New Arden Hills mayor gears up for action on TCAAP

After initially being appointed to fill a partial term on the Arden Hills City Council and then remaining for 11 years, David Grant was elected mayor of Arden Hills in November. He will begin his term in January.

Grant, whose background is in information technology, said one of the top achievements during his tenure on the council was planning and building the joint maintenance facility, which shared by the city, county, school district and other organizations.

In a recent conversation, he looked ahead to his new role.

Q: Why did you decide to run for mayor?

A: Our current mayor decided not to run, so that left a vacancy. And with some of the items that we have coming up, I felt very strongly that we needed someone with history and leadership and that's what prompted me.

Q: Are there any issues the council hasn't tackled that you would like to introduce?

A: I would like to make sure we get signage for Arden Hills. (Currently) we don't have any welcome signs.

A: Clearly the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP). 535 acres, currently scheduled to be auctioned by the General Services Administration on behalf of the Army, who's the owner. As such, it has the potential to greatly expand the population of the city and its tax base, and be a major project for the city.

Q: There are rumors going around that TCAAP could be the site of the next Vikings stadium. Is this something the city is pursing?

A: The property is certainly up for sale. Could the Vikings purchase it? They're as good as any other buyer as being able to, I suppose. I think a lot of things would have to happen and the city will consider all options on that property.

Q: What do you think will make you a good mayor? And how will you measure your success?

A: I'll measure my own success by being effective and efficient, and wise and prudent in terms of spending city money. And make sure that we get value for our dollar.

A: TCAAP has been out there for 15 years. I hope to be different by having something happen out there, and actually bringing something to fruition. There have been three mayors before me who have all had their turn and have come up short. I believe in my four years, that something will happen on that property.