Five candidates are running for two seats on the Lauderdale City Council this November.

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 what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Michael J Brindamour

(Candidate information not provided)

Jeffrey Dains

Jeffrey Dains. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 71

What would your top priorities be if elected? Climate change: Even a small community can do significant things, to help ameliorate climate change. I support tree planting, pollinator friendly landscaping, and preserving green space. I am excited to work with our new environmental and sustainability committee. Transportation: We need to expand bus services on Route 3 and increase the frequency of service on Route 61 to better serve our residents. Ramsey County needs to finish reconstructing Eustis Street and in the future, Fulham Street. Financial stability: I will continue to bring more redevelopment that will revitalize our city and tax base. My goal is to develop a more robust commercial area.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a long-time resident of the City of Lauderdale and am its former Mayor. I currently serve on the City Council and am its representative to the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, which works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in its urban watershed.. I am a member of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee, which advises the Met Council on management policies for public transportation services from the perspective of riders with disabilities. In the past I was the City representative to the League of MN Cities, Ramsey County League of Local Government, and the St. Paul Regional Water Board. I am past Executive Director of the Minnesota Public Employment Relations Board and a former staff representative of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. These experiences have given me broad experience in policy making and conflict resolution. I have a deep understanding of our community, its residents and their needs.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to provide the best possible services to the residents while operating within a reasonable budget.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Climate change: Even a small community can do significant things, to help ameliorate climate change. I support tree planting, pollinator friendly landscaping, and preserving green space. I am excited to work with our new environmental and sustainability committee. Transportation: We need to expand bus services on Route 3 and increase the frequency of service on Route 61 to better serve our residents. Ramsey County needs to finish reconstructing Eustis Street and in the future, Fulham Street. Financial stability: I will continue to bring more redevelopment that will revitalize our city and tax base. My goal is to develop a more robust commercial area.

Website or contact information: jeffdains.com

Greg Williams

Greg Williams. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 70

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Community Engagement: Listening to residents, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging local events and gatherings. 2. Sustainable Growth: Promoting smart development that respects Lauderdale’s character while supporting local businesses. 3. Environmental Protection: Expanding green initiatives, preserving parks, and enhancing energy efficiency. 4. Safety and Accessibility: Ensuring safe neighborhoods and improving accessibility for all residents. 5. Transparency and Accountability: Committing to open governance and fiscal responsibility to benefit the entire community.

What qualifies you to hold this position? With leadership experience at the University of Minnesota, Ramsey County, and Metro Transit, combined with my role as President of the MSP Chapter of the International Facilities Management Association, I have honed essential skills in problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. I’ve managed budgets, led sustainability initiatives, managed security/emergency operations and delivered impactful projects—skills that directly apply to the challenges facing Lauderdale.

What do you think is the primary role of government? City government should prioritize: Public safety, ensuring law enforcement and emergency services. Infrastructure maintenance, overseeing roads, sidewalks, and transportation. Community development, managing zoning, building permits, and urban growth. Environmental management, regulating waste, water quality, and green spaces. Utility services, ensuring access to essential utilities. Local governance, enacting laws, managing budgets, and representing residents’ interests.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I focus on the issue, not personalizing disagreements. Through Active Listening, I engage with differing perspectives thoughtfully and empathetically, using Critical Thinking to process and understand other viewpoints. This helps me communicate effectively and make informed decisions.

Website or contact information: gregory-williams-lauderdalecitycouncil.my.canva.site/

Josh Dirksen

(Candidate information not provided)

Duane Pulford

(Candidate information not provided)

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