DeBlieck: Community service is important

WILLMAR - Longtime Willmar City Councilman Bruce DeBlieck says he is seeking re-election to another four-year term from Ward 1 because community service is important to him and to ensure residents receive quality services, to engage residents in city governance, and to lead and achieve a shared vision.
DeBlieck said he has lived and worked in Willmar for more than 30 years.
“I think what is needed is to be able to think logically and rationally about the issues facing our city. We all deserve a well-run city that can handle its primary responsibilities and demonstrate trust in government,’’ he said.
DeBlieck said he’s built collaboration and partnership with the Vision 2040 effort toward an improved and vibrant Willmar.
“Everyone plays an important role in the process,’’ he said. “I listen to and hear the citizens. I have proven positive leadership to the community. I’m truly effective at collaborations and partnerships. I think logically and rationally about the issues facing the city and collect all the information and facts on issues, along with listening to what the citizens want, and then make the right decisions on these issues. I have these skills and have been and will continue to be an effective council member.’’
DeBlieck said people rely on essential services of police, fire, ambulance, streets, water, parks, transportation and library in their daily lives. He said top priorities are infrastructure needs, maintenance of city buildings, parks, roads and technology infrastructure.
DeBlieck said a huge hurdle to overcome is the upfront costs to upgrade buildings. Also, he said Rice Hospital is the city’s greatest asset but also the city’s largest liability.
“As city leaders, we need to be looking for innovative ways to encourage and ensure that residents have access to quality health care,’’ he said.
When asked for his solution to catching up on unmet infrastructure needs, DeBlieck has a long list of ideas.
He said the city needs to think creatively about ways to save and raise money; review street construction cost; and review property tax rates for services that are accessible to all residents, like streets and parks.
He suggests looking at partnering with other cities, school district and county to provide services; consider using technology to increase efficiency for permits and other application process; consider ways to reduce overtime; maybe reduce on-street parking during winter to reduce snow removal costs; and eliminate duplication of services when county and city both provide the same service.
DeBlieck encourages the adopt-a-park program and partnerships with community groups and clubs to help maintain park facilities and programs.
He suggests the council look at fees for using city buildings, parks, ice rinks and pools, but acknowledges that cuts in recreational amenities would affect the quality of life and ability to attract people and families.
“I have concerns about the ability of some residents to pay fees, and worry that too many fees and moving to funding more services through fees would limit access to services and activities for some residents,’’ DeBlieck said.
Also, DeBlieck suggests the council consider a local option sales tax to pay for a specific project. The tax would be in place for a limited amount of time and give citizens the opportunity to vote on the tax.
“Most importantly, we need to listen to what the community wants. We need your input. Your thoughts are very important. I think we really need to engage the community and to see what their priorities are,’’ he said.
DeBlieck said he agrees with a consultant’s statement made at a 2013 retreat that the council is dysfunctional. He said the council did not agree on a strategic plan and long-term vision.
“The mayor and I along with the members of the council need to take full responsibility for not completing our tasks at that retreat,’’ DeBlieck said. “I cannot blame the business community, Moving Willmar Forward, the newspaper or city staff for the shortcoming. The mayor and some on the council seem to have chosen to respond to criticism and expressed concerns about their performance with hostility and denial.’’
DeBlieck said a council member must be accessible, be out in the community, be a good listener and hear what staff and the community have to say when balancing staff advice and representing citizens.
“We may not always agree with staff,’’ he said. “We need to respect staff, we need to hear what they have to say and their input is important.’’
DeBlieck said the council’s primary role is to enact policies, approve the annual budget, set the city’s tax rate and focus on major projects and issues such as land use planning, capital funding and strategic planning.
He also said the council hires, supervises and evaluates the city administrator. The administrator is responsible for daily city operations and implementing council policies, service delivery and personnel management.
“There is a clear division of these roles. One must always remember that the council is in charge and answers to the community,’’ he said.
When asked what’s right with Willmar, DeBlieck said the city is growing, with diversity and industrial expansion; the city has maintained strong and conservative fiscal management of fiscal resources; and the city provides open and accessible information to citizens.
Also, he said the city shares police liaison officers with the school district; shares space and cost at the law enforcement center; and provides well-managed public safety, water treatment and public works services.