Central
Corridor Light Rail
–I
believe that if done right, Light Rail Transit along University
Avenue presents unprecedented economic development opportunities
for Saint Paul. I will work to preserve the existing businesses
and promote locally-owned development and engage everyone
in revitalizing this important business and residential
corridor. It’s critical to have the Light Rail start
at Union Depot and move efficiently through downtown Saint
Paul and connect to the neighborhoods along the Avenue.
We can’t repeat the mistakes of Rondo and we must
protect businesses and residents that have invested in
the neighborhood.
Financial Responsibility
–
I will prudently invest Saint Paul’s resources into
projects that garner the “biggest bang for the buck”.
I’ll judiciously use Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
and work with Mayor Chris Coleman and City Council leadership
to solve the budget gap. I’ll be a strong voice
for restoring Local Government Aid (LGA) and will preserve
recreational and library hours without jeopardizing funding
for public safety.
Educational
Opportunities for All –
Education is critical to the economic health of our city.
I will work to ensure that there are learning opportunities
for all by supporting early childhood education initiatives,
after school activities and work to expand post-secondary
opportunities at our colleges, community colleges and
technical schools.
“Green”
Businesses and Rock Tenn –
Preserving the 500 family-supporting jobs and the 100-year
old recycling business at RockTenn is very important to
Saint Paul. RockTenn’s “green manufacturing”
business recycles 50% of Minnesota’s newspaper and
cardboard and is the type of business that the City needs
to retain. I’ll work with community members to make
Saint Paul energy independent by developing a clean renewable
energy source that will power the RockTenn facility and
other development along University Avenue. I will also
work with other businesses, labor unions and environmental
groups to recruit more “green” manufacturing
and businesses to Saint Paul.
Watch
Bernie's YouTube Candidate Statement (recorded by Saint Paul E-Democracy)
