Here is an overview of the campaign for two openings on the Woodbury City Council. Current council member Andrea Date did not seek re-election. The two winners in November will serve four-year terms that begin in January. We asked each of the eight candidate to introduce themselves and share their priorities if elected. We received responses from five of them.
TIMOTHY BREWINGTON: I am seeking a seat on the city council because, as our city grows, we need visionary leaders that will elevate all of the voices in our community.
Brewington’s priorities: My top priorities revolve around ensuring the highest quality drinking water, enhancing public safety measures, promoting environmental stewardship, advocating for attainable housing, upholding fiscal responsibility and transparency, and expanding the city council structure to effectively address the challenges brought by our population growth. Through proactive decision-making and community engagement, I am committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable environment for all residents of Woodbury.
DAVE HOELZEL: I am running for city council to apply my seven years of Economic Development and Planning Commission experiences to focus on safety, water implementation, infrastructure and strategic management.
Hoelzel’s priorities: Public Safety: With public safety as the top concern, I will advocate for a reasonable expansion of the public safety campus | Water implementation: City must complete financing the PFAS mitigation project with other governmental entities. | Infrastructure: Demand on city assets grow with our city. The five-year, Capital improvement Plan needs a refresh. | Strategic Management: Focus will start on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan with the Metropolitan Council.
TEMMY OLASIMBO: I am an 18+ year resident of Woodbury. I love my community and the people in it, which is why I have spent many years advocating and serving my community. Among other community activities, I initiated the first ever public safety and community event geared towards addressing issues related to public trust and engagement in 2012. I was the visionary behind the “One Woodbury “ initiative. I was an active participant and contributor to the city’s Community Engagement Initiative, and I serve as the current commissioner representing Woodbury on the Washington County Community Development Agency where I am currently the vice chairwoman. I am running to represent because of my passion and desire to further improve on our values and future proof us for the future.
Olasimbo’s Priorities: My priorities are water, ensuring our water quality is safe for consumption now and into the future; public safety, fostering trust between public safety and the citizens, fostering collaboration and transparency while ensuring resources for public safety are addressed and maintained; and equity, providing access, support and mitigating risks for businesses and individuals alike.
DONNA STAFFORD: My passion is giving back – whether public safety, military veterans, businesses, organizations – and providing for our community needs. I strive to keep Woodbury a premier place to live, work, play and stay. Not all giving back involves monetary donations. Our presence, time and involvement are invaluable.
Stafford’s priorities: A voice for all. Housing affordability; environmental stability; Recreational opportunities for the entire community regardless of ability, mobility, access or age; Transportation effectiveness for all.
KIM WILSON (incumbent): I offer a diverse voice and a different perspective to the council. I will continue to advocate for the residents and help shape and transform local government and policies to be more open, transparent and accountable.
Wilson’s priorities: Cut wasteful spending; work towards proper staffing of our Public Safety Department; ensure our basic infrastructure has adequate funding today and into the future; continue to advocate for carefully managed growth as we wait for our water treatment plant to be constructed.
We have yet to hear back from three of the candidates who filed:
- Murid Amini (website)
- Michael Burke
- Benjamin Sherrard
