Tell us about yourself:
I’m very committed to working with others to make Duluth a city where individuals and businesses can achieve greater economic prosperity. I purposefully chose Duluth as my home and am proud of it’s places and people. I am very optimistic about Duluth’s future.
Family: Parents, grandmother, siblings, nieces and nephews live in Duluth and surrounds.
Educational background: BA Political Science, Augsburg College. BA Urban Planning Studies, Augsburg College. Graduate work at Hamline University Master’s in Public Administration Program in St. Paul. Completed 1998 Policy Fellowship at H.H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of MN. 1981 Graduate of Cloquet High School.
Employment background: Public and private sector management positions include Assistant County Administrator at St. Louis County, Administrator of Duluth - Fond Du Lac Economic Development Commission, Administrative Assistant for cities of Anoka, Woodbury, Robbinsdale and government relations for The Nature Conservancy and Minnesota Power. I am currently employed as Northeast Minnesota Regional Business & Community Developer, State of Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Volunteer background: Serving second 4 year term on the Duluth Planning Commission and former President, Committee Chair of the recently adopted Duluth Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Co-Chair of the Duluth Higher Education Commission, Duluth Heritage & Preservation Commissioner, New Generations Health Care Trust Board, Knight Creative Communities Initiative Community Catalyst and co-chair of the Brain Gain Gang, which works with the Twin Ports Higher Education Institutions to retain talented graduates. Member of Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, former board member and President of Duluth YWCA.
Hobbies: Supporter and participant in local arts and historic preservation initiatives, equestrian events (my horse Steele is boarded at farm on Jean Duluth Road in Duluth), canine obedience and AKC dog shows. I am also a news junkie.
Your address and contact information: 530 N. 5th Av W, Duluth MN 55806. Phone 722-4223. Email rand4duluth AT charter DOT net. Web Site http://www.randforduluth.com/ .
The Hillside and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city of Duluth. How do you see this ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth?
Ethnic diversity adds the possibility of great vibrancy to a community and provides unique opportunities for humans to practice acceptance with their good neighbors.
Disclaimer:
Added Nov. 5, 2007
"The Hillsider" apologizes for this question. It was originally asked in August 2007 and published in the September issue. "The Hillsider" does not believe the statement/question below is true. It was asked in an effort to pin down the candidates on an his or her personal beliefs on crime and newcomers. The statement is often heard at many venues. "The Hillsider" did not intend that newcomers were immigrants as in not citizens and did not mean the word in a negative connotation.
Some people blame the increase in neighborhood problems, such as crime, on immigrants from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Do you think it's true?
I have not seen statistics that would suggest this. Neighborhoods problems are more complex than simply placing blame on outsiders.
If so, what do we do about it?
If not, why not?
We need to focus on assembling the right community partners that can work together to focus on developing and implementing solutions to specific problems. More city resources need to be allocated to community policing and code enforcement.
It is estimated that 15 percent of Duluthians are living below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65. What are some of your ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?
The private sector will continue to create good paying jobs for those willing to work and keep their job skills relevant if the city has good roads, schools, electric rates and reasonable license, fee and tax rates. For those individuals needing assistance seeking employment, the state (DEED), County, and many outstanding non-profits in our city have assistance programs to help those folks help themselves.
The city has a mandatory recycling laws yet walking by many people’s homes it is obvious that they do not recycle. Is recycling important?
Eliminating materials from the waste stream to be recycled and re-used is preferred to incineration and land-filling if such allows for us to avoid serious environmental impacts and is not too cost prohibitive.
Why do we have a law on the books if it isn’t going to be enforced? Enforcement takes city resources (staff).
I can think of many other city regulations currently on the books that are more life threatening and worthy of priority enforcement than recycling.
Over-flowing garbage cans are a problem in lower East Hillside. Many of the homes where this is a problem are rental units. What kinds of ideas do you have to prompt landlords to encourage their tenants to take better care of their property?
In other cities, the city has a code enforcement officer who issues a warning citation to landlord and tenant ordering them to rectify problem. If the problem persists a penalty fee citation is then issued to the nuisance property owners/landlord. Landlords are running a business on these properties and must take responsibility to a large degree, for the health and safety conditions of their property in a given neighborhood.
In the last census, Duluth had a dearth of people age 24 to 35? What can be done to attract and keep this population in Duluth?
After many years of stagnation or worse, employment positions are now becoming available for the younger set as baby boomers retire and existing businesses continue to thrive. This will provide the opportunity the younger set needs to make Duluth home. Having quality core city services adds to the desirability not only for this age bracket, but all age brackets. I am working with other community partners right now to create opportunities for our higher education institution graduates to make better connections with the Twin Ports Community so that they will be more apt to continue to make this area their home.
This city has yet to settle the retiree’s health care budget. What type of action would you take?
As a city councilor, I support the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Task Force which includes union contract concessions. The mayor and council must be aligned to accomplish this promptly. Simply raising taxes and fees is not the solution.
Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state or national level? It is one of the most serious problems facing our nation. It is devastating all age brackets, private and public sectors. I recently accepted a board position on the New Generations Health Care Trust Board (formerly Miller Dwan) so that I would develop a greater understanding of solutions and strategies available to us as a society on this topic.
Have you or anyone you know, had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost?
Yes. When I was laid off a couple years ago I experienced this personally. My father is concerned about retiring this year because of the cost of health insurance. I also hear from many business owners about their struggle to pay for the costs of employees insurance as it is dramatically impacts their ability to keep their doors open and be globally competitive.
Do the city departments work well together? How can inter-department work be done more efficiently? I could write a book on this topic. I look forward to working the next mayor’s administration to step up inter-department efficiency and customer service.
What makes you unique as a candidate for city office?
I am uniquely qualified to well represent Duluthians as I have significant employment experience in city and county management and have held professional positions in the private sector. I’m trained to look for opportunities to increase the efficiency in city services and I well understand the importance of encouraging private sector business growth. I am not indebted to any special interest groups and am capable of well representing the interests of constituents.
