Values

Residents are pleading for better city communication. That includes listening, sharing information, and collaboration.

Our city council and staff must communicate clearly, consistently, and proactively so residents understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how it affects them, and in a way that can be understood by all.

Listening

Council and staff must listen to resident needs and ideas. The residents have a lot to say and unique perspectives that must be heard and considered.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

No one person has all the answers. The best decisions come from listening, respecting expertise, hearing different perspectives and working together toward shared goals.

Transparency

Openness in both information and process builds trust and confidence in government.

Accountability

Leadership means following through, admitting when one is wrong and owning mistakes.

Respect

Good government begins with respect.

We will not always agree—and that is okay. Differences of opinion leads to quality discussion, and that leads to new and better ideas.

Commitment:

I will be accessible, approachable, and committed to listening before acting.

I will create more opportunities for meaningful participation so residents can help shape decisions early in the process.

I will take responsibility for decisions, keep commitments, and follow-up. I will keep myself accountable and hold my counterparts to the same expectation.

Osseo city government must spend wisely, prioritize needs, and plan responsibly.

Fiscal responsibility is not just about spending less—it is about making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

Every tax dollar represents the trust tax paying residents and businesses place in their local government.

Focus areas:

• Long-term thinking.
• Stewardship of public resources.
• Sustainable planning.
• Return on investment for residents.
• Reduce dependency on borrowing, which costs us more.

Growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments must be guided by long-term thinking and careful planning.

Many recent decisions have caused residents to question how the city is evaluating projects. When asked how they perform due diligence, and analyze information, they couldn’t answer. This is not an acceptable approach.

Good city planning needs to analyze everything involved. Who does this affect and how? What value does this bring to the city? What does this cost now? What will it cost or save in the future?

I analyze everything, not just the decisions in front of me today, but those that will affect us in the future. If the decision saves 1 dollar today but costs 10 in the future, it is not worth pursuing.

Commitment:

I will do due diligence and expect the same of my counterparts.
I will ask tough questions.
I will assess the projects from all angles.

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Osseo is known for being and having the small town feel even though it is surrounded by a large metropolitan area.

Our neighborhoods, local businesses, and small-town atmosphere define who we are and why people choose to live here.

As we grow, we should strengthen—not lose—the character that makes Osseo unique.

Guiding question:
Will this strengthen the community we are leaving for the next generation?

Priorities:

• Family-friendly community.
• Support for small businesses.
• Maintaining our small-town character.
• Community pride.