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Personal (please list occupation, education and family):
I was born in southwestern New York State and grew up on a farm. I went to college in GA where I met my wife, Susan, and we have been married for 45 years. We were foster parents for 20 years and I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. My B.S. degree is in Theology and Pastoral Methods, which involves management and business studies as well as philosophy and religion. I earned a master’s degree in counseling when I was 60 years old, as I believe one should continually keep learning and improving themselves. Most of my adult life has been working in the social services and the pastoral ministry. My wife and I have been house parents in a residential setting where I also served as a therapist for many years. I spent the last 12 years working with adults with disabilities. Currently I am employed in Tracy with ECCO D.A.C and enjoy my job.
Why am I running for City Council?
I decided to run for the city council because I have grown to love it here in Tracy and this is the town I hope to retire permanently in. I first started coming to Tracy 12 years ago when my son-in law became the assistant pastor at Tracy Bible Church. We often visited several times a year and my wife and I thought this was a great place to live. We bought a house almost 3 years ago and settled in. We joined the Tracy Lions Club Int. quickly and I currently serve on the Executive Board. Due to the fact that we live here along with 2 of our daughters and their families, I want to serve in any way possible to continue to make this a great community. I believe this is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and I am willing to do what I can to keep it that way and even improve it.
What are major issues facing city?
I often travel Highway 14, and I am surprised at the lack of businesses on it between Sleepy Eye and Brookings S.D. Tracy is strategically located on this route for travelers and residents to enjoy various businesses catering to both groups. I am not currently informed as to why we don’t have some of the businesses that other towns our size enjoy. Such as fast-food restaurants, bakeries, perhaps a truck stop and a motel. With the new Xcel Energy Site and Lyon County Generating Station at Garvin Corners being built, I think now is an exciting time to consider how we can reach out and tap into this industry and increase our tax base without having to raise property taxes.
What are the major issues facing the city
Many small communities have been revitalized by examining their tax millage and offering reduced taxes to new and existing businesses, which is attractive to businesses seeking to locate in a town. There are several vacant buildings that perhaps could be used for micro retail-shops where several small businesses could utilize the space. There are often many grants offered for different projects and I know the town has successfully used them; an example is our wonderful new Community Building. As I have listened to many life- long residents of Tracy, I have learned about its wonderful history and believe it still has a great future. I believe investing in our youth through activities and employment will be an important part of making that happen also.