Woodbury City Council Q&A: Joe Grinols

• Joe Grinols

Joe Grinols

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Joe Grinols

Age: 24

Occupation: University student, Woodbury YMCA Swim instructor/lifeguard, District 833 Community Swim Supervisor/Instructor.

Family: Single

Civic involvement: “Woodbury Days” 2010 booth presentations for Woodbury Political Watch on issues of concern to Woodbury. Involved in 2008, 2010, and 2012 political campaigns

Q: Why are you running for Woodbury City Council?

A: Mark Twain said "No man's life, liberty, or property is safe, while Congress is in session." I woke up to realize that this can also be true of local government. Woodbury’s AAA bond rating is hanging in city hall but not the Bill of Rights (or any other historical document to celebrate what we value.) I will work to retain our excellent bond rating with an eye out for those decisions that will add to our sense of freedom. I studied political science in the Wisconsin University system. I have the values to serve the community.

Q: What issues do you think are most concerning to Woodbury residents and how do you plan to tackle them?

A: Woodbury needs managed growth, maintaining current high standards while decreasing debt. The country as a whole faces difficult times, because of too much debt and we should be responsible to retire debt. The principle owed needs to be continually decreasing. It will not be reached quickly, but it is the best goal.

Q: Woodbury is a developing community. How do you envision Woodbury in the future, five or 10 years from now?

A: It should grow a little slower than past peak years. We will be doing well if we can retain current standards across the board. The nation will soon face stresses which may make that difficult. Nothing extravagant should be begun during the next two years. When our frugality proves no longer needed then some future City Council will be able to spend because we were careful.

Q: Are there any parts of the zoning ordinance that you wish to change to accommodate for redeveloping areas of Woodbury? If so, what and why?

A: Changes to zoning would occur on a case by case basis. Those proposing the change would need to do their homework and we ours. Of course we already know free speech should not have been zoned out of the parks. This can be reversed at zero cost. It is amazing that no one has come forward to claim responsibility for the restrictions put in place in 2009. I wonder if it was misplaced sympathy with the push for national security?

Q: One of the biggest and most expensive projects the city has taken on is the expansion and remodeling of Bielenberg Sports Center. Are you supportive of using taxpayer dollars for the project and why?

A: We currently see quality enhanced with the library, YMCA and the retirement home working together at Central Park and there may be a way to find a similar enhancement at Bielenberg. I would however consider bringing involvement to the people in a referendum, because the country is facing one of the worst financial messes of its history and we should take extraordinary care in times of crisis.

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