Putting Chaska Residents First

Chaska is a great place to live. But good government doesn't happen by itself. It takes leaders who are willing to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and put the interests of Chaska residents ahead of bureaucracy and business as usual.

As Mayor, I will bring a common sense and accountability to City Hall with one question in mind:
Is this good for the people of Chaska?
If the answer isn't clear, we need to take a closer look.

TAXPAYERS FIRST / SMART SPENDING

Your Money. Your Community. Your Voice.

Chaska taxpayers deserve better. Over the past five years, property taxes have doubled, while city leadership has continually approved significant spending increases. Under the leadership of the current mayor, and during her prior service on the City Council, spending decisions were repeatedly approved, including a cumulative annual increase of $1.125 million from 2023 through 2026.

That cumulative increase has now become part of the city's ongoing levy, putting taxpayers on the hook for an additional $4.5 million every year, with no meaningful reduction in sight. If the same leadership remains in charge, taxpayers should expect this higher level of spending to become the new normal.

Meanwhile, the city has earmarked money for projects like heated sidewalks at City Hall Plaza at a time when many Chaska families are struggling with the rising cost of groceries, housing, and everyday necessities.

Government should not have an open checkbook while taxpayers are being asked to pay more and more. It is time for a change in leadership. I will put taxpayers first, demand accountability for every dollar spent, and prioritize essential services over unnecessary projects. Chaska needs smart spending, not bigger government and higher taxes.

Every city project should have the best interests of Chaska taxpayers at heart. Before we spend your money, we should know why we're spending it, what it will accomplish, and how it benefits the residents who pay the bills.

DATA CENTERS

Residents Have a Right to Know

Chaska residents deserve transparency before major developments that can permanently affect our community and quality of life. The proposed 1.5-million-square-foot Cloud HQ data center is too significant to fast-track while important information remains difficult for the public to obtain or understand.

Residents deserve clear answers:

• What are the environmental impacts?
• What will it cost taxpayers?
• And how will it benefit Chaska and it's residents?

Before decisions are made, residents should have access to the facts, the costs, the benefits, and the potential impacts. Government should inform the people it represents and make information easy to obtain and understand. City government needs leadership, not rubber stamps.

I would like to hear from residents who have concerns about this issue and welcome an open discussion through a town hall setting.

Government should work for the people. That means:

• Putting taxpayers first.
• Spending wisely.
• Leading with courage.

Chaska can grow and prosper. And Chaska can do it without forgetting the people who built this community.

It's time to put Chaska residents first.