Fiscal Discipline
Four years of balanced budgets by making hard choices on what the city could not live without. Some cuts have been noticeable but each was done with considerable deliberation, and has made Richfield fiscally lean and strong.
Kept core services at highest possible level by working with our police, fire, and civil servants. The most crucial city services are just as impressive today as they were a decade ago. There are some departments that need additional staff to better serve the residents of Richfield and I hope the next four years allow us to make those improvements.
Secured 100K for Vets memorial to keep the project moving forward while not cutting into the diminished city budget. This memorial is a cornerstone of what has made and continues to make our community great.
Secured millions of dollar in congestion relief for 35W enabling several projects that directly benefit Richfield a reality. More bus routes, more park and ride locations and bus lanes on 35W
Implemented ordinances to bring graffiti under control. Graffiti incidents are significantly down throughout the city.
Enhanced recreational options with new softball fields and a skate park; two things the community desperately needed and has been asking for.
Worked across city boundaries to arrest gang members endangering the community. Richfield is participating in the newly formed Hennepin county joint effort against gang activities and violence.
Created property excellence task force to keep Richfield beautiful and gave the city the tools it needed to make owners responsible for their uninhabited homes. Inattentive property owner, primarily bank, were allowing homes to become shabby examples and potentially causing harm to the surrounding community.
Regular discussion with local clergy on issues supporting Richfield. Communication on programs offered by local churches and the city to better focus efforts to assist Richfield residents.
Proven Results
Required green technology whenever responsible and truly worth the cost, such as the ice arena. The new ice arena roof and boiler are guaranteed to save the city pollution and money. Green is not always the answer, but when it is I have fought to make it the only solution.
Settlement on airport noise mitigation to make sure MAC lived up to their end of the bargain. Resulting in more homes getting the MAC upgrades they deserved and requiring the MAC to fund the program as they were required to do from the beginning.
Requested help from Hennepin. Co. for residents facing foreclosure to make sure everything was done to keep people who fell on hard times did not end up on the street. Not every home could be saved for the owner, but exhausting every effort is worth it to the person who doesn't lose their life's investment.
Supporting efforts by local businesses and included local business in bid process for city material and commodities. By specifically engaging the local community we ensure jobs for Richfield and create a stronger local community.
Worked with local business to expand within Richfield. Not every business is looking for a hand out when to comes to re-locating or improving their business. This is the type of business we want in Richfield.