Meet the Candidates: Maple Plain City Council

A trio of candidates are vying for two seats on the Maple Plain City Council – Rochelle Arvizo, Mike DeLuca, and John Fay.

Each candidate in contested races was asked the same set of questions by the Laker Pioneer, and candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words or less. responses from the candidates can be found below.

Early voting in Minnesota opened on Sept. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Find your local polling place online at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Question 1: What prompted you to seek election (or re-election) to office?

Rochelle Arvizo: Our elected officials have a duty to truly listen to the people's voices. Our leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and work actively to bring about real and lasting change. We need individuals willing to put in the necessary effort and show bravery in challenging current norms, as this is the path to significant progress. As a result, I have decided to run for a seat on the City Council to make a positive impact at the local level.

Mike DeLuca: To continue the work we started 12 years ago to maintain and improve the city of Maple Plain. We have improved the roads, added businesses and streamlined city government to be effective and responsive to the needs of the businesses, residents and guest.

John Fay: Being inherently prudent, analytic and detail oriented, I enjoy being part of a team where I share my knowledge, ambition and skillset to make lasting improvements within the city. I strive for efficient and responsive City Administration and services without burdening residents; to ensure Public Safety is professionally staffed and trained; to maintain modern roads and infrastructure with enjoyable parks and public spaces and toilets that flush and water that is safe and readily available - all at the lowest, responsible cost to both you and me. I’m proud of the city services I equally share responsibility for delivering 24/7.

Question 2: What is your long-term vision for the community?

Arvizo: Maple Plain needs more essential service businesses, such as pharmacies and groceries, to cater to our growing town. The neighborhood parks need updating for kids of all ages and a better bike riding solution for the residents and families. Additionally, establishing a farmer's market in the space across from the library could generate revenue and foster a sense of community and pride in our city. Engaging with our local business leaders to bring these ideas to life could significantly enhance the quality of life in our town.

DeLuca: A vibrant community that enjoys its common spaces and celebrates the neighbor community we have in Maple Plain.

Fay: Maintaining an iconic suburban yet rural identity – a community surrounded by lakes, wetlands, preserves and open spaces. Maintaining excellent parks and trails in addition to the award-winning school district. Creative (re)development within the various residential zones like those in the current Baker Park Villas and Meadows of Maple Plain. Mixed-use districts incorporating a mix of both market rate apartments and retail and commercial tenants. Haven Homes has been an excellent addition to the Gateway District and developers will find this area appealing due to its proximity to Hwy 12/Baker Park Rd. and Gateway Blvd was built with installed utilities.

Question 3: If elected, how would you handle balancing economic development with maintaining a sense of community?

Arvizo: It's important to remember that local businesses and entrepreneurs are essential to the community. Empowering them to expand and grow their businesses positively impacts sustainability. Supporting locally owned businesses helps create jobs and keeps money circulating within the community. Participating in community events can make a meaningful impact. Sharing event information on social media promotes them and encourages broader attendance. Making purchases at these events directly benefits the local community and economy.

DeLuca: The two are linked. In Maple Plain we put a premium on our sense of community. We do that through some of the nicest parks in the area. We will continue to develop the city responsibly in regards to economic development and use park dedication fees to improve our city common spaces.

Fay: Let’s concentrate on economic development first. Economic conditions have slowed development in the city. When appropriate, we’ll incentivize development by offering TIF options within our districts. We’ll entice development by offsetting the enormous costs associated with public infrastructure by issuing debt and paying that bond liability out of future, captured tax proceeds. A legal tool that is a long-term win-win for the City and Developer. Regarding community, the City Council, in concert with engineering and planning will have great latitude in ensuring design guidelines and zoning requirements are strictly followed, ensuring development maintains a homogeneous look and feel.

Question 4: What do you believe is the best way to address aging infrastructure and acquiring the funding to replace/update that infrastructure?

Arvizo: If the city's infrastructure is still being assessed, it's essential to factor investigation costs into a project. This can save the city and its residents money in the long run. Dealing with unknowns during a project can be challenging and cost more overall. It's best to understand the project thoroughly from the outset. Cities should also think ahead and ask essential questions. For instance, if a new water line is required, would residents prefer an excavation on their newly paved road? Considering residents' preferences can make improvement projects more convenient, especially when roadwork is underway.

DeLuca: Do exactly what we have done in the past 12 years. We have adopted a responsible long term capital improvement plan to address aging infrastructure while maintaining a low tax rate on our residents and businesses.

Fay: Address aging infrastructure head on and without delay as procrastination only adds to the overall cost. Begin with an aggressive and professionally crafted Capital Improvement Plan and make street and infrastructure replacement a priority – modifying when necessary. With nominal financial assistance expected from state or local sources to offset infrastructure costs, improvements require a delicate funding balance between borrowing, capital improvement funding, enterprise funding and assessments. These projects are extremely expensive and the policy decisions to pursue are always the most heart-wrenching for City Councils due to the direct fiscal impact (assessments) on the residents receiving the improvement.

Question 5: What in your background/experience best qualifies you for office?

Arvizo: Before I moved, I was actively involved with a neighborhood group in Rochester, MN. We organized various events, such as "Movie in the Park," and carried out initiatives like planting flowers in the bridge medians and arranging the Winter Festival. I also managed the community gardens. At my workplace, I work with a diverse team worldwide. This experience has helped me develop effective communication and interaction skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

DeLuca: Twelve plus years of experience as a city council member in Maple Plain. I will use that experience to help Maple Plain navigate the next four years of maintaining our reputation as an outstanding small city to raise your family.

Fay: A two-decade aggregate of collective city knowledge and Council history with heavy emphasis on budgets, public safety, capital improvements, policy and precedents including eight years Maple Plain City Council and multiple years on the Planning, Fire and Watershed Commission, EDA and Fire Relief Association. I offer a fair, common-sense approach to responsible budgeting and policy making. I’m honest, analytic and detail oriented, preparing for meetings by reading, researching, note taking, creating talking points and formulating positions. I ask tough questions and broach sometimes uncomfortable subjects while maintaining an open mind and always prepared for discussion and decision making.