I am running for Mayor of Afton for a number of reasons.
As a first time candidate, I have no "platform", but am familiar with the comprehensive plan, have spent a term on the City's Historical Design/Review Board, and bring the needed skills to the table for this position.
With the variety of professionals in our community, I look forward to leaning on them for information, collaboration and education that is necessary for the type of complex projects Afton has in the immediate future. Following are a few of the issues in Afton that have compelled my candidacy.
One - to ensure that the critical infrastructure projects occurring over the next two years are done with the best interests of residents, and businesses, and land owners in Afton. The big projects coming our way deal with a myriad of specialties, and need to be vigorously managed for efficiency, resource protection, and timing. I feel my experience in overall project management, combined with my passion for Afton's character will provide the City with steady guidance as these projects and their costs are fully allocated and realized.
Two - to develop a more visible and updated approach to the overall image of Afton. I would aggressively seek out commercial development in areas where possible and favored, such as the I-94 corridor, to increase tax revenue. Again, leaning on my past business experience, I will push to develop long term solutions for the pursuit of this development - as I feel it is a critical part of allowing Afton to maintain its' rich variety of land usage.
Three - to give residents an opportunity to choose, and force some public discussion of the issues. An election pushes candidates to take positions and the public to get engaged. At such a critical time, for the city to have a mayor that was appointed by the council and then run unopposed just didn't sit right with me.
I believe that my opponent and I both care deeply about this town and where it is going. Luckily, at this point in my life, I have the time, passion, and willingness to dedicate to this position. To my knowledge, as of today, I believe we now have a council seat where the term is expiring and nobody filed for the vacant seat - that is really wrong.
I have been a SoWashCo resident for about 2/3 of my life. My wife, Sandi and I have been married for 19 years, have 1 adult son and a 14 month old daughter. We have lived and owned houses in Afton, Denmark, Cottage Grove, and Lake Elmo and currently reside in the Old Village area.
Our family was supported in our critical hour of need by many residents and businesses in this town; I am looking to repay that debt with diligent work in protecting this gem of a community and its' chosen character. I welcome any correspondence at [email protected].
Thanks,
-Bill
Prepared by Bill Whalen. No Committee, No Cost.
As a first time candidate, I have no "platform", but am familiar with the comprehensive plan, have spent a term on the City's Historical Design/Review Board, and bring the needed skills to the table for this position.
With the variety of professionals in our community, I look forward to leaning on them for information, collaboration and education that is necessary for the type of complex projects Afton has in the immediate future. Following are a few of the issues in Afton that have compelled my candidacy.
One - to ensure that the critical infrastructure projects occurring over the next two years are done with the best interests of residents, and businesses, and land owners in Afton. The big projects coming our way deal with a myriad of specialties, and need to be vigorously managed for efficiency, resource protection, and timing. I feel my experience in overall project management, combined with my passion for Afton's character will provide the City with steady guidance as these projects and their costs are fully allocated and realized.
Two - to develop a more visible and updated approach to the overall image of Afton. I would aggressively seek out commercial development in areas where possible and favored, such as the I-94 corridor, to increase tax revenue. Again, leaning on my past business experience, I will push to develop long term solutions for the pursuit of this development - as I feel it is a critical part of allowing Afton to maintain its' rich variety of land usage.
Three - to give residents an opportunity to choose, and force some public discussion of the issues. An election pushes candidates to take positions and the public to get engaged. At such a critical time, for the city to have a mayor that was appointed by the council and then run unopposed just didn't sit right with me.
I believe that my opponent and I both care deeply about this town and where it is going. Luckily, at this point in my life, I have the time, passion, and willingness to dedicate to this position. To my knowledge, as of today, I believe we now have a council seat where the term is expiring and nobody filed for the vacant seat - that is really wrong.
I have been a SoWashCo resident for about 2/3 of my life. My wife, Sandi and I have been married for 19 years, have 1 adult son and a 14 month old daughter. We have lived and owned houses in Afton, Denmark, Cottage Grove, and Lake Elmo and currently reside in the Old Village area.
Our family was supported in our critical hour of need by many residents and businesses in this town; I am looking to repay that debt with diligent work in protecting this gem of a community and its' chosen character. I welcome any correspondence at [email protected].
Thanks,
-Bill
Prepared by Bill Whalen. No Committee, No Cost.