Two candidates are running for mayor in Blaine 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.

Patrick Hobot

Patrick Hobot. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 55

What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities, equally weighted, include reestablishing trust in our city government through ethical, transparent, and accountable action. Additionally, ensuring we fully fund our public safety and public works departments in a rapidly growing community is vital to our success. We also need to ensure that we maintain the original areas of our city as vigorously as we support new development. As we do this, we must have an eye on sustainability through economic, environmental and community lenses.

What qualifies you to hold this position? My primary qualifications are a great love for my community. I’ve lived in Blaine for 23 years and raised my family here. I’ve spent my lifetime in public service creating opportunities for people to develop the tools to lift themselves up. I’ve held several leadership roles building communities and bringing multiple stakeholders together to find consensus and solve problems. Lastly, I do hold an M.A in Leadership and Administration which I know also matters to many of the voters.

What do you think is the primary role of government? I believe the primary role of local government is to work directly to improve the lives of the residents. We do this by providing essential services like public safety (police and fire), parks and recreation, utilities, sanitation, infrastructure support, and by managing land use through zoning regulations and sustainable development. Local governments can also play a key role in helping to establish a sense of a united community.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I start with an open mind and the humility that I may not be right or may not have all the information. Then, I try to listen to understand where the other is coming from, what motivates them, and what concerns they carry. Regardless of whether we agree with each other, I recognize that we’re all human with passions and personal investments in the topic at hand. I try to honor that. Then, I work keep the focus on the problem and the facts. If we can respectfully stay on task, every perspective can be valid, and there is a workable solution. On most things, there is a relatively win/win outcome that satisfies many of the needs of all parties involved. Work toward the best mutually beneficial outcome.

Website or contact information: Hobot4Blaine.org

Tim Sanders (incumbent)

Tim Sanders. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 42

What would your top priorities be if elected? Infrastructure: I led the effort to secure over $200 Million in funding for HWY 65 reconstruction! This project will save lives and is key in unlocking a beautiful future for the city of Blaine. I will continue to bring this effort throughout the city and our pavement management program. Economic Development: Strategy & focus on economic development means more jobs, amenities for residents to enjoy, and a rising commercial tax base to ease the tax burden on residents. Public Safety: In my first term we have strongly supported public safety and the great people protecting and serving our community. Serious crime has decreased 37% in Blaine and SBM Fire department has greatly improved its response times. I will continue to support and call our heroes to the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and accountability so that Blaine continues to be one of the best cities in the metro to call home.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am Tim Sanders, and I am seeking your support and vote to be re-elected as Mayor of Blaine. Prior to being elected Mayor, I served 4 consecutive terms representing Blaine, in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016. During my time in the State Legislature, I served as Chair of the Government Operations Committee, Chair of the Elections Policy Committee, Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, Caucus Whip and Assistant Majority Leader. This experience has helped me serve Blaine as your mayor. I understand how to bring together state and federal leaders to ensure our tax dollars are brought back into our community, as we’ve seen with the successful HWY 65 funding.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government, particularly at the local level in a city like Blaine, MN, is to serve the needs and enhance the well-being of its community by providing essential services, maintaining public safety, and promoting economic development. This involves managing resources responsibly, fostering a safe and livable environment, ensuring infrastructure is up to date, and encouraging civic engagement. Local governments must also be responsive and work to balance the diverse needs of residents while ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the city. By doing so, our local government plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for its residents and businesses.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? As the Mayor of Blaine, I believe that understanding and learning from differing opinions is important to effective leadership and community building. I make it a priority to listen actively and engage in open dialogue with residents, city council members, and community stakeholders, even when their perspectives differ from my own. I approach differing opinions with a mindset of respect and asking questions to gain insight into the underlying concerns and motivations of others. This collaborative approach not only strengthens relationships but also helps me grow as a leader and ensures that we are addressing issues from all angles.

Website or contact information: timsandersformayor.com

Related Articles

Ramsey County races: Four running for District 7 county board seat

A younger bench in Ramsey County: Chief Judge Sara Grewing oversees Second Judicial District during a changing time for judges

Nonfatal shootings usually have a low solve rate. St. Paul police focus on reversing that trend

St. Paul boy shot on New Year’s Eve ‘stripped of his sense of security,’ mother says at shooter’s sentencing

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