LISTENING FIRST
I have ideas, but I don't have a personal agenda for Blaine. One reason I decided to run was because I share the excitement for some of the progress Blaine is making. However, I also hear many questions and concerns from our residents. I think leadership has the responsibility to seek community voice, AND to truly honor what is said. I don't think our current mayor truly cares what you have to say.
I believe in leaders who seek the voice of the community, and then see it as essential to respond. When I watch the council meetings and workshops, it sure feels like the agenda is already written.
NEW GROWTH
I'm all for the appropriate growth of Blaine. We face pressure from an expanding metropolitan area, and it is important that we grow responsibly, ensure due diligence with the developers we work with, and proactively address the infrastructure needed to support our growth.
Start with, "Is this good for the majority of Blaine, or just for a privileged few?"
Instead, I see, "I guess we'll just put "affordable housing" and low wage jobs over there, and then build a stadium and the mayor's new baseball restaurant over here ...." $😎$
BLAINE STRONG
There is finally movement on the the Hwy 65 trunk, but we need to be thoughtful about pedestrian safety all over Blaine, local traffic issues, and business access.
What about the other roads like Radisson and Lexington that will need to absorb traffic from the 105th Sports Mecca redevelopment?
Have you checked water quality lately?
How is your neighborhood park looking?
Do emergency services have what they need to keep you safe?
Should we be funding AstroTurf fields with serious concerns about PFAS?
When are the residents first?
REVITALIZATION
It's clear to me that this mayor is focused on a "Make Blaine into Eden Prairie" mentality. There's nothing wrong with new growth, but when these developments take precedence over revitalizing older areas of Blaine- particularly the Northtown area- I think the balance is out of whack.
Could we invest in a community center?
Or work with the VA to bring a northern metro hub to our community that's right on the transit line?
What else can we do to breathe more life into our history?
I'm sure you have ideas to make Blaine better for YOU. Let's work together!