Four candidates are running for Shakopee mayor and eight for two city councilor positions in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Mayor John Schmitt is seeking re-election to a two-year seat; challenging him are city Councilor Matt Lehman, Rachel Romansky and Curt Walor. For City Council, incumbents Steve Clay and Terry Joos are running for two seats with four-year terms; also seeking election are Michael Luce, Shawn Marshaw, Pamela Punt, Todd Schoenike, Ornela Beslagic-Sivula and Jay Whiting.

Find additional questions to those published in our print edition at the end of this questionnaire.

Todd Schoenike

Education and family: Schoenike, 41, is married with two daughters, 14 and 1. He has lived in Shakopee five years and resides on Elmwood Avenue. He majored in criminal justice, history and social studies at Augsburg College in Minneapolis and currently is enrolled in the college’s teaching program, pursuing a secondary education licensure in social studies.

Career: Currently a patrol officer for Hannon Security Services in Bloomington. Retired from the Minnesota National Guard after 22 years. He was in military intelligence and a medic in the military.

Previous civic involvement: Is involved with the pre-school program at his church in Minneapolis.

Contact: toddschoenike@yahoo.com

I am running for city council because I feel I can do a lot to make Shakopee a city that residents can feel safe and happy to live in.

I would like to think that I can bring common sense to politics. Growing up in Minneapolis and attending public school, I realize how important community teamwork can be to improving a city’s perception and development. My time in the military and deployments to Bosnia and Iraq have emphasized how much we as citizens need to work together. I have dealt with many diverse cultures over the years, and understand that we need to all consider ourselves as Americans first, but can never reject or refuse other cultures. In regards to public education, I also consider my education background as a good insight into our schools today. Everyone deserves to have our children obtain a good education, and only with teachers and parent involvement can this be achieved. One last thing I would like to mention is that I consider myself a fiscal conservative at heart. Raising taxes, fees or tax levies is sometimes needed, but only using responsibility as a cornerstone. Proper planning and time management should greatly improve our process for getting things done in a manner that reflects a solid, conservative and appropriate city council.

What major challenges will Shakopee face in the next five years and how should they be addressed?

The two major changes I see in Shakopee the next five years are education and crime, in particular, gang-related.

Starting with education there is no simple answer. As a council we need to work with the education board and communities to promote a positive learning environment. Spending money like crazy serves no purpose. We have to think smartly when it comes to budgeting education so all students in Shakopee can get a proper education. None of this will happen if parents do not become more involved with their children. Teachers cannot educate, mentor and discipline students solely. Resources are too tight and classroom overpopulated for this to happen.

In regards to crime, the only thing that will counter this is community involvement. Neighbors need to watch out for each other, and communicate with local law enforcement when necessary. We need to let gangs and others know that Shakopee is a safe and sound city, and they are unwanted. Overall, almost all problems facing Shakopee can be addressed with community involvement and common sense.

 If you could undo any decision the City Council has made in the last 10 years, what would it be? What actions have you supported?

None that I know of at this time.

 Is the city financially responsible? Does it do a good job of controlling spending?

From what I can see the city is fiscally responsible—based on the property taxes and education levy spending I have seen lately. But there is always room for improvement.

 What is the city doing that it shouldn’t? What isn’t it doing?

I do not understand why the city is building a new elementary school with the economy at this time. There seems to be plenty of elementary schools in respect to secondary schools, and two new elementary schools built in the last five years, I believe.

 With high volumes of police calls to some apartment buildings and increasing numbers of residential homes being converted into rentals, is it time for the city to regulate or license landlords?

I believe that what people do with their property is up to them. But if they are breaking the law or inviting gangs and lawbreakers into our community, something should be done. There are always exceptions to the rules and needs to be looked at in certain cases.

 If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about Shakopee, what would it be?

I would like the city to work more closely with the surrounding communities in Scott County. I also would like for Shakopee to lead by example in showing how a city can meet many of the issues facing communities today.

 The city subsidizes park and recreation activities by more than $1 million. Is this expenditure worthwhile?

Without looking at the books, this is hard to judge. The up-keep and maintenance of parks is important to our environment, but more importantly gives Shakopee a look of a city that reflects what is good about our community.

 Shakopee is considering a proposal that would require owners of historic properties to get approval before making certain changes to their buildings. Do you support this idea?

As I stated before, what people do with their property is up to them. The government should have no say on the issue. But, as always, there are exceptions to the rules, and both sides should be heard. If the government is that concerned with the property then maybe we should look at purchasing the building. In doing this it becomes the responsibility of the City Council to look at the cost-effectiveness of this venture.

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With companies suffering, what should and can the city do to retain and attract businesses?

We need to market our city as a place where businesses can grow due to a lack of low taxes, quality employees, and excellent location. Lowering the crime rate if applicable would also help. For small business the concept of fewer break-ins and such should be a positive incentive.

 Pretend you’re not on the ballot. Who would you support for mayor and City Council?

If I was not on the ballot I would vote for the candidate that reflects my view of community involvement, and is conservative in more than just a fiscal way.

 What is your vision for the future of the First Avenue corridor?

The county plans to redesign the roadway. What should be the city’s role, if any, in redevelopment? I would like to make the strip along 101 into downtown more marketable. I think we could restore some of the historical buildings, and maintain a small town look which I think is going away.

(Non-incumbents only): How many Shakopee City Council meetings have you attended in the past five years?  None