Mike McDonald

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family
-I'm Mike McDonald, 59 years old and retired from the VA Medical Center. Mary & I have been married 37 years, have four children and seven grandchildren. We love the retired life.
We are busy as ever but can basically set our own schedules.

What experience do you have that prepares you for public office?
Waite Park council member 1984-1991
Retired as Finance Officer from VA Medical Center (four years ago)
Member of the St. Joseph Planning Commission & 1/2 cent Sales Tax Committee
Past member of St. Joseph Transportation Task Group
Active member of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
Active part of the planning group that produces the Millstream Arts Festival
Co-coordinator (with wife, Mary) of the St. Joseph area Meal on Wheels program
Retired veteran with two tours of Vietnam, 4 years active and 17 years reserve experience
Sole Proprietor of an Income Tax business for the last 30 years
Have the management experience, training, time, enthusiasm, and desire to serve the city well as a council member.

Why did you decide to run for public office?
I believe the city could use a council person with a better financial background who has the time to dig deep into issues. I have been a manager for many years and am not
afraid to make the hard decisions needed when sitting on the council. I believe I can offer possible solutions to problems better than what the current incumbent has demonstrated.

Top three issues you would tackle, when elected.
-Better financial stewardship of local tax dollars
-Improve working relationships with the College of St. Benedict
-Work with fellow council members to improve timeliness of decision making process