St. Cloud residents gather for the City Council candidate forum Wednesday night at St. Cloud City Hall. (Photo: David Brakke, [email protected])
Kari Petrie, [email protected]
Friday, October 17, 2014
Creating healthy neighborhoods and a welcoming community were topics during a City Council candidate forum Wednesday.
Candidates running for council ward seats addressed questions from the audience during the forum at City Hall. Almost 50 people attended.
Council member Dave Masters and challenger Abdul Kulane are running for the Ward 1 seat, which represents much of the city's core. Nancy Gohman and Sonja Hayden Berg are running for Ward 2 seat, which includes the East Side and a portion of the north side. Hayden Berg was not at the forum because of a previous commitment.
Council member John Libert and challenger Ahmed Said are running for Ward 3, which represents the west side.
Council member Jeff Johnson is running unopposed and did not participate in the forum but watched from the audience.
Live blog: St. Cloud City Council candidates forum
Ward 1 candidate Abdul A. Kulane (right) looks on as Ward 2 candidate Nancy Gohman answers a question at the City Council candidate forum Wednesday night at St. Cloud City Hall.(Photo: David Brakke, [email protected]) |
Although Hayden Berg did not participate Wednesday, a statement from her was read. She said that she supports environmental issues and fostering strong relationships. She said she has been listening to residents' concerns and will continue to do so.
Candidates discussed the importance of creating healthy, safe neighborhoods. Masters said one of his top priorities is dealing with problem properties. He said it's the top complaint he gets, and he wants to remain focused on it.
Libert said safety is a top priority for him and for residents.
"We're not bad, but we could be better," he said.
Said wants to make sure the city is fiscally responsible.
"How can we function as a city, and how can we accomplish everything with minimal possible resources?" he asked.
Questions about diversity also were raised and how to make sure St. Cloud is welcoming.
Masters encouraged residents to get involved in neighborhood groups and community events. Kulane also said he wants to see residents more active in neighborhood groups.
"Growth comes with challenges and opportunities," he said.
A resident asked about the future of Technical High School and if candidates support it staying in the Lake George Neighborhood. Libert, Masters, Gohman and Said said there were still many questions to be answered before taking a stance on whether the high school should remain in the building or move to a new building.
Gohman said no matter what the decision, she wants to see a high school stay within city limits. Kulane said the decision is up to the school board, but he would like to see Tech stay in the neighborhood.
Northstar rail also was discussed, and the candidates said they want to see it brought to St. Cloud. Libert said ridership is important, and first there needs to be more residents riding on the current rail before an extension can happen.
"That is going to be the driving force for it to come here," Libert said.
Ward 3 candidate Ahmed Ali Said responds to a question during the city council candidate forum held at St. Cloud City Hall Oct. 15, 2014.(Photo: David Brakke, [email protected])
St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis asked the candidates if they support the sales tax extension, which will be on the November ballot.
All said they support the tax and the work it can do to fund amenities. Said said he wants to make sure the money is spent well and the funded projects are sustained.
Follow Kari Petrie on Twitter @karipetrie or contact her at 255-8765.