Greetings,
My name is Dennis Tifft, and I would like to introduce myself. I am
running for City Council from the Eighth Ward because I believe I can
bring vision and creativity to the job in ways that will make a real
difference.
Minneapolis is a city that is rapidly reinventing itself. Renewed
interest in city living positions Eighth Ward as a community on its way
up. The next several years are sure to be filled with exciting potential
and change. More than ever before, Eighth Ward requires thoughtful,
forward-looking leadership. I am committed to helping Eighth Ward to
realize its full potential by serving as the critical link between Ward
residents and City Hall. As opportunities continue to present
themselves, I am determined to make sure that Eighth Ward is not left
behind.
My campaign's agenda concentrates on the processes for moving Eighth
Ward into the future by improving three things-constituent service,
livability, growth and stability of our neighborhoods, and safety and
security. I am convinced that addressing each area of concern is vital
to building the kind of Eighth Ward that people will be proud to call
home.
Constituent Service
I am a candidate who truly believes that government should be open and
accessible-and never forget the people it is intended to serve.
Improving constituent service for the residents of the Eighth Ward is,
therefore, a top priority.
My promise to residents of the Eighth Ward is to be a council member
that is available to hear and voice your concerns at City Hall. Upon
being elected, I will take immediate steps to achieve this goal by
opening a satellite office within the ward. I also intend to publish a
constituent newsletter on a regular basis. Day-to-day I will make sure
phone calls, correspondence, and inquiries from my constituents are
addressed in a timely manner.
I have spent the past 10 years in training staff at Park Nicollet Clinic
in the art of good customer service. My experience in the field of
customer service has taught be to be a good listener, improved my
negotiation skills, art of comprise and being patient until the results
are achieved. I will take these skills with me as your next City
Council member.
Livability
Neighborhoods are the backbone of Minneapolis-and the key to the high
quality of life to which our city lays claim. I aim to ensure that
neighborhoods have the resources they need to be safe, strong, and
clean. Achieve that, and you also have a good place to live, work, and
play.
This means adequate city services, including fire, police, first
responders and sanitation. It means placing a high priority on resolving
problem properties. It means a conscientious effort at striking an
optimal balance where redevelopment is concerned. It means looking
beyond the status quo for new ways to improve our neighborhoods.
In coming weeks, I plan on introducing a variety of initiatives specific
to livability that I intend to promote when elected. Already under
consideration are a Graffiti Strike Force, a Home-based Business
Consortium, and Critical Use and Development Guidelines with input
coming from Eighth Ward residents.
>From many years of neighborhood involvement, I can attest to the fact
that neighborhoods are often the best judge of what works and what
doesn't. Community input and feedback is of vital importance to the
process-and to the council member because it helps to ensure that
residents have a real say in how their neighborhoods are run. My goal is
to encourage and cultivate these kinds of relationships with the people
I represent.
Safety and Security
For several years Minneapolis and the Eighth Ward have seen a reduction
in crime. This is due, in part, to efforts by block clubs and the SAFE
program. It is the result of working smarter to solve problems,
innovative policing initiatives, and by utilizing new technologies where
appropriate. Living wages jobs, a strong economy, and a renewed interest
in urban living have also had a positive impact. We must make sure crime
does not begin to rise again to previous levels, nor step back from
programs that have contributed to our improved security and well-being.
We need to continue and expand funding for the SAFE program and provide
tangible support to neighborhood organizations to implement their own
programs. We also need to put our best creative efforts into making
things even better.
And, finally
My partner Steve and I recently celebrated our 20 year anniversary. We
have been your neighbors in the Eighth Ward for over 13 years. During
that time I have been amassed hundreds and hundreds of hours working on
neighborhood issues-and am in my third term as president of Bryant
Neighborhood Organization. I delight in working with people committed to
making things better and am eager to serve in City Hall. I am always
open to new ideas, new thoughts-and to hearing from you. You're welcome
to call me at 612-823-8182.
Thank you for your support.
Dennis Tifft for Eighth Ward City Council
Coming soon: www.LIFTwithTIFFT.com
PS: Having an open house tonight at 3144 Park Ave from 5:00- 9:00 P.M.
Stop by and introduce yourself!
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