2024 Carver County Commission – District 1
“I have many types and years of applicable experience. I know county government from the inside, having worked for three different counties over the past 30 years. I know how various levels of government work, and how we can encourage them to work together and operate more efficiently. I have a master’s of Public Administration degree, which provides a strong foundational understanding on how government works and how to fix it when it doesn’t.”
— Greg Boe
Name: Greg Boe
Website: gregboe.com
Email address: voteforBoe@gmail.com
Home community and how long have you lived in your community:
My family and I have lived in Chaska and Chanhassen for 27 years.
Previous leadership experience:
I have served in several volunteer and elected positions on various boards, commissions, and councils, and served as a member of the Minnesota State Legislature. I have been employed as a department manager and program manager within county government, and as a supervisor in private industry.
In what community, state, or national organizations have you been involved?
I have served on the Chaska City Council, Chaska City Planning Commission, Carver County Planning Commission, Southwest Transit Commission (board member and officer), Jonathan Association Board of Directors (board member and officer), Friends of the Minnesota Valley Board of Directors, Minnesota Registered Sanitarian and Registered Environmental Health Specialist Advisory Council (council member and officer), Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Board of Directors, and the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association Board of Directors. I have participated in Carver County Leaders, Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency, and Leadership Chaska. I am a member of our local Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus, and I have volunteered with Christmas in May, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red-Blue Build.
How have you prepared to serve well in this office:
I have had the good fortune to serve in several elected positions, and have worked in both county government and private business. I believe my service in the Legislature will help Carver County when we seek legislative support for important local projects. I have earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Toxicology, and Chemistry, a graduate certificate in Public Management, and master’s degree in Public Administration. I will bring beneficial knowledge and experience to the board.
What do you view as the three top priorities for Carver County and how would you address these?
My top three areas of focus will include: managing our growth, strengthening our county communications, and preparing for a positive future. My experience working within the fastest growing county in the northern half of the United States has prepared me for the challenges of managing growth and expanding communications. Ensuring a positive future includes both of these, plus listening to residents, while seeking increased efficiency and transparency within our operations.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
Experience. I have many types and years of applicable experience. I know county government from the inside, having worked for three different counties over the past 30 years. I know how various levels of government work, and how we can encourage them to work together and operate more efficiently. I have a master’s of Public Administration degree, which provides a strong foundational understanding on how government works and how to fix it when it doesn’t.
How do you plan to manage the county’s annual budget while ensuring that essential services are maintained and improved?
Throughout the county’s annual budget process, I will look for changes in proposed expenditures and levels of service, while also asking: How can we maintain that delicate balance of cost vs. service? How can we ensure that existing residents and businesses do not bear the brunt of the load when it comes to expenses created by growth? Are we planning for future service types, and levels? My experience will help us face the challenges in our future.
The tax levy to fund the county budget is a major item of the property tax bill. How would you propose to inform and engage residents so they become more involved in issues and informed on how county money is spent?
Many residents do not fully understand how property taxes are calculated, as there are many variables and outside entities that play a role in that complicated process. I will seek to strengthen and expand county transparency and communication with the public, in all aspects of county operation including the budget process. Let’s shed some light on this confusing and often mysterious subject, while encouraging public involvement.
What, if anything, should the county do to provide additional or improved activities, recreation, and parks?
Step #1 is to maintain the amenities and facilities we already have. We must also complete newer projects that are already in the works. Finally, we should continue to look toward the future to see what new facilities might be needed, as our population grows, our demographics shift, and public preferences change. We should solicit public input. Tomorrow is best when planned well today!
If a competitive business climate is important to you, what should the county do to see that private sector businesses can start and grow in our county?
We must look for ways to be more business friendly, and reduce our regulatory burden. Encourage local businesses to expand here, and budding entrepreneurs to launch their dreams in Carver County, by offering technical assistance and guidance, etc.
What, if anything, should the city do to increase transparency?
Strengthen and expand communications. Open our processes. Encourage public input and participation. Share information openly, and frequently.
Where do you see the county in the next five to 10 years?
Carver County will certainly have a larger, and more diverse population. Our communities will continue to grow, and more development will take place in our unincorporated areas. Met Council predicts our population will be at almost 160,000 people by 2050, with an increase of almost 20% expected by 2030. New residents often desire or require higher levels of service. This reality may stress and strain our existing infrastructure. We should be prepared for this eventuality.
