Alex is an attorney with extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and infrastructure development, that brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. He understands the importance of local issues and is dedicated to addressing the needs of the community. His collaborative approach and ability to build strong partnerships make him a valuable asset to the Saint Cloud City Council.
Prioritize Economic Development: We need to boost local businesses and attracting new industries to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Prioritize Public Safety: We need to ensuring that our first responders are well funded and equipped to keep our community safe.
Prioritize Infrastructure Improvements: We need to upgrading our roads, bridges, public facilities and revitalize our neighborhoods to meet the needs of our city, and make it an attractive place for our citizens.
I am running for City Council because I believe in the potential of St. Cloud and want to be a catalyst for positive change. My goal is to bring fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit to the council, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping our city's future. I am committed to enhancing the quality of life in St. Cloud through effective governance and community engagement.
This office is unique in its direct impact on the daily lives of residents. It serves as a critical bridge between the community and higher levels of government, ensuring that local needs and concerns are addressed. The office’s ability to enact policies and regulations at the local level allows for tailored solutions that reflect the specific character and requirements of the community. Its importance lies in its proximity to the people, enabling responsive and adaptive governance that can swiftly address emerging issues and opportunities.
I would recommend "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" by Robert Caro. This book delves into the complexities of political power and its impact on urban development, highlighting the importance of balancing visionary leadership with accountability and public engagement.
An elected official should embody integrity, transparency, and accountability. Integrity ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the community without personal bias. Transparency fosters trust and keeps the public informed and engaged. Accountability holds the official responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they remain aligned with the community’s needs and values. Additionally, empathy and a genuine commitment to public service are crucial, as they drive an official to understand and address the concerns of their constituents effectively. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, and elective official needs to be responsive to their constituents.
The core responsibilities of an elected official in this office include representing the interests and needs of the community, crafting and implementing policies that promote the well-being and growth of the city, and ensuring that local government operations are transparent, efficient, and accountable. This role also involves actively engaging with constituents to understand their concerns, collaborating with various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions, and advocating for policies that support economic development, public safety, and community services.
My first job was as a water safety aid for a local school district. At 13 I started as a volenteer, and by fourteen was collecting my first pay check. I stayed in the role for a year and a half, before move switching to being a bagger at the local grocery store. These roles taught me the importance of showing up each day, and hard work.
From a young age, I developed a strong sense of independence and self-reliance, believing that I should be able to handle challenges on my own. This mindset has driven me to work hard and find solutions independently, which has certainly contributed to my self-sufficiency and resilience. However, it has also been a double-edged sword. There have been times when my reluctance to seek assistance has hindered my progress Despite these challenges, this struggle has taught me valuable lessons about balance and the importance of community. I've learned that while self-sufficiency is a commendable trait, it is equally important to recognize when collaboration and support from others can enhance outcomes. This realization has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
One lesser-known responsibility of this office is its role in facilitating community engagement and participation in local governance. This includes organizing public forums, surveys, and other means of gathering input from residents. Additionally, the office has the power to advocate for local interests at the state and federal levels, influencing broader policy decisions that affect the community. By fostering a culture of civic involvement, this office can empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their community’s future.
I'm lucky in that I've spent nearly a decade in, or working with governments and politics ranging for local to international governments. While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it is not the only path to effective leadership. What is crucial is a deep understanding of the community, a commitment to public service, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. However, experience in navigating governmental processes and understanding policy implications greatly enhances an official’s ability to enact meaningful change efficiently.
Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as they enable the officeholder to engage with constituents, stakeholders, and other government officials productively. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are also crucial for assessing community needs and developing effective policies. Knowledge of public administration and budgeting can help manage resources efficiently. Additionally, empathy and cultural competence are important for understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the community. Ultimately, a combination of these skills will enable the officeholder to serve effectively and make a positive impact on the community.
I firmly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Transparency ensures that citizens can see how public funds are being utilized and can hold their leaders accountable for financial decisions. This openness fosters trust between the government and the public. Accountability ensures that officials are answerable for their actions and decisions, promoting ethical conduct and preventing misuse of power. Implementing stringent checks and balances, regular audits, and open communication channels are crucial to upholding these principles.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Note: Cutchey submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 22, 2024.
Alex Cutchey is a dedicated and driven candidate running for the Saint Cloud City Council – Councilor At Large. With a strong background in law and policy passion for community service, Alex is committed to making a positive impact on Saint Cloud. Alex is active in the community readily volunteering his time with local organizations committed to making a positive impact.
I am running for City Council because I believe in the potential of St. Cloud and want to be a catalyst for positive change. My goal is to bring fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit to the council, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping our city's future. I am committed to enhancing the quality of life in St. Cloud through effective governance and community engagement. I am passionate in promoting and strengthening communities, and promoting economic development through incentivizing businesses to create an environment where people can thrive.
This office is unique in its direct impact on the daily lives of residents. It serves as a critical bridge between the community and higher levels of government, ensuring that local needs and concerns are addressed. The office’s ability to enact policies and regulations at the local level allows for tailored solutions that reflect the specific character and requirements of the community. Its importance lies in its proximity to the people, enabling responsive and adaptive governance that can swiftly address emerging issues and opportunities.
I would recommend "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" by Robert Caro. This book delves into the complexities of political power and its impact on urban development, highlighting the importance of balancing visionary leadership with accountability and public engagement.
An elected official should embody integrity, transparency, and accountability. Integrity ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the community without personal bias. Transparency fosters trust and keeps the public informed and engaged. Accountability holds the official responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they remain aligned with the community’s needs and values. Additionally, empathy and a genuine commitment to public service are crucial, as they drive an official to understand and address the concerns of their constituents effectively.
The core responsibilities of an elected official in this office include representing the interests and needs of the community, crafting and implementing policies that promote the well-being and growth of the city, and ensuring that local government operations are transparent, efficient, and accountable. This role also involves actively engaging with constituents to understand their concerns, collaborating with various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions, and advocating for policies that support economic development, public safety, and community services.
One lesser-known responsibility of this office is its role in facilitating community engagement and participation in local governance. This includes organizing public forums, surveys, and other means of gathering input from residents. Additionally, the office has the power to advocate for local interests at the state and federal levels, influencing broader policy decisions that affect the community. By fostering a culture of civic involvement, this office can empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their community’s future.
While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it is not the only path to effective leadership. What is crucial is a deep understanding of the community, a commitment to public service, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. However, experience in navigating governmental processes and understanding policy implications can enhance an official’s ability to enact meaningful change efficiently.
Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as they enable the officeholder to engage with constituents, stakeholders, and other government officials productively. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are also crucial for assessing community needs and developing effective policies. Knowledge of public administration and budgeting can help manage resources efficiently. Additionally, empathy and cultural competence are important for understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the community. Ultimately, a combination of these skills will enable the officeholder to serve effectively and make a positive impact on the community.
I firmly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Transparency ensures that citizens can see how public funds are being utilized and can hold their leaders accountable for financial decisions. This openness fosters trust between the government and the public. Accountability ensures that officials are answerable for their actions and decisions, promoting ethical conduct and preventing misuse of power. Implementing stringent checks and balances, regular audits, and open communication channels are crucial to upholding these principles.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Note: Cutchey submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 21, 2024.
Ballotpedia features 652,701 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Click here to contact our editorial staff or report an error. For media inquiries, contact us here. Please donate here to support our continued expansion.