08-09 Aug/Sept 2024 Arden Hills Notes

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cityofardenhills.org • Aug/Sept 2024 • 9 cityofardenhills.org • Aug/Sept 2024 • 9 Get to know your City Council candidates! Four candidates are running for two open City Councilmember spots in this November’s election. These Council positions will serve a four-year term running from 2025-2028. Below, you’ll read their candidate profiles, written in their own words. You can also read these profiles online at cityofardenhills.org/CouncilCandidates. BRENDA HOLDEN (Incumbent) My family has called Arden Hills home for 40 years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege to serve on the City Council, numerous boards and committees. I’m dedicated to making sensible, proactive decisions to ensure a safe, active, and affordable community for all. I value open communication and enjoy discussing issues and concerns with residents, which is essential for making balanced decisions for our City. My commitment is evident in my advocacy for long-term budget planning and transparent, understandable financial documents. I was instrumental in developing our City’s annual 10-year budget cycle plan, which is crucial for strategic planning, economic development, and making informed decisions that impact taxpayers. I have consistently supported the TCAAP development, understanding this is a unique opportunity to benefit current and future residents and businesses. It is vital that the development is fiscally sound, avoids burdening current taxpayers, and does not jeopardize our City’s financial stability. TCAAP must use environmentally sound practices. My proactive approach enables the City to adapt to our evolving community needs effectively. My efforts have contributed to significant enhancements, including 7.2 miles of new trails, park upgrades, benches, park shelters, tree plantings, improvements to our lake environment, and the installation of flashing crosswalks on major county roads. I support expanding recreational programs. A key initiative I championed was the creation of a long-term maintenance program that addresses roads, trails, parks, sewer systems, water infrastructure, City facilities, and equipment. This ensures that our assets are well-maintained and our City remains vibrant and functional. I am committed to true transparency in governance, seeking open discussion at Council meeting of all City issues including TCAAP. I support community engagement, resident participation in meetings, and inclusiveness in City committees. My future priorities are community involvement in long-term planning, the new fire station, a new parks master plan, expanding trail segments (with five planned), updating the City code, and promoting environmental stewardship. I believe in a diverse and balanced City Council, guided by independent-minded members with varied perspectives. This approach ensures fair and effective decision-making, avoiding control by any single group. I appreciate your vote. Brenda4ArdenHills.com. CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES