There are nine candidates running to replace deceased Burnsville City Councilmember Charlie Crichton. Each of the nine were e-mailed on Monday June 20th, 2011 and asked to respond to the five questions posed to them by July 1st, 2011. What follows are Bill Coughlin’s word-for-word responses.
The first four questions were penned by Lazy Lightning and the fifth was provided by a reader. They are very similar to the questions asked of the four candidates who ran in the main election in 2010. You can search for the posts related to the 2011 special election here.
Please note: The special election will be held on Tuesday July 26, 2011 and you can find out more information about the election on the City of Burnsville’s website.
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LL: What are your top priorities for Burnsville city government?
BC:
-I would support a 0% tax increase for 2012 and otherwise hold the line on taxes. Based upon my research, during 2009 and 2010, the council made structural changes that have assisted in creating the opportunity for a 0% tax increase. In part, my research included meeting with two sitting council members, reviewing the 2011 Budget, reviewing council and work shop Minutes, meeting with the Deputy City Manager to discuss published budget information and a review of other relevant information. I also support cutting future costs by encouraging the city of Burnsville to aggressively pursue services sharing arrangements with other governmental entities.- I would support a business environment that encourages new business development and expansion and creates more jobs in Burnsville.
-I would support a long term plan to fix Burnsville’s aging roads.
LL: Do you feel that Burnsville does enough to involve the citizenry in its decision making processes?
BC:
No. I think it would have been reasonable to allow the Burnsville residents a chance to vote on a major issue such as the Performing Arts Center.
LL: Given the economy’s affect on State funding for municipalities, what is your vision to secure Burnsville’s economic standing long-term?
BC:
My vision to secure Burnsville’s economic standing long term includes in part, my first two priorities above, that of:-Holding the line on tax increases and cutting costs by encouraging the city of Burnsville to aggressively pursue services sharing arrangements with other governmental entities.
-Supporting a business environment that encourages new business development and expansion and creates more jobs in Burnsville.
LL: What are your metrics for success of the BPAC?
BC:
My metric’s for success of the BPAC includes securing new revenue sources such as naming rights to offset the continuing operating losses. During my campaigning, I have been surprised to meet so many Burnsville residents that have never been to the BPAC. As such, another metric would include convincing residents to visit the BPAC and thereafter attend an event.
LL: This is an election to replace the recently deceased councilmember Charlie Crichton. We have heard how this group of candidates has tried to align with Charlie’s ideals, but in what ways would you be different from Councilmember Crichton?
BC:
Like Mr. Crichton, I am fiscally conservative. I may be more open to considering ordinance variances if it would reasonably lead to sound business and job development or expansion.
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Bill Coughlin is a 56 year old resident of Burnsville and father of three who has resided within the city for the last 22 years. Mr. Coughlin is a lawyer and has coached both youth baseball and basketball in Burnsville.
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What do you think about Bill Coughlin’s responses? Do you believe that a lack of citizen participation really boils down simply to the lack of a vote on the BPAC all those years ago? Will sharing of resources between other cities, more than is already done now, really be able to add to the cuts which would be necessary to remain at a 0% tax increase? Whatever you have to say about Mr. Coughlin’s responses go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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July 12th, 2011 at 7:58 am
In my blunt opinion, It really doesn’t matter. Words are just words until they are turned into actions. Only when actions follow an individuals word can you really consider them valid.
You can promise in one hand and not deliver on the other.. Then how much weight do those responses hold? none.
In regards to the seemingly minimal participation, some could be snubbed by BPAC and other local issues that they felt the need to be involved in as a citizen of the city. Others (like myself in my city) are just very busy with life, work and keeping food on the table.
His responses sound good on paper, but would they really ring true if elected.
July 12th, 2011 at 8:23 am
I’m with woodz in that “His responses sound good on paper, but would they really ring true if elected”.
I do like the fact that he responded he has actually met with 2 existing city council members and studied the budget. I wonder how many of the other candidates have done the same.
July 12th, 2011 at 8:45 am
His responses are redundant. Getting cost savings in sharing with other municipalities is a good thing.
Nobody wants tax increases so that comment is fairly easy to make. Dealing with reductions in Local Govt Aid from the States, the continuing weak economy and housing market likely mean that at least property tax hikes are in the offing. Sharing with other municipalities is a start, but i dont really see any significant ideas that will solve either revenue or spending problems here.
July 12th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Pros:
1. He’s interviewed councilmembers and city staff to learn more about the city’s budget needs.
2. Fixing roads is a priority for him (and me).
3. He offers a viable example of a solution for new revenue at the BPAC.
4. I like his openness to variances in ordinances for businesses.
Cons:
1. Like other candidates, I’d like to hear more specifics regarding what services Burnsville can share to reduce costs.
2. He needs to offer more details about what it means to support the business environment he envisions.
So far, Coughlin is my choice. He has the most thought-out answers of anyone yet. Of course, the jury’s still out until I see what comes from the others.
July 12th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Bill Coughlin is the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce’s backed and supported candidate. I have personally met Bill and found him to be a personable individual however being asked about current issues in the city he declined to answer any questions. Burnsville does not need another chamber member on the city council. The city council/chamber of commerce continues to create economic development projects which turn into economic disasters at taxpayer’s expense, ie; the Heart of the City Project, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, the awarding of a five year, no bid contract, to chamber member Frontier Communications to build a city wide WiFi Internet system which NEVER materialized. This no bid contract was created to stop the recommendation of the 2005 Visionary Economic Development Committee to create an affordable community wireless internet system utilizing fiber optics as the back haul and utilizing an “N” type wireless front end. Recently the Burnsville city council/chamber of commerce, once again, awarded one of the chamber members, Frontier Communications, management control of the city taxpayer owned fiber optics system PLUS giving them FREE fiber strands for their own personal use. As a Burnsville resident, I have been involved in several city hall citizen committees. Our input/recommendations are either ignored or fall upon deaf ears. The council/chamber have their own agenda. This is the reality of citizen involvement in Burnsville city government.
Appearing in today’s Pioneer Press is the article concerning the resignation of the Burnsville Performing Arts Commission chairperson. His reasons for resigning were the same reasons mentioned by the critics concerning the creation of the PAC Commission.
Pioneer Press link: http://www.twincities.com/dakota/ci_18458171?nclick_check=1
July 13th, 2011 at 10:47 am
I honestly have gotten to the point that I have no idea what a person means when they say they are going to hold the line on taxes. These days I imagine a politician holding onto a string attached to a macy’s thanksgiving day parade balloon animal as it fills with more and more helium. Otherwise, I agree with the ideas Bill is talking. I’ve seen a couple discuss supporting a pro business environment. I’d like to hear from them more specifically, what do they see in Burnsville that is anti-business, if anything.
I have some concern that Bill is unware of why there would be many BV residents that haven’t attended the BPAC. Venuworks continues to struggle to make a compelling argument for BV residents to visit. Really, his stating this would have me mark him off a list, if I had one, until I could ask him more questions.
Again, I’m not a fan of variances for one business. The only variances I can go for is if the piece of property has a unique issue that would prevent it from being developed or excessively onerous to develop, but for such a variance. Otherwise, get rid of the ordinance if it doesn’t make sense.
July 13th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
I watched the City Council Candidate Forum today after I found out that some of the folks (So far, Tom Hanson and Donna Alberts) had refused to participate in the questions from Lazy Lightning. The following were some +/- notes I took on Bill Coughlin as I watched the stream.
+ (talked to city people)
+ (Charlie was his guy)
+ (keep property taxes low)
+ (sees decreasing home values as bad)
+ (has time to do it)
+ (conservative voice)
- (attorney) [sorry, can't be a plus]
- (variances vs real change) [if it's a silly ordinance, get rid of it, don't just give a variance]
July 13th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Congrats to Mikeh on comment #900!
July 13th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
I like what Bill says and hope he can follow through if elected.
July 14th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I am thinking that Mr. Coughlin sounds too much like every other politician with hazy good sounding words that probably will get lost after joining his cronies on the council. In short, he sounds like a lawyer.
His stance on the BPAC is tells me he is only mildly concerned that it is bleeding money. Of course you would want to get more residents to there. How? Nothing there but wind. Oh, and “convincing residents” is not a metric. Tsk Tsk, Bill Coughlin Esq.
Supporting a positive business environment? What do you mean? Are you going to cover build out for a new venture, not require taxes to be paid? Low interest loans? Again, nice sounding words with zero actionable ideas.
No lefty seal of approval for you Big Bill,, but if I ever need a lawyer, I will keep you in mind.
July 14th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Bill Coughlin has the skills to serve (via Thisweek): http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Thisweeklivecom/~3/Tg1lya_rFWY/
July 14th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Supports Coughlin (via Thisweek): http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Thisweeklivecom/~3/feqUHfJ2EpQ/
July 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Wow, support from both mayoral candidate (and Kautz opponent) Jerry Willenburg and a Crichton campaign manager is huge.
July 14th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Don’t sell yourself short, Joey.
July 14th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Bills answers are exactly what we need right now.
Bill, please consider this permission to put as many signs on my property as you wish.
Best of the group thus far.
Michael Roess
Towne & Country Shopping Center
Highway 13 and Cliff Road
July 15th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@ Michael Roess.
Stay the fuck out of politics as it relates to your job. I am now going to skip my next trip to Thai Curry House and go to Everest instead in protest of your decision to publicly support this more of the same, old guard candidate.
By the way, what the fuck is Chaps anyway?
July 15th, 2011 at 9:36 am
lefty, I’m not sure that’s fair.
Michael has always been transparent on here as it pertains to his interests. Hell, he even has the auto-signature.
Why not engage in a discussion with Michael to persuade him that Bill Coughlin ISN’T the best person for the community instead of just cursing him out for supporting a candidate that advances his interests?
p.s. — Chaps is a thrift store. Bill’s wife had a pretty enlightening post about Chaps on here a while back. You should check it out.
July 15th, 2011 at 9:41 am
One other minor point: I wouldn’t fault Michael for responding with “stay the fuck out of politics as it relates to Burnsville. Keep your stupid feedback and seal of approval in your own damn city.”
Anyhoo.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Totally agree with MSPD, that was really uncalled for lefty.
I like Bill. A guy who’s going to bring the same old isn’t likely to get Willenburg’s endorsement. Quite the opposite.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:18 am
MSPD ire.
Now that deserves the lefty Seal Of Approval.
My thoughts on the best candidate have been posted for anyone to read, including Mikey boy.
Anyway, I don’t think it is a good idea to mix politics and business. If MR or anyone would have said, get me some signs for my yard at my house, that is fine. But to make off as if Natalina’s Gifts is in support of said candidate is not appropriate.
As well, defining Chaps as a “thrift store” is about as informational as “Chaps”. I have no idea what that means.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:22 am
Here’s your info about Chaps from Bill’s wife: http://www.lazylightning.org/new-perspective-south-metro-food-shelf-users
As for mixing politics and business, maybe it’s good, maybe it’s not, but I think that’s for Michael and his tenants to figure out.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:31 am
That is a very nice post about a food shelf. I still don’t know what a thrift shop is and I don’t suppose I really care.
I agree that I probably was more harsh than I should have with my post to Michael Roess. I won’t back off of my original point, but maybe I didn’t need to be so harsh. lefty say sorry.
July 15th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
lefty, wow, were you drinking when you posted that stuff?
Business and politics is what makes the world go round. We have all said it, on all these threads, that Burnsville needs people who can attract businesses and ideally someone who understands why its hard to do business in Burnsville right now.
I have a great deal of respect for the opinion of Michael Roess, and thought it meant a great deal that he is supporting this candidate. Quite honestly, the answers provided and my idea of what a lawyer might think is important do not match up with the support he is receiving from Mr Willenberg, Crichtons group, and Mr Roess, so those additional posts have at least given me the info needed to go back and take a second look.
MR has never hidden who he is or what he does, and has shared great information, often critical of the current council/mayor, so his support of a candidate for business reasons is not at all out of character with previous posts, and as he makes it clear who he is and why he supports them, I dont see whats wrong with his post.
However, you are always entertaining.
July 15th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
If you don’t know what a thrift store is, you may need to look for some volunteer opportunities or other avenues to gain a little insight into the world of the less-privileged. Thrift stores are retail outlets selling used goods for the benefit of charitable organizations. Surely you’ve passed a Goodwill Thrift Store or Salvation Army Thrift Store on your way to Corner Table or another one of your $50 suppers.
Like I said, it’s a bit of a cliche in these candidates, but identifying ways to help businesses thrive, grow and, yes, relocate to Burnsville is one of the most pressing local issues we have.
I think the insights of commercial property owners, businesses, and the like are tremendously valuable in evaluating candidates for City Council. I would even like to hear from businesses and property owners OUTSIDE of Burnsville as to what they think of the business climate in Burnsville and who among the candidates has the best chance of generating perception of Burnsville as an attractive place to consider.
Furthermore, by trying to lease his spaces, Michael has a unique insight into some of the zoning and economic issues that may prevent businesses from locating here or thriving. Again, this is directly relevant to the discussion.
I may not vote solely on who business/developers’ interests are in this election, but I sure as hell want to hear what they have to say.
I gotta say, I’m pretty surprised with your comments on this particular issue.
July 15th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Thisweek’s interview: http://www.thisweeklive.com/2011/07/15/bill-coughlin/
July 15th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I already said I was being harsh to a fault. Agreed.
I don’t have any issues with a business owner or whatever saying who they are and what they think about a candidate. I agree with you MSPD all the way on that.
I am a former business owner, one once who rented space from a person in Roess’ position (I used to own 3 restaurants). I would not have been OK if any of my landlords wanted to put up a political sign in “my yard” that may have potentially detracted a customer from coming to my store, even if the property was technically not mine. In particular, given that there are 8 other people running for this, it mathematically could mean that 88% of my potential customers might get pissed off because I am not voting for their guy. (ignoring away for the moment that maybe 5000 people are going to vote total)
I wonder if Mr. Roess would put up a Sarah Palin sign in front of his customer’s businesses next summer?
I probably went a bit too far with my comment, but I hope it helps that I tell you how it was derived. Fair?
I have done quite a bit of charitable work and spend a fair penny each year supporting causes for the less-privileged in your words. None of those endeavors have brought me to a thrift store, though I drive by the goodwill once in awhile on my way to I Nonni. I didn’t know that it was a thrift store though.
MSPD, you of all people should not be the one nicking me for eating out at expensive places.
July 15th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Your position and post #16 sound like two totally different animals.
And it wasn’t nicking you for eating at expensive places, I was nicking you for making yourself sound like an ignorant elitist (in this particular discussion).
July 15th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
lefty, thank you for the clarification. I would totally understand a particular store not being excited about political signs in their “yard.”
I guess I took what Mr Roess said as more of a public endorsement and less of an actual invitation to put signs in the windows of all the stores in his retail space.
It is a little shocking that you have not been to a thrift store. While I consider myself neither poor or wealthy in financial terms, we often shop at thrift stores, including Chaps Thrift Store. My more frugal (thrifty!) brother and sister in laws, who are much younger, consider it “cool” to shop in these places and to wear vintage clothing bought for pennies on the dollar. Personally I just need to save some money where I can.
July 15th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Congrats to Chad on comment #1500 (he only gets congrats in 500 increments now :))
July 16th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Thanks, I feel as though I have slowed down. MSPD will catch me soon. Must…………post……………….more…………….
July 17th, 2011 at 9:35 am
interesting discussion on the business/politics issue.
I tend to agree with lefty in this case. A political sign in a strip mall/shopper center area posted by the owner of the area tends to reflect on all the businesses there whether they like it or not. Were i a landlord i would not do that. Now, if it was a free standing business location , then they can post what they want. I drive to Chicago and madison alot and see a cement culvert business near Baldwin WI that has a sign advertising itself and a prominent pro-life message at the bottom of that bill board. In this case they are only aiding or harming their own business. But in the case of the shopping center the landlord’s sign affects every single business… i believe that is what lefty means. i suspect he has the “right” to do that as he owns the property, but that doesnt make it “right” . (although his politics sound pretty “right” politically to me)
I own a business in Burnsville and prefer not to support candidates supported by the Chamber of Commerce mainly because they seem to be “more of the same” and mainly support the core main constituents in the CC. I suppose that is what they are supposed to do? I prefer a bit more out of the box thinking. Charlie was a neighbor of mine, I very seldom supported his positions as a lockjawed “no” to every issue didnt seem creative to me. But i respected him , and I actually voted for him the last time… a combination of thinking he was what was needed then, and maybe the “devil” i knew.
July 18th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
The Bill Coughlin campaign is the only one that’s come to our Burnsville door with a flyer. I like and give points for that, just I like give points for responding to LL questions here. The willingness the candidates show for engaging with the community now go a long way toward showing me how engaged they’ll be if elected. :-)
July 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
We need jobs and increased tax revenue (not higher taxes). Higher property taxes are paid directly by the Tenants and they understand and support my efforts to control this for them (or we would not be full in one of the worst business environments in 75 years). Minnesota’s commercial property taxes are the 4th highest in the country; think about that next time you are taking a bite of a burger at BJ (Burger Jones).
We have supported our Tenants through this difficult time is as a result I have not been paid in over three years (this cost us our family home).
I did grow up in a conservative home, however I have always voted for the candidate and did so with our current president (please do not show this to my mom or dad).
There will not be a Sara Palin banner at my home or properties, however it is also unlikely that there will not be an Obama.
Hope this helps.
Mike
July 20th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Here’s Burnsville Patch’s “council candidate profile”: http://burnsville.patch.com/articles/council-candidate-bill-coughlin
July 21st, 2011 at 10:11 am
Coughlin just came to my door on Tuesday as well. I will give him credit for that, although i still wont be voting for him. for the record we just exchanged greetings as he came during a work day for me at my home office, i offered him some water (bottled) and he declined.
July 25th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Mr. Coughlin was my first choice for the council seat – but I have since changed my mind. My vote will go to someone else. The first red flag was all the lawn signs, then came the mailings – then the “robo calls” started. That cost him my vote – he will probably win anyway but I never vote for the big money people.
July 26th, 2011 at 2:56 am
Seems odd to me that a well-organized campaign would make you avoid voting for someone. Based on that logic, Ralph Nader, Dennis Kucinich, and Chuck Baldwin would all get your vote.
The signs and reports of him actually campaigning tells me he cares about the seat, something I haven’t seen out of all of the others. I also haven’t been hit with any robo-calls or mailings, so they must be targeted to certain areas, which would actually indicate limited resources.
He’s still got my vote.
July 26th, 2011 at 7:39 am
I must say that I am disappointed in this ballot of candidates. There are few, if any, who show any understanding of how local government operates. They tend to be obsessed with mantras of “keep taxes low, fight waste, & help businesses create jobs”, rather than sharing any new ideas.
I understand that many of these candidates felt they needed to wrap themselves in Charlie’s legacy to woo voters. True, Charlie was an institution, and his shoes will be tough to fill. But, these candidates must see that Burnsville needs a visionary, not another curmudgeon.
A large part of Charlie’s strength lied with his thorough understanding of the City Code, as well as his vast experience on the Planning Commission and years in other cities besides Burnsville. Charlie’s care and concern for the City was deeply rooted in the ordinances and resolutions that have been passed before.
More than fighting for the Burnsville taxpayer, Charlie was concerned with Burnsville’s quality of life. (Where is that statement in any of these candidates’ remarks?) Any City’s ability to attract business and preserve quality of live is only as good as its adherence to the City Code. (Watch how many times Charlie would vote against the majority because he felt an issue did not live up to the word of the City Code.)
I don’t doubt that this flock of candidates loves Burnsville. What I doubt is their belief that Burnsville’s betterment is solely rooted on doing everything we can to lure business here. It needs to be a combination of things, but most of all, a care and concern for the planning, the public works, the financial management, the community development and even the zoning enforcement – all working in concert to preserve and improve our quality of live in Burnsville.
Yes, the BPAC is an element of our situation, but we have to live with it. We must let the BPAC Board – the appointees who are supposed to make recommendations to the City Council about the center – do their job. And then the City Council must react. Asking these candidates to give solutions to the BPAC problem is “beyond their paygrade” right now. There are so many intricacies to the situation, the public must let the BPAC Board and Council provide the leadership to deal with the situation.
So, who do I vote for? A candidate backed by the Chamber, or a political newbie who does not know how City government works? I will close my eyes and pick one when I vote. Wish the City luck!
July 26th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Looks like Coughlin’s going to get it:
http://services.co.dakota.mn.us/forms/StaticElectionResults.aspx?Id=60
July 26th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
2780 votes………..the people have spoken………………..
July 26th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Chad, what do you suggest to fix that problem while getting 5 people back to the table instead of 4?
July 26th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
With 100% of the precincts reporting Bill Coughlin wins with almost 58% of the 2946 votes cast (which calculates out to about an 8% voter turnout for this election)
A true mandate if there ever was one!!!
July 26th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
At my precinct, I was not provided with a ballot secrecy cover/folder, and the guy handing out the “I voted” stickers was standing right next to the ballot box, looking down at my ballot as it was put into the machine. He should have been posted at least several feet away, and definitely not so close, particularly on a one issue ballot such as this where at a glance, one can very easily see who one voted for. I understand natural human curiosity and the impulse to look, but the polling place needs to remove any opportunity for succumbing to those impulses.
July 27th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Whit, are you going to stir up trouble over it? Might be fun.
July 27th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Can’t now… it would blow my LL cover. ;) I should’ve thought about stirring up trouble BEFORE posting on the “internets.”
July 27th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Bill, I have no idea what you do about it. I think its funny though. I am happier with the outcome than I would be if the Mayor were allowed to appoint her own choice for the vacant seat.
July 27th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
I had a secrecy cover/folder, though I didn’t use it since I really don’t care. If someone was somehow able to decipher who I voted for as I walked across the room and inserted it into the machine, more power to them. There was someone sitting near the machine, presumably to assist with any questions about how to insert the ballot or in case the machine malfunctioned, but I don’t think they could have seen who I voted for, or maybe they could and I just didn’t notice.
July 27th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
I was provided the cover/folder too but in my opinion it is harder to feed the form in the machine using it than without. If they can read my ballot that quickly more power to them.
July 27th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Were you harmed by the lack of secrecy? if not, there really isn’t a case to be made. Though you could write the Secretary of State’s office and let them know the precinct that isn’t following their rules. They might do something about it for the future.