Land Trust -- My position on land trust is simple and straight
forward. I am philosophically and politically opposed to land trust. If re-elected I will continue to oppose any
new applications of Mdewakanton Sioux to place additional land into “trust” status
thereby removing the land from the county tax rolls and increasing the burden
on the property tax payers in my district.
Click here to read my complete views on Land Trust
Growth and
Development – I believe in managing growth so that it is better able
to pay for itself. 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 Click here to read my complete views on
Growth and Development
Public Safety – The central role of all governments is to provide for
the safety of their citizens. In times of uncertainty, whether due to a criminal act,
natural disaster, or an accident, the County must be prepared to respond and to
support the cities in their response.
From replacing a jail on the verge of condemnation, to replacing an
insufficient 9-1-1 dispatch and radio system; as your Commissioner public
safety has been at the top of my agenda.
Click here to read my complete views on Public
Safety
Taxes and Spending – I support fiscally responsible spending that limits
taxes. During my tenure Scott County
has moved from one of the highest to one of the lowest taxed counties in the State of Minnesota
(79th
overall of 87 counties). Click here to read my complete views on Taxes
and Spending
Transportation – Resolving transportation issues (bottlenecks
and safety problems) combined with properly maintaining our road networks is
one of the most critical areas on which County government must make
investments. I have supported a phased
and fiscally prudent process that has substantially improved the ability of Scott
County
to meet our local transportation needs.
Click here to read my views
and record on Transportation
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