Biographic information. Tell us about yourself.
I was born in southern Italy, a place where people grow close together, where neighbors know each other well, and where helping one another is part of the fabric of everyday life. My life journey has taken me to many places. I graduated in Industrial Engineering at the “Politecnico di Torino” with a license in Civil Engineering from “Politecnico di Milano”. After spending 18 months in the Italian navy as an Engineer Officer, I moved to England with Procter & Gamble to set up Expatriate and Relocation services for France, Italy, and Switzerland. Over 20 years ago, I relocated to Cincinnati where I pursued my MBA in Marketing and Corporate Entrepreneurship at Northern Kentucky University and worked for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as VP of Business, Healthcare, and International Affairs. Later, my family and I set up our new home in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis, where I worked for Best Buy, Optum/United Healthcare, and Foot Locker. Currently, I lead Operations for Wellness Connection, a Healthcare startup providing Remote Patient Monitoring services. About two years ago, I had the privilege of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. To mark this important moment in my life, I celebrated at the American Legion in Shorewood, surrounded by family and friends. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, some of the best burgers in Minnesota! That celebration was a perfect blend of community, friendship, and the excitement of embracing my new chapter as an American citizen. When I am not working or driving my children to sport events, I enjoy learning about technology, writing, and collect old books.
Describe the skills you have that will make you a good Shorewood councilmember.
My diverse background equips me with the skills to serve effectively. With over 25 years of global business experience, I bring a strategic approach to problem-solving. In addition, my experience helping small businesses grow and working on community development has given me insight into fostering local economic growth. I’m also a strong communicator who values listening to the voices of residents, ensuring their concerns and ideas shape our city’s future.
How have you demonstrated those skills in the past?
During my time working for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as VP of Business, Healthcare, and International Affairs, I used my skills to help small businesses grow and thrive. I worked closely with entrepreneurs to understand their needs and connected them with resources to succeed. I supported community development initiatives that strengthened our local economy, all while listening to the voices of residents to ensure that their concerns and aspirations were reflected in the work we did.
If elected you will serve for 4 years. What do you see as the top 5 challenges or opportunities for the council to address during that time?
- Attract new, diverse, businesses to our city (e.g. Cub Mall, Holiday Gas Station area…)
- Prioritize infrastructure investments (including improvements in water quality), while maintaining strict adherence to our budget requirements.
- Identify better tools to improve communications with the community.
- Increase participation in city life.
- Work with the community to ensure Shorewood remains a safe, inclusive, and environmentally-friendly place to live, work and raise a family.
What policies would you propose to address your priorities? Be specific.
The key issues that motivated me to seek office are a lack of community participation in city life, business vacancies, and the need for more strategic budgeting. To increase participation, I will focus on improving communication, being accessible, and responsive to residents’ concerns. I will work to fill our vacant business buildings by attracting new businesses and championing sustainable growth. Additionally, I will prioritize infrastructure investments while enhancing our budgeting practices to ensure efficient use of resources and long-term financial stability.
You are asking to represent the citizens of Shorewood and if elected, will be one of the public faces of the city. How would you describe the top 3 things about Shorewood that makes it a great place to live?
- Shorewood’s proximity to Lake Minnetonka offers residents beautiful natural surroundings, with easy access to outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and scenic walking trails.
- Strong sense of community, where neighbors know and support each other, creating a welcoming and connected atmosphere.
- Excellent schools, making it an ideal place for families to raise children in a safe, nurturing environment.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What sets me apart from other candidates is my unique blend of international experience and deep connection to our community. Having lived and worked in many countries, I’ve gained diverse perspectives and developed a global mindset, which equips me to tackle complex challenges with fresh, innovative solutions. My business background has sharpened my skills in problem-solving and strategic thinking. At the same time, being of Italian background, I value the importance of community and conversation. I enjoy talking to people, understanding their needs, and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit everyone. This combination of global insight and local connection allows me to bring a different, more inclusive approach to the City Council.
Candidate website: https://www.daniele4shorewood.com
