Updates from the Campaign Trail (as shared on Faceb0ok)

Mail in voting began today. We can easily impact change in our local community,  so please do your research before you fill in those circles! Postcards were mailed to every resident in Lake Elmo today.  I look forward to earning your vote.  

Get ready for the upcoming general elections with voting information from the MN Secretary of State's office.

How do I register to vote? 

What/who is on my ballot?  

Another great weekend on the campaign trail. I received a question today about my campaign slogan, "Serving our Lake Elmo." Specifically, how does the word 'our' represent the voters in Lake Elmo? 

Here is my answer:
When I decided to run, my wife and I sat down and brainstormed all of the things that were important to us as residents of Lake Elmo, as well as what I wanted to focus on in my campaign and ultimately as mayor if elected. Being a public servant is at the core--I knew I wanted a form of "serve" in the slogan. We felt that "Serving Lake Elmo" was too generic, and wanted to share our passion for Lake Elmo with all residents, promoting an inclusive community that we are all proud to be a part of. 

Keep the questions coming! I appreciate engaged and informed voters.

 Over the next few days, I will share the areas on which I plan to focus if elected mayor. These are fairly high-level and I will go in to more detail over the coming weeks. As always, I welcome your questions and comments.  

Focus Area #1: Fiscal Responsibility
Re-aligning our tax base to support the city’s critical functions based on recent growth will increase our ability to deliver quality infrastructure, public safety, and parks. To off-set high residential growth, business development on the I-94 corridor and attracting businesses to our existing commercially zoned locations will make our micro-economy thrive, while maintaining Lake Elmo’s natural landscape. While working for MnDOT, I received the Negotiator of the Year award in 2004; being a steward of taxpayer dollars is something I take very seriously.

About 4 weeks ago, I pulled my name off of the list to run for City Council and decided to run for the Mayor of Lake Elmo. I am new to campaigning and there have been times where I have thought, "What am I doing?" I am confident enough to admit that. But my wife and I are great partners in supporting and challenging each other--we know that our family is not only ready for this, but excited about our role in the future of this city. As my campaign manager, Tara is all in and feels just as strongly about how we can serve Lake Elmo as a family. 

I also rely on an incredible network of people to share wisdom and experiences with me, helping me rise up to serve in an elevated capacity. Yesterday, we spoke with a relative in my wife's family who held significant political roles in his lifetime and is very well respected. His advice was incredibly empowering and in line with the things that are important to us as parents, as a family, and a member of this community. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate those values not only during the campaign, but also beyond November 3rd.

As summer comes to a close, we are posting a favorite picture from a group camping trip at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve a few years ago. We hope you celebrate Labor Day with those close to you and take some time to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.