Jeff Hagen
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
52 years old with one 21-year old son in college, born in a family of 13 in rural stearns county, worked my way through college at the University of MN obtaining an MBA in Finance and later a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation while managing the Mortage and Real Estate Department of MSI Insurance in Arden Hills. I managed approximately $180 million in commercial real estate and mortages for MSI Insurance for approximately 18 years. Beginning in 2002 I took the necessary coursework and exams to become a licensed commercial real estate appraiser and formed JS Hagen Appraisal Services providing appraisal services to most every financial institution in central minnesota and in numerous outstate communities.
What experience do you have that prepares you for public office?
I graduated 5th in my Cathedral High School senior class and in the top 10+/-% in college. My educational and work experience in the areas of finance, accounting, business law and real estate enables me to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of professionals in almost every walk of life. With MSI Insurance, I was part of the senior management team of a $1.5 billion in assets company. I also worked 1+/- years on the Rockville Planning Commision before being elected to approximately 3.5 years on the Rockville City Council. My typical day starts at 4 am monday through friday and 6 am on saturdays and sundays, and typically work does not stop till 7 or 8 pm. I know how to manage money, time and problems very efficiently and cost effectively.
Why have you decided to run for office?
With 6 sections of the city of Rockville suing to detach from the city and the majority of the rest of the city wishing to do the same, I see the need to try and correct a serious problem with the management of this city. When no other qualified person was willing to step up to meet the challenge of being mayor of this city, I felt it was a problem that could not be left to get worse.
Top three issues you would tackle if elected.
Reduce taxes and wasteful spending; reduce government inefficiency, regulation and interference with private and commercial development; and restore respect and confidence in the leadership of this city through common sense due diligence, discussion and objective decisions made by the council on issues coming before it.