Frequently Asked Questions - Shorewood Conversations
Below are questions and answers from my conversations with Shorewood residents
How do you say your last name?
- The easiest way to pronounce it is to break it up into the two words, "sans" and "chagrin." It means without sorrow.
- Fun fact: Sanschagrin was my ancestor's nom de guerre during the French and Indian War. His name was Jean Roby. Following the war in 1763, he decided to remain in Canada rather than return to France with his regiment.
What is your platform? What are your goals?
- Essentially, I want to instill resident-centric government and good fiscal management in Shorewood government. This will be a positive change for our community.
- We need to invest in what residents want for their city. We can learn more about that through surveys and utilizing data. I want to understand what matters to our residents.
Are you a Republican or a Democrat? Are you "red" or are you "blue"?
- I have always considered myself independent. Neither major party fits my values or views. I am "purple" - I vote for the candidate, not the party.
- Partisan politics has divided us. I believe we have more common ground on many issues than the two major parties want us to believe.
- Residents have noted my yard signs appear on lawns supporting candidates from both major parties as well as lawns without any other signs.
- I have been endorsed by the Independence-Alliance Party.
- Note: City council offices are non-partisan.
How have you been involved in the community?
- For over twelve years, I served as an active volunteer in the local Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. I was an assistant scoutmaster with our local Boy Scout Troop (Troop 424) and have taken boy scout crews out on six-day plus high-adventure experiences in the Colorado Rockies and the Boundary Waters.
- In addition, I volunteered at the Lake Minnetonka District level on a team that reviews and approves Eagle Scout Service Projects for scouts in other troops.
- I was Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Board of Directors at Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center) – a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that delivers world-class educational, diplomatic, and corporate programs that connect Minnesota to the world.
- I served on the board of the Minnesota Association of Business Valuation Professionals and as its president for two years.
Do you support the police?
- Yes, I do! I have the utmost respect and appreciation for our dedicated officers who uphold the law and help ensure our communities are safe. I admire their courage to serve the public in facing dangerous and complex situations.
- At the same time, I recognize that sometimes people who become officers are not a good fit for a public facing role. I believe we should be diligent in retraining officers as needed.
- I am against the use of excessive force and racism.
- Meeting the needs of the public should be the focus of protecting and serving citizens.
What can I do to help?