2016 Farmington Mayoral and City Council Candidate Questionnaire Name Public Office Sought Email Phone Address Campaign Website Twitter Handle Facebook Page

Robyn Craig City Council [email protected] 651-319-2149 20747 Dyers Pass, Farmington, MN 55024 www.robynrcraig.com Click here to enter text. Click here to enter text.

Please provide a brief biography highlighting your experience and accomplishments that qualify you for the position you are seeking. (200 word maximum): My career includes 35 years working in business development, corporate negotiations, marketing, networking, sales, training and personal development. During the housing bubble, I was working with a company who was trying to prevent bankruptcy. It taught me how to work with very difficult circumstances, and tackle problems head on. It has also given me the backbone to make tough choices when necessary. These skills acquired from my business experiences, would be useful as we look at attracting new commercial businesses to Farmington, along with a growth in economic and tax stability. 12 awards for excellence last 15 years of my career Pre-marital couple counseling 10 years Planner and coordinator for church events 10 years Involved with Feed My Starving Children, Operation Christmas Child, Breaking Free, Loaves and Fishes

Explain why you are running for public office. I have lived in Farmington for 13 years. There are so many wonderful things about our community, and I can see why people want to move to our town. But in this same time period, I have observed the struggles of Farmington trying to keep its small town feel with the pressures and needs of a population that continues to grow. This has created a passion in me to get involved and give back to my community. I want to help shape a strong cohesive community as Farmington continues to expand. I would like to use my experience to work on building up our economic base and continue to move Farmington into a direction where we have a sustainable tax base without overburdening the homeowners.

Please list any endorsements you have received. I am not seeking endorsements as this is a non partisan position, but have individuals who will recommend me for the City Council position.

What is the biggest challenge facing Farmington and how would you address it if elected?

Taxes and city debt. I would look at ways to revitalize current businesses, and bring in new business to help reduce the need to raise taxes each year. The current trajectory will become problematic if not dealt with correctly. City Council has tried to keep down costs, but there will be many more needs that will arise due to more people moving into Farmington. Example: infrastructures, schools, police, fire etc. This will all require more money. Commercial businesses is the best way to keep the taxes in check and relieve the average citizens tax burden. I would address these issues by networking with potential businesses, and look for companies that are looking to expand into new locations. Since I am currently retired, this gives me the time needed to pursue these opportunities.

What would be your top three priorities if elected? 1. Taxes and debt. 2. Economic development by broadening tax base and supporting existing businesses. 3. Civic engagement by keeping residents informed on vital issues impacting Farmington.

How would you characterize the business climate in Farmington? What, if anything, would you do to improve it? If I were to grade the business enviroment of Farmington I would give it a C. As mentioned previously, I feel it is imperative we partner with existing businesses to expand their customer base. Simultaneously, we need to bring in new businesses. We need to spring board off of the momentum we will have with HyVee moving into town. But we need to start now, not wait until HyVee is built and open as that could take a couple of years. In the meantime, we can do some simple, non expensive improvements to help the downtown area. I have several ideas, and have met with the director of Farmington’s EDA (economic development agency) to discuss options. I actually feel very excited about how we could make dowtown Farmington a destination site that surrounding suburbs would come to shop and dine.

What do you think should be the top transportation-related priority in Dakota County? Primarily to maintain safe, quality roads, and bridges. To continue to monitor growth in the Farmington area for traffic congestion. When needed, to start working on more lanes for high traffic areas.

Should local government be actively involved in attracting and retaining jobs? Why or why not? Please describe the role of local government in this process. Absolutely, we should be actively attracting jobs. We should be not be passive in our approach. I think it is important to network using all resources to find ways to attract more business and sustain current businesses by promoting our town. My understanding is the current philosophy is to wait for businesses to come to us. I would like to change that model.

Many communities and government entities in the Dakota County region collaborate to provide services to their residents in an effort to operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Do you believe there are additional opportunities to deliver public services more efficiently and effectively in a cooperative manner in the region? Please explain? I’m sure there are always opportunities to work with other communities for mutual benefit to reduce costs, and for services needed. Right now we do have co-ops in place for that very reason. We need to continue to review those relationships to make sure they do save us money, meet practical needs, and

look for new ways to partner with other cities. If it’s a win/win for Farmington then it certainly makes sense.

Do you believe there are any services that are not currently provided by the City that should be and, if so, what please describe the services? Are there services provided by the City that should be cut back or eliminated and, if so, please explain? I feel Farmington is doing a good job providing services which are best handled by the local city government. We do need to keep aware of areas that may be lacking or need evaluation. I want residents to feel comfortable bringing any concerns forward for further review to the City Council.

Describe your philosophy on balancing community needs versus the tax burden placed on residents and businesses. How does your record reflect this philosophy? It is a delicate balance. While not every decision will be universally accepted by everyone, as a City Council member it is necesary to look at the highest and best use of our funds that will impact the largest percentage of the community in a positive way. One of the problems that continues to loom over Farmington is the large debt we incurred about 8 years ago. I hope we as community learn from this mistake, and do not put ourselves in further debt in the future unless is a critical need.

Do you believe the cost of government at the City level is too low, too high, or about right? Please explain your answer. After sitting in on the City Council meetings and reviewing the budgets fixed costs, expenses, and other essential needs, I think the proposed tax for 2016 has kept down any excessive tax increases. Because I am not on the City Council at this time, I have not seen and looked into contracts and current costs other than at face value in the budget. There may be room to trim some costs, but without seeing all those documents, I will only make a comment on what I know at this time. If elected, I intend to always look for ways to cut costs, but not at the expense of services we need as a community.

The City of Farmington is proposing a 4.94% levy increase (preliminary) in the local tax levy for 2017. Do you support or oppose this increase and why? Looking thru the budget I see the current City Council is trying to keep the taxes down. I think the taxes are higher than I’d like to see, but without me reviewing contracts, and having more details on the current expenses, it is hard to see if there is a way they could decrease the 4.94% levy. But this is precisely why I am pressing hard to bring more businesses to Farmington. This would help to stabilize and hopefully lower the yearly tax increases in the future.

In November, voters of Farmington will be asked to support $10 to $12.3 million to develop an outdoor aquatic facility, ball fields, athletic fields, more bike trails, more community play areas and an outdoor refrigerated ice hockey arena. Do you support or oppose the referendum, and why? The City of Farmington is proposing a 4.94% levy increase (preliminary) in the local tax levy for 2017. Do you support or oppose this increase and why? This will be decided by the voters. This is not a decision made by the City Council. If you are wondering how will the $10 to $12.3 million dollar referendums would impact your taxes. Look at the City Of

Farmington 2016 Recreational Facilities Referendum Estimated Annual Tax Increase Table from 8/15/2016, you will find a chart that breaks down the cost per estimated market value of your home. I’ll give you one example, the average market value for a home in Farmington is $223,029 Ballot 1. Will raise your taxes $85. Ballot 2. Will raise your taxes $21. If both Ballot questions were approved it would be $106. This payment would be for (approximately) the next 20 years. Keep in mind the other taxes that will be added to your property tax include, City, School District, Dakota County, and a couple of items listed as special taxing districts.

A few local governments recently proposed or approved local ordinances mandating “Sick and Safe Leave” as well increases in the minimum wage, up to $15 per hour. Do you support or oppose local government labor mandates for employers? Explain your answer. The Sick and Safe Leave is is an issue that is being handled by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and so it is really not an issue that Farmington needs to address at this time. In regards to minimum wage, I feel local government should not be involved with those decisions.

Please share your long-term vision for your community. What is the one critical element that must be addressed for your community to achieve this vision? My long term vision for Farmington is a fiscally strong community whose downtown area is vibrant and charming. A town where people come from other areas to enjoy the quaint, homey small time feel. Along side of that, we have a thriving and growing new commercial business area. The two areas will work together synergistically, and provide a larger customer base for revenues. Because of the new revenues, taxes will stabilize and Farmington will have a bright future with economic balance. How can this be achieved? Well right now, I don’t see a clear cut vision or path that has been developed to create this atmosphere. We need to keep and attract new businesses. I’m not referring to the Master Plan I know we have that. I’m talking about an actual strategy and implementation plan. We need individuals who know how to motivate and engage local businesses and partner with them for success. We need to create synergy and help businesses become involved with the vision.

Do you believe local government leadership (elected officials) has been moving the community in the right or wrong direction? Please explain. I see that the City Council has been trying to pay down the debt and keep taxes in check, but as mentioned above, I feel this is just the starting point. Executing a vision is needed. Without a vision there is no direction.

If elected, what is the one attribute that you will offer to the City Council that currently doesn’t exist? Energy, motivation and time to give to the City Council position. A fresh perspective, but conservative approach with finances. I have a strong desire to serve Farmington and see it become a community that others look to as an example of how to develop the full potential of a small town.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If I had the honor of being elected to serve on the City Council, I would create a bi-monthly newsletter that would break down topics we are adddressing at City Council. This would be short consise information, so the residents can feel informed and impowered. Lastly, I think its important you know my values and how I will conduct myself if elected.  Faith and family are the most important.  Integrity matters.  Justice should prevail.  Service above self.  Honesty is a must  Humility is needed.  Bipartisanship for the good of all. If these are the characteristics you want in a City Council Member please vote for Robyn Craig on November 8th.