Minnetonka City Council Candidate: James Hiller

Editor's note: This week we feature candidates running for the Minnetonka City Council. You can meet and grill all the candidates at our Speed Dating For Your Vote event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Gold Nugget Tavern.

JAMES HILLER, incumbent in Ward 4, running against Jason Iannone

Minnetonka Patch: What qualifications do you have that will make you an effective Minnetonka City Council member?

James Hiller: In my first term as a Minnetonka City Council member, I have been responsive to neighbors’ questions and ideas and proactive in working with neighbors when projects come forward. I have encouraged community input by going out to talk to neighbors living near proposed projects, leaving notes for people if they aren’t home.

I have been a catalyst working with other Council members as well. In these past 4 years, we have:

-Established our tree ordinance, articulating a balance between development and protecting the natural resources so central to Minnetonka’s quality of life.

-Changed our expectations of developers bringing projects forward, requiring them to work with the surrounding neighborhood to identify benefits and concerns BEFORE they submit a proposal to the Planning Commission;

-Passed our first budget that was less than the preliminary levy projections;

-I have been effective as your councilman over the last 4 years, and I am running for re-election to continue building on these successes.

Patch: What is the biggest issue for the city of Minnetonka? Why?

Hiller: Minnetonka is the premiere place to live for people at all stages of life. To keep the city vibrant, we need to adapt to the changes in population and the economy. For example, the median age of the city is increasing rapidly. Cities need a full range of people, at different life stages, to remain vibrant and sustaining. We need to assure there is entry-level housing available so that younger families and people just starting their careers can make Minnetonka their home. I will do this by:

-Supporting a diversity of housing stock that will provide for the younger workers, families, and professionals who will, in turn, support our schools and businesses.

-Being proactive on transportation issues;

-Using a comprehensive, long-range view when considering changes to guide plans and regulations; and,

-Keeping parks, trails, and city amenities well maintained so they remain attractive to all our citizens.

With an abundance of green space, parks, a well-maintained infrastructure, vital businesses and housing appropriate and affordable to all families – from starter housing through retirement – Minnetonka will be the city of choice. Not only for those who are here, but also to those who look to come here.

Patch: What is current Minnetonka leadership doing well? What could be better?

Hiller: Minnetonka does a number of things well. When the economy began it’s slide, our city anager and staff were able to work ahead of the impact, adjusting budgets and reducing expenditures in anticipation of reduced revenues. We also were able to maximize our expenditures on road resurfacing when prices dropped; our road resurfacing is significantly ahead of schedule.

The one area that does need more attention is ensuring housing and quality of life options for all ages of our citizens. Thus far we have been able to provide a gold standard of services and housing options for Senior Citizens. We now need to broaden our focus to ensure affordable housing for all ages and stages of families–especially entry-level homes for single people and starter families. It is important to be an attractive community for younger families as well as retired people.

Patch: How will you get input from your constituents?

Hiller: I have been proactive in seeking input from my constituents. A big part of my job is to see that their viewpoints get heard in the council. When an issue arises that involves a particular neighborhood I go out to talk with neighbors to better understand the situation. I have knocked on doors, met with groups of neighbors, and attended meetings organized by other groups to learn more about the range of concerns and possible solutions.

I also welcome phone calls and e-mails from people who have concerns or questions. Many times a problem can be resolved by connecting a constituent with the right person on Minnetonka’s city staff. Other times I help constituents think through their concerns with an eye toward presenting those issues to the Council at large.

Patch: Give us a brief background of yourself.

Hiller: I am an electrical engineer who designs microchip circuits. Over the course of my career I have created microchips that have increased computer speed, created programmable hearing aids, and flew in space. Currently I am working on microchips that can withstand the high radiation levels of outer space and am finding ways to create more compact, highly accurate gyroscopes using new microchip designs. I have been awarded patents for my design work.   

My family has lived in the Glen Lake neighborhood of Minnetonka for 12 years. My wife, Joan, and I have been married 24 years – already! Our younger son attends West Junior High and is active in Boy Scouts. Our older son is a graduate of Hopkins High School; he recently became an Eagle Scout and is currently enjoying his freshman year at the University of Tampa in Florida. When not working with constituents or attending City Council meetings, I help out on Boy Scout trips, fix the house and fight to keep the buckthorn under control.