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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK - September 21, 2011 S'\NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV City Council Workshop Wednesday, September 21,2011 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:30 p.m. 2. Interview Candidates for City Council Vacancy 6:30pm Brian Haugen 7:05pm Todd Craft 7:40pm Ted Butler 3. Other Discussion 4. Adjournment . - --_. t\ <:tV ~,P"" @ \ o~ s ... Sl\N6oVi* 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN, S CllTY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT APPLICATION Name: lJI2TA-N ffIltl &-E N Address: IS>; Z C ;2/'-rrJe ST Ii/tV Home Phone: 6/2- - 7/0- sto.r;:- Work Phone: 763~ 3 ~f?-.Y77D Emai1: !7(uljen bi.- :;)n<,.i(oJ1W,c!e.. ~rn * Please attach a letter of interest ana a resume listing of education and past experience. fu addition, please provide detailed responses to the following questions (Limit one page per question). 1. Please state your reasons for requesting to be on the Appointment list for a City Council vacancy. 2. Describe your education and professional experience, and how that would help you to serve on the City Council. 3. Describe your civic or community activities, which may be relevant to the City CounciL All materials must be fumed in no later than 4:30pm on Friday, September 9,2011. Tlte City Clluncil wHl review the applications and conduct inteJrViewi!lprio)l" to making the Appointment. C;\Uscrs\jdkkinsonlAppDatalLocal\Microsoft\ WindowslTemporary Internet Files\ConlenLOutlook\X7NBU6'IT1CC APP (2),doc . ~ ~ UseY\ Brian D. Himgen ~ O~ ,5' 15512 Crane Street NW Andover, MN 55304 612-71 0,5605 JOB OBJECTIVE 1 wish to attain the appointment to fill the Andover City Council vacancy. EDUCATION " USAF Logistics Officer Course- Lackland AFB, TX December 2004 '" USAF Squadron Officer School- Maxwell AFI3, AL December 2003 G USAF Supply Officer Course- Lackland AFB, TX February 2000 '" USAF Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course- Sheppard AFB, TX September 1995 " USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training Graduate- Columbus AFB, MS October 1992 " USAF Officer Training School June 1991 " B.S. Business Administration with Major in Aviation Administration- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND May 1989 WORK EXPERIENCE Insurance Agent, Nationwide Insurance Blaine MN September 2006,Present Independent Agent responsible for prospecting and advising clients on Auto, Home, Life Insurance and Business Liability Insurance. Customized insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks. Annual training involves reviewing the latest MN insurance laws and trends. Managed a new agency from start up to a$2 million dollar agency in less than 5 years. Sales Manager, Combined Insurance, Andover, MN Jailuary lOOG-September 2006 Prepared action plans and schedules to identify specific targets and to project number of contacts to be made, followed up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity. Developed and supervised the preparation, issuance, and delivery of sales materials, exhibits, and promotion programs; prepared for and attended exhibits, conferences, meetings, and other local, regional, and national promotional opportunities. Major, Retired, U.S. Air Force September 1984-November 2007 Air Force career jobs performed as enlisted Aircraft Mechanic/Crew Chieffor 7 years. Commissioned as Air Force Pilot Columbus AFB, MS for 5 years in various aircraft accumulating 653 flight hours. Maintenance Officer, Logistics Officer, Squadron Commander and various USAF Headquarter assignments for 11 years. Prepared squadron annual budgets, training plans and recruiting forecasts. Lead Joint Task Force IV as Maintenance Officer-in-Charge of numerous deployments to Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico, Tyndall AFB, Florida and Nellis AFB, Nevada. . 'Hew,St>"f\- 'S b.\'S OTHER QUALIFICATIONS President- Northern Lights Business Networking International (BNI) 2009- Present Tournament Director- Andover Girls Traveling Basketball Association 2009-2011 President- MN Flying Vikings Chapter Reserve Officers Association 2002-2004 Vice President- MN Flying Vikings Chapter Reserve Officers Association 2000-2002 Secretary- MN Flying Vikings Chapter Reserve Officers Association 1998-2000 Lifetime Member Reserve OffIcers Association ).l All ,Spn 4 o~S 1. Please state your reasons for requesting to be on the Appointment list for a City Council vacancy. My fascination with the political system in the U.S. started when I was 18 years old. It was very early in my Air Force career; Ronald Reagan was President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. I was inspired by his positive attitude towards the United States. He was always saying what we could do; he did not dwell on what we could not. He brought all classes and races of people together; they were not separated by race or gender. I remember watching the State of the Union Address and getting goose bumps when he WQuld speak of how greilt this country and its people are. As a retired Officer from the United States Air Force I feel it is important to keep the integrity in local politics as some constituents are starting to lose the faith in all levels of government. I believe that Andover is one of the nicest cities in Minnesota and the US as far as I am concerned. That is, if we could take the weather factor out of the equation. I want to do my part in making sure that this continues to be a positive place to live. I have lived in many other areas ofthe country when I was serving in the Air Force. I feel we have the best public schools in the state, arguably some of the best in the country. I believe you make a city strong by supporting two groups. I think we must support local businesses by keeping licensing fees and taxes low. Secondly, we need to keep the youth baseball, softball, basketball and hockey facilities top notch. By maintaining the facilities we will continue to attract other metro area and out state teams to our local tournaments. This will allow them to frequent our restaurants and retail stores, increasing their sales. Every time someone from another city comes to Andover I want them to want to live here and locate their business here. We need to showcase the North Metro of Blaine, Andover and Coon Rapids because we all need to support the area economically. Most importantly, I feel at local, state and federal government levels we need to simply spend less than we take in. The entire country needs to save for things and rely less on credit to keep the economy strong in the slower times. There was a saying at Lackland AFB, Texas that I have followed since 1984. It said, "Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way! I succeeded in the Air Force by stepping up when things need to be done. I want to be a Dlember of the Andover City Council because I am not a follower, I am a leader! 2. Describe your education and professional experience, and how that would help you to serve on the City Council. J received a Bachelors Degree in Aviation Administration from The University of North Dakota Grand Forks. I have received extensive leadership training in the U.S. Air Force including Officer Training, Undergraduate Pilot Training and Squadron Officer School. This training would equate to a Graduate Level Management Degree from any major University. J have interacted extensively with Officers and Government Officials from many different governments including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Ecuador, Kuwait, Italy, Norway and Germany. Most importantly I will work for ALL of the citizens of Andover to make it a better city by following the Air Force Core Values "Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do" meaning, I put the needs of the entire city of Andover FIRST as I did for the Air Force for 23 years. \l4\VSf\"\ 5J5 3. Describe your civic or community activities, which may be relevant to the City Council. I still volunteer extensively in the Andover Athletic Association. I have coached Andover Girls Softball for 6 years including one trip with a National Softball Toumament Appearance. I also am a Member of the Andover High School Girls Basketball Booster Club. I am continually with the parents and children of Andover hearing their needs directly. I am currently the President for the Northern Lights Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI). I interact with local business owners and Chamber of Commerce members daily. The goal ofthe organization is to promote business of all kinds in the Metro North Chamber of Commerce area. I recently was President of the Minnesota flying Vikings Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association and still an active member. This organization is a volunteer lobbyist organization that promotes Officers of all U.S. Armed Services. I have extensive contacts with Mirmesota and U.S Senators and Representatives, To sum things up I anl knowledgeable and active in various levels of local, state and federal governmcnt. I spend many hours fostering sportsmanship and hard work in the Y01Ulg student athletes of Andover. Recently, I have gained numerous professional business contacts in Andover and Anoka County specifically. I look forWard to the chance to work with the Mayor and City Council of Andover serve the citizens of our great city! ThaILk. You! Brian Haugen 15512 Crane StreetNW Andover, MN 55304 612-710-5605 . . . c:\:o.D.+. ------ {f/ \ b~4 Todd L. Craft 17850 Uplander St NW Andover, J\.1N 55304 September 8, 2011 In regards to: Councilmember Appointment Andover City CmU1cil Andover City Hall 1685 Crosstown Blvd NW Andover, J\.1N 55304 Dear Andover City Council, I wish to submit information relative to my desire and qualifications for the appointment to fin the vacant seat of the City COlUlcil. I have been an Andover resident since April, 1991 at the address listed above so I have witnessed the significant growth of our cOtnl11lmity dll1'ing the last twenty years, I believe my experience and values will be an asset to the City Council as om' City Council navigates during the current economic period. I have raised two daughters in Andover with my wife of26 years. I am a business owner of A-I Engineering, a manufacnuing company operating in Coon Rapids. I have attended Constance Free Church for the last 15 years. My wife, Joni, owns an accounting firm located in Fridley. I believe these accomplishments attest to a person's stable lifestyle, character, and supporting backgrOlmd which are essential for a person to be successful in a leadership position such as COlU1cilmember. I appreciate your time in reviewing my enclosed infOlmation and look forwmd to the opportunity to interview in person. . . . (t~ ~ ~ ~ l)~ 4 17850 Uplander Straet NW Phone 763.753-6875 hm, Andover, MN 55304 612-309-6007 cell 763.786-8710 wk Fax 763.786-7849 E_mailtodd.craft@a1eng.com Todd Lii Craft Summary of 2005-Present A-1 Engineering Coon Rapids, MN qualifications President, co-owner R Responsible for all aspects of the 40 year old company including capital purchases, financial performance, marketing, contracts, human resources, strategic planning, operations. 1985-2005 Remmele Engineering Big Lake, MN Multiple Positions . Market Manager- 3 year duration responsible for multi-miilion doliar customer reiations, contracts, and growth. Market strategies for Aerospace, semiconductor, and fluid control were of primary responsibility as part of leadership committee for company. . Project Manager- 7 year duration responsible for estimating large projects, daily interaction between customer and shop, maintaining contracts, and assisting Market Manager. Contributed to significant growth for the company in the fluid control market. . Quality Representative- 2 year duration responsible for quality planning and execution of large projects in the aerospace/defense market. . Machinist- 7 year duration responsible for the planning and operation of precision CNC manufacturing equipment. 2002-2005 Dirtmovers, Inc. Andover, MN President, co-founder . Responsible for all aspects of a small excavating and landscaping company. Performed grading, excavation for homes, septic system Instaliation, and retaining wall installation. !Education 1998 Cardinal Stricth University Edina, MN Bachelor olf Science, Business Admii1listrntioll1l 1983 Stewartville High School Stewartville, MN Comml!Jll1lity President of ATVAM during 1990's, Member of MPMA, Various service activities projects through Bridgelink ii1l~e~es~s ;!mOl Lake cabin, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling activities . (t~P~ ~~Ll Application Question Response 1. Please state your reasons for requesting to be on the Appointment list for a City Council vacancy. 2. Describe your education mId professional experience, mId how that would help you to serve on City Council. 3. Describe your civic or conmmnity activities, which may be relevant to the City COlillCil. I am confident that I possess a number of attributes to provide a balanced disposition for Andover City COlillCil. As a long time resident of the community, the tinung of this open position fits well with my obligations to business mId fmnily. I believe I can bring about a perspective on the COlillCil which is based on solid economic principles applicable to today's needs in our city. I consider professional and personal experience to be the most significmIt contributor to a person's life long education, I do possess a business degree and believe that institutional education is an important contributor to ones ability to analyze things ii.om illstorical and multiple views, Institutional education provides the base on which a person builds knowledge and wisdom over time through experience. I actually completed my degree as a worldng adult because as a young person my ability to find an area of study which r could fully apply myself was difficult. Instead, I fOlmd ml opportunity to gain education tlu-ough working and in order to achieve my professional goals, completed my degree later in life. As mentioned in my cover letter, my wife mld r both oWlllollg standing businesses in the metro area. As a business leader I am continuously analyzing multiple factors in order to make sound decisions. I pull from my experience and knowledge in addition to seeldng input from those having qualified input. My co-owner and I utilize an advisory cOlmcil approach to making decisions for our company, which is similar in nature to the pmpose ofthe City CounciL My wife and I are a pmt of each other's business council, making impOltant decisions in this manner has provided results we are confident in. Congressional style decision making is a part of my everyday life and will allow me to serve Andover citizens well. I was once certified as a septic installer through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and involved in a number of installations in Anoka, Sherburn, mId Isanti cOlUlties. This experience provided me with exposure to enviromnental, building, and city codes in effect at the time as well as working within different city building pernut departments. WillIe it has been considerable time since being certified, the experience and knowledge will be applicable to conducting myself as a Councihnember seeking input or clarification from various departments or committees. Similarly, my tenure Todd L. Craft Page 1 9/8/2011 . . ( fA.0~ l.\ o"Li as the All-terrain Vehicl e Association of Minnesota President provided me with an opportunity to assist in leading a growing community organization during a time when we were working through the legislative process of gaining access to trails in the state. I worked directly witll board members, lobbyist, and elected officials, such as Tom Rukavina. We were successful in working the process to establish a specialized multi-motorsport area in the Grand Rapids and other cOlDmunities which me operating today. TIns is another example of working within a congressional style group considering and soliciting input from experts in the field to malce decisions acceptable to a lmger community. I apply conservative thinking as a business and family leader. I have worked hard to achieve my goals mid have benefited from the support of my wife and family. I believe ill the American Dream, that one can achieve what they envision so long as they me willing to work hmd for it. Andover residents can count on me to apply tllese principles to my membership on the Council doing my part to support our community's vision statement. As an appointed Councilmember for Andover, our community can rely on me to put forth tlle effort to gain experience and wisdom wIllie working in the position. I do not come with an attitude that I know what is best for our cOlllmunity, but I do Imow what has worked or where to gain lmowledge that will allow me to pmticipate in the areas of responsibility for City Council. I do not have a platform of special interests to bring to the table for our community. My ideas will develop over time and through exposure. However, I believe the most inlportant responsibility of govemment at every level is to provide support and services for wInch govemment is designed. Todd L. Craft Page 2 9/8/2011 . - ~ f3o,.+ J-er \1.1 \ o~1 ~NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 563040 (763) 766-6100 PAX (763) 756-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN,U$ CITY COUNCIL APPOl1'lTMENT APPLICATION Name: Tc.J LSu+\t' ( Address: IsX'6 \ s: tv,.. f'dJ Lt- jJlJ Home Phone: 763- 7/ ";)~ - 0 d-.7) Work Phone: <6 \ do ~ b~G-. .SCC/ CJ Emai1: b u'\-\;::.. r " -t~A fV. C\ (\1 o-..~ \ (j CCJVvl '..J 1< Ph':ase attach a letter of inte](cst anti l! resume Jlsting of edm:ll!nOlll an~ past experience. IIDl additiolm, please jp>](ovidle. detailed respollses to the following questions (Limit one page per qUestion). ]. Please state your reasons for requesting to be on the Appointment listfol' a City Council vacancy. 2. Describe your education ahd professional experience, and how that wouIcI, help you to serve Oll the City Council. 3. Describe your civic or com.rilunity activities, which may be relevant to the City Council. All materials musf!; be turned! in no later than 4:30pm on Friday, September 9,2011. The City Coull1cil will R'eview the applications and con dud inten'iews prior to maldng dRe AppointmlJut. c:\Uscrs\idic~insonlAppDala\Local\Microsoft\ WindowslTcmporary Tntemet FilesIContent.Outlook\xiNBU6TI\CC APP (2),doc 16vt '-;0 r (04)1 Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butlE)r.ted@gmail.com September 5, 2011 Andover City Council Dear Mayor and Members of the Council: I am pleased to submit my hame for consideration for appointment to the Andover City Council. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills and experiEmces obtained through my education, work experience, and community involvementto hEJlp benefit the city in a broader way. I have an extensive background in public sector finance through the three roles I have held at the University of Minnesota over the past twelve years. I believe having a council member with a strong finance background cOl,lld be a great benefit as the city continues to deal with the financial challenges associated with the ongoing economic downturn. In addition to my professional experience, I have demonstrated leadership in the community through my involvement on numerous commissions and adVisory boards, my involvement in youth sports, and my past service as an election judge. 1l00R forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview, I hope to be able to partner with you to ensure Andover continues to be the best community in the Twih Cities in which to live and raise a famHy, I appreciate your consideration. S?(, ~ . v--/~ tl~/i Ted Butler 'bv+ )-P'(' '; C)~, Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butler.ted@gmail.com EDUCATION Master of Arts, Human Resources and Industrial Relations University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management 2006 Graduate Certificate, Policy Issues on Work and Pay University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs 2006 Bachelor of Accounting . Bachelor of Arts, German Minor in Management Information Systems University of Minnesota-Duluth Labovitz School of Business and Economics 1999 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Finance Manager University of Minnesota Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science January 2010-Present Core Responsibilities and Accomplishments: . Manage all financial operations of a busy and highly rated academic department with $20+ million annual budget. . Make budgetary decisions for the department and advise department head on approaches to dealing with financial challenges and planning for strategic investments. & Act as liaison for the department to all other stakeholders within the University as well as outside vendors, students, and lab service center customers on financial matters. . Supervise six staff members with responsibility for HR, payroll, purchasing, reimbursement, federal grants management, and accounting roles. & Assist faculty and department head in navigating federal, state, and University regulations associated with funding. . Implemented aggressive three year plan to eliminate several structural deficits within the department through targeted cost cutting, creating incentives for faculty to assist the department in its financial management, and through more creative use of existing funding sources. . Implemented streamlined financial reporting process to enable faCUlty to quiCkly access account balances electronically. " Completed President's Emerging Leaders (PEL) leadership development program June 2010 tv\- \-Py 4 o~"l Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butler.ted@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, cont'd Health Programs Financial Manager University of Minnesota Employee Benefits September 2002-January 2010 Core Responsibilities and Accomplishments: @ Managed all financial operations of employee benefit plans for the University and budget development for all self-insured health plans with annual budget of $220 million, . Partnered with University controller's office on aspects of the University's financial statements related to benefits, including post-employment benefit liabilities. 0 Developed and presented executive level reports, analysis, and data-driven recommendations to senior University administrators on benefit plans. e Provided financial analysis for $600 million Request for Proposal for medical, pharmacy, and health improvement program vendors. e Consulted with University Benefits Advisory Committee on benefit programs, e Participated in vendor contract negotiations and annual renewals. G Project managed implementation of various University benefit programs by coordinating efforts of staff across multiple University departments and working with University vendors to ensure successful implementation, @ Led cross-functional group in development and implementation of University-wide Human Resource Metrics dashboard report for Vice President of Human Resources. @ Participated on multiple University-wide metrics committees, Senior Internal Auditor University of Minnesota Department of Audits June 1999-September 2002 " Audited and consulted with University departments and provided recommendations on financial and compliance issues. G Made recommendations on process redesign for University-wide and college/department processes. COMMUNITY I CIVIC I VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Andover Vice-Chair, Community Center Advisory Commission, City of Andover High School and Youth Baseball Umpire, Rum River Umpires Association Volunteer T-Ball Coach, Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Volunteer Flag Football Coach, Andover Football Association Past Member, Community Education Advisory Council, Anoka-Hennepin School District Past Member, Andover YMCA Community Board 2004 and 2006 Election Judge, City of Andover ~v~ 111''(" 5' ~~ 1 Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butler.ted@gmaiLcom 1) Please state your reasons for requesting to be on the appointment lisHor a city council vacancy. I am seeking appointment to the Andover City Council because I have a passion for our community and a unique skill set to offer. I believe serving on the council would be the most effective way to use those skills and my experiences to give back to the community. I will not bring a specific agenda to the city council, so instead I will provide in the next couple of paragraphs a general description of the approach I would take to a seat on the city council and my philosophy on city government. If you speak with fellow parks or community center commissioners, or city staff, I think you will find that they would describe me as a team player. I will bring that attitude to the council. I will listen to residents, fellow council members, and staff and work to come to consensus wherever possible with the other members of the council on issues facing the city. I feel it's important that we continue to strive to make Andover the best place in the Twin Cities area to live and raise a family. I believe in an efficient and effective city government that provides high-value core services to residents at a low cost and that responsibly proVides amenities that enhance the quality of life of its residents 'while keeping the city property tax burden low. Lastly, I feel it would be an honor to fill the seat of retiring Council Member Don Jacobson. If appointed to the council, I would feel a duty to follow in Council Member Jacobson's footsteps by always being thorough and asking the tough questions in a respectful manner. Fortunately, my full-time job comes with flexibility in my work hours, so I would have the ability to do my homework on issues and meet with staff when necessary so that I can be satisfied that I have the full story. ~lJ+ ).,oY' , o.Q1 Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butler.ted@gmail.com 2) Describe your education and professional experience and how that would help you to serve on the city council. My educational and professional backgrounds have prepared me well to serve on the city council. I bring a varied educational background, with a bachelor's degree in accounting providing an excellent financial background that has been the foundation of my career. I also have a master's degree in human resources and a graduate certificate in public policy issues on work and pay, My focus in those studies related to how public sector jobs can be modified to better motivate and retain talented, hard-working employees. My professional background includes three different roles working in public sector finance at the University of Minnesota. My career has exposed me to many different aspects of public sector finance from issues related to bonding for capital construction projects to negotiating with insurance companies to managing ongoing operating expenses. I have a record of balancing budgets, creating more efficient processes, and reducing administrative costs throughout my career. While managing the finances of the University's benefits programs, I was able to reduce administrative costs from 7% of plan costs to less than 3%. In my current role as finance manager for a high profile academic department, I've successfully begun implementing a plan to resolve several structural deficits within the department while maintaining strong funding for the department's core priorities of teaching and research. I have a strong understanding offund accounting, which is largely unique to the public sector, and will be able to scrutinize financial reports with an experienced eye. '. M)Pr 1~1 Ted Butler 13861 Silverod Ct NW 763-712-0277 Andover, MN 55304 butler.ted@gmail.com 3) Describe your civic or community activities which may be relevant to the city council. Ever since my wife and I bought our first home in Andover in 2000, I have sought ways to contribute to the community. Whether vOlunteering at the Church of 81. Stephen or serving as an election judge I found ways to give back to the community before my wife and I started our family. After we had our first child in 2005, I decided to look for more formal and consistent ways to serve the community for two reasons. First, I wanted to help make the community a great place for my kids. Second, I wanted (and continue to want) my kids to grow up believing that part of being a good citizen is giving back some time for the betterment of the community and the best way to achieve that is to exemplify that value. For those reasons, I chose to apply to be on the Andover Parks & Recreation commission, a position I have held since 2007 and have now been chair of since 2009. As chair of the parks commission, I have led our group through several significant challenges. The devastation in the housing market and economic downturn have caused serious funding shortages, yet every year I've been chair the commission has put forth a balanced 5-year capital improvement plan with the desired minimum fund balance of $50,000. Beyond finances, the commission has handled high-visibility, contentious issues such as placement of wireless communications towers in parks, potential closure of park facilities, and requests for park facilities when funding was not available. I think those experiences in particular have provided solid preparation for the. types of issues the council deals with...those that are not always pleasant and problems for which the city may not always have a good solution. Beyond the parks commission, I have served the city on the Community Center Advisory Commission, including three years as vice-chair, have served as one of the city representatives on the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Advisory Commission, have participated on the YMCA Community Board, have umpired high school and youth baseball throughout the north metro, and have coached youth t-ball and flag football, Lastly, in 2008 I waged a strong but ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the state legislature. The process was enjoyable. I knocked on a lot of doors, saw every neighborhood in our community, and met wonderful people, many of whom I consider my friends today. Mostly I listened and I learned a great deal about our community. While I enjoyed that process, I want to assure the members of the council that I hold no partisan political position and I have no plans or ambitions to run for partisan office again. I also bring no partisan agenda to city issues. What I would like to do is use what I've learned through my service to the community to give back to Andover by serving on its council.