2 mayoral candidates go head-to-head in St. Paul

The two candidates for St. Paul mayor squared off together for the first time Tuesday night, a confident and experienced incumbent and a challenger unafraid to call him out.

"I have no other agenda than to serve the people of St. Paul," said political newcomer Eva Ng, who has criticized Mayor Chris Coleman for thinking about running for governor in 2010.

Coleman hasn't shied away from saying he's considering a bid for the higher office, saying St. Paulites need a partner in the Capitol. He plans to make a decision within weeks, before the Nov. 3 election.

More than 75 people turned out Tuesday night for a candidate forum at Highland Park Library/Hillcrest Recreation Center to hear what Coleman and Ng had to say. The candidates spent about an hour responding to audience questions during the event sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

The election is nonpartisan, but Coleman is endorsed by the city DFL Party, while Ng has captured the Republican endorsement.

Ng introduced herself as an "ordinary citizen" who has spent 30 years in business as a chemical engineer, turnaround consultant and CEO.

Coleman, a lifelong St. Paulite, listed some things he's proud to have worked on during his term, including "opening the doors" to city hall, progress on the Central Corridor light-rail line and fixing a recurring budget imbalance.

One question asked what the candidates would do to ease the tax burden. St. Paul levy amounts went up by 9 percent, 15.1 percent and 8 percent in the past three years. The City Council has approved a 6.1 percent maximum levy increase for 2010.

Coleman said property taxes aren't a good way to raise money but said the city has lost state aid since 2003 and obligations, such as public safety, haven't changed.

Ng said the city must shed the number of properties it owns that don't make money.

When it comes to public safety, Ng said it would be important to look at how the police department is working and make adjustments so that officers are visible on the streets. Coleman countered that the city had completed such an audit a couple of years ago, leading to the hiring of more officers. He said the city also has a new multimillion-dollar computer system that should improve efficiency in all city departments.

The candidates were asked about neighborhood communication and participation in city government.

Ng laid out a plan in which she would spend four hours in the evening in each ward quarterly to listen to people's gripes. She would also create an online forum to hear from residents.

Ng concluded by saying she has the right skills to lift St. Paul out of a "downward spiral."

In his final statement, Coleman talked about the different people he has met and the ways he has been able to help them. "You can have tremendous impact as mayor of St. Paul," he said. "I think I have."