4.5. SR 08-18-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Application for Appointment to Planning Commission Statement of Interest I have watched with interest over the past seventeen years the ~owth in the City of Elk River. Because of the economic environment along with the geographic structure of the area the planning of growth has been a particular challenge for all those involved. My interest in serving on the Planning Commission is primarily focused in two areas. First, as a long time resident and graduate of the Leadership Elk River program, I would like to use my talents to serve in a meaningful capacity to assist in the planned, controlled growth of Elk River so as to maintain the quality of life for those already here along with those moving into the area. Second, as Senior Credit Officer at a local bank I am very interested in seeing businesses have the opportunity to consider Elk River as a mutually beneficial place to do business. Educational and Professional Experience My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Cloud State, which included extensive study of Urban and Regional Economic Theory. The experience included detailed research on urban growth patterns, urban planning and development. In 1994 1 graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a MBA in Finance. The course work included studies surrounding issues in urban growth. Since 1992 1 have worked in commercial banking. My experience in serving commercial clients is well suited to working with the planning commission. I have a firm grasp of the financial realities facing expanding businesses, residential developers, and commercial developers along with the constraints that the public sector experiences. I have presented for clients before various city councils and county boards. I understand the requirement to be unbiased and open to various options, open to creative solutions that will benefit all sides of an issue. While working in North Minneapolis I worked extensively with Northside Residents Redevelopment Council to rehabilitate the housing stock in the Near North side of Minneapolis. I also worked with Northside Neighborhood Housing to finance the redevelopment of various projects. Civic and Community Activities My past civic involvement has primarily centered on serving non-profit organizations. I have sat on the Pilot City board from 1992 through 1994. Pilot City is an organizing center for various non-profits to meet the needs of inner city residents. The staff at Pilot City act in a directing function to connect both public and private organizations to the needs of the residents primarily in North Minneapolis. From 1997 to 2000 1 served on the board of Fremont Community Health Services, which provides inner city medical services to Iow income residents. I served as Treasurer on both boards.