Priorities
The City of Savage faces several challenges in the next few years. One of those will be determining how to pay for park improvements and programing without a separate revenue source. Additionally, the full time fire service model is operating with bare minimums. It is why we are adding 3 additional fire service personnel in the 2025 fiscal budget.
Downtown Savage is also a priority for me. When I was first elected I promised to invest in our downtown. I fulfilled that promise when we were able to complete the residential road reconstruction projects. There is more to do, however. We are currently in the process of envisioning what the commercial area around 123rd and 124th streets could be. I believe that with the right vision and guidance this area could be vibrant once again.
Finally, there will have to be decisions made on what to do about the SCALE Regional Training Facility. This facility in Jordan has scenario rooms and gun ranges. It also houses a burn tower and more. It has been where our police and fire personnel have trained for years. This facility is outdated and no longer meets our training needs. I am committed to making sure our public safety people receive sufficient training. It will take leadership and collaboration to find options to meet those training needs now and long into the future.
Fiscal responsibility
I have continued to fight for a fair and balanced tax levy. I believe fiscal responsibility is crucial to keeping Savage a place residents can live and thrive. It is one of my greatest desires that the City of Savage be a place for all. We need to make sure our property taxes are reasonable, whether you are a family buying your first home or have lived here for years. Under my guidance, Savage has managed to provide its citizens with crucial services and much desired amenities. This balanced approach has allowed the city to move to a fulltime fire service model, without compromising other services.
While under my leadership, the City's Standard and Poor's Bond Rating increased to Aaa. This triple "A" bond rating is the highest a city can achieve. I am proud to say Savage has maintained this rating for years, due to solid financial management practices.
Public Safety
Our police and fire departments are critical to the health and safety of our community. I honor the men and women who do this challenging work. Providing for public safety needs has become more challenging as the needs have shifted to include more mental health issues. I support the Coordinated Response team which has provided an embedded social worker into our police department. This allows our residents greater access to necessary resources.
Additionally, our police and fire personnel face their own physical and mental stresses. Savage has just brought on board canine Marshall, a therapy dog, as the newest member of the critical incident response team, to provide support during overwhelming emotional moments.
Build Community
I proudly served on the REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Taskforce. Our greatest strength is our residents and the diversity they bring to this community. Additionally, I served on the Prior Lake Savage Area Schools (PLSAS) Strategic Planning Core Team. Our schools help to make this one of the best cities in which to live. Alongside the other core team members, I provided vision and insight. This was and continues to be important work and I am honored to have participated in this process.
Be business friendly
Strong businesses provide a foundation for a strong community. We have businesses in Savage who have been here for decades providing well-paying jobs. Additionally, our businesses provide a place to meet and socialize; provide necessary groceries, dining, and services; and provide local, regional and international goods.
There are many factors that play into whether or not a business moves or stays in Savage. One of those factors is the support and partnership between the business community and city leadership. I value this community and will continue to find ways to partner with them so Savage continues to be their home for many more decades to come.
Maintain infrastructure
One of the most fundamental duties of the Savage City Council is to provide and maintain our infrastructure. I pushed for a ten-year street infrastructure plan, to allow residents the ability to plan for their local street improvements.
Savage must maintain our city streets, sidewalks and trails. Additionally, Savage has sewer and water connections, water treatment facilities, storm water ponds as well as equipment. I believe that we must have a strategy for preserving and replacing this infrastructure and a financial plan to do so. I have authorized continuous street maintenance so that the miles of streets, sidewalks and trails are not allowed to go into disrepair.