Election '09: Meet your Second District City Council candidates

Editor's note: We asked candidates to keep their responses to 50 words or fewer for the print edition of the Budgeteer, but promised to published the entire answer online. Some sent longer answers; others didn't. These answers are largely unedited.

Patrick Boyle

First, can you please tell us about your educational background, work experience and any other experience relevant to serving on the Duluth City Council?

• Bachelors of Science in Nursing, UW-Madison; Masters of Arts in Nursing, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota, Nurse Practitioner Program.

• Work as a Nurse Practitioner for the urgent care clinics of the Fond du Lac tribe.

• Active in the community, including being one of the founding members of the Friends of the Lakewalk. Also active in the Duluth Preservation Alliance, in Peace United Church of Christ, and as a volunteer at the Damiano Center.

If elected, what top three things do you hope to bring to the attention of the council in your first year?

• Form a committee of the whole to meet biannually with the local St. Louis County Board members along with the Duluth School District Board members

• Be a liaison between the city and public sector involving rezoning

• Importance of satellite library sites and park and recreation programs

While door knocking and meeting with the people you want to represent, have there been any surprises? What issues do you think are most important to voters?

• Rezoning in District 2 to include clearly identified student housing while protecting family neighborhoods.

• Emphasizing the need for quality roads and improved sewer lines while keeping in mind the financial challenges families are facing.

Why should someone vote for you?

I understand an open line of communication is imperative between constituents and an elected official. I expect to give this accessibility if elected. I also expect this open communication between the administration, labor groups and the council. In our economic times, the council can ill-afford to be divisive.

Robert Wagner

First, can you please tell us about your educational background, work experience and any other experience relevant to serving on the Duluth City Council?

Lake Superior College from 98-01, studied Computer Programming, UMD - 09 - Continuing Education Program, Psychology. I have a diverse background. From growing up on the family farm, to holding positions in information technology, railroad labor, construction, arts/entertainment and currently health care. I feel this diversity will lend some insight into what matters to the citizens.

If elected, what top three things do you hope to bring to the attention of the council in your first year?

Push the city to have a greater focus on streets within this District. Primarily the avenues past 21st heading east. There are ordinances I would work to remove or have rewritten: 300 foot rule, social host, dancehall ordinance. I feel these ordinances have been used in ways to infringe rights.

While door knocking and meeting with the people you want to represent, have there been any surprises? What issues do you think are most important to voters?

The issues that seem to be of the upmost importance to the citizens of District 2: Student housing, city streets, parking at UMD, property taxes and city spending. There has been some surprises, but overall, the people generally have the same concerns.

Why should someone vote for you?

I will put forth my hard work ethic into this position and dig deep into the issues that are presented to me. I will look at these issues from all perspectives. I am the only person running this election who is a minority. A diverse community deserves diverse representation.