For Nadine Schoen, David Dayon and Keith Wettschreck, city service is old hat. The trio has been part of one board or another for much of the current decade.
For Jeff Nied, this is a new venture. And for Cody Gulick, it’s another shot at a campaign and hopeful election.
That’s the field for this year’s St. Michael City Council – which has two open positions. Schoen is the lone incumbent after Kevin Kasel threw his hat in the ring for the Minnesota State House, but failed to win a Republican primary.
Here’s a look at the five candidates:
Cody Gulick
Age: 34
Address: 919 Welter Road
Family: 2 daughters Jasmine and Mia
Years in St. Michael community: 6+
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
My passion for liberty.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
Keeping a lid on wasteful spending and keeping taxes low. Improving and maintaining business friendly city policies to help current businesses grow and bring in new businesses to the community.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
By keeping city taxes low and respect property rights.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
Developing and investing around the I94 areas by partnering with businesses interested in investing in that area.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
Yes, the County Sheriff’s Office and the part-time fire department do an excellent job. We would have to raise taxes to get our own police department and have a full time fire department.
Jeff Nied
Age: 37
Address: 3010 Kagen Ave NE St. Michael, MN 55376
Family: Wife – Shannon & Daughter – Samantha
Years in St. Michael community: 4 years
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
With my daughter in school I wanted to become more involved in the community and help in any way I can. Politics have always been an interest of mine and I though starting at the city council level would give me a good understanding of local government. I’m an Engineer by trade and feel that I have a logical approach to problem solving that would be beneficial for the role of City Council.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
The housing market growth and small business retention would be my top two.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
Promote St. Michael, MN via social media. Develop a marketing plan to bring new families to the community along with educating the existing residents.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
Actively work with local developers to refine the process of building developments and updating current businesses. Understand and forecast upcoming water and utility demands to make sure we have the necessary infrastructure for future development.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
It could be. I would be interested in doing a cost/benefit analysis to evaluate having a police department.
Do you have anything else to add?
I enjoy living in St. Michael, MN and look forward to the opportunity of serving my community.
Keith R. Wettschreck
Age: 50
Address: 1986 Laquey Avenue NE
Family: Spouse Tracy and two children, Michael (16) and Anne (11)
Years in St. Michael community: 7
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
We moved to Saint Michael just over seven years ago and we plan to retire here. Shortly before I retired from active duty a couple of years ago I started taking a greater interest in the community. I applied for a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission and was selected in January 2012. I regularly attend Wright County Tea Party Patriot meetings and Wright County GOP meetings. I am the Saint Michael P-1B vice chair and I was a state delegate. A few months ago a friend asked if I’d be interested in running for city council. Elected officials have a huge impact on our lives and this was an opportunity to do something positive for my community. So I decided to run.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
Planning for change and growth. Maintaining quality services for the residents. Balance spending and taxation.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
The housing market itself will dictate revitalization. The city needs to be ready to facilitate an increased demand for housing by ensuring there are plans for potential development sites, water, sewer, streets, etc. Not only do we need to anticipate those needs but also how to fund them. Would we be prepared if building permit applications reached 2005-2006 levels?
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
Commercial development, retail and industrial, is vitally important for the growth and health of the city. We need to plan for and preserve zoning that supports and encourages this. Continuing to expand I-94 and access to it will be key.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
Yes. However, we need to continue to monitor crime rates, statistics, etc., to determine the need. Police departments are expensive – why spend the money if the need is not justified?
Do you have anything else to add?
Just over two years ago I interviewed with Kevin Madden, then Vice President of Global Sales at Honeywell Business Solutions. One of the first questions he asked was: what makes your juices flow? What gets you going in the morning? My answer was getting things done – accomplishing things. I’m in this to do something and be part of the solution. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the residents of Saint Michael and other elected officials to further the interests of this great city. I realize that many residents lead very busy lives and they trust their elected officials to do the right thing. I will keep that trust and do my best to make good, sound decisions. Saint Michael is a great place to live and raise a family and I’m going to do what I can to ensure it continues to be that way.
Nadine Schoen
Age: 47
Address: 2224 LaBeaux Ave NE
Family: husband of 22 yrs 3 children, high school, middle school, elementary
Years in St. Michael community: since 1989
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
The love for my community inspired my run for St. Michael City Council. I have been honored to represent the people of St. Michael these last four years. I would like to continue with this great endeavor. My participation with many community boards and organizations keeps me connected to the people of St. Michael. I believe that it is my responsibility to make a positive contribution to my community! My focus is giving residents and local business owners a voice in our community.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
The greatest challenges facing our community are economic development, school inequity funding, transportation, and the tax rate. The last four years on council I have worked hard to continue to push for the I-94 expansion. I know that continued growth and expansion of I-94 will lead to a better quality of life for St. Michael residents and economic growth for our business owners. I am focused on keeping spending low but at the same time we need to plan for the future and be diligent in paying off debt and saving for the future expenses. St. Michael has the lowest tax rate in Wright County and I am committed to continue to work hard to keep it that way by making constructive economic decisions.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
While St. Michael needs to manage growth, we must also be prepared for necessary improvements and be ready to welcome innovation. I’ve been involved in meetings with land developers and involved with community forums that welcome resident input. Years from now our children’s children will live here and I want them to love this community as I do.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michaael?
I now sit on the EDA (Economic Development Authority) and also participate with a local business group called Shop St. Michael. I feel that as a business owner I know how important it is to keep and grow business here that provides local employment opportunities as well as economic structure. We must also be able to provide a welcoming atmosphere to bring new businesses to our area without disrupting our current businesses.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
I feel that our city is protected by the best police force available. Many hours are spent to ensure the safety and protection of our citizens. This matter is reviewed and updated with council and staff regularly. The St. Michael Fire department goes above and beyond our expectations. Our department is trained for our area and delivers superior results. Regular updates are reviewed by St. Michael City Council and staff. The department has a good response time and is a great asset to our community. The high level of service provided by the county sheriff’s office and our fire department affords us the best economic value for our taxpaying citizens.
Do you have anything else to add?
I would like to ask for your continued support so I can remain to be a voice for the community that my family calls home.
Thank you! See you in November to vote!!
David Dayon
Age: 68
Address: 7910 30th Street NE, St. Michael, MN 55376
Family: Wife, LeAnne
Years in St. Michael community: 45
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
I take pride in being a resident of St. Michael. The city has a lot to offer, diversity in housing, a strong education system, medical clinic, senior housing, assisted living facility, a library and more. If elected to the City Council, I want to continue to build on the existing foundation.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
Economic development – business and industrial growth. The residential development expanded greatly during the housing boom. It is now time to concentrate on business and industrial growth.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
I believe the housing market will grow based on buyer demand, developer investment and availability of land. The city can steer developers toward land owners that may be interested and availability of sewer and water infrastructure.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
My vision for future commercial development is the expansion of I-94 to six lanes as well as the availability of developable property on the quadrants of Hwy. 241/I94 make it an excellent site for commercial development. The town center property as well as properties along Hwy. 241 will also be considered more accessible.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
Yes.
Do you have anything else to add?
I personally convinced Legacy Assisted Living Facility to locate in St. Michael. The recent expansion shows the need and success of the facility