The Issues We Face Together

Minnesota counties act as the primary administrator for state-mandated programs. This means counties are responsible for Property Taxes, Infrastructure and Environment, Elections, Public Safety and Justice and Health and Human Services. Counties are often placed in difficult situations by the state or federal government, being required by law to provide a service, without providing enough funding to accomplish this.

Taxes:
Property taxes are an important source of revenue for counties. According to TaxFoundation.org (1), Carver County has the highest in the state. With inflation being higher than wage growth and with many folks on fixed incomes, continual increases to our property taxes is unsustainable and will price people out of their homes. We cannot let that continue. Expanding and diversifying the tax base today can help alleviate the burden placed on homeowners. As Carver County continues to grow and become more suburbanized, we must explore a variety of responsible revenue opportunities that support long-term financial stability, without undermining our community values.

Infrastructure and Environment:
I care deeply about preserving the land and natural resources of Carver County. Our parks, recycling facilities, and community programs contribute greatly to both environmental stewardship and community pride. As our county continues to grow, maintaining and expanding these resources will require thoughtful investment. I believe the county should work closely with residents to determine how best to support these priorities in a financially responsible and community-driven way.

So let’s talk Data Centers. On one hand, data centers bring in taxes which can alleviate tax burden of homeowners. This is important. On the other hand, issues such as environmental pollution, energy and water cost, noise and light pollution are very credible. I would not support any data center being opened unless a thorough environmental and economical review had been completed and deemed acceptable and a public opinion period had been observed. I will not sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) related to Data Centers.

Elections:
Election integrity is vital to maintaining public trust in our democratic process. I believe our state and county election systems already have strong policies and procedures in place, making voter fraud extremely rare. However, I support implementing additional safeguards at the county level when they are based on verified concerns and factual evidence, ensuring continued confidence in our elections.

Public Safety:
The Carver County Sheriff’s Department is often considered the face of the county. While County Commissioners do not directly manage the Sheriff’s Office, the election of a new sheriff this year presents an opportunity for positive change. I hope county leadership and the Sheriff can work collaboratively to strengthen community trust, improve workplace culture, and enhance public safety services.

Health and Human Services:
We must keep health and human services as strong and effective as possible. I was encouraged to see the state invest funding into a new system during this legislative session. These services are vital to the strength and well-being of our county. The huge reduction in federal funding for financial assistance programs created a significant challenge for counties across the country, including Carver County.

(1) https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/property-taxes-by-state-county/

My awesome supporters on day 1.