Three candidates are running for two seats on the New Brighton 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.

Gina Bauman

Gina Bauman.(Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: Old enough to run for office.

What would your top priorities be if elected? City spending inflation is ~$1 million/yr. Use a zero-based budget review to reassess expenditures. Replace virtually automatic yearly 9-10% levy increases of property taxes with responsible management of taxpayer dollars. Core Services are the basic mission of city operations. Establish public awareness for delivery of services and the elimination of unnecessary and divisive policies. Address misguided city rezoning that prioritizes multi-use housing over business/commercial. Collect stakeholder views and take action. Consider Public Safety and financial consequences.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am the only candidate in this race who has previously been elected to the city council, serving from 2006-2018. I established a record of accomplishment, including significant eminent domain reforms and established accountability for decisions made by the council. During my tenure I emphasized the need for responsible policies regarding spending and taxation. I also served on multiple commissions related to public utilities, businesses, and other units of government and developed a good working relationship with the people and agencies involved. A former small business owner in the city.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Provide core services – public safety, street maintenance, clean water, and infrastructure with fiscal responsibility to reduce residential tax burden. Promote business growth vs. overbuilding of multi-family housing. Eliminate redundant programs and commissions already covered by other levels of government. Facilitate trustworthy communication. Citizens need to live in a city that is clean, safe, affordable, and respectful of their property rights.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Listen to their opinions but respectfully challenge those that would not help achieve a solution. Debate is heathy. It is about doing what is right. The best way to represent all residents is to emphasize what we have in common rather than physical or cultural differences. Creating commissions and policies in social engineering for political gain often have unintended consequences of creating an unhealthy “us against them” attitude within the community.

Website or contact information: X/Twitter: @gina4nb and ginaforcouncil@comcast.net

Jeanne Vint Frischman

Jeanne Frischman. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 62

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Understand, support and communicate the short and long term local housing challenges and help to create city policy, goals and vision. 2. Engage and encourage a strong and growing business community. 3. Enthusiastically partner with our schools, public safety and community organizations.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Many years volunteering in the community and for the school district. I am currently on the Planning Commission (13 years) and previously was on the Parks and Rec Commission (8 years)

What do you think is the primary role of government? To provide services on a broad level that keep people safe and protected in their communities. Government creates order through legislation.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Listen first and with intent and meet people where they live, work and recreate. Walk in their shoes!

Website or contact information: Votefrischman.com

Jason Steffenhagen

Jason Steffenhagen. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 43

What would your top priorities be if elected? Fiscal responsibility and transparency. Support of public safety – policy overview and training resources. Create housing metrics for sustainable growth.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I’ve served on the Equity Commission since it began 4 years ago. As a local pastor, I understand the need to listen well to people to better understand their concerns. As an former educator, I recognize the need to continue learning and growing to solve complex problems. As a 3rd grade basketball coach, I know the importance of getting in the game and taking decisive action.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Government needs to keep people safe and provide the services and systems needed for all people to thrive.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? It’s always important to ask good questions that seek understanding. My role is not to convince people of the correctness of my views, but to understand their story and their experiences, which will enable opportunities for the services and systems to help create opportunities for improvement.

Website or contact information: vote-jason.com

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