Two candidates are running for mayor of Inver Grove Heights and three for city council in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

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.

Mayor

Brenda Dietrich (incumbent)

Brenda Dietrich. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 54

What would your top priorities be if elected? Continue to bring business & retail to our community, have the fundamentals described previously in place and financially covered for the future and expand various different housing types based on our communities needs.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a the current seated Mayor finishing my first 2 year term, previous term as Councilor, Chairman of the board for the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and local business owner.

What do you think is the primary role of government? to meet the needs of residents basic quality of life, being safe water to drink, adequate Public Safety and keeping infrastructure up to date. We also need to thoughtfully plan out for future generations and leave a working, sustainable plan for future residents & Councils.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Disagreements are part of problem solving, disrespect is not. I strive to find a common ground and work from there. A good idea can come from anywhere, and I’m a good listener.

Website or contact information: Facebook: BrendaDietrich4IGHmayor

Greg Grover

Age: 71

What would your top priorities be if elected? Redevelopment of Older parts of the City.

What qualifies you to hold this position? lifetime resident I.G.Hgts.

What do you think is the primary role of government? public safety, afordable housing good shopping

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Have a good conversation with them.

Website or contact information: nomad277@comcast.net

City council

Sue Gliva (incumbent)

Sue Gliva. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 59

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1) Continue working to bring economic development to our city. There is still a need for businesses to provide services for our current residents. Also begin exploring a redevelopment plan for Concord Blvd. Our community has an opportunity to better showcase that we are a river city. We have a start with the Heritage Village Park but a full plan with housing and business development would be beneficial. 2) Maintain our infrastructure. Stay on task by maintaining streets as guided by the Pavement Management Citizen’s Task force. Ensure continued work on our water treatment filtration in order maintain safe drinking water. 3) Continue to adequately fund our Police and Fire departments to keep our community safe.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As a current Councilmember, I am a 30+ year resident with 30 years of finance/accounting experience with a CPA license. My service began as an active parent volunteer to serving on the Inver Grove Heights District 199 School Board. Being an owner in a local business, President of the IGH Economic Development Authority (EDA), and a member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce has allowed me the opportunity to also keep up with both current and prospective business activity. I am committed to our City and believe in serving.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of city government is to provide services for water and public safety and maintain/enhance infrastructure which includes parks and other facilities. Also important is to address land/zoning and building regulations and promote economic development.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? As a current Councilmember, I represent all residents of Inver Grove Heights. In order to serve I have made it a priority to not only listen to all viewpoints in Council meetings, but also in preparation I will research, look for best practices and reach out to residents before to learn and gain perspectives.

Website or contact information: facebook.com/SueGforIGH

John Murphy (incumbent)

John K Murphy. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 60

What would your top priorities be if elected? If re-elected I would continue to advocate for responsive and transparent government, a sustainable plan for pavement management, parks and trails with convenient access for our residents, vibrant business centers balanced with diverse housing, and a long-term approach to fiscal responsibility.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Though I’m currently serving on Inver Grove’s council my experience as a financial advisor for 25 years has given me a firm foundation in public service; I have held many leadership positions and was recognized by my peers for fostering a culture of service and giving back. I enjoy taking an active role in our community – I was a ten-year member and past president of the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights Rotary Club, I’m a member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the YMCA Advisory Board, served as a Guardian Ad Litem in Dakota County, currently serve on the Dakota 911 Board and spent nine seasons coaching little league in the Inver Grove Heights Parks & Rec system. I am proud to be a 1982 graduate of Simley High School and a graduate with a BA from the University of Minnesota.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Local government should work to provide the most basic of services to residents. Public safety, quality roads, utilities, housing, parks and recreation.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Most often I first try and find a connection with the other person after which you can turn to active listening. I believe you can learn a great deal about differing opinions by just asking questions, even if the questions are difficult.

Website or contact information: johnkmurphy.org

Jason Teiken

Jason Teiken.(Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 36

What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priority is to address our housing shortage. In Inver Grove Heights, we have a vacancy rate between 1.8% to 2%. That represents far more demand than supply. That impacts prices and the ability of our residents to stay in Inver Grove Heights and potential new residents looking for a place to live. My second priority is to work with community members and city staff to strike the right balance between development and preserving our green spaces. Development will help us address our housing shortage, but we must also preserve the green spaces that define our city’s identity. Finally, my next priority is to protect our environment- specifically our parklands, parks, trails, forests, and trees. I intend to engage with our city’s Environmental Advisory Commission, Parks and Recreation Department, Dakota County, and the Department of Natural Resources to collaborate on sustainability practices.

What qualifies you to hold this position? My family and I have lived in Inver Grove Heights for over six years. I am currently serving on the Planning Commission where we have made progress moving developments forward, considering variances to homeowners and businesses, and amending the city code to support growth. On the Planning Commission, I advise the City Council on land use issues, citizen requests, and develop long term land use plans. I am an attorney and I went to law school in order to serve the public.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to serve its residents. First and foremost, provide for the safety of the public, then to provide amenities that improve quality of life for residents including parks and recreation, library system or other “third places”, and education and outreach programming. Also, it is the role of the government to guide land use, zoning, and development to ensure there is housing options and supply. Housing options and supply is not just to attract new residents, but also to allow current residents to stay in the city as their housing needs change. Along with these priorities, we must protect the city’s finances.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? First, it is incumbent on us as individuals seeking public office to be well-read and well informed on a variety of matters and perspectives. Then we must engage in community engagement beyond our meeting agendas. We should be having more town halls and listening sessions. In Inver Grove Heights, we should be listening to more voices. I will not support any proposal to end or shrink any citizen committees or commissions.

Website or contact information: jasonteiken.org

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