MEET THE CANDIDATES
Feature
Mark Thein
DISTRICT 7
Why are you running for County Commissioner and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I'm running because I feel I offer a unique perspective
to the board in that I am a small family business owner who understands the challenges of running a successful business in challenging times and has a great deal of experience with housing issues. As a certified water well contractor, I also offer expertise on environmental issues - especially those surrounding protecting our groundwater for future generations. In my 8 years of being on the County Board, we have made huge strides on environmental issues and I believe we've made progress in making sure our services are delivered as efficiently as possible. Prior to being elected to the County Board in 2016, I served 18 years as an Oronoco Township Supervisor/Chairperson. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for County Commissioner? 1. To see continued growth in the soil health program we established several years ago and promote seeing it emulated region-wide to protect our groundwater from Nitrates and reduce soil erosion that is polluting our streams and rivers. With the EPA recently naming these issues as being an "imminent and substantial endangerment to public health" in this region, there is a great opportunity to have the State of Minnesota fund this program in the future to effectively address these concerns. 2. To continue to work to provide affordable home ownership opportunities to our younger residents and those who wish to age-in-place in smaller homes that have less maintenance requirements. Home ownership is a key to generational wealth and stability and develops community connection.
OCTOBER 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online