Voters in the south-central 11th Ward of Minneapolis face a fortunate challenge in choosing from a solid field of thoughtful candidates for City Council. The Star Tribune Editorial Board recommendation goes to Emily Koski, one of four challengers to first-term incumbent Jeremy Schroeder.

Schroeder, 46, has strengths. A longtime policy advocate, he is knowledgeable and energetic, and his special focus on housing addresses a key concern for the city. But Schroeder's support for the rent control charter amendment on the November ballot, like his championing of other regulatory schemes on rental housing, risks discouraging the housing growth Minneapolis needs.

Similarly, Schroeder's support for the proposed charter change that would replace the Police Department could help empower those who would defund law enforcement in the midst of a crime wave, even if that is not his intent.

Schroeder brings to his council work what he calls a "holistic approach on long-term issues ... that don't stop and start at ward boundaries." We're not convinced he has found the right balance between representing his local constituents' interests and pursuing broader visions.

Koski, 43, a business analyst and former small-business owner, is a first-time candidate who has been active in the community and its schools. She aims to be a council member who takes the voice of her constituents to City Hall, focusing on the ward's priorities and on providing quality basic services, not advancing an ideological agenda.

Koski favors a "both/and" approach to public safety, calling for a Police Department that is both reformed and robust, and efficiently overseen by a mayor's office she believes should be empowered further through passage of a "strong mayor" charter amendment (which Schroeder opposes). Koski says she does not favor rent control but also is not opposed to the charter question that would allow the council to explore it.

Koski's skills, temperament, sensible approach to key issues and focus on service make her the clear choice in the 11th Ward.

Also in the race is Dillon Gherna, 33, public initiatives coordinator for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. Gherna is particularly astute discussing public safety issues and making the case against defunding police. This may not be his year, but we hope that with more experience he will seek elected office again.

Rounding out the field, Albert Ross, 38, and Kurt Anderson, 68, bring passion to their opposition to dismantling the police and to the need to close racial disparities.

Opinion editor's note: The Star Tribune Editorial Board operates separately from the newsroom, and no news editors or reporters were involved in the endorsement process. To read all of our endorsements, go to startribune.com/package-opinion-endorsements/.