Give us a brief account of yourself and your qualifications to hold office.

As a Council member I have always kept the needs of the community 1st. I have said what I would do and have done what I have said. As Mayor I will be the same, direct, honest individual who will only do what is in the best interest of this community. I bring a wealth of experience from my 5 years of direct experience on the planning commission and city council, as well as my professional experience as a vice president of healthcare project management who is used to managing multi-million dollar construction projects by tackling complex problems, dealing with tight budgets, and collaborating with people with varying ideas and backgrounds. I created the vision and was successful in bringing Midco high speed internet to our community and I will be successful leading Greenfield through our future challenges. 

About me personally, I grew up on a farm in rural northwest Minnesota, came from a long line of farmers, and raised and showed livestock as a youth. I am passionate about our community and our way of life. My wife Michele and I just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. We moved to our Greenfield forever home in 2011. Our two sons are now young adults, and we enjoy it when our three grandkids come out to our home to enjoy country life.

Why have you chosen to run for office? 

Every once in a while, there comes a time when we are asked to step out of our comfort zones and serve something larger than ourselves. I have enjoyed my time of service to this community both on the planning commission and on the City Council. When our current Mayor Brad Johnson told me his plans to retire from the seat and asked me to run for Mayor, I felt that was one of those times  I am committed to the success of this community and my record shows that I make thoroughly vetted decisions for our future. These decisions are not easy; the Mayor role will not be easy. But my years of experience have prepared me to take this leadership position, and I am eager for the opportunity.

What do you feel are the chief issues that will face our residents during your term in office? 

1. Pressure from the encroaching urban growth to our east, threatening our rural character. In order to resist this high-density build-out we must follow a strategy that maintains our rural residential nature, large lots with private septic and well. 

2. Taxes. While we are part of Hennepin County and all that that entails for our property tax bills, what we can control is our city priorities. I would intend to keep our city government small, focus our spend on road maintenance, fire and police protection. While prices may rise, we can keep our city budget appropriately focused and only spend on items that are a value to our residents. 

3. Community safety. We need to stay vigilant in all aspects of community safety in order to maintain our safe wholesome country way of life. 

What are your goals if you are elected? 

1. Maintain the rural character of the community as it continues to grow and evolve.

2. Continue to keep Greenfield as a safe community to raise your families.

3. Encourage development of business and industry in the appropriate zoning districts.

4. Maintain an eagle eye on the city budget to ensure the community gets the best value for every tax dollar spent.

5. Champion our elected officials to make sure our state and county taxes are not just spent outside of our community. 

What, if anything, would you change if elected? 

I would improve and increase communication between city staff and the community. I would continue to monitor our public safety and institute a culture of being proactive on public safety issues. I would continue to keep our city government functioning in a civil, productive, and smooth manner. And I would advocate on behalf of our community for county, state, and federal resources. 

What, if any, email should we use for community members to reach out to you with questions? 

voteforkyal@gmail.com