West St. Paul City Council Member Ward 1 Choose 1
As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City Council
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://dougforwsp.com
Contact Phone
6514349063
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/dougfrommforwsp
Campaign Twitter Handle
@DougFromm
Campaign Email
doug4wsp@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Experience and community service. I am the chairperson of West St. Paul’s Charter Commission, where I have been a member since 2013. Previous to that I served on the West St. Paul Parks and Rec Advisory Committee for 6 years. I have served as an election judge for almost two decades, most of that time as a Head Election Judge. Furthermore,I believe that I have excellent listening and collaboration skills that are essential to serving on a City Council.I am willing to think “outside the box” to find solutions to difficult problems. I feel that I have a very good understanding of the issues facing West St. Paul, and Ward 1. I have been present and actively engaging with voters at number city celebrations, town hall and city council meetings.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Address affordable housing issues in West St. Paul. As I engage with voters, a majority list the cost of housing, including taxes, insurance, and increasing rent as one of their biggest concerns.
Maintaining excellent public services, such as public safety, snow plowing, park maintenance, and other services that support our businesses and residents.
Continue to address infrastructure issues in West St. Paul, but be mindful of budget concerns and their impact on already rising property taxes.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
This is also one of my top priorities. In particular I would like to see a greater level of diversity on our city committees and commissions. West St. Paul is making good progress here, but more work needs to be done. Almost half of our residents are renters. Yet renters make up a small fraction of our committee and commission membership. We should seek to use equitable engagement processes to help ensure everyone has a chance to be included and heard.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
I think the first step that any elected city leader should take to ensure transparency and accountability is to be prepared, present and engaging in all meetings. This includes city council meetings, council work sessions, and town halls. Furthermore, I will meet often with city staff, in particular the city manager, to build a solid working relationship based on trust and respect. I will also make myself available to address any constituent concerns regarding transparency and accountability.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
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How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
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What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
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