Laserfiche WebLink
12/13/2019 https://www.savmn.com/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/1563 <br />https://www.savmn.com/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/1563 2/3 <br />What St. Anthony community activities have you been involved in? <br />I am a founding member and leader of the community group St. Anthony Villagers for Community Action (SAVCA). This group <br />was founded in the summer of 2016 and has since engaged in numerous local civic activities, focused on fostering community <br />ties, community engagement, and community equity and justice projects. <br />Sample projects in which I have had a significant role include: forming a police advisory committee to research facts and <br />options for the St. Anthony Police Department and the St. Anthony City Council to engage in review and analysis of police <br />department activities and procedures in the wake of the shooting death of Philando Castile; organizing a community response <br />of advocacy, support and specific humanitarian assistance in support of the residents of the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park <br />during their fight to keep their housing and subsequent displacement; organizing supporting community meals for several <br />months for a St. Anthony family victimized by a violent crime; advocating for specific policy provisions supportive of affordable <br />housing in the new St. Anthony Comprehensive Plan. <br />I have run for elected office in St. Anthony twice: for city council in 2017 and for mayor in 2019. Through these campaigns, I <br />have learned an exceptional amount about our community and the people who live and work in it. I have formed meaningful <br />connections with hundreds of St. Anthony constituents through my campaign interactions. <br />What skills or personal qualities do you possess that would make you valuable as a council member? <br />I am a naturally curious person and work hard to actively listen to and champion the concerns of the community members <br />around me. I value a collaborative leadership style, including seeking input from community members who have talent and <br />expertise to offer. I pride myself on being even tempered and pragmatic in nearly any situation. I truly strive to celebrate the <br />best qualities in those around me. <br />How does your background add value to your role as a council member? <br />I have participated extensively in St. Anthony since 2016 as a community organizer for SAVCA activities. This has given me <br />the opportunity to work and build relationships with diverse people in St. Anthony on a number of different projects. I enjoy and <br />value the many perspectives and talents offered by the people in our community. <br />When running for office in St. Anthony, I had high volunteer support from Villagers and experienced enthusiastic energy for my <br />messages of increased openness and inclusivity in our local government. Hundreds of voters in St. Anthony (across two <br />elections) found that my perspectives and values align with theirs. This background would add tremendous value to my role <br />as a council member as I will give a voice and affiliation to these voters, and help this important perspective in our electorate <br />have a place in our local government. <br />What strengths or abilities do you believe you will add to the council? <br />I have practiced law for over 20 years. This professional work gives me strong analytical skills in policy and legal reasoning. I <br />excel at fully researching and understanding an issue before coming to conclusions. I also work to seek out advisers and <br />come to the best solution for all. I am strong at bringing differing opinions together and willing to do the hard work and <br />research to make a well-informed decision. <br />Are you able to prepare for and attend meetings including work session and liaison/affiliation meetings? <br />Yes <br />I swear or affirm the above to be true. <br />Affirmation* <br />I swear or affirm that: I am a St. Anthony Village resident. I am eligible to vote in Minnesota. I am or will be on <br />assuming office, 21 years of age or more. I will have maintained residence in the city for at least 30 days before <br />appointment. I have all civil rights in place or restored.