What Are The Issues Facing Blaine?
Infrastructure & HWY 65
With over 200 Million secured for HWY 65, we’re seeing significant improvements into infrastructure. Not only our roads, but water treatment and sanitary sewer are also being restored and upgraded. My goal is to help shepherd the city through the years of HWY 65 construction. We need to partner at the county and state levels to prepare local roads to handle the construction years. Ulysses, Radisson, Lexington, Main, University, these all need to be top of mind the next few years as our infrastructure should flow cohesively.
More Police
While crime is increasing through the Twin Cities, Blaine has seen a decrease in crime the past two years! Our phenomenal PD was fully forced in 2021 for the first time in decades. I will always fully fund Police and Fire.
I fulfilled my initial goal in 2020 of adding more officers, and our current plan is to continue to add two officers every year. This will bring our police to citizen ratio up to MN's standards while providing the department with lieutenants to properly manage the force.
105th Sports Entertainment District
Our new Sports Entertainment District north of 105th will be an exciting destination for the whole family. There will be new restaurants, a food hall, sports recreation, and entertainment options. I’m excited to welcome more unique businesses and amenities into the heart of our city.
Building the Center of Our Community vs. A "Community Center"
My goal is to fulfill the vision of the 105th Sports and Entertainment District, to bring unique, fun, and exciting amenities into Blaine. Instead of spending 30+ Million on a taxpayer funded community center (voted down twice in Blaine), we need to focus on incentivizing public/private partnerships for the amenities we want to see.
We're working hard to bring into Blaine a unique event stadium, indoor gym space, open spaces for festivals and holiday light displays, hotels with a waterpark or swimming option, indoor playgrounds, upscale grocers, and other amenities that can serve families.
Keeping A Lid On Property Taxes: Minimizing Spending
To keep a lid on property taxes we need to limit our spending. Blaine's budget has increased over 10% almost every year for the past few years! I voted for the budget when it was "only" a 7% increase in 2023. I also have stuck to my guns on what I promised in 202o regarding our TIF (Tax Increment Financing) approach. While it's important to grow, I think it's time to slow the growth where possible. I do not support TIF or other tax assistance for high-density residential projects. While some projects (commercial and businesses, which we may not get into town BUT FOR an incentive) are worth giving money towards to help Blaine grow commercially, we shouldn't be financing new housing developments or apartment complexes with tax payer dollars. Blaine needs to put property tax money into our roads, water, sewer, public safety and other essential city budget items. We don't need to continue giving money to these big development companies to in order to help Blaine grow in population.
North East Blaine Fire Station
Blaine's former fire chief Charlie Smith was advocating for a new fire station in north east Blaine for many years. I still think it's time for a new fire station to keep our north east neighborhoods safe. We can't let distance impact the efficiency of our great first responders.
Fostering Economic & Artistic Growth
I want to continue to see Blaine be a business hub in the North Metro, however, we also should develop the arts! I would like to partner with our state legislators on ideas to foster growth for artistic businesses such as theaters, fine-art studios, and even film studios! I was proud to support Blaine getting a city bandshell for music and city events.
