Council Candidate: Tom Hanson

Editor's note: Each day leading up to the election on July 26 we will re-feature one council candidate profile. We will also be sending all the council candidates questions to answer. If you would like to submit a question, please contact Editor Clare Kennedy at clare.kennedy@patch.com.

Tom Hanson, 48, is a supply chain manager with TE Connectivity. He has lived in Burnsville for 19 years.

When asked why he is running, Hanson wrote, "Burnsville is a great city that we should be proud of. As a member of this community I have a vested interest in making it stronger."

When asked what the city's strengths and weaknesses are, Hanson wrote "I believe our fundamental strength lies with our great city leadership. We are fortunate to have a city government that truly cares about the community."

"By making this statement I’m taking a risk, because a common tactic in running for office is to slander the current political structure. Our city is financially very solid," Hanson added. "At a time when many cities are facing a severe financial crisis due to the economic downturn, our city is safely surviving the storm. The decisions have not been easy. Our taxes for 2011 are fundamentally unchanged from 2010."

Hanson said that certain aspects of they city have been harshly criticized, perhaps unfairly.

"I’ve read more stories about the financial hardship of the Burnsville Performing Art Center over the past few years than I care to admit to, while the story regarding gunfire at the Burnsville Bowl went almost without attention from the newspapers," Hanson wrote. "The financial impact of the BAC has been blown out of proportion. If you look at the anticipated loss of $500,000 dollars this year, the impact per citizen in our community is slightly over $8. The revenue generated by businesses that have re-located to this area has greatly offset this loss. If we look back 10 years ago this was a section of the city that was truly an eyesore. Let’s focus on making the Heart of the City successful."

Though generally satisfied with the city, Hanson said there is room for improvement.

"I believe portions of the city have fallen in disrepair. We have building projects that were started over 4 years ago, still waiting for completion. Keeping the city in repair is critical to our success: A house that has fallen in disrepair will negatively impact the neighboring community," Hanson wrote. "People are less willing to invest in their property if their neighbor’s property has not been maintained. Obligate yourself to help when you can. This is something that we as a community can do to improve the value of our houses, and it’s the right thing to do." 

If elected, Hanson has three primary objectives: to "make Burnsville a location that attracts and retains businesses, maintain an aging infrastructure and address properties that have fallen in disrepair." 

He said he would also keep a sharp eye on the purse strings.

"I recognize that the economy is very tight and that the citizens of Burnsville are being impacted. We are highly sensitive to government spending," Hanson said. "If elected I would be a watchdog for city spending, recognizing that some infrastructure maintenance is required."

To see the other candidates, go .

In early June, the candidates attended a forum. Read about it . Click  to see video of the debate. 

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