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Tom Strigel

8975 Wedgemere Drive

Since December, 2004.

Wife Susan, daughters Lauren, 13; Paige, 10; Meredith, 9.

1) Roots. My family moved to the western suburbs of Minneapolis when I was a young child. With the exception of a three and a half year corporate relocation, I have lived in this area since that time. Victoria was recommended by a friend as a great place to raise a family. After a brief search of the area, Victoria’s close knit yet welcoming community atmosphere made our decision an easy one.

2) Education/Work. I graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret High School and continued my education at the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. My professional experience has been in Sales, Marketing, and Product Management, and I am currently employed by Rockwell Automation as a Product Marketing Manager.

3) Reason for running. Criticism usually arises when a person or group does not feel their needs are being met. My professional experience has taught me that in these circumstances there are times when better communication is the answer and other times when action is required. I believe my experiences have also equipped me to discern the difference and bring about resolution in a positive manner. I also feel that it is a shared privilege to participate in, and contribute to, our institutions.

4) Improving Victoria. Victoria has a unique character which our residents value. We have an opportunity to build on and enhance that value. I would like to be part of a Council that creates an inviting environment for businesses to locate in Victoria, encourages utilization and promotion of our natural assets, and takes advantage of the growing infrastructure such as the Hwy 212 corridor. Creation of a clear, concise set of guidelines for development, which minimize time, expense, and complexity, is an important element.

5) Characteristics of a Councilmember. A person who demonstrates openness to the ideas and inputs of the community and is transparent in all dealings, respects the individual rights of its citizens, and acts in “the interests of the governed, not the governors.”

6) Expectation of citizens. The citizens of Victoria should be free to live their lives as they believe best serve their personal needs. I expect that they will rely on their own good judgment to make these decisions and resolve conflicts with minimal government intervention in their everyday lives. I expect our citizens to be good stewards of our common spaces.

7) Safeguarding transparency. Transparency is key to good governance and decision making. I will take great caution to understand and always abide by Opening Meeting rules. Any business of the City involving a quorum of the Council must be conducted in full view of the public and press.

8) Parking. Foot traffic is good for street level businesses as well as for creating a community atmosphere. Parking should be in proportion to the businesses it supports. When the burden of creating additional parking spaces becomes a barrier to attracting businesses to Victoria, an imbalance exists which must be remedied. At peak periods, some crowding is inevitable, however it should not be a problem unless it creates a public safety issue.

9) Lofty purpose. I believe the most dignified role government can take is to respect and support the individual rights of its citizens and not intrude on their freedom to live as they see fit. Our city government can meet this goal by minimizing regulation on people’s individual activities, providing a safe community, and working diligently to deliver services in a cost effective manner.

10) Council time. I will prioritize my time to serve the people of Victoria. I am in this race because I believe I can add value by bringing open communication and a positive energetic attitude to the businesses and citizens of Victoria.

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