Election 2012: Andrew Mullin, Wayzata City Council

Andrew Mullin is running against Alex Plecash and Bridget Anderson for one of two Wayzata City Council seats.

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

I have lived in Wayzata for 15 plus years and absolutely love the community. My wife Kristyn and our two kids (ages 11 and 9) are very active in Wayzata and the broader Lake Minnetonka area.

I have held leadership positions both in business realm and the non-profit realm in addition to my four years of service on the Wayzata City Council.  

I truly enjoy public service.

I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Wayzata for another term.

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

The citizens of Wayzata are stewards of one of the region’s most prized resources—Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata serves as a gateway to the state’s ninth-largest lake with over 120 miles of shoreline and nearly 15,000 acres of water.  

Today, along our city’s 3,660 feet of shoreline, one can take in an unobstructed view of the horizon, harnessing breathtaking sunsets. One may also begin a voyage to the west as the Three Rivers Park District’s popular Dakota Rail Trail has a trailhead in our great city.   

Lake Minnetonka is our city’s greatest asset and it needs to be protected, preserved and passed on to the next generation with improvements.  

The Wayzata Lakefront initiative of which I chaired the Task Force has recently begun work to  frame what our community sees as the highest and best public use for our city’s lake edge.

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

Combating/managing invasive species requires a unified front.

My view is that a joint effort is required inclusive of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Three Rivers Parks, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, Lake Minnetonka Association, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource.  We need to continue to seek additional methods of control and eradication on top of herbicide and consistent control of access points to the lake.   

A unified front of these agencies will increase the likelihood of funding at the state and federal level.

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

As I have been out and about visiting with residents I hear most often, one keep property taxes at a manageable level and two mitigate the disruption from commercial development and city road improvements.    

The city under my leadership has re-focused attention towards both financial management and long term strategic planning. We have upgraded our communications platform which includes integrating new technology to better inform residents and businesses of the implications of construction relating to both redevelopment and city infrastructure projects.

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

Wayzata has high standards for education, city infrastructure and city services such as police and fire.   

We need to continue to explore shared services arrangement like the one we have in place with the city of Long Lake to reduce the overall burden to Wayzata tax payers for city services.

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

Our focus needs to be on prioritization of projects that have the highest and best use for tax payers that includes taking projects off the list to control the overall spend. 

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

The Wayzata Police and Volunteer Fire Department do an excellent job. There is a strong relationship with the community, city management, and city council.

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

Stay informed, get involved.

We have numerous ways for citizens to participate in local government—including our Volunteer Program, city boards (Planning Commission, HPB, HRA, and Park and Recreation)

Lastly, the City of Wayzata has embarked on an exciting journey to create an enhancement plan for the city’s beloved lakefront. Building on the work of the city council-established Lakefront Taskforce, which I chaired, the Wayzata Lake Effect initiative seeks to gather input from as many voices in the community as possible to develop a 10-year plan for the lakefront.

From walking and boating tours, to interviews and surveys, to neighborhood captains and special events, there are plenty of opportunities for community members to participate and provide input throughout the planning initiative.

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

I am a proven leader in Wayzata, and I have a strong reputation for getting things done for the city, its residents  and businesses. I have accomplished a great deal during my first term on Wayzata City Council.   

I take a pro-active approach to move the city forward. The past four years of service to this community has been a privilege, and if given the opportunity I would like to continue serving you and the broader Wayzata community.  

How I plan to continue to work for you: protect neighborhoods, financial management , vibrant downtown , community plan for lakefront and enhance open public space.  

Since 2008, I have gained invaluable experience that I would like to apply to another term. I welcome your feedback and would like to count on your support in November.