taken adequate steps to sustain its vitality as it ages?
We continue to make improvements to our city to keep it competitive as it ages. Property maintenance is high priority for 2013 and will ensure Burnsville with high quality housing and business properties. The proposed plan is to hire inspectors and contractors to inspect rental properties and to proactively canvassing neighborhoods. The cost will be covered by licensing fees and not tax revenue. Also, a new interchange for County road 5 at highway 13 is being plan to accommodate increasing traffic demand and to decrease the number of crashes. Finally, we are at the initial stage of discussion regarding redevelopment of the Minnesota River Quadrant.
Has the Burnsville Performing Arts Center proved beneficial to the city?
The Burnsville Performing Arts Center (BPAC) continues to improve our economic position in business development and tourism. We are witnessing new buildings being built and others being bought and a continuation of new businesses looking to or entering downtown Burnsville, also known as Heart of the City. When tourists arrive for dance competitions, entertainment, weddings or other special events; our hotels, restaurants and shops all benefit by the BPAC being here. Our quality of life has been enhanced with a wide variety of offerings at the BPAC as well as new amenities and businesses available to us with a revitalized downtown area.
With that said, I am also cognizant of the significant financial commitment that the city has made to the BPAC and our continuing financial burden going forward. I would like to find a solution to this matter.