Election 2021: St. Paul mayor candidates

Oct. 25—ST. PAUL MAYOR

Melvin Carter

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Age: 42

— What qualifies you to hold this position? Over the course of my Administration, we raised wages, launched CollegeBound Saint Paul, eliminated library late fines, tripled free programming in our rec centers, and more. The body of work we built together is vital to our neighbors. I'm running to continue building on that work, because we clearly have more work ahead.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? As we continue to rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis, my top priorities are driving safer outcomes through our Community First Public Safety framework, housing and job development to meet the demands of our growing population, and investing to ensure every family in our community can access the greater our city has to offer.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? Government exists as a vehicle for people to advance the common good, building a safer, more stable and promising community for themselves.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for every community across the globe, and I'm proud of the measures we took together to keep our residents safe. Supported by State leadership, we followed public health guidelines, provided emergency relief to our families and local businesses, and supported one another by staying connected.

— Website or contact: melvincarter.org

Miki Frost

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Age: 49

— What qualifies you to hold this position? The increased gun violence among the youth in our city is not being addressed by the current administration. I have a strong background in implementing strategies based on my abilities to build relationships. These strategies have been proven effective in closing the disconnect between rivals as well as bridging the community with law enforcement.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? As mayor, my priorities are clear: public safety, youth, economic development, and community. We must work with businesses to grow our tax space and eliminate unnecessary spending. Many of us feel there is too much fat in City Hall, unnecessary spending and lack of opportunities.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? The mayor is responsible for a budget of approximately $633 million and nearly 3,000 employees. This is a big responsibility and must be taken seriously. The job as mayor is to present a budget to city council that is consistent, and is in response to community issues. Also work with community members and city professionals to insure safety.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? I commend Minnesota's efforts to provide vaccines to all citizens. I believe each individual should be educated on the importance of being vaccinated while having the freedom of making their own choice. I would push for each and everyone to be vaccinated while making sure businesses and companies implemented safe measures for those not vaccinated.

— Website or contact: Mikifrostformayor.com

Dino Guerin

— Age: 62

— What qualifies you to hold this position? I am in charge of Covid preparedness at the Ramsey County Sheriffs office. A public safety leader with extensive experience in emergency management. 31 years with St. Paul Fire, promoted to District Fire Chief. Elected to the City Council and Ramsey County Board. My wife Mary, our daughter and I are proud to be a lifelong St. Paul residents.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? The single biggest issue facing our city is the current violent crime epidemic, and I'll focus on public safety with crime reduction. I'll address our out of control rising taxes, lack of economic development, and ensure St. Paul is America's most livable and inclusive city with common sense policies.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of city government is to provide high-quality services that are economical, efficient, effective, and equitable. The mayor is responsible for city services and therefore must be present and engaged. As a steward of the public's trust and money, I will be transparent and welcoming of feedback from the community and businesses.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? B minus rating. I appreciate the daily updates which kept citizens informed. This was invaluable as we work together to keep each other safe. However, allowing big box companies to remain open while local merchants were forced to close is unacceptable. I will work with federal and state officials to prevent inequities and predatory pricing.

— Website or contact: dinoformayor.com

Bill Hosko

— Age: 59

— What qualifies you to hold this position? I am happily self-employed 30-years as an architectural illustrator, as a gallery owner specializing in Saint Paul (my hometown) and owner of an intimate music venue I designed and built. I've served on 3 district council boards with near perfect attendance. I've run for City Council (Ward 2) 5 times, finishing 2nd 4 times. I am non-partisan.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? Safety-security for all citizens, in all areas. Cap tax increases to inflation rate. Basic-Services funded, equitable trash fees with 'Opt-to-Share' program. End 'Individual Assessments' for Public Works projects. City website allowing citizen commentary and voting (up or down) on topics at hand. End pre-determined 'community input' meetings.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? For Saint Paul, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, it's business community and its visitors. Ensuring our roadways, sidewalks, utilities and parks and recreation areas are in excellent repair. Ensuring Minnesota's capital city is as attractive as possible for as few taxpayer dollars and 'fees' as are needed.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? Politicians were quick to shut down hundreds of small businesses in Saint Paul, while large conglomerates were free to have record sales, mostly outside of Saint Paul. Many of the 'essential items' they were selling our closed small businesses here had been selling. Our economy took a massive, needless hit, as it did during the May 2020 riots.

— Website or contact: BillHosko.org, 651-222-4767

Dora Jones-Robinson

— Age: 56

— What qualifies you to hold this position? My life experience along with my long standing of community service to the city of St. Paul. Founder and CEO of a non-profit Mentoring Young Adults/Guns Down St. Paul for over 16 years. Sat on numerous and various boards and committees for 16 years.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? Public Safety is my number one mission, supporting our police department nor defund them, and securing the newest technology shot spotter to help curve some of this gun violence. Youth Gun Violence initiative, help for the small businesses help them to thrive not just survive. Provide more assistance to the youth and the homeless.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary goal is to work for the people on behalf of the people, responding to the people.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? I would give it a 7 overall, however with a crisis like this I don't believe any of us was prepared for this pandemic. The only thing I would have done different is half of the stimulus money should have went to the landlords so that we wouldn't be in the crisis we are facing now is homelessness for those who didn't pay their rent.

— Website or contact: dorajonesrobinson.org

Paul Langenfeld

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Age: 58

— What qualifies you to hold this position? Son of a World War II veteran, Paul Langenfeld is President of the Langenfeld Foundation, improving the lives of those with developmental disabilities. He served on the Highland District Council Board and holds a bachelor's and master's degree from University of St. Thomas. Paul has received numerous awards for his dedicated service to the public.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? Paul's top priority is law and order. It's time to prioritize the freedoms of our citizens, over the freedom of criminals. Having a safe economic environment, conducive for small businesses, is key to having a vibrant local economy with access to good jobs. Improving infrastructure, transportation, and efficient city services are important.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? "That government is best which governs least" — Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience. Paul Langenfeld believes that the primary role of government centers on providing law and order and protecting people and property in harmony with the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and of the United States of America.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? Big box stores and corporations weathered the pandemic well, our small businesses weren't as fortunate. City leadership shut down our small businesses as "nonessential." Destroying a thriving small business sector which provided economic opportunity, good jobs, and a better quality of life for everyone in our city. Paul won't shut down businesses.

— Website or contact: PaulForStPaul.com, 651.491.8410, Paul@PaulForStPaul.com

Abu Nayeem

— Age: 33

— What qualifies you to hold this position? I have a Masters of Agricultural and Resource Economics from UC Berkeley. I'm a former boardmember of district planning council 7. I ran for Saint Paul city council for Ward 1 two years ago. I'm the programmer/founder of the Saint Paul Open Data Initiative sharing public reports. I'm a cleanup organizer for the Midway/Frogtown community.

— What would your top priorities be if elected? 1) Public Safety: Fund police, implement engagement policies for officers, and explore alternative policing model

2) American Rescue Plan $166 million: spend money street maintenance, and build a digital civic engagement platform along with city-wide door-knocking effort to reach out to all citizens.

— What do you think is the primary role of government? The government has three roles: 1) Assure funding of essential infrastructure and public services 2) Improve the quality of life of citizens this include 3) Long-term economic planning to address housing needs and business growth. I want to implement asset-based community development (ABCD), where government facilitate civic engagement.

— How would you rate Minnesota's response to the coronavirus? What would you do differently? I believe Minnesota has done a good job early on keeping the pandemic under control. I am against any vaccine mandates, or indirect coercion, placed on citizens/workers. Citizens have a choice, and vaccine requirements has decreased essential staff in hospitals and school bus drivers.

— Website or contact: abunayeem.com

Scott Wergin

Candidate information not available.