Priorities

Natural beauty defines Minnetonka and residents treasure it.

Since my last election I am proud of my work with my colleagues:

• Established a  Sustainability Commission

• Approved a Climate Change and Adaptation Plan

• Approved a Natural Resources Master Plan

• Approved a Parks Open Space and Trails Plan

• Successfully advocated for a stronger tree protection ordinance

• Approved solar arrays on City buildings to add to our full adoption of solar energy through solar garden subscriptions

• Continued advocacy at the state and federal legislatures for PFAS (forever chemical) mitigation

If re-elected, I will continue my advocacy for our stunning parks and the natural resources that make Minnetonka so special.

Under my watch Minnetonka has: 

• Completed its transition to 100% solar power saving the city millions of dollars and reducing pollution
• Invested in water infrastructure modernization projects to protect our drinking water quality and prevent water waste
• Supported sustainable and green building practices during a period of intense development
• Completed road reconstruction projects that improves not only surfaces, but also more responsibly manage water runoff
• Buried power lines to beautify our neighborhoods
• Expanded trails and sidewalks to support alternative transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Installed EV chargers around the City

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for these and other innovative approaches to meet the changing needs of our community.

Everyone who calls Minnetonka home or wants to should experience a sense of belonging and security. Residents who feel safe put down roots –and strengthen our community. My husband is a retired career wildland firefighter and emergency manager, so I deeply respect the public servants who put themselves in harm’s way each day to keep us safe. Since my last election, I:

• Served on the Metro Cities Street Racing Taskforce with our Police Chief
• Testified at the State Legislature on behalf of the City of Minnetonka to ask for changes in statute to enable more transparency, accountability, and ability to affect adequate EMS response times
• Approved investment in additional police and fire personnel, equipment and resources to improve safety goals and response times
• Approved the hiring of an embedded social worker in the Police Department to better support our residents who may need a helping hand

If reelected I will continue to support the work our first responders have done to build strong relationships and trust in all areas of the community, and to ensure that EMS, Police and Fire have what they need for adequate response times and that their actions keep you safe.

We must challenge ourselves to create a community where our seniors can age among their friends and family, and the people who serve us, our first responders, teachers, nurses, and local employees can afford to live where they work. I am proud of the over 862 units of workforce and senior affordable housing we have built since I joined the council, and the many more market rate apartments and homes.  Meeting the national housing crisis will take creative solutions and diversity of housing stock.

If reelected I will continue to prioritize and work for the things that contribute to our great quality of life:

• Modern, safe infrastructure
• Remaining a model of stable governance and sound fiscal management (Our Aaa bond rating keeps interest rates low for our large projects.)
• Stewardship of natural spaces and natural resources
• Excellent public services
• A thriving business community
• Balance of development and preservation of our green space and quiet neighborhood character
• Leveraging our partnerships with schools, businesses and community groups that have brought us outstanding community benefits such as the Ann Cullen Smith Nature Preserve, Williston Fitness Center and the Lindberg Center to create a more cohesive, welcoming community and guide Minnetonka through policy and economic changes
• Building trust and focusing on our shared values.

I will continue to cultivate my connections with our county, state, and federal officials through my policy committee work to share, learn, and champion best practices, good policy, and positive outcomes for Minnetonka.

I will continue to be your partner to guide our city’s decisions by fostering robust outreach and strong community engagement in the decision-making process. I will always be accessible and make my decisions based on the needs of the city, your input, and the facts before me.