Election 2012: Dick Woodruff, Shorewood City Council

Dick Woodruff is running against Kristine Sundberg and Mark Sylvester for Shorewood City Council. (vote for two Nov. 6)

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Share something most people don’t know about you.

I'm a 16-year resident of Shorewood and a lake shore owner on Enchanted Island. My wife and I have one grown son. I've been a Shorewood Council member for six years and prior to that, a two-year member of Shorewood's Planning Commission.

I have experience as a board member of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission. Currently, I serve on the LMCD's AIS Task Force (was co-chair for two years) and as the city's representative to the League of Minnesota Cities and the Association of Metro Cities—where I have been a member of the Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee for four years.

I'm a retired executive having been in senior management of several computing and related technology companies including, serving as a corporate officer of a NASDAQ listed firm. I hold an electrical engineering degree from Iowa State University and a MBA from the University of Pittsburgh (emphasis on finance). I'm an avid golfer and enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Minnetonka.

What sorts of thoughts come to mind when you think of Lake Minnetonka?

The lake is a vital part of the life of the Twin Cities, attracting users from all over and generating valuable business. It's a resource that deserves protection and the attention of local governments. While it's important, I recognize that lots of Shorewood residents are not lake users and am mindful of the importance of other issues to these residents.

Are invasive species a local, state or federal issue? Or is it a mix? Describe your views.

Invasive species are an issue in our waters as well as on land. Prevention and control of them is complex and costly, but needs increased attention. I advocate sharing the responsibility for invasives between all levels of government as the use and benefits of the areas to be protected and managed extends well beyond the borders of the cities having the water bodies within their borders.

Work that's begun to increase funding and participation by the DNR and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District must continue and be expanded. The Legislature must embrace this issue.

What is the most common issue people talk with you about while campaigning? What do you tell them?

Taxes are always an issue. With my leadership in budgeting, Shorewood has been able to keep the property tax increase at zero for four consecutive years while becoming more efficient in delivering the essential services required. I tell people that taxes can't stay flat forever, but with me working with staff on productivity and careful prioritization of projects, tax increases can be controlled.

How do you feel about the current property tax levels? What about school district taxes (understanding the city council has no control over them)?

Shorewood's property tax levels are well within the range of surrounding communities. Having said this, it's my intent to closely manage expenditures and continue to increase efficiencies to keep any tax increases to a minimum.

We have  two excellent school systems serving Shorewood. We get good value from the taxes we pay to them.

If the funding were available, what projects—either shovel ready or on the drawing board—would you advocate dedicating it to?

Extending city water throughout Shorewood is a worthy project that been estimated to cost $26 million. If a way could be found to fund this extension without having to assess property owners for a service that many do not want, I would be an advocate of proceeding.

Walking and biking trails have become a priority for residents. There is a trail plan that should be implemented, but implementation will be messy due to issues such as lack of right-of- way ownership, wetland crossings, and just the cost (currently estimated at $60 per foot).

Are you satisfied with the public safety services being provided to city residents?

Police and fire services are shared between four and five cities, respectively. Generally, this is working. However, the costs are being questioned. The committees that govern these services must take action to deal with the cost concerns.

For police, Shorewood residents are vocal about increasing speeding enforcement and we need to find a way to increase enforcement within current budgets.

How would you encourage the average citizen to become more engaged in local government?

Shorewood has all of its meetings video recorded and residents should watch them on the LMCC cable TV channel or on the Internet if they can't attend in person. I appreciate e-mails and phone calls from residents and am always responsive. There are opportunities to volunteer listed on the city's website.

Open forum. Why should voters cast their ballot for you this November?

I've helped to make the city more financially and operational stable and efficient. I've co-written the city's investment policy which protects our reserves and written the pay-for-performance compensation plan. I'll continue to be the budget and spending watch dog making sure our tax money is used wisely.

I am the one who asks the hard questions and who demands good answers. My business experience and my work with the League and Metro Cities gives me wide perspective as to how to continue to make Shorewood a better place to live in.