Candidate's viewpoint: Mark Doree

My name is Mark Doree. My wife Jennifer and I are six year residents of Woodbury. This past summer we became kin-ship foster parents to Hannah, 14, and Dylan, 8. I have worked for Medtronic Inc., for the past 12 years in the Neuromodulation Division. My focus area is deep brain and spinal cord stimulation systems.

This Nov. 6, I will be on the ballot seeking a City Council position, and ask for your vote.

My first priority is to introduce a proposal that would implement a council representative ward system. A similar system is already in place at the county and state levels.

As a small community going back in Woodbury’s history residents probably knew each council member personally. Now, with over 63,000 people living and working in our city, can you tell me, which council member represents you?

Under the proposal, each elected councilperson would represent one of four quadrants. Much like the human heart has four chambers, working together to promote the health and vitality of the body, the ward quadrants will work together to promote the health and vitality of our city. Maybe you have a concern about a builder in a new development, traffic in your neighborhood or crime. There would now be a councilperson available that understands the uniqueness and needs of the area and be accountable to residents they elected to serve.

My second priority is to work with the city and community to determine the best outcome of an aging sports facility. Recommendations are in favor that the dome at Bielenberg Sports Center must be replaced. The current proposed design and layout comes at a cost close to $22 million. That does not include additional considerations brought forth at City Hall of a possible water park or a splash pad. The citizens of Woodbury currently have over 20 public and private swimming opportunities already within the city. This does not include the many nearby lakes we all enjoy. I am opposed to a city funded, and run, water park or splash pad.

In closing, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my viewpoint, to better understand my position, as I run for City Council. I hope I have earned your choice for council member, and remember to vote on Nov. 6.

Doree is a candidate for Woodbury City Council.

Tags: opinion, elections, updates, viewpoint