Biography

Daniel Moret resides in Edina with his wife and three daughters. With a background in nonprofit work, he specializes in youth development, education, financial services, and economic development. He’s currently a senior program manager for Community Reinvestment Fund, USA.

Moret holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

More information on Moret and his candidacy can be found on his campaign website: danforhennepin.com.

Question 1

Introduction and priorities: Why are you running for the Hennepin County District 6 seat, and what are the main issues you are focusing on in your campaign?

Moret: I am running for the Hennepin County District 6 seat because I believe in fostering innovation, seizing economic opportunities, making significant climate investments, enhancing public safety, and nurturing youth development. These pillars are crucial for building a resilient, prosperous community that meets the challenges of our community head-on.

Innovation is at the heart of my campaign. By embracing new technologies and ideas, we can improve public services, enhance efficiency, and drive economic growth. I aim to create an ecosystem that supports startups and encourages established businesses and public sector institutions to innovate, generating high-quality jobs and continuing to attract talent to our community.

Economic opportunity is essential for a vibrant community. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Hennepin County is a place where small businesses thrive and good jobs are plentiful. This means investing in infrastructure, education, and workforce development to match the skills of our residents with the needs of the future economy.

Climate investment is non-negotiable. Hennepin County needs to lead by example, implementing sustainable practices and green technologies that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create new industries and jobs utilizing the skills and assets we already have in Hennepin County.

Public safety is paramount. I am committed to policies that keep our communities safe while addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity.

Finally, youth development is close to my heart. Investing in our young people is investing in our future. I plan to support programs that provide education, mentorship, and recreational opportunities to foster a sense of belonging, competence, and pride among our youth.

Together, these focus areas form the foundation of a campaign dedicated to ensuring that Hennepin County District 6 is a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community for all.

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Question 2

Fiscal management: How do you intend to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in community services and infrastructure?

Moret: Being wise with community resources is the main job of any public official. The investments we make need to be strategic and targeted to push for maximum benefit at the lowest cost. My strategy focuses on smart investments, innovative financing, and leveraging partnerships, ensuring that we achieve the best outcomes without compromising our fiscal health.

Firstly, adopting a data-driven approach to budgeting is essential. This means prioritizing spending on projects and services that offer the highest return on investment in terms of community benefits, such as job creation, community health, environmental sustainability, and public safety improvements. 

Secondly, embracing innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), can play a significant role. PPPs enable us to leverage private sector efficiencies and maximize return on public capital to deliver projects and programs. This approach can reduce upfront costs to the public sector, share risk appropriately, and bring about superior outcomes and services, maximizing the impact of every dollar spent.

Additionally, securing grants and subsidies from state and federal governments for critical projects can help stretch local budgets further. By actively pursuing these opportunities, we can fund significant initiatives without placing the entire financial burden on local taxpayers.

Finally, engaging the community and stakeholders in the budgeting process ensures transparency and accountability, fostering a collective understanding of fiscal constraints and investment priorities. This participatory approach helps in making informed decisions that reflect the community’s priorities and values.

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Question 3

Public safety: Can you outline your strategies for improving public safety and enhancing trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve?

Moret: Improving public safety and enhancing trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve requires an approach that prioritizes communication, accountability, community engagement, and ongoing training. Some main strategies include:

1. Community policing: Embrace a community policing model that encourages law enforcement officers to build relationships with community members, understand their concerns, and work collaboratively to solve problems. Officers should be visible and accessible in the neighborhoods they serve, fostering a sense of partnership and cooperation.

2. Transparency and accountability: Increase transparency in law enforcement operations and decision-making processes. This includes the use of body-worn cameras, making policies and procedures publicly available, and promptly releasing information about critical incidents. 

3. Diverse recruitment and training: Focus on recruiting officers who reflect the diversity of the community and understand its cultural nuances, and offering them comprehensive training is essential.

4. Engagement and dialogue: Organize regular forums and meetings where community members and law enforcement officials can engage in open dialogue, share concerns, and discuss strategies for improving safety and trust. 

5. Mental health and social services: Collaborate with mental health professionals and social service providers to address issues such as substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health crises. By involving experts, we can ensure appropriate care and support and reduce the burden on police officers and the criminal justice system.

6. Youth engagement: Implement programs that connect law enforcement officers with young people in the community, such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and sports leagues. 

7. Data-driven policing: Utilize data and analytics to identify trends, allocate resources efficiently, and develop targeted strategies for reducing crime. This approach allows for a more strategic use of law enforcement resources and can help in addressing specific community concerns.

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Question 4

Economic development: What plans do you have to support small business growth, ensure fair labor practices, and encourage sustainable development in our district?

Moret: Drawing from my background in economic development and my firsthand experiences working with small businesses, I’ve seen the grit and determination it takes to launch and grow a business. This understanding deeply influences my approach to fostering small business growth while remaining committed to fair labor practices and sustainable development.  

To empower small businesses, we need to deploy a robust support system, featuring more accessible financing options like low-interest loans and grants. Cutting through red tape and offering tax incentives for local hiring can significantly alleviate some of the financial burdens on these businesses, enabling them to concentrate on innovation and expansion. Using public dollars to leverage private investment can also unlock opportunity for our business community and help solve our climate crisis. Embracing sustainable development is not just about environmental stewardship; it’s also smart economics. Incentivizing the adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices opens new market opportunities and contributes to our long-term economic health and resilience.

Lastly, fair labor practices are fundamental to a thriving economy. Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all workers, regardless of background, are essential pillars of my plan. We must support local businesses in adopting these practices, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to comply, which will foster a fair and competitive business environment where living wage jobs provide economic security for more families. 

By leveraging my experience and adopting a forward-thinking and pragmatic approach, I am committed to building a supportive ecosystem for small businesses, advocating for the rights of workers, and championing sustainable practices that pave the way for a prosperous, equitable, and environmentally responsible community.

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Question 5

Land use and development: How will you approach the challenges of development, including managing green spaces and promoting affordable housing?

Moret: Addressing the development challenges in our community, particularly the affordability crisis and the urgent need to combat 30 years of disinvestment in housing, requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. My plan emphasizes diversifying our housing supply to not only meet current demand but also ensure that our residents can age in place and remain in their communities. This involves a multifaceted strategy that prioritizes the construction of affordable housing units, leveraging both public and private investments to reverse decades of neglect. Simultaneously, we must protect and enhance our green spaces, integrating them into new developments to improve our community’s livability and environmental resilience. By adopting innovative zoning reforms and incentives, we can encourage the development of a mix of housing types that are accessible to all income levels, while ensuring that green spaces are preserved and integrated into our urban fabric. This balanced approach addresses the immediate need for affordable housing while safeguarding our green spaces for future generations.

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Question 6

Southwest Light Rail Transit Project: What is your position on the 14.5-mile extension of the current Green Line to Eden Prairie, and how will you address the community and financial concerns brought by some residents and legislators related to this project?

Moret: I am a staunch supporter of the extension of the current Green Line to Eden Prairie, recognizing it as a pivotal investment in our community’s future. This project is not just about expanding a transit line; it’s about connecting communities, fostering economic growth, and providing environmentally friendly transit solutions. However, my support comes with a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and adherence to the budgets and timelines agreed upon in the planning stages. The importance of delivering this project on budget and on time cannot be overstated, as it ensures that the community reaps the benefits without undue financial strain and using incentives and claw backs for compliance is something that needs to be considered.

Additionally, while the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) is a significant step forward, it’s crucial that we don’t stop there. I plan to advocate for further investment in bus rapid transit (BRT) and other diverse transit solutions to create a more comprehensive, accessible, and efficient transportation network. These investments will supplement the SWLRT, ensuring that all our neighbors, regardless of their location, have reliable and convenient access to transit options. By pushing for these developments, we can address the pressing transportation needs of our community, ensuring that every resident can reach their destination safely, conveniently, and sustainably.