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I believe in managing growth so that it is better able to pay for itself.
Growth is inevitable and can provide both opportunities and challenges. During my tenure Scott County has become very proactive in working to manage growth in a manner that takes advantage of the opportunities and mitigates the challenges.
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Barbara worked with fellow county employees at a Habitat for Humanity housing Project in Savage |
We have created a more thorough, open and capable community development department that looks to the future – not just the present. We have recently completed a thorough and comprehensive visioning and planning process that addresses all aspects of growth – social, economic and environmental – as opposed to former plans that focused solely on land use. The net result is that the County now manages growth and development in a more effective and efficient manner and we are better situated to guide our future and our future growth.
The proof of our success is not in anything that I might say; but, is evident in how Scott County is now viewed within the region. Shortly after I joined the County Board the metropolitan council was quoted in the Star Tribune (March 1998) as referring to Scott County as “the black sheep of the metropolitan area” for the manner in which it managed growth. In contrast the Star Tribune quoted the current Councils Chair, Peter Bell, (August 2008) as praising “Scott County as a model for the region” with respect to its current planning processes.
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Barbara and fellow Commissioners tour area watershed projects with The Watershed Planning Commission and staff from the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District. |
If re-elected I will continue to support a proactive management of growth within Scott County with a focus on working with the cities to foster an environment conducive to greater commercial and industrial development within the County.
