Primary coverage: Get to know the candidates for Olmsted County Board District 5
Two candidates, Brian Morgan and Regina Mustafa are challenging incumbent Jim Bier for the Olmsted County Ward 5 seat. Bier, a three-time board chair, has been in office for 18 years. Given this is the only county board seat on the ballot for the August primary, we wanted to hear directly from the candidates to learn about their campaign priorities. (Two others positions have two candidates who will square off in November; while the fourth seat, held by Commissioner Gregg Wright, is not being challenged.) Below are responses to questions we sent out to the candidates. We asked each candidate to limit their responses to under 100 words.
Candidate profile: Brian Morgan
Begin by introducing yourself and explain why you believe you are the best person for the job.
I’m the RPU Board President, where I helped usher policy changes that put an increased focus on sustainability and listening to the community. By day I’m the Engineering/Maintenance Manager for Kerry, where I’ve managed significant growth at the site over the past three years. I often preach the concept of “continuous improvement,” the idea that increased focus leads to reduced costs and better outcomes. Paired with my board experience, I believe I’m well-qualified to not only lead as a commissioner, but to make genuine improvements in our community.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the county right now? And what steps would you advocate for to address that challenge?
The biggest issue facing the county is the public health and economic crisis of Covid. Maintaining a healthy community against the backdrop of 10% unemployment and business closures is going to require creativity. It can’t be just about masks. That this has become a charged issue has made managing Covid that much more difficult. Everyone wants the same thing — the ability to go about their lives without worrying about the physical and mental toll of a pandemic. We need to listen to the experts, but challenge each other to find new and better ways to move forward.
Let's talk about equity. In an increasingly diverse county, how can we ensure local government works for everyone?
The county runs a detailed survey every year to help staff tailor their efforts. This focuses the staff on where services can be best applied, and there’s always more we can do with that data. Getting the board engaged with every corner of the community would be a great start. It’s one thing to read reports, but getting involved at the ground level provides a perspective and narrative that a board packet can’t. Moving some (or all) board meetings to the evening would increase access for those who work during the day, and improve interactions between elected officials and residents.
Give us one bold idea the county could implement in 2021 to improve the quality of life here.
I would love to see the County partner with individuals and businesses to lead on childcare for working families. Costs and regulations are already high, and Covid has only worsened access as many in-home providers have recently closed. Without reliable, safe childcare, many individuals and families will be faced with a choice between their job and their kids. As a county we already license all day cares. Finding ways to prep them for managing through Covid effectively can keep more of them open, and maintain a vital resource for those who aren’t able to work from home.
Who is your greatest role model? Explain why.
It’s a tad cliche, but my dad has always been my role model. He had an outsized influence in shaping my world view, and how I approach problems. He was a tenacious problem solver, always looking for a better way to tackle his work. He gave back, whether on boards, teaching classes, or mentoring apprentices. He knew the value of work, and above all working smart. It’s become the foundation of my own approach to solving problems and giving back to the community — always asking the question “how can we do this better?” and then going out and doing it.
Candidate profile: Jim Bier
Begin by introducing yourself and explain why you believe you are the best person for the job.
I have served 18 years as your county commissioner (3 times chair). I helped the County navigate through the 2008 financial crisis and have led many initiatives: 1) expansion of the third burner using NO tax dollars while providing sustainable green energy from our waste stream, 2) expansion of 55th street bridge at Essex park including bike lanes and trails providing for our growing community, and 3) implementation of drug court for low-risk offenders to reintegrate into the community.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the county right now? And what steps would you advocate for to address that challenge?
Our biggest challenge at a county level is, and continues to be, our response to the Covid pandemic. From increased mental health issues, increased domestic assaults, and the economic havoc associated with the pandemic, Olmsted County will be dealing with the effects for quite some time. We need to focus our limited resources on the core issues that the pandemic has wrought. As your commissioner, I will focus on these issues.
Let's talk about equity. In an increasingly diverse county, how can we ensure local government works for everyone?
Even before the recent events unfolded, I have supported a county that will work for everyone. 2 examples: 1) in 2017 we implemented a pilot program to pair a community outreach worker with deputies. This has been very successful and at our last meeting increased the number to four. 2) In early 2020, we implemented "One Olmsted", a program designed to improve our services and opportunities for everyone in the county. A complete explanation of the program can be found on our website.
Give us one bold idea the county could implement in 2021 to improve the quality of life here.
We are always looking for new and bold ideas. Some that I currently support and we are working on: 1) Shifting our fleet of vehicles to 100% electric. We have already begun. As cars in health and human services are retired, we are replacing them with 100% electric vehicles using energy from the Waste-to-Energy facility to charge. 2) Incorporating ash from the Waste-to-Energy as a binder in the concrete in road projects. See link on my website(reelectjimbier.com).
Who is your greatest role model? Explain why.
My greatest role model is my oldest sister, Laurie. She graduated from UW Madison Law School 2nd in her class in 1973. This was a time when women were very actively discriminated against. In spite of all that, she was hired by a large international corporate law firm in NYC where she continued to be harassed by her male workers to the point of getting passed over for partner status. She suffered from bi-polar disorder and eventually ended her life in 1982. I think about her often as I deal with the many social programs that Olmsted County runs, and always try to remember that our programs may help someone so they do not suffer the same fate as my sister.
Candidate profile: Regina Mustafa
Begin by introducing yourself and explain why you believe you are the best person for the job.
I’ve lived in Olmsted since 2007 with my husband and children. I have dedicated years of service to Olmsted with my non-profit organization which has helped single mothers and their children stay in their homes through our financial assistance program. The County oversees the delivery of social services. I hold a Master’s degree in Human Services and actively work in the field as a drug and alcohol addiction counselor. I’ve served on several city and county boards. It is essential we elect someone at the county level who has first-hand knowledge of human services, working with youth, and diverse communities.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the county right now? And what steps would you advocate for to address that challenge?
No one issue rises above others in terms of importance since so many of these issues are inter-connected. Affordable housing is intrinsically connected to mental health and substance use, as was indicated by the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. Racial and social justice must be upheld in every function of the county. When elected, I will ensure further integration of county services, especially as they pertain to housing and access to health care, including behavioral health. Every function of the county must be viewed through a multicultural lens to ensure the best service to all communities.
Let's talk about equity. In an increasingly diverse county, how can we ensure local government works for everyone?
Equity has been at the heart of my work in Olmsted. Having diverse representation elected to the county level and increasing the numbers of county staff from diverse communities are starting points to ensuring local government works for all. As a behavioral health professional, I have met with clients from all walks of life and connected them to county services. As commissioner, I will call for a review of all levels of the county to gauge current diversity training efforts and where improvements can be made. Diverse voices must directly lead these efforts.
Give us one bold idea the county could implement in 2021 to improve the quality of life here.
I’ll give you two. I don’t feel either is necessarily bold, but practical and very much needed. Let’s redo the county website so county information and applications for services are accessible and easy to use whether by computer or smartphone. The website should include a portal where people can view the status of their application for whichever service, and even make amendments and edits right online to help decrease application processing time and avoid expiration of applications. I would also like to see the creation of a full-time Equity & Diversity specialist to ensure equitable delivery of county programs and services.
Who is your greatest role model? Explain why.
My father is my greatest role model. He is the one who instilled in me the obligation to community service. My father is a Vietnam Veteran and served in the Marines for 20 years. He continues to teach me to accept life’s challenges, be grateful for what you have, and give back to society. He has always been a fearless leader and I hope to pass his example on to my children.
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Cover photo: Brian Morgan (left), Jim Bier (center) and Regina Mustafa
