Four candidates are running for two seats on the Arden Hill City Council in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 5 election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for Ramsey, Dakota and Washington county races.

To find out where to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online polling place finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.

Brenda J Holden

Brenda Holden. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 67

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1) The development of TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons property. It is a unique opportunity that can benefit current and future residents and businesses if done correctly. It is vital that the development be truly vetted to not put the City or current residents at risk. 2) Aging infrastructure. – Maintenance and upgrading of the City’s aging infrastructure to avoid expensive reconstruction. 3) Public Safety- additional trails, new fire station which will reduce response times and increased sheriff interactions with residents.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have been on the City Council since 2003. Years ago, I insisted on long-term budget planning and the creation of the City’s award winning financial documents. Though Planning and budgeting the City was able to add 7.2 miles of trails in the last 10 years with more planned in the near future. Added pedestrian push button crosswalks on several county roads. I have championed maintaining and upgrading the City’s aging infrastructure. I worked to secure $1.7 million in state and regional funding for trails and infrastructure. I support the development of the TCAAP/rice creek commons property and understand how to make sure the agreement is truly vetted to not put the City or the current residents at risk.

What do you think is the primary role of government? I believe a city should strive to provide a great quality of life for its residents. Sound budgeting and planning should provide essential services such as water, sewer, and well-maintained roads and parks. Public safety such as safe off-road trails, fire and police are services that must be provided. The government should use environmental best practices. Social issues such as affordable housing and mental health services need to be addressed at a regional level. Many local communities are built out or funding is not available to accomplish goals.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Listening and interacting with residents is the best way to learn. Each spring I pick a neighborhood and go door to door to talk with residents. I ask open-ended questions and make sure we are talking about the same issue. There are reasons people have differing opinions and that is important to hear and understand. However, there is always common ground to be found and ways to agree to disagree respectfully. Sometimes people just want to be heard and that must be acknowledged no matter if you agree or not.

Website or contact information: Brenda4ArdenHills.com

Richard Priore

(Candidate information not provided)

David Radziej

David Radziej. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 63

What would your top priorities be if elected? *Redeveloping Rice Creek Commons while protecting the current Arden Hills taxpayers. *Building a new Fire Station at the Pine Tree Drive location. *Continue working with Sheriff Officers to protect all citizens and support their need for more mental health crisis counselors.

What qualifies you to hold this position? In 2022, I was selected to serve on the Arden Hills City Council. Having served on the Economic Development Council since 2012, as Chair on the Finance Council since 2014, and various Ad-hoc planning groups for the development of Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP, so no stranger to City government or the TCAAP development.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Maintain and replace the areas current infrastructure. Develop safe roads and trails to our schools and parks. Plan for future improvements throughout the city. Advise cities on best practices on handling invasive plants such as buckthorn. Besides striving for clean air and clean water help promote community events at bring neighbors together.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Read before you lead and listen to those around you as they describe from their knowledge the issues that is being discussed.

Website or contact information: RunningRad.com

Kurt Weber

Age: 40

What would your top priorities be if elected? Strengthening our relationship with Ramsey County, improving parks and trails, and ensuring responsible development, especially with projects like Rice Creek Commons.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I’ve served as chair of the Arden Hills Planning Commission and have a background in public works, operations, and IT, which helps me approach city issues with practical, informed solutions.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of local government is to serve its residents by providing essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and creating opportunities for a strong, connected community.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I always start by listening. It’s important to understand different perspectives and find common ground. I believe respectful dialogue and open-mindedness lead to better solutions for everyone.

Website or contact information: kurtforardenhills.com

Related Articles

Obituary: Jerrol Tostrud, longtime champion of Woodbury and St. Paul civic causes, ‘led by example’

Washington County preparing to build homeless shelter on government center campus in Stillwater

Woodbury death investigation: Woman identified as St. Paul middle school teacher

Oakdale residents invited to grand opening for new city park

Twin Cities’ Transit Link suburban/rural bus service now trackable online