Robert
Peacock

Should the city require project labor agreements on projects it funds, and why?

Their pick: Yes, on both public and private projects it funds

I firmly believe that the City of Cloquet did a disservice to its community when it overturned the private PLA ordinance in 2022. Cloquet is a home to union's it always has been and should always be. With PLA's we are ensuring jobs the City of Cloquet funds aren't going to the lowest bidder from outside the state often that bring safety risks. It will ensure that the work is done is from a group with safety in mind, and the employees will be local making a healthy wage for their families.

How should the council approach the 2027 property tax levy?

Their pick: Lower it if insurance costs come in under the estimate

Speaking to many neighbors and friends there is an agreement that our taxes are too high, and I've even spoken to one community member who was telling me they are being priced out of their home they bought fifteen plus years ago. Nationally and statewide we are facing budget challenges. Add this with the price of gasoline and rising costs at the stores we are all having to make heavy decisions. As your next City Councilor, I will recognize that and make it my priority to be spend conscious for the city. There are things that are priced out of our control such as squad cars and snowplows, yet we need to figure out ways to save by not spending on unneeded costs.

What should the city do about police staffing and the police chief search?

Their pick: Hire additional officers

During the debate I took part in that was held by the Cloquet City Council I was the only person who emphasized the importance of a local police chief. Our outgoing police chief did amazing work in the community, and he was a level head during devastating moments such as the murders of my friend Jackie Defoe, and my cousin Shellby. The police force will always have my respect for that. As for need I would love to hire more officers. To add more to it though Cloquet is unfortunately in a bidding war with larger cities all over the area who are willing to pay more. That means we need to be more competitive. With the wonderful police officer training program at FDLTCC, we need to prove to graduates that Cloquet is a city you can raise a family in while you're protecting us.

What should Cloquet do about data center development?

Their pick: Support a moratorium while impacts are studied

Being endorsed by the North East Area Labor Council people might expect me to be pro Data Centers. Right now, though I feel we shouldn't be guinea pigs. We should see the results of the impact studies. I also feel the overwhelming majority of our community is against them. As a city councilor it would be my job to listen to everyone. Right now, that is saying no to data centers. When the time comes that we will have a data center if that is the path we are on. We know it will be environmentally safe, and we will do it in a way that we succeed as a community. When I look at the proposed data center in Hermantown beyond the secret agreements, I see a deal that doesn't benefit local taxpayers or the city.

What should be the council's main housing priority?

Their pick: Supporting new affordable and workforce housing

I wish I could've chosen two out of the four options. Right now, Cloquet and our surrounding communities have a direct need for more housing. By investing in new and affordable housing we are directly investing in our city's future. At the same time Cloquet has a clear blighted housing issue. There is a house nearby my own that I see my neighbors struggling with daily. I see the extra presence of police officers around it is taking time away from other things they could be doing. I've even had to call paramedics due to someone overdosing outside of their vehicle parked at the house. This is something neighbors should have to deal with! We need actions on blighted homes that have been issues for many years. Not every blighted house is the same. It will need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.