Only one name will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot for Olmsted County District 1, but the Post Bulletin still sent the unchallenged incumbent a candidate questionnaire covering a variety of issues.
Occupation: Olmsted County Commissioner, District 1
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Have you held public office in the past? Olmsted County commissioners since 2023
In addition to background information, we asked candidates these questions:
1) Describe the qualities of an ideal county commissioner and what prompted you to run for office?
Voters elect county commissioners not only for their values and policy priorities, but for their judgment, foresight, and ability to negotiate. I serve my community as Olmsted County Commissioner because I believe in the power of public service to improve the everyday lives of people. I am committed to building friendship and trust with every neighbor throughout District 1 because I believe in the responsibility of counties to transform lives. As a passionate servant leader, I bring strong collaborative skills and optimistic thinking to local government. With 20 years of experience in education, healthcare, community organizing, and neighborhood advocacy, I understand the importance of working together to get things done.
2) When it comes to establishing a county budget, what do you see as the key priorities and why?
The highest priority in establishing the budget is setting a levy amount that ensures Olmsted County can run smoothly. This includes ensuring Olmsted County can deliver all state and federally mandated services. Depending on the impact of the latest legislative session, about 80% of the county budget is dedicated to meeting state and federal mandates. Mandates are often unfunded or partially funded. This means Olmsted County must be creative and proactive about finding alternative funding sources, to reduce the burden on taxpayers. I use my background in education, healthcare, and small business ownership to be a responsible steward of Olmsted County resources. Using Olmsted County resources wisely means using budgetary restraint while supporting the continued excellence of Olmsted County departments, programs, and services.
3) As part of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority board, county commissioners have oversight of the HRA tax levy dedicated to addressing housing issues. What steps would you like to see the county take to address housing needs?
The HRA is Olmsted County’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority and supports the entire continuum of housing needs, from homelessness to homeownership. Half of all Olmsted County renters pay 30% or more of their gross monthly income on rent. That means half of all Olmsted County renters are cost burdened. A lot of working people and families in Olmsted County are just getting by and struggle to make ends meet.The HRA’s budget primarily funds rental assistance, housing rehabilitation, enhanced housing options for seniors, and local strategies to end homelessness – all of which I support. One goal of the HRA is to expand housing options for people earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income.Our community needs a reliable workforce. For every job created, a bed is needed – a place to sleep and live. If people can't live here, they won't work here. The HRA connects lower- income people to the housing they need, supporting the entry level workforce and service workers our local economy relies on.
4) Commissioners and county staff have been discussing opportunities for supporting economic development throughout Olmsted County. Do you support investment in initiatives to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing businesses?
The best thing Olmsted County can do to support economic growth and development is to continue to create a safe, healthy, and welcoming community. Olmsted County does not have the expertise or bandwidth to act as a developer in a traditional sense. What we can do is continue to support our numerous departments, programs and amenities, and infrastructure systems to attract people to move here, encourage businesses to grow and expand, and reassure developers to build here.
Toward this goal Olmsted County is responsible for maintaining a General Land Use Plan that promotes orderly development, protects the environment, conserves resources, and provides for the transportation, commercial, and economic needs of the community. Olmsted County also continues to partner with local non-profits and community groups to support efforts to address homelessness, senior housing, and affordable housing for lower-income and workforce families. And we continue to work with the smaller cities in Olmsted County, townships, and township officers to include greater Olmsted County in economic growth and development. In short, Olmsted County helps make Rochester and the surrounding cities places people are proud to call home.
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