Marcy K. Busho

Do you support continuing to use Flock/ license plate readers in the city? Why or why not? 

Owatonna’s Flock cameras have been operational since October 2025, and I think it is important to consider what we have learned from their use so far.

Flock essentially points officers toward relevant information by processing license plates at a scale officers cannot do manually and comparing them with law-enforcement databases and alerts. Officers still verify the information, investigate, and exercise judgment.

The question is whether this level of automated data collection is necessary. Flock initially suggested more than 20 locations, with eight ultimately selected, and individual camera effectiveness has not yet been evaluated. In one 30-day period, those cameras captured more than 150,000 unique vehicles.

Technology can improve efficiency, but efficiency alone does not equate to necessity.

I have confidence in local law enforcement and recognize that Flock has provided useful investigative leads. My position isn’t about cost or lack of trust. I would need more specific evidence of its necessity and effectiveness to support renewal.

How do you plan to vote on the Public Safety referendum this fall? 

I agree that we need to invest in our police and fire facilities. The difficulty for me is that the referendum presents one specific plan as a yes-or-no decision. I believe greater investment in our existing facilities, along with addressing deferred maintenance and making a long-term commitment to maintaining our public assets, deserves serious consideration as an alternative to replacing both facilities. I support investing in public safety, but I’m not convinced the current proposal is the right solution.

Trust in public officials seems to be at an all-time low. How would you propose to regain/build trust from the local electorate? 

Trust isn't built or regained with a slogan. It comes through consistent, visible follow-through.

 I think it starts with accessibility: being genuinely reachable, not just during election season, and actually responding when residents raise concerns. It also means explaining decisions clearly, not just announcing them, so people understand the reasoning behind a vote even if they disagree with the outcome.

 I also believe in proactive transparency, which means sharing information before people have to dig for it, whether that's budget decisions, project costs, or how city programs and technology are being used and evaluated.

 Trust isn't something you ask for; you earn it, meeting by meeting and decision by decision, by showing up, following through, and doing what you said you'd do.

Do you support the new recommendation for the police station expected to be made this week by the city administration?

I support the Council’s decision to approve the North Street property as the proposed location for the new police station.

North Street was considered previously, but the original property posed challenges. The City’s acquisition of additional land in July changed what was possible and made it a more suitable location. The expanded site allows for better placement of the facility and addresses concerns that made North Street a less viable option when it was originally considered.

The city council supervises the city administrator. If elected, what would be your approach to welcome constructive criticism of whoever the city administrator is either from the public or from employees? 

Constructive feedback is important as it provides the opportunity to better understand potential issues and work toward a solution. As a council member, I would prioritize clear and open communication and welcome feedback from both the public and city employees, even when that feedback is critical. My responsibility would be to listen, respond thoughtfully and with respect, and carefully consider the information when determining next steps. 

Productive collaboration is important to me, and I would bring that approach to working with the city administrator and other council members. I believe we will always be better when we work together, anchored in the best interest of this community. 

Would you support allowing a data center in Steele County why or why not? 

I'm open to considering a data center in Owatonna, but my support depends on the proposal's details and its overall impact on our community. Data centers can bring investment and expand the tax base, but they can also place significant demands on electricity, water, land, and other infrastructure. 

Before supporting a project, I would want a clear understanding of what resources it would require, what infrastructure improvements would be necessary and who would pay for them, how many permanent jobs it would create, and what long-term benefits Owatonna residents would receive.

Economic development is important, but growth should make sense for the community as a whole. I would evaluate a data center proposal based on the facts, weigh the potential benefits against the costs and impacts, and make sure Owatonna's interests are protected before making a decision.

What is one piece of legislation that could be repealed or modified that would directly impact Owatonna that you would support

and why?

One ordinance I would support modifying is Owatonna City Code § 157.002, which regulates home-based businesses. The ordinance limits businesses to one room, prohibits hiring anyone who doesn't live at the residence, and restricts retail activity and customer parking.

I believe residents should have reasonable opportunities to start a business, earn a living, or supplement their income without unnecessary restrictions. Many home-based businesses, such as tutoring, professional services, crafts, and online sales, can operate with little impact on neighboring properties.

I would support allowing limited nonresident employees, additional indoor workspace, and reasonable customer visits or sales. A more flexible ordinance could encourage entrepreneurship and allow residents to make productive use of their homes while maintaining protections against noise, traffic, and other neighborhood concerns.

What is one thing you learned about city government, particularly in Owatonna that was a critical lesson for you if you are elected and why?  

One of the most important things I've learned is how much coordination and collaboration go into decisions at the city level. Through conversations with Owatonna's elected officials, department directors, business owners, and residents, I've gained a better understanding of the challenges involved in balancing community needs, financial responsibilities, and long-term planning. Discussions surrounding the proposed public safety facilities, city spending, and future downtown development have shown me how interconnected these decisions can be and how valuable different perspectives, knowledge, and expertise are to the process.

If elected, I would carry that understanding forward by asking thoughtful questions, seeking input from those directly affected, consulting with experts, and working collaboratively toward practical, informed decisions that serve Owatonna's long-term interests.

A recent lawsuit was filed against the city of Owatonna, alleging age discrimination among other allegations. What should the city council do to make sure there is a safe and welcoming work place for all employees.

Creating a safe and welcoming workplace starts with treating others the way we want to be treated. Every employee deserves to feel respected, valued, and heard.

City leadership should lead by example by encouraging open communication, listening to concerns, and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Everyone brings different knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to the workplace, and recognizing the value of those differences makes us stronger.

A positive workplace is built on mutual respect, fairness, and accountability.