I’m your Mayor David Grant, and I am asking for your vote for reelection.
I have served for almost 12 years as Mayor. Let me tell you a little about myself and why I believe that I am the best candidate.
I know what a great city we have. My family has lived in AH for 33 years. My wife Linda and I have raised 2 children, both Mounds View School District graduates. I am now retired and proud to have the new title of “grandpa”.
I have the background and experience of being Mayor. I know what it takes to run the city well and have good connections to other levels of government and community groups that the city must coordinate with.
I am a fiscal conservative. I want residents to know that I am committed to making the most of taxpayers’ money, #your money#. I have fought to keep Arden Hills’ taxes low, one of the lowest in the county. The data proves that. Like you, I know that spending wisely matters.
I am proud to have created 7.2 miles of trails since 2010. This includes new trails coming next year that will connect County Road E to Mounds View High School This portion is funded in part through a “Safe Route to School Grant” of $450,000 and in partnership with Ramsey County as they repave Old Snelling. Our trails allow all of us the opportunity to get out and enjoy our beautiful community safely.
I am proud of my success in attracting new businesses and retaining existing business. Through my leadership our city has been able to revitalize the Lexington/ County Road E business district and the 694/35W area.
I have expanded and retained our businesses, their very presence shows that.
Communication and coordination are valuable. I work on several non-City committees and boards, the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau, Ramsey County 911 dispatch policy committee, Arden Hills Foundation and our local area Mayors and Administrators meetings, and regular meetings with the Mounds View School Board.
I reach out and connect with our partners routinely, bring people together for the betterment of our city.
They say that past success is the best predictor of future success. I have a history of success. I will continue to work to enhance the quality of life for all and keep it affordable for all Arden Hills residents and businesses.
Let’s take a minute though to talk about our future.
A large portion of our future development rests with the TCAAP property. The County officially finished cleanup in 2016. Since that time the County has turned down their own negotiated framework deal with the developer, then without merit sued the City and lost their case, then they withdrew all County resources working on the project. At the county’s own suggestion, the City and developer negotiated a term sheet for TCAAP development. This included businesses and housing at multiple price points. The County recently turned down this term sheet.
Any development plan needs to be fair to all parties, including protecting the city from financial risk. This latest term sheet does just that. While TCAAP will add to our tax base it will also add to our on-going costs. TCAAP is by no means a cash cow. The city stands ready to meet with all parties so that this project can move forward.
Arden Hills needs a Mayor who is positive and has a vision for the city and who knows what you value. Arden Hills needs someone who has a proven track record of working with residents, businesses, and other units of government. You need someone who will listen to the concerns of ALL residents, from the youngest to the oldest, from the poorest to the richest, from the most conservative to the most liberal; and will listen to the hundreds of ad hoc conversations. You need someone who can lead the council to make balanced decisions that care about everyone.
I am that person.
I am David Grant and I am asking for your vote for Mayor on November 8.