I came into this, you know, being like, I know all this. Boy, I’ve learned there’s a lot more to it.”

David Clausen

Cottage Grove City Council Member David Clausen reflected on his transition from longtime city employee to elected official during a recent appearance on the city’s GroveCast podcast, discussing the learning curve of serving on the council, major road projects and the value of public service.
Clausen joined GroveCast hosts Communications Director Phil Jents and Community Development Director Emily Schmitz Aug. 4 for the recording. Clausen said his council service followed nearly 30 years as a Cottage Grove employee working in the police and fire departments as a paramedic. After retiring, he wanted to remain involved in the community and decided to run for office.
Clausen acknowledged that serving on the council has proven more involved than he initially expected.
“It is more involved than I thought in a good way,” Clausen said, pointing to council meetings, commission meetings and community events. He said one of the biggest adjustments has been moving from the operational side of city government to making decisions affecting the entire organization.
The city budget has been particularly educational. Clausen said that as an employee he primarily focused on his own area, while council members must weigh the needs of numerous departments competing for limited tax dollars.
“I came into this, you know, being like, I know all this,” Clausen said. “Boy, I’ve learned there’s a lot more to it.”
He said the financial side of municipal government, including bonds, borrowing and tax levies, has presented a significant learning curve, but city staff have helped answer his questions.
Among the projects Clausen said he is particularly interested in is the planned 100th Street Realignment. He described watching the coordination required among the city, state, county, railroad, utilities and surrounding property owners. Clausen said the project is expected to begin next year and could provide an important additional route into and out of the city’s business area.
Clausen also discussed the ongoing 80th Street project, noting the roadway had not received major work in more than 30 years. He thanked businesses for dealing with construction disruptions and praised the city’s efforts to communicate project updates to residents.
Public safety remains an area where Clausen feels particularly comfortable contributing. With roughly four decades of experience in the field, he said his background gives him a perspective he can bring to discussions such as ambulance response areas.
“Coming from public safety, it’s just that’s been in my wheelhouse for 40 years,” Clausen said. “It’s what I know.”
Clausen also used the podcast appearance to praise Cottage Grove employees, saying residents often do not see the work taking place behind the scenes.
“People in Cottage Grove should, I hope they feel proud because our city workers are really trying hard to do the best they can,” he said.
For residents considering becoming involved in local government, Clausen’s advice was simple: “Do it.”
He encouraged people to begin by volunteering with city organizations, boards or commissions and learn more about their community before considering elected office.
“Tip your toe into the water of public service and see how you like it,” Clausen said. “It’s not for everybody. But just get started.”