Who is Wayne

Getting Hands Dirty Nothing New

I grew up in SE Minnesota on a farm. At an early age I learned the value of hard work and that getting your hands dirty is how you build value. Working on days off from school or before and after school was how you earned the money to enjoy the days you did not work. Growing up with friends that were farmers taught a value of work hard and then you can play hard. My grandfather told me once when I stayed out late that “If you are going to stay out like a man, you need to work like a man.” I took this word of wisdom and passed it on to my son and daughter. Wisdom comes from previous generations and age. Passing it down to future generations is our duty.

Working My Way

I knew farming was not in my future and that I would end up in the city. After I graduated High School, I moved to Estherville IA and attended Iowa Lakes Community College. I earned my AS degree in Accounting. This is also where I learned that a student loan is great as long as you see it as an investment and pay it off asap!! I did eventually earn my BS in Accounting from Metro State University. I was on the 10 year plan as I needed to work as an Accountant by day and go to school at night and also pay for it without borrowing more. Working multiple jobs at a time and saving money were key to success. I was fortunate to meet my spouse who believed in the same and we have passed this value on to our children. In 2013 I ventured into purchasing a HVAC business and then adding another on in 2016. I currently own both businesses today. Owning a service based company teaches you a lot about service a community.

Still Serving

In 2010 I decided to get involved in the community. I actually did earlier than that with Community Ed, but I can not remember exactly what year. I joined the Cottage Grove Planning Commission. After my term I eventually ran for City Council and won. Then there was an open seat for County Commissioner for District 4. I served a little over 4 years during one of the most challenging times for most of us. With my experience, willingness to work hard and a great board of commissioners and team we came out of the pandemic in a better place. That is when I decided I needed to step back into my business to correct the damage done by actions by our leaders in St Paul. With that taken care of, I am looking to get involved again because there is a lot of work to do and I have the experience and desire to keep serving!!

While Serving on Cottage Grove City Council and Washington County Board of Commissioners:

Solved environmental contamination issues as a Cottage Grove City Councilman.

Created a competitive pay scale solution for city-staff increasing retainage, hiring and morale.

Secured safer, updated and more capable vehicles and watercrafts for our Law Enforcement Officers.

As a Commissioner, reduced the tax-rate of home, commercial building and farm purchases.

Served on the Yellow Ribbon Committee which provided resources and support to military deployment families.

Created reasonable solutions during the pandemic which allowed the community to stay open and safe.

Reduced debt, prevented debt and still delivered critical infrastructure projects to Washington County.

Secured funding for the local HERO Center to provide Occupational training and services to emergency responders.

As the Chair of the Finance Committee and Energy Board, created real and environmentally friendly solutions to increase recycling, decrease waste and utilized cutting edge enviro-tech to maintain a 75% landfill diversion rate.

As Washington County Board Chairman, approved a new budget which solved the retainage, pay scale and staff shortage issues long-term at our Sheriff’s Department.

As the Washington County Board Liaison to the local Community Corrections Advisory
Board, I created real solutions for reducing recidivism by securing and funding critical
public safety programs to assist and support the efforts of local Corrections programs.

Community Involvement

Being ready to serve at the State level as Representative really begins at the local level. It is critical to know what a community cares about, needs and hopes for. This does not come from living here for a year or two. It comes from years and sometimes decades of being involved. Below is a list of some of what I have been involved with and done with the community over the 25 years I have called Cottage Grove home.

Community Education Advisory Board
Cottage Grove Planning Commission
Cottage Grove City Council
Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Board Member
Basic Needs Financial Board Member
Washington County Board Commissioners/Chair
Library Board Representative For Board of Commissioners
Community Corrections Advisory Board
Recycling and Energy Board Member
Recycling and Energy Board Finance Board Chair
Owner of Service Company serving Washington County
Donator to Local Food Shelf

Being ready to serve at the State level as Representative really begins at the local level. It is critical to know what a community cares about, needs and hopes for. This does not come from living here for a year or two. It comes from years and sometimes decades of being involved. Below is a list of some of what I have been involved with and done with the community over the 25 years I have called Cottage Grove home.

Washington County Board Commissioners/Chair
Library Board Representative For Board of Commissioners
Community Corrections Advisory Board
Recycling and Energy Board Member
Recycling and Energy Board Finance Board Chair
Owner of Service Company serving Washington County
Donator to Local Food Shelf

Community Education Advisory Board
Cottage Grove Planning Commission
Cottage Grove City Council
Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Board Member
Basic Needs Financial Board Member