It's About Our Community

Trying to convince people that you're trying to make your community a better place can be difficult.  Too often, people take a cynical view of individuals who seek elected office.  It's easy to understand why.  Public officials may try to benefit themselves or serve some personal need.  I get that.  Some people, though, run for office because they genuinely care for their community and want to improve it.  They may choose to do so because it makes them feel good or because they want to leave their mark on their community in a positive way.  It's about the recognition of doing what's right.

I began this journey a long time ago.  I've wanted to leave my mark on St. Cloud in a good way - to help our people have opportunities to get a good-paying job.  To make our neighborhoods safer, and provide kids (like we all were) opportunities to be active and be safe.  To improve the livability of St. Cloud for those who live here already or who may want to live here.  In 2001, while still in college, I decided to run for mayor.  My effort was poor and my showing (4th place out of 6) was to be expected.  I still have a binder filled with ideas and proposals that I sometimes peek at to remind myself of what I had been thinking about at the time.  While the ideas and proposals have changed, the purpose behind them has not.  Namely, let's make St. Cloud a better place for everyone.

In 2007, I tried unsuccessfully to get elected to the city council.  While my effort was a bit better, it was still lacking and the result expected.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't discouraged.  However, with a desire to still serve my community, I was offered an opportunity to serve on the planning commission.  It has been a great and enjoyable experience that has allowed me to learn about new initiatives and ideas.  It has provided me with a better understanding of city policy and planning while allowing me a chance to influence the direction of St. Cloud to improve our quality of life.  Most importantly, it has given me the confidence to once again seek elected office and work to make St. Cloud a better place.  If I'm unsuccessful in this attempt, I'll continue to work hard as a planning commissioner.

This blog post is not intended to criticize other candidates or question their motives.  I suspect each feels much like I do.  This election is about our quality of life.  This election is about choosing candidates who want to improve St. Cloud by working with others in our community to hear their ideas and input - be those from Democrats or Republicans.  It's about electing a candidate who has learned from previous experiences that nothing good ever comes easy, you have to keep working at it, and that the result of the efforts is positive impact on our community.

Your time is valuable, and I appreciate your reading this post and the others I've made.  I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 6th.

Thank you very much.


Jake

Complete Streets - Part 2

Complete Streets is about making our transportation networks friendly to different types of transportation.  It's also about making our transportation networks complete - rather than disjointed and disconnected. 

I hit on that a bit in a previous post (Complete Streets Part 1).  From bikes to pedestrians to motorcycles to buses, people get around all sorts of ways.  The method they select depends on a number of factors, but the ability to get to their destination is at, or near, the top. 

The past 50 years of our growth strategies have focused on automobiles – and focused on growing outward (sprawl).  Our land development patterns have forced people to use a car instead of other modes of transportation - and limited the use of them as alternative transportation types, instead relegating biking and walking to leisure activities.  This is inefficient and unhealthy.  It is also cost-prohibitive.  The more roads we have to lay, the more maintenance costs we are adding.  As we look to update our city's comprehensive plan (last done in 2003), we should take a serious look at our land-use and zoning as it relates to expansion and outward growth.  I’ve discussed at length my concerns about our existing infrastructure maintenance cost issues in other blog posts and at candidate forums. 

We need to approach every new road project with caution and evaluate them using with questions like:

• Will be it useable by all modes of transportation?
• Is it realistic that people would utilize different modes of transportation?
• Is it part of a larger transportation network that actually allows people to get from point A to B to C and so on?
• Will this new development be part of the existing public transportation system network?
• How will we pay for the maintenance of the new infrastructure? 

It is one thing to create a new commercial development that is bike and pedestrian friendly.  It's completely another if it's not connected to anything.  Additionally, if it is not on an existing bus route, is it cost-effective to provide bus service to the addition - and who should pay for it?

We should also be doing the same thing when we are replacing existing roadways and evaluating our options for making our existing transportation network complete.  To this extent, the Planning Commission recently approved providing funding to a Lake Wobegon Trail funding study.  The goal is to connect the Lake Wobegon trail with the Beaver Island trail.  It would also create a east-west route across a good portion of St. Cloud.  Trails like these need to be thought of and planned as alternative transportation routes in addition to recreation.  But trails are only part of the solution and should always be evaluated on feasibility - including cost.  Making roads more bike-friendly by providing adequate room for bikes and cars is essential as well as ensuring those are connected and that people, regardless of if they are in a car or on a bike, can get to where they want to go.  Equally important are safe sidewalks - and placing sidewalks in locations where they're needed.  It's not about spending more money, but spending money wisely.

The key to successfully implementing Complete Streets is recognizing that we're never done.  We can always be looking at ways to improve transportation options.  It requires the support of elected officials and, more importantly, the residents.  By being strong advocates for it now, we can make improvements and plan for the future.  This will enhance our quality of life and begin to shape our planning and growth strategies for the next 50 years.   

Like every issue, I welcome your feedback and comments.

Why Social Media Usage Matters

I've highlighted several times that I'm the only candidate with a visible and active website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter presence.  To me, these are communication tools of our time.  More and more, people rely on social media for information and as a way to interact with others. 

It should matter to you that the other candidates don't have a social media presence.  You are currently limited in seeing what their priorities are.  You can't be sure what they think about any particular topic and you are limited in how you can let them know how you feel.  Sure, you can call them or email them, but that's not being open to others.  Phone calls can go to voicemail and emails can go unanswered.  Plus, you have no idea if others have expressed a similar opinion as yours to them. 

If elected, I promise to continue to use social media to express my ideas and opinions, and for you in turn to provide me feedback, opinions, and ideas of your own.  Plus, they'll be viewable by others - creating much more open communication, transparency, and (hopefully) constructive dialogue. 

A Synopsis of My Priorities

As we approach election day, I'd like to lay out my priorities should I be elected as an at-large City Council member.  These are priorities I've articulated in different blogs and interviews, but I wanted to put them together in a single place.  Each of them is targeted at improving our quality of life and making St. Cloud an even better place to live. They are all tied together in some way or another.

1. Develop Long-term Infrastructure / Land-Use Strategy: 
We cannot afford to continue expanding our infrastructure outward.  The maintenance costs in the future will eat up a large portion of our budget that may be needed for things like fire and police protection, as well as amenities like an aquatic center and recreational opportunities.  This is already a problem that is requiring a super-bond (found on the ballot this year) that addresses the problem in the short-term (by raising property taxes 4.5%).  We need to identify how we will pay for the maintenance of our roads, what our roads of the future should look like (incorporating Complete Streets), and who will use our roads.  We should do more to get a higher return on investment with our existing infrastructure and focus on developing or re-developing within our established infrastructure.

We must also examine how we've gotten into such a predicament as a way to avoid having the situation repeat itself.  In hindsight, the construction of the new police building has impacted our bonding abilities and shifted resources that could have went to infrastructure repair.  Obviously, we can't go back in time and re-litigate this decision, but we can learn lessons from it (and other past decisions).

2.  Focused Economic Development:  
Folks have been talking about economic development and bringing higher-paying jobs to our region for 20+ years.  It's not unique to St. Cloud.  For every new Arctic Cat or Geringhoff we bring into our area, we also lose a Donlin Co or Fingerhut.  Business, and thus economic development, is cyclical.  We must adapt to changes in the global economy and market our strengths.  Hitting home runs by attracting new, large employers to the area are rare.  As a result, we should do more to grow and expand existing businesses that are here.  We do this by identifying what government. a private partner, or a private-public partnership can do to help them.

It also means getting our local higher-ed grads placed into opportunities in our area.  We lose when they move and we must do what we can to provide them opportunities here.  This can be done, in part, by leveraging effective private-public partnerships and identifying ways to achieve this.  Those opportunities may be through young start-ups, business incubation, or established local businesses.

We should be targeting and focusing our efforts on compatible development with our labor market - aligning the right jobs with job seekers and graduates.

The benefits to strong and focused economic development are obvious:  higher median income, higher property values, and a better quality of life.



3.  Protecting our Neighborhoods and Establishing an Identify for St. Cloud:   
Our neighborhoods are the key to our community.  Much has been done through healthy neighborhood partnerships and neighborhood groups.  More can be done.  Problem properties can be detrimental to surrounding properties.  Crumbling infrastructure can also devalue properties.  We need to ensure we are proactive in dealing with problem properties and enforce existing ordinances.  Rental properties should be inspected annually, something that has not been occurring due to budget issues.  As well, city council members should be actively involved in listening to neighbors and working to address issues in a timely fashion.  I've committed myself to being open to neighborhood groups and individual residents through regular meetings and the use of social media.  Too often, people don't have the time or desire to speak to their elected officials in person.  Instead, using Facebook or a blog should be used to allow for more open communication and dialogue. 

In addition, I want to listen to residents to find out what we can do in their neighborhoods to protect them and make them quality places to live.

Our community is currently seeking to develop a comprehensive placemaking strategy that involves implementation.  I have been involved in the selection effort as a member of the planning commission.  Making better use of our public spaces and using art, for example, can greatly enhance a neighborhood or public gathering place.  We've done a lot of planning over the past two decades - it's finally time to act on them!


4.  Crime / Public Safety:
One of the core responsibilities of all levels of government is public safety.  This includes both police and fire protection.  These two areas consume a large portion of our budget.  Our efforts to provide public safety need to be balanced with what we can afford.  We need people who live here, visit here, or go to school here to feel safe.  Proactive policing and adjustments to patrol areas are appropriate ways to fight crime.  But we must also remember that law enforcement professionals are already doing these things - often times completely under-the-radar from the public.  They must be given the tools and respect to get the job down.  It's also important for the public - and city council - to hold them accountable for their actions.

Effective public safety also includes adequate community and neighborhood involvement.  Residents should know each other and look out for each other.  If we, as a community, are serious about keeping our community safe, then we all need to be involved in the effort.

Finally, petty crime leads to bigger crimes.  We need adequate and consistent enforcement of petty crimes to prevent more serious crime from occurring. 

5.  Customer Service Focus:
On more than one occasion, it has been stated that government should be run more like a business. I agree - but differ on what aspect.  Most businesses have stated customer service policies that highlight the importance of the customer.  St. Cloud needs to do the same thing - with its customers being residents, developers, contractors, and anyone who has to interact with the city.  It means delivering a consistent experience.  It means utilizing technology in ways that make city staff more effective and efficient.  The end goal needs to be providing excellent customer service.

By focusing on customer service, I intend to reduce the amount of contradictory or inconsistent information people may get from the city.  Using technology, more services should be available on-line.  This includes plan reviews and purchasing things like dog licenses. As a commissioner, I voted to spend development fund dollars (nearly $1mil) on technology upgrades that will help meet this goal.  We also need adequate customer service policies and processes associated with them.  That doesn't require technology but commitment and leadership.  City staff do their best to provide good service, but having a standard policy of what is expected can help ensure consistency. 

I want everyone who interacts with the City to feel they are being provided quality service.  I want people to see the value in what is being provided to them.  And I want the interaction to be consistent. 


There are many other areas that I could go into, but wanted to at least get my top 5 priorities stated.  As I noted in the beginning, some of the areas are much larger and may have several different sub-components.  I also know that there are many others in the community who may have great ideas or suggestions to improve my ideas.  I am always open to hearing or learning about ways to improve our community.  As I said at a forum, I'm a pragmatist and not an ideologue.  Let's work, together.

Thank you.

Voting Information

With election day fast approaching (Tuesday, Nov 6th), I thought this would be a good time to share some voting information. I've included a link below.  If you have any questions about voting and you're unsuccessful in obtaining an answer, feel free to send me an email or post your question on Facebook or Twitter and I will do what I can to assist you:

jake@jakeforstcloud.com
www.facebook.com/jakeforstcloud
www.twitter.com/jakeforstcloud (@jakeforstcloud)

The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office has put together some valuable information found here:

http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=134

It includes information on:

• Registering to Vote
• Finding your Polling Place
• Voting Absentee
• Sample Ballots

It also has this tidbit regarding time off to vote for employees:


To: All Minnesota Employers

Re: Time off for Employees to Vote on Election Day

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State reminds employers that employees are allowed time off to vote in upcoming elections. Minnesota Statutes 204C.04 allows employees to take time off for the time necessary to vote in a state election without a reduction in pay.

Please note that Minnesota Statutes 204C.08 Subd.1d states that employees cannot be required to use personal leave or vacation time for the time off necessary to vote.

Since the law specifically states that an employer may not directly or indirectly refuse or interfere with an employee’s right to vote, employers cannot instruct employees of when during work hours employees are excused to go and vote. However, employers may request that employees provide notification as to when they will be gone and request that employees coordinate their absences so as to minimize adverse impact on the workplace. Any complaints should be filed with the county attorney. A violation of this statute is a misdemeanor.

The date for the General Election this year is Tuesday, November 6.

Public Safety - Post 1

Let's start with the premise that crime is not acceptable.  That should be stressed no matter the seriousness of it.  In the late 1980s and early 1990s, New York City stepped up enforcement of petty crimes - like littering and graffiti - in an effort to stop more serious crime.  Why?  Because if you aren't dealing with petty crimes, they quickly can escalate to serious crime.  Lack of enforcement can also reinforce an image that the police and community are soft on crime.

We need to trust our law enforcement officials in changing police beats and coverage to address changing crime trends and areas. They are professionals and every day they help prevent and solve crimes.  These are rarely recognized by newspapers or the media in general.  With that said, we should also demand excellence and accountability from them.   This is especially true in reaction to the crime on the south side.  I support councilmember Hontos' request for an action plan from the police chief.

Our community must work, in partnership, to educate people and recognize that we are all a part of fighting crime.  The community can help make policing much more proactive. We all need to look out for each other and do what we can to stay out of potentially dangerous situations.  

Finally, we need to enforce our laws and deal with petty criminals.  We need to let our community know that we are serious about fighting crime.

Post-Forum Thoughts

Thank you to the folks who made it to the forum last night or who watched it on channel 19.  Overall, I thought it went pretty well.  Some of the questions I wish I would have answered slightly differently or had more time to expand on an answer.

The St. Cloud Times posted an article about the forum last night.  Here's an excerpt from one of my answers regarding what each candidate would like to accomplish in the next four years:

"Anderson said he wants the city to focus more on infrastructure and improving roads. In the past couple of decades, the city has focused on expanding, and now the realities of keeping up that infrastructure is setting in."

Because our answers were limited to 2 minutes, I directed people to www.strongtowns.org for more information.  Basically, we continue to expand our infrastructure out in order to support new development.  This creates an unsustainable maintenance model as the costs to repair or rebuild it begin to crush budgets.  Instead, we should seek a higher return on investment with existing infrastructure by improving roads and streets to accommodate a full range of transportation options (like biking and walking aka Complete Streets).  We should make our transportation system more efficient and affordable. We should also be working to be connect our parks and civic structures to provide value to property owners.  They provide value when they enhance the public realm, create memorable landscapes, and provide for spontaneous gathering. We've started looking at doing this at the Planning Commission / Arts Commission by developing a placemaking strategy and implementation plan.  It is an effort that is underway.

George Hontos indicated that his number one priority for the next four years is higher-paying jobs.  He said this would help us lower our poverty numbers.  I agree that we should be working for higher-paying jobs and, to be honest, have heard this same argument for the past 20 years.  But there are a few problems with this premise.  The first is education.  This country has 3 million jobs that are open that can't be filled because our people don't possess the skills to do those jobs.  The second is that people in poverty are often earning just enough to pay their rent and maybe daycare.  Nearly 50% of households in poverty in the St. Cloud area are single moms.  They don't have the money or time to go to school.  We need to figure out a way to address that, which is why I stated at the forum that this will require collaboration with the state because, quite frankly, much of it lies beyond the purview of what the city can do.

I also made one comment last night that I wish I hadn't.  I stated that the other candidates only represent 20% of the population.  My intent was only to highlight the age diversity of the other candidates does not represent our diverse population.  The average age of a St. Cloud resident is 28 years old.  Each candidate would represent all of St. Cloud - and all age groups - and I did not intend to imply they would not.  If you were offended by the comment, I apologize.  I didn't intend any malice.