The biggest issue facing West St. Paul is managing growth responsibly. Growth brings opportunity, but if we do not plan ahead, it can put pressure on roads, drainage, wastewater, public safety, recreation and municipal finances. Leadership means recognizing those pressures before they become bigger problems. By the end of the next term, residents should expect measurable progress on priority infrastructure, continued attention to community safety, responsible commercial growth, and a clear plan for future recreation and municipal services. I want residents to know that growth will not mean losing sight of affordability. We need to welcome new families and businesses while protecting the residents who built this community. West St. Paul should grow-but it must grow responsibly, with a plan and with taxpayers in mind.

The biggest issue facing West St. Paul is the lack of a clear, shared direction for our growth and spending. Where should homes, businesses, and recreation go, which rural areas should remain rural, and what infrastructure can we afford to maintain? Residents deserve a voice in those decisions. I would lead a public planning and consultation process that sets a five-year action plan and a twenty-year vision, supported by infrastructure and financial plans. I would also press Council to review the growth in management positions and require a clear need and service benefit before adding more. By the end of the term, residents should see the plan, the projects funded to carry it out, and an annual report on what Council delivered and spent.

The biggest issue is managing rapid growth without losing control of infrastructure costs, taxes and the character and values of our community. growth itself is not the problem, poor planning is. By the end of the next term, I want residents to see a clear long-term infrastructure and growth plan showing where development is expected, what is required, what it will cost and who is responsible for paying for it. My goal is for West St. Paul to continue growing but in an orderly and financially responsible way that benefits its residents first, while keeping property taxes as low as reasonably possible.

For me, all issues facing West St.Paul are important in either one or more areas of the RM, but should be addressed in a way that will mutually benefit all areas. However, what has been encouraging to me over these past 4 years is how the community engages themselves at Public Hearings, Open house events, and participating in surveys. As your Mayor, I look forward to seeing more of this! Thank you for the past 4 years!