Frequently Asked Question   What does the county commissioner do? (PDF) This file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Click here to download the program for free.

Our public lands must be cared for, and our green space protected for future generations of Duluthians. Our seniors, our children, and those with disabilities have to be given services they need for the best possible quality of life. We need to make sure our citizens feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods, and that we use the best practices at our disposal to see that offenders can one day become productive citizens. And finally, we need to spend our tax dollars in an effective and responsible manner.

As your County Commissioner, I will listen and respond to your concerns and do what I can to ensure that county government runs in a manner consistent with your values.

We have weathered difficult times, and I know that we have the capacity to make St. Louis County one of the best possible places to live. To do this, we must aggressively build on our common values, the values that make our region such a wonderful place to live.

• We value the environment and want to see it preserved. I pledge to support thoughtful land use planning and will be a careful steward of our natural resources. I will also assure that public lands continue to be available for public use, whether hiking, biking, hunting or fishing.
  
  
• We value our people and must ensure services are available to meet their needs. I will work to further careful use of our resources to provide social and health services; and I will work hard to see that those least fortunate are cared for, whether our elderly, our single parents, our mentally ill, or our young children.
  
  
• We value our public safety and the ability to live freely in our homes and communities. I will work with our elected officials to ensure that the public is protected and support the use of new and creative ways to make both law enforcement and corrections more effective.
  
  
• We value fiscal responsibility. I will work to ensure that the county is financially stable and that we use our taxes and fees, as well as other funds for which we are responsible, in the most effective ways possible.

• Earlier this year the County Board spent several hours discussing whether or not to sell two dilapidated buildings to the Northern Communities Land Trust in part because the 1st District commissioner opposed this sale. In the end, the commissioner left and the Board vote 5-to-1 in favor of the sale. I would have wholeheartedly supported the sale. What better way to provide safe, decent and affordable housing and place blighted land back on the tax rolls.
  
  
• Recently, there has been discussion about reversing the flow of water at Minntac, putting the St. Louis River and Lake Superior at risk of additional pollution. After all the work that has been done to get the St. Louis River and Bay back to health, I believe other solutions must be found.
  
  
• In a recent survey, 65% of the citizens of St. Louis County favored a county- wide smoking ordinance. In my district, the first district, 76% of our citizens are supportive. If I am elected, I will ensure their wishes come to fruition, and bring to the county what has been so good for the health of the city.
  
  
• While we must support responsible development in northern Minnesota, we need to protect our lakeshores, our forests and the quality of life in our communities. We must plan carefully, preserving our region’s natural beauty and resources, while allowing for the thoughtful and appropriate use of the land.