New North Oaks mayor talks life and leadership

John Schaaf has been elected the new mayor of North Oaks, succeeding eight-year Mayor Tom Watson. He'll assume his new position in January. North Oaks, a city of more than 4,200 residents, is north of Vadnais Heights, south of Centerville, and west of Interstate 35.

Q Tell our readers about yourself and your previous work in North Oaks government?

A I was born and raised in St. Paul and am 62 years old. I'm currently serving on the North Oaks City Council and city Planning Commission. I've served on other city committees over the past seven years. From the early to mid-1980s, I served on the Crystal City Council. I have five sons. My hobbies would be sailing and golf and reading and walking. In my spare time, I work on an antique Chris-Craft round-about boat. Our family enjoys visiting different parts of Minnesota on the boat.

Q What are the key issues in your community today?

A From my perspective, maintaining the quality of life and safety in North Oaks is number one. Our residents feel we must continue to be good stewards of the environment, to protect our forests, lakes and wildlife. The lakes in North Oaks are an important part of the St. Paul Regional Water System.

We need to make sure the development we have going on in the eastern part of our community is done in such a way that it does not negatively impact the values and the history of the community.

Q Most people know North Oaks used to be a gated community. How else is North Oaks different than most suburban communities?

... And North Oaks contracts out for police and fire. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department provides our police protection. We contract with Lake Johanna Fire [Department] for our fire protection.

Q With all that help, does it make the mayor's job a little less grueling?

A We'll find out next year!

Q Why did you want to be mayor?

A I really enjoy living in the community. It was my turn to step up and take a leadership role, and carry on the fine work that my predecessors have done. [Current Mayor] Tom Watson was mayor eight years and on the City Council since 1990. He's been extraordinarily generous with his time and talent. He'll be a tough act to follow.

A We're not without opportunity for improvement. We have issues with groundwater contamination from the old Hwy. 96 dump site. Groundwater pollution has migrated westward into North Oaks proper from White Bear Township proper. We're working with Metropolitan Pollution Control Agency, the state Health Department, the responsible parties, Alcoa and Reynolds.

Q What else is on the minds of North Oaks residents?

A I had a neighbor call me Sunday morning to say they had a coyote in their back yard. With all this wildlife, you get predators. We're now challenged with trying to keep up with an animal that travels up to 60 miles a day ... and can leap over an eight-foot fence. We're trying to figure out how to deal with these coyotes. They're pretty wily creatures.

Q What will you do when you're not being mayor?

A I am the founding partner of Prairie Consulting Group. Our practice works with small- to mid-sized firms in the Dakotas. I specialize in executive management development, strategic planning and merger and acquisition activities.