Joshua Wimmer - I think that the biggest issue that St. Joseph faces is finding a way to plan for the future growth of the city. It is important to find ways that will positively improve the city without any negative long-term effects.

Herman J. Gangl - The city is losing confidence and respect of the citizens of the city of St. Joseph. Decisions are being made that are not the best for all.

Tom Gustafson - Growth and new development. Must have some equality put into development, not just the developers' way all the time.

Sean Lathrop - Plain and simple.The largest issue is what is on everyone's mind. The current uncertain economic situation and not knowing what is going to happen. In summary the largest issue is financial.

Bob Loso - Lack of experienced leadership, resulting in unproductive council meetings, cancelled council meetings and lack of informed decision making.

Steve Olson - One of the issues I see is that over the last few years we have seen dramatic increases in our city taxes.

Ross Rieke - Planning - with open dialogue, including participation with the widest reasonable representation of all interested and affected parties.

Mike McDonald - What is your cities biggest issue: Local city taxes.

Renee Symanietz - With rising costs and the struggling economy the biggest issue for the city of St. Joseph is controlling the city's budget. St. Joseph is working to not increase taxes.

Joshua Wimmer - Some of the things I would do include offering tax incentives to new businesses. The council needs to look at the transportation levels and decide the appropriate types needed. I will also look at expanding the park system and the quality of life for all.

Herman J. Gangl - Less closed-door meetings, with open discussion at council meetings. Listen to the citizens when they have concerns and take the time to investigate those concerns.

Tom Gustafson - New people on the boards that govern and move our city into the future.

Sean Lathrop - First of all, conservative spending is in order so we can save more money. Second, work with other entities to promote residential and commercial development to grow our tax base. Third, work with the state of Minnesota to get more local government aid.

Bob Loso - I will bring my previous council experience and knowledge of solutions that have worked and the ability to make decisions in the best interests of the residents of the City of St. Joseph. Mentoring other council members to act as a productive team.

Steve Olson - I realize that our economy has taken a dramatic downturn that would have been difficult to foresee, given the pace of construction a few years ago. We need to make sure we manage our financial resources wisely.

Ross Rieke - Although it seems "simple," the solution to implementing even more PLANNING is getting it done. It takes work... especially communication. And finally, the need to take ACTION. Working as a team, I would be committed to getting this done.

Mike McDonald - Increase the tax base by aggressively seeking more business and industry. Stop the increase of bonded indebtedness that is part of the local taxes. Determine if the College of St. Benedict could be contributing more financially to the city.

Renee Symanietz - For the issue pertaining to the budget, the city employees are working very close with the city council to control spending and work more efficent, also working towards a green community. We continue to look at ways to reuse and recycle.

Joshua Wimmer - Due to the current economic issues, I think that the Legislature needs to find ways to address the concerns of local government aid. Because of the current economy, many people are having an extremely hard time making ends and help is needed.

Herman J. Gangl - Re-evaluate the method of distribution to make the aid more equitable, i.e. distribute by square miles of city rather then by population or by wealth. Hold local government to a statewide code of standards.

Tom Gustafson - Taxation. City of St. Joseph is way over on its property taxes.

Sean Lathrop - I think that the State should be more open about there spending so that maybe we could understand why we are facing LGA cuts. In follow up I would hope that they could increase funding for certain projects which are always dificult for a city to finance.

Bob Loso - Freeze the current LGA formulas until the current Legislature can reevaluate and ensure that the formulas are fair and equitable for all local governments.

Steve Olson - Did not respond.

Ross Rieke - Listen - Think Clearly - Act Responsibly.

Mike McDonald - The Legislature often decreases LGA when they face buget shortfalls. This, in affect, transfers the tax burden to the local level rather than the state level. MN should explore other areas to make up for their shortfalls. I disagree with Levy Limits.

Renee Symanietz - Most local government aid in mn goes to the metropolitan area goes to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and some of their closest suburbs. This needs to change, LGA (local Gov. Aid) needs to be divided throughout the state.

Joshua Wimmer - My style of leadership is to take initiative and to work together as a team. It is important to have strong leadership skills, especially in regards to conflict management. When dealing with conflicts, it is necessary to listen to both sides.

Herman J. Gangl - Check laws and ordinances and talk to existing citizens. People with no vested interest in our community should not be making decisions for us. I like to have all the information and facts when making decisions.

Tom Gustafson - Learn and make decisions that are good for the whole community, not just satisfy their own desires and wants. Let the citizens have a true voice in the city.

Sean Lathrop - Being a police officer, I feel that my conflict management skills are fairly good. I would lead with the style where I listened to everyone and made decisions based on the facts and what is best for the majority.

Bob Loso - Direct, to the point. I believe in addressing conflict as it arises to reduce negative impacts caused by dissention.

Steve Olson - I believe that you need to listen to each other's concerns to find common ground and arrive at a solution.

Ross Rieke - Some may say I'm a leader, however, my style of leadership is to facilitate open dialogue and help the communication process. When necessary, mediating and working to develop consensus. Then, with a plan in place... we need to finish with managed action.

Mike McDonald - I am a mediator who would offer alternative solutions. I attempt to use well-researched facts. It is important to try to separate personal feelings from facts and convey that to the audience who may be in conflict.

Renee Symanietz - A participative leader, rather than taking autocratic decisions, I seek to involve other people in the process, possibly including other City Council members, city staff and the public. Often, however, joint decisionmaking can show quality.