ST. CLOUD – First there were 16 candidates, the most in 50 years to enter the City Council primary. Now, six remain for the general election on Nov. 5. And when the music finally stops, chairs will remain for at least three — and possibly four — new faces on the seven-member body, including a chance for representation by someone of East African descent for the first time.
The council has long been older, whiter and more male than the city’s demographics. Almost one-third of approximately 70,000 residents now are people of color, and enrollment in the St. Cloud school district reflects even greater diversity thanks to the influx of large numbers of Somali immigrants in the past 20 years.
Representation is almost certain to shift. Jeff Goerger, who has served on the council for 18 of the past 22 years and is its current president, announced last spring he would not run for re-election — a few weeks after Mayor Dave Kleis came to the same conclusion following 20 years in his role, the longest in city history. The retirements opened a flood of interest in both positions.
Midterm Council Members Jake Anderson and Mike Conway are battling it out in the mayor’s race and Council Member Carol Lewis, whose term is up, unsuccessfully ran for mayor, leaving three seats up for grabs. Additionally, George Hontos, who has been on the council for 23 years, is up for re-election. Only Dave Masters (Ward 1) and Karen Larson (Ward 2) are guaranteed to remain in their seats.
The Minnesota Star Tribune interviewed each of the candidates in person with several weeks remaining in the race. Here is a summary of what they had to say and their responses when asked what they want people to know about them, why they have an important voice, their assessment of recent city government and their goals if elected.
Scott Brodeen
Age: 43
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Bethel College in 2002.
Occupation: Operations manager for CL Wealth Management in Big Lake.