In 2022, voters will elect a mayor in Spring Lake Park. The candidates are:
About the Candidate: Resident of SLP for 31 years. My father, ‘Frenchy,’ built our home in 1954. Early in life both parents installed in me the love of the United States, and the need to be respectful of all its people. Service to governments runs in my family; His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden conferred his personal Gold Medal in recognition of 30 years outstanding faithful service to my father. I graduated from SLP. Attended Anoka Ramsey (elected Student Senator) U of Minnesota-U of Illinois-Act One School Chicago-Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts-Chicago Real Estate Institute-Licensed Thoroughbred Trainer-AKC Dog Handler. Worked for 3 Chicago law firms. Organizations: 6 years SLP City Council, Coon Creek Watershed Advisory Commission, SLP School Board Liaison, North Trunk Highway 65 Corridor Coalition, Anoka County Fire Protection Council, Planning Commission Liaison, Joint Airport Zoning Board, Vice-chair Executive Committee North Metro Cable Commission. National Parks Service-Bike with Rangers, Habitat Restoration on Mississippi, Parks Program for Children. Two Bills I wrote in 2019, Broadband Bill (18-5642) Remote Access Legislature for Disabled, and The Lifetime Senior Minnesota Park Pass (SC 4311-1) were introduced at The Minnesota Legislature.
Important Issues: SLP is a fully developed bedroom community. We need to keep commercial and industrial areas intact to generate a higher tax base. SLP is run entirely in house; Police, Public Works, Zoning and Parks and Rec. are run smoothly and cost effectively. SBM Fire is a 78-year-old fire department run smoothly with the cooperation of its three cities. This is a desirable town to live in for young families looking for the right schools for their children. We are a community of many religions and diverse cultures. My mother, Rose, a British National, first saw our country from a troopship as it steamed into New York Harbor past The Statue of Liberty. She came here as a War bride during WWII. She became a Naturalized citizen 10 years later and taught me to have an open viewpoint and be excepting of peoples with different backgrounds from my own.
Goals if Elected:
- I would like to develop a new Commission to over-see problems within our city.
- Stay pro-active with our police.
- Make sure City Hall is receptive of all its residents. Make sure everyone is treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.
- Keep our amenities while keeping taxes in check. Be selective of new business coming into SLP.
- Stay proactive with our transportation needs. I worked on The North Highway 65 Corridor Coalition developing a video for presentation at the Minnesota Legislature.
Endorsements: None listed.
Connect with Me:
Facebook: Barbara Goodboe-Bisschoff or Barbara 4 Mayor
Email: bbisschoff@comcast.net
Phone: 763-784-4077
Candidate Interview:
About the Candidate: Hello, my name is Bob Nelson, I was born and raised here in beautiful Spring Lake Park. I’ve been married to my wife Tammy for 43 years together we have raised two great sons Jesse and Joshua who are both married and have given us six wonderful grandchildren.
I’ve had the honor to be your mayor and past councilmember. I’ve either served on or currently serving on these committees and commissions which are Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Joint Law Enforcement Committee, North Metro Mayors Association, Minnesota Mayors Association, North Metro Cable Commission, Spring Lake Park Planning and Zoning Commission.
Important Issues: I will continue to bring economic development and redevelopment moving our city forward bringing in new businesses and jobs which will help lower taxes. I will continue working side by side with our law enforcement to keep our community safe which is and always has been my top priority.
Goals if Elected: I will use my 22 years of experience to continue to guide our city in a positive direction to keep it running in a fiscally responsible manner.
Endorsements:
Commissioner Robyn West
Retired Chief of Police Doug Ebeltoft
Retired Sergeant Mike Long
Retired Patrol Officer Randy Brown
Connect with Me:
Phone: 763-783-1889
Email: bobnelson7805@gmail.com
Candidate Interview:
About the Candidate: At 41, I have spent most my life living in Spring Lake Park, Blaine and Coon Rapids and have seen so much growth the last 30 years. My wife and I have lived in SLP since 2017 and are expecting our first child any day now. I am a business owner in Blaine that I run with my family. It’s in an industry that is on the topic of discussion everywhere and I want to bring my 25 years’ experience to this position of Mayor. The past five of the last six years I’ve had the privilege of being president of the Coon Creek Watershed District overseeing 7 cities (our city included) and 105 miles; a position appointed by our county. I have led public forums for the past five years that have given me the experience of getting to know our city officials, developers as well as city planners. I’ve had many conversations with our city and county leaders and am comfortable with the process of expanding cities landscape to maximize their potential. I want to be Mayor to work with and on behalf of the 7000 residents of this community to make it the strongest it’s ever been.
Important Issues: Public safety is on the forefront of my mind to keep my family and hopefully our city safe. Quietly, we have over 20,000 people passing through our city every day and we need to provide the necessary means around this city to give everyone the piece of mind they deserve.
Revenue is an issue our city faces as we don’t have a lot in the budget. We have many non-profits in SLP and we need companies and restaurants in volume to contribute instead of raising the property taxes another dollar in the next 10 years. Many of the residents seen their home values rise these past couple years and want them to stay that way. Elected officials need to step-up in creative ways in developing a community that appears near to being build-out. Establishing a city plan is important to attract travelers passing by every day! Not just Hy-Vee.
Goals if Elected: If I’m elected, I want to push our committees to creating and Identifying locations that can be cleaned and updated to repair our ageing community. My pursuit to establishing a safe community will start with emergency call boxes, for example, “Blue Light” systems throughout our city. More than half of our city’s employees are law enforcement and I hope to work with them to create a strong bond with this community.
To our Veterans, my wife and I have the deepest respect for you and all you’ve done for this country. Each of us have had grandfathers and relatives serve this great nation and I know PTSD is very real. I will work with several departments to make sure wellness checks and other ways to connect with our 300+ Veterans in our community to show our appreciation and love for you. You are not alone.
Endorsements: None listed.
Connect with Me:
Facebook: Anthony Wilder for Mayor of Spring Lake Park
Email: anthonywilderforslpmayor@gmail.com
Candidate Interview:
