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4 • Arden Hills notes • August/september 2022
<br />Businesses are an
<br />important part of
<br />our community.
<br />Businesses provide jobs,
<br />opportunity and add to
<br />our tax base. The City
<br />retained Land O’Lakes
<br />as one of our major
<br />employers, completed
<br />Lexington Station, a
<br />Marriot Hotel, Bethel
<br />expansion, Boston
<br />Scientific expansion,
<br />and added many other
<br />businesses to CoRdE/
<br />Lexington.
<br />Our City now has solid
<br />financial management.
<br />Arden Hills has the highest rating S&P gives, an AAA.
<br />It took strong fiscal policies, infrastructure and equipment
<br />maintenance practices and adherence to those policies to achieve
<br />this rating.
<br />At a time when the economy is uncertain, we need to place
<br />emphasis on maintaining and improving our beautiful city.
<br />I am honored to serve as your Mayor. I ask for your vote
<br />November 8th. ReelectMayorDavidGrant.com
<br />2022 Election: Mayoral Candidates
<br />DAVID GRANT
<br />I have served as Mayor of Arden Hills for the past 12 years.
<br />My focus has been to maintain and enhance neighborhoods,
<br />parks, add trails, and ensure responsive police, fire and city
<br />services. I have done this while keeping your taxes one of
<br />the lowest in the county, through careful spending and sound
<br />fiscal policy. I believe the city should only bond (debt) for
<br />opportunities and unexpected expenses. Let’s not needlessly
<br />mortgage our future.
<br />I enjoy listening to the input of all residents through public
<br />and informational meetings, and thousands of individual
<br />conversations over the years. From listening to you, being a
<br />33 year resident, and father of two, I have a good idea of our
<br />vision and values.
<br />Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP), is an important development
<br />for our future. TCAAP should reflect our resident created
<br />vision, be environmentally friendly and add amenities. We
<br />need to limit financial risk to protect our city. We should not be
<br />forced to accept a county vision that does not reflect our values.
<br />Through my leadership, the city has created 7.2 miles of trails,
<br />secured our city financially, kept taxes low, maintained our
<br />unique neighborhood character, revitalized Lexington Ave by
<br />adding businesses and restaurants, obtained $1.7 million in
<br />state and local funding to improve our city, upgraded the city
<br />website and social media for increased communication and
<br />enhanced our quality of life through new amenities.
<br />GREGG LARSON
<br />I grew up in St. Paul,
<br />attended Macalester
<br />College and the
<br />UofMN, and served
<br />in the US Army. My
<br />early career included
<br />public and private
<br />environmental,
<br />wastewater treatment,
<br />and energy planning
<br />in North Dakota,
<br />Michigan, Wisconsin,
<br />and Minnesota.
<br />Later, shifting gears,
<br />I joined the UofMN’s
<br />School of Public Health
<br />to lead operations for
<br />a clinical trial network conducting infectious disease research
<br />in 35 countries. Now semi-retired, I still assist with research
<br />endeavors.
<br />We moved to Arden Hills in 1993. Our community’s lakes,
<br />woods, and wetlands, proximity to Twin City sporting and
<br />cultural attractions and the airport, and highly-ranked school
<br />district enhance its attractiveness and property values.
<br />Wanting to contribute, I served four years on the Planning
<br />Commission, and nine years on the City Council, choosing in
<br />2006 not to run again. I’ve also led numerous public and non-
<br />profit boards, and volunteer with Ramsey County’s Medical
<br />Reserve Corps, as does my partner of 45 years, Rob Carlson, a
<br />Mounds View HS graduate and Physician Assistant.
<br />Our “Advance Arden Hills” team of candidates wants to move
<br />our City forward with a revitalized Council. Three current
<br />Council members have been there 15 years or more, two of
<br />those, including the Mayor, 20 years or more. We need change,
<br />fresh ideas, and new leadership.
<br />What’s our vision? A Council that:
<br />• Recognizes that the vacant, 427-acre TCAAP site is
<br />crucial to our future. We’re a built-out community with
<br />aging housing. TCAAP promises an expanded tax base,
<br />new businesses, market-rate and affordable housing, and
<br />employment. After 27 years and millions of our taxes
<br />spent, we’re tired of waiting. The current Council can’t
<br />reach agreement with the landowner, Ramsey County, on
<br />housing numbers. We will, and we’ll boost our fiscal well-
<br />being.
<br />• Completes safe trail connections without waiting decades.
<br />• Listens and encourages, rather than discourages, public
<br />participation and transparency.
<br />Our team - Tena, Emily, Tom, and myself - won’t always speak
<br />with one voice, but we all share the same goal. A Council
<br />majority that looks to the future, not the past. Please support us!
<br />Let’s make it happen together. Visit advanceardenhills.com or
<br />contact me: larsonforardenhills@gmail.com or 651-895-2064.
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