Candidate Profile: Patty Acomb

Patty Acomb is one of two people running in the 2013 general election for At Large Seat B. She and Brian Grogan advanced to the general election after coming in first and second, respectively, in the Aug. 13 municipal primary election. Be sure to check out the interview with Grogan, as well.

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Patty Acomb

What previous political experience do you have (including other governmental positions you’ve held, whether elected, appointed or volunteer)?

I am presently the Minnetonka City Council At-Large Seat B member, representing and serving the entire city since I was elected in February of 2012.  I am currently running for re-election.

Other government-related roles that I currently hold or have previously held serving the Minnetonka community include: 

• Metro Cities Housing and Economic Development policy committee member;
• National League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources steering committee member;
• ResourceWest, as the official city representative on the Board of Directors;
• Tonka Cares advisory committee member;
• former Minnetonka Park Board vice-chair, where I served for three years;
• past Minnetonka Mills Corridor Development Initiative committee member;
• past Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Citizens Advisory Committee member;
• former Hopkins School District Strategic Planning Committee member;
• former Hopkins Superintendent-Parent Learning Academy charter member, designed to improve citizen engagement with the district management.

What is your occupation?  School naturalist / biologist 

Where did you go to school? 

I grew up in Minnetonka, and am a graduate of Hopkins High School.  I received my B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Minnesota.

How old are you? 47

Do you have a spouse, children or any other family members you’d like to tell voters about?

My husband, Craig, and I have two school-aged boys in the Hopkins school system.  My mother Marge Wright, who is a 50-year resident of Minnetonka, also lives with our family and has given me a deep understanding of the issues facing our senior community and the important services our city offers to them.

What are your campaign goals? 

I have worked hard as an at-large council member to listen to the concerns of citizens throughout the city, and ensure that Minnetonka continues to be a premier community to both live and work.  I am optimistic about our city’s future, and believe some important goals include: 

• Balanced Redevelopment - Minnetonka is a mature city, and I believe balancing redevelopment with maintaining and enhancing our city’s trademark natural character is an important issue.  A number of potential large-scale redevelopment projects will need special attention, including the Ridgedale Mall area and the planned Southwest Light Rail stations.  I will ensure that public input and citizen feedback are given a voice in the planning process. 
• Leveraging Partnerships – a key to Minnetonka’s future success is partnering with others to leverage our resources to benefit our residents.  One of my accomplishments this last year was to successfully work with our federal delegation for approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a new on-ramp to I-394 at Ridgedale.  Potential partnerships also exist with Three Rivers Park District for connecting local trails and with the state and county on needed traffic improvements.  I currently represent Minnetonka with Metro Cities, the National League of Cities and other organizations, and will continue to pursue partnerships that benefit our communities.
  
• Maintaining Good Value for our Tax Dollars - I also believe it is important to adequately address the needs of all of our citizens while continuing strong fiscal responsibility.  In 2013 Minnetonka enacted one of the lowest property tax levy increases among comparable cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, while our city services continue to be the some of the most highly rated by residents in a metro-wide survey.  I will continue managing our limited resources responsibly while maintaining our tradition of excellent city government.
  

Why should voters choose you? 

I am a 36-year resident of Minnetonka, giving me a historical perspective on the changing needs of our community.  I have demonstrated my commitment to city issues serving as a current at-large city council member, and previously as vice-chair of the Minnetonka Park Board for three years.  I am also active in our community, serving in leadership roles to organizations such as ResourceWest, Tonka Cares, and the Minnetonka Family Collaborative, showing me many of the struggles facing our residents and families. 

As the incumbent, I have worked to give Minnetonka citizens a voice in their government, ensure fiscal responsibility and continue our tradition of excellent city services.  I have also championed issues affecting children, families, and seniors.  My hard work has earned me the proud endorsements of many of our respected community leaders and residents, and I would be honored to continue representing the citizens of Minnetonka as their council member.