There are a variety of issues facing Corcoran over these next several years. I am committed to listening to Corcoran residents, looking for a variety of solutions, and then making the decisions I believe to be best for the city going forward.
City Growth
ISSUE: Probably the most often cited issue I hear when speaking with residents is the balance between development of the city and maintaining the natural and agricultural landscape.
MY POSITION: I believe that the best approach to this concern is what I call "Smart Growth." What that means is that we seek to grow in a responsible manner that takes into account the reality of surrounding development, the need for revenue as the population grows, the desire to maintain green space, and the support of agricultural businesses upon which this city was built. Smart zoning and metered development encourage growth in the right places, while limits encroachment into areas focused on agriculture. There is no need to rush the process of "growing up" as a city. When done right, developers are interested and motivated to build and the community looks forward to the benefits that increased development will bring. This takes time, planning and discernment.
MY POSITION: I believe that the best approach to this concern is what I call "Smart Growth." What that means is that we seek to grow in a responsible manner that takes into account the reality of surrounding development, the need for revenue as the population grows, the desire to maintain green space, and the support of agricultural businesses upon which this city was built. Smart zoning and metered development encourage growth in the right places, while limits encroachment into areas focused on agriculture. There is no need to rush the process of "growing up" as a city. When done right, developers are interested and motivated to build and the community looks forward to the benefits that increased development will bring. This takes time, planning and discernment.
Roads
ISSUE: Second to city growth would be how to handle the 36 miles of unpaved roads.
MY POSITION: I believe in limited government. I also believe that the two main areas where government has a critical role are in the safety of its citizens and the development and maintenance of its infrastructure. I am not convinced that all of the roads in Corcoran need to be paved, especially in the short term. The roads that do need to be paved need to be categorized, prioritized, and then developed in a shared and responsible manner. I am currently exploring effective models implemented around the Twin Cities of fair and responsible solutions to the costs associated with this plan, but the burden must be shared between the city and residents along those paved roadways.
MY POSITION: I believe in limited government. I also believe that the two main areas where government has a critical role are in the safety of its citizens and the development and maintenance of its infrastructure. I am not convinced that all of the roads in Corcoran need to be paved, especially in the short term. The roads that do need to be paved need to be categorized, prioritized, and then developed in a shared and responsible manner. I am currently exploring effective models implemented around the Twin Cities of fair and responsible solutions to the costs associated with this plan, but the burden must be shared between the city and residents along those paved roadways.
Sewer/Water
ISSUE: Recently, infrastructure improvements have included the extension of both water and sewer piping into Corcoran from Maple Grove. How to best utilize these resources is the issue at hand.
MY POSITION: City water and sewer can be very convenient, increases the value of real estate, and appeals to many who are not used to septic and well systems. However, I believe that households that desire to maintain their current water and sewer infrastructure should be allowed to do so, as long as the quality of those systems is maintained within city standards for safety and environmental impact. Hooking into these amenities should be made as cost-effective as possible. And all new development within a reasonable distance of this infrastructure should be required to participate.
MY POSITION: City water and sewer can be very convenient, increases the value of real estate, and appeals to many who are not used to septic and well systems. However, I believe that households that desire to maintain their current water and sewer infrastructure should be allowed to do so, as long as the quality of those systems is maintained within city standards for safety and environmental impact. Hooking into these amenities should be made as cost-effective as possible. And all new development within a reasonable distance of this infrastructure should be required to participate.
Fiscal Responsibility
ISSUE: Ensuring the responsible and ethical use of tax revenue
MY POSITION: I believe it is a moral duty to use taxpayer dollars in the most cost efficient way possible. This is real people's money and it bothers me when I discover money that has been spent irresponsibly, let alone unethically. I am the kind of person that actually opens all of my medical bills, utility bills, and cell phone bills to ensure I am aware of how things are billed... and then I will call when I see something that looks out of place. I believe the same scrutiny should apply to the money spent by the city.
I also believe that proper service should be compensated fairly and that doing so will lead to high-quality work.
These two realities require a fair tax rate and a budget that reflects city growth and inflation.
Beyond that, appropriate oversight is critical for accountability and transparency.
MY POSITION: I believe it is a moral duty to use taxpayer dollars in the most cost efficient way possible. This is real people's money and it bothers me when I discover money that has been spent irresponsibly, let alone unethically. I am the kind of person that actually opens all of my medical bills, utility bills, and cell phone bills to ensure I am aware of how things are billed... and then I will call when I see something that looks out of place. I believe the same scrutiny should apply to the money spent by the city.
I also believe that proper service should be compensated fairly and that doing so will lead to high-quality work.
These two realities require a fair tax rate and a budget that reflects city growth and inflation.
Beyond that, appropriate oversight is critical for accountability and transparency.
Comprehensive Plan Extension
ISSUE: Updated comprehensive plan submitted to the Met Council
MY POSITION: Every 10 years, it is required that cities review, revise, and extend their comprehensive plan and submit this plan to the Met Council. We have spent the last year reviewing and writing an extended comprehensive plan, taking into account feedback from citizens, law enforcement, and staff. I believe what has been developed will encourage a healthy and vibrant community into the next several decades, and represents a vision for a stronger community as we head into 2040.
MY POSITION: Every 10 years, it is required that cities review, revise, and extend their comprehensive plan and submit this plan to the Met Council. We have spent the last year reviewing and writing an extended comprehensive plan, taking into account feedback from citizens, law enforcement, and staff. I believe what has been developed will encourage a healthy and vibrant community into the next several decades, and represents a vision for a stronger community as we head into 2040.
Downtown
ISSUE: The development of downtown Corcoran
MY POSITION: The downtown of any city is, in many ways, the face of the town. It is important to have a "face" that says we are a vibrant, welcoming city that will be a great place to live. There is work to be done to turn our current main street into something we can be proud of. Some very significant steps have been taken by current business owners in that area and I am thankful for their commitment to our community. More work is required to encourage the development of a thriving downtown. Over the next couple of years, we hope to develop a new image of the downtown area that increases safety at the corner of 116 and Bass Lake Rd while allowing for a well planned mix of housing and businesses.
MY POSITION: The downtown of any city is, in many ways, the face of the town. It is important to have a "face" that says we are a vibrant, welcoming city that will be a great place to live. There is work to be done to turn our current main street into something we can be proud of. Some very significant steps have been taken by current business owners in that area and I am thankful for their commitment to our community. More work is required to encourage the development of a thriving downtown. Over the next couple of years, we hope to develop a new image of the downtown area that increases safety at the corner of 116 and Bass Lake Rd while allowing for a well planned mix of housing and businesses.
These are not the only concerns on the minds of residents. I am interested to hear from others about issues you feel are important. Feel free to drop me a note using the button below. I would love to hear from you.
