In the 14 years I’ve lived in Winona, I’ve grown to love the neighborliness of rural
Minnesota. The police officer that pulls you out of an icy ditch, the early childhood
educator who visits you with support and a handmade baby sling, the postal worker who
hands you an extra bag when you have too many packages to carry.
I have a severely disabled son. On my worst day, this care came in the form of an angel
of a social worker who helped me with the paperwork needed to set my family on the
path towards stability.
So, I know, deeply, that Minnesotans take care of each other. Local government is one
of the ways that we do this. I’m running for city council to ensure that we have a city that
both serves its citizens and demands the resources we need from the state and federal
government.
One of the largest issues facing the city of Winona is the lack of affordable housing. I’ve seen how the housing market functioned in Winona fourteen years ago and how it has functioned recently. It has gotten much more difficult to buy that starter home or find a family-friendly apartment than it used to be. I’m convinced that the housing market has gotten to the point that it will make economic growth in Winona more difficult. My priority will be to examine zoning and other ways that the city council can make this town more friendly to families, first time home buyers, and young professional renters. I believe the changes to make more affordable housing in Winona involve nitty gritty zoning details, among other things. I’m not so arrogant as to believe I know everything right now. So, I will work closely with people with expertise different from my own and especially with people who disagree with me on stabilizing the housing market.
The people of Winona demand and deserve clear, transparent government and accessible local government. Important government decisions, such as recent discussions about building a new police and fire center and zoning for a homeless shelter, should be subject to public hearings. As a city council person, I pledge to push for clarity and accountability for all government decisions. I also want to make local government easier to engage with. This could range from updating the cities web and media presence, to continuing to provide remote access to government meetings to reaching out to Winonans of all ages. Winona has such a unique combination of natural beauty, a flourishing arts and cultural scene, a vibrant downtown, and innovative manufacturing educational sectors. With this wealth of resources comes a diversity of opinions. I will prioritize listening to all my constituents in all of their varied perspectives. I know that such conversations can be very fruitful, so I am looking forward to having more of them.
I believe we have a moral responsibility to care for each other. I support zoning for a homeless shelter. I will also seek to strengthen ties between city and county government. For instance, while the city needs to zone for the homeless shelter, Winona County will provide services to people who use the shelter. So, the city and the county should work together on this issue. And, in fact, this is not the only place where closer cooperation between Winona County and the City of Winona would be beneficial for all of us. I believe that coordination between Winona County and the City of Winona is the best way to continue to provide crucial services in the most efficient and fiscally prudent manner possible. Because of my experience with the counties health hand human services advisory board I have a unique ability to facilitate such coordination.
One of the real opportunities we have right now is to make Winona more walkable and bikeable. Connecting our town via bike paths and walking trails makes sense for tourism, students, and people who just need to get around without a car. I think there is a real opportunity in approaching transportation projects with an eye to increasing walking and biking safety and opportunities. I plan to look at all road improvements through the lens of pedestrian and bicycle access and safety.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274