Feature F Q: Why are you running for county commissioner and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
A: I am running for Olmsted County Commissioner District 5 to apply my experience to the Olmsted County Board to build on the policies and direction set by previous boards and reimagine how to deliver services to meet everyone’s needs. I believe government works best when commu- nity members are involved and their lived and learned experiences are listened to and included in policy change. I bring broad volunteer and work experience to this role. My volunteer background includes working with agencies that represent individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health, the arts, professional organizations, women in leader- ship, and racial equity in our schools. In my professional career, I have worked in many sectors including high tech, higher education, banking, and non-profit. I have led during times of prosperity and during challenging times and I have never shied away from making tough decisions. I analyze data, listen to multiple perspec- tives, and conduct my own research to arrive at the best decisions. Q: What are your top two priorities or issues as a candidate for county commissioner? A: My top two priorities as a candidate for Olmsted County Commissioner District 5 are effective and effi - cient government and strengthening our communities so they are healthy and inclusive for all citizens. For effective and efficient government, I will examine how we are investing tax dollars to assure we are allocat - ing resources responsibility and work with Olmsted County staff to identify ways to streamline processes for the highest efficiency and delivery of services. For healthy and inclusive communities, I will be an advocate for the passed resolution of racism as a public health issue, assistance for our people to assure they are able to live their best lives, and work with our local governments, non-profit, and private sectors to evolve incen - tives for creating affordable housing. As an Olmsted County Commissioner, I would work towards ensuring representation for all constituents to help Olmsted Country grow in a positive direction. CATHERINE DAVIS DISTRICT 5 A: When Commissioner Jim Bier decided not to run for re-election after serving for 20 years, I saw this as an opportunity to apply my diverse skill set and experience to give back to society. I”ve always been interested in public service which is evidenced by my engagement in groups like 4-H, Olmsted County Extension Committee, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Byron FFA Alumni and Supporters, Farm Bureau and the Governor’s Food Safety and Defense Task Force. Throughout my career I have developed extensive experience in strategic planning, budget management, group facilitation and organizational leadership. My knowledge of fiscal re - sponsibility, resource management and planning has been further devel- oped as a small business owner. I’m also a trained scientist, so I’m com- fortable utilizing data in decision making. My sons are the fourth generation in our family to steward the land on our farm and I am committed to helping to ensure that Olmsted County Q: Why are you running for county commissioner and how does your experience qualify you for the position? remains a thriving and safe community where they can raise a family and build a fulfilling life. Q: What are your top two priorities or issues as a candidate for county commissioner? A: I will prioritize interacting with the residents of District 5 to listen as they provide input on topics of interest to them that are impacted by county government. I’m committed to understanding how I can best repre- sent citizens as I work with my fellow commissioners to build programs and enhance services that are sup- portive of healthy and thriving communities. The growth we’re seeing to the NW of Rochester is impacting my district. I must educate myself on the infrastructure needs as well as the relationships with our outlying towns and townships impacted by this growth. With growth, comes an increased demand for social services and I look forward to applying creative and tactical thinking to maximize impact for county residents. In addition, playing a role in the forecasting of financial needs and making strategic decisions on resource use and prioritization is something I look forward to once elected. MICHELLE ROSSMAN DISTRICT 5
Advantage Magazine | 11
October 2022
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting