Candidates Nisswa Council Member (Elect 2) – Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Nisswa Council Member (Elect 2)

All candidates listed above were contacted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce for participation in this Voting Guide. Responses received from our questionnaire are published exactly as submitted, with no additional editing. Please note that candidates marked with * did not respond.

Robert Fier

Political Office: Nisswa Chamber of Commerce
Political Party: N/A
Age: 66
Family: Raised a family of (4), all working around the world.
Occupation: Retired Engineering Mgr & Currently SB Owner
Contact: nisswabob@gmail.com

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Approachable, Honest, Experienced

What are your priorities as they relate to our local business community?

Responsible growth in accordance with Nisswa’s Comprehensive Plan Promoting Business Development all while maintaining that “Up North”, “Tourist Destination” feel that Nisswa has historically had. Staying “in touch” with our chamber and business owners as to how to make Nisswa more business friendly

If elected, how would you engage the business community when weighing your decisions?

I would like to bolster attendance at City Council meetings by our business community leaders, especially when an agenda item affects them. Further developing Nisswa Governments relationship with Business Groups and its’ Chamber of Commerce. Using WEB Tools (i.e. Survey Monkey) to poll our Business Community on important issues.

In your opinion, what has been the (city’s, county’s or state’s) greatest success in encouraging business growth or eliminating barriers? What could be strengthened or improved?

I believe Nisswa’s greatest success in encouraging business growth and eliminating barriers has been the culture of its government in listening and responding to its business community’s needs. What could be strengthened or improved is developing additional ways (WEB Tools, eNews Letters, etc.) to connect with our businesses.

Why should people vote for you?

I've gained considerable business experience working for Boeing & Amgen and more recently as a small business owner. My experience has taught me the importance of 1) Staying in touch with your employees & customers and 2) Realizing that there is always more than one way to do something.

Ross Krautkremer

Political Office: Nisswa City Council
Age: 56
Family: Married w/ 4 children
Occupation: Service Manager
Contact: 218-839-5032

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Diligent, hardworking, commonsense

What are your priorities as they relate to our local business community?

I have a passion for the businesses. I have spent the majority of my career working in Nisswa. My priority is to be an advocate for the businesses in Nisswa with a deep understanding of what it takes to run a business in a seasonal/tourist economy.

If elected, how would you engage the business community when weighing your decisions?

First and foremost by listening. Understanding the issues and doing the homework. Understanding how outcomes/costs effect each business. By having conversations and being upfront and transparent on each issue. But most importantly, being available and doing the hard work that I was elected to do.

In your opinion, what has been the (city’s, county’s or state’s) greatest success in encouraging business growth or eliminating barriers? What could be strengthened or improved?

This is an area that Nisswa needs to work on and do a better job. Planning/Zoning needs to be streamlined. We have to stop tabling issues and dragging projects out. When issues arise we need to go out and talk to businesses. Nisswa and our businesses have to be partners.

Why should people vote for you?

I have lived/worked in Nisswa for 48 years, retired after 24 years on the Nisswa Fire Dept and a prior Nisswa city councilman. This is my town. I will do the hard work to make Nisswa a better place while protecting our future. I humbly ask for your vote!