In 2024, voters in Blaine’s Ward 1 will elect a councilmember to a four-year term. The candidates are:
About the candidate: Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself! My name is Chris Ford, and I’m running for Blaine City Council because I believe in fostering a vibrant, safe, and thriving community for all our residents. I’ve lived in Blaine for five years, and in that time, I’ve seen incredible growth and potential here.
Professionally, I’ve worked as a captain in the fire department, where I developed strong leadership and problem-solving skills that I’m excited to bring to the Council. I’m also pursuing graduate studies in policy analysis, which will give me a fresh perspective on understanding and writing policy initiatives.
As a council member, my priority will be ensuring that we manage Blaine’s growth in a way that maintains our unique character, keeps our neighborhoods safe, and strengthens our local economy. I’m committed to listening to the concerns of residents and ensuring their voices are heard in city decisions.
Blaine is an incredible place to live, and I’m eager to work on behalf of our community to keep it that way. Thank you for considering me as your next city council member!
Important Issues: As a candidate for Blaine City Council, I’m focused on key issues that matter to our community: managing smart growth while preserving Blaine’s character, ensuring public safety through strong support for police and emergency services, and promoting local economic development to attract businesses and create jobs. I’m also committed to improving infrastructure, including roads and parks, and fostering transparent, accessible government. My goal is to represent all residents, listen to their concerns, and make decisions that build a thriving, inclusive Blaine for the future.
Goals if Elected: If elected to the Blaine City Council, my goals are to ensure responsible growth that maintains our community’s character and to strengthen public safety by supporting police and emergency services. I will enhance local economic development to create jobs and attract businesses. I will prioritize improving infrastructure, including roads and parks, and work to make city government more transparent and accessible to all residents. I am committed to listening to the concerns of Blaine’s citizens and making thoughtful, balanced decisions that promote a safe, thriving, and inclusive community for everyone.
Endorsements:
International Association of Firefighters
Minneapolis Fire
St. Paul Fire
Duluth Fire
Washington State Fire Council
Oregon State Fire Association
Minnesota Professional Firefighters
Connect with Me:
Website: chrisfordforblaine.com
Facebook: Chris Ford for Blaine
Candidate Interview:
About the candidate: I bring a unique perspective shaped by my background as the daughter of immigrants, my law degree, and my extensive experience in strategic planning. I have lived in Blaine for 20 years with my husband and three children and I’m deeply committed to this community. I have nearly 20 years of community service and nonprofit leadership experience. I spent 7 years on the Blaine Charter Commission and now almost 2 years on the Blaine City Council. I have a law degree and a people-centered approach to my work. I am proud to be the first Muslim and woman of color to be elected to the Blaine city council. I love living in Ward 1 because it is the heart and soul of Blaine. There is so much history here and I have met so many good, genuine people. I am committed to creating a Blaine that puts residents first.
Important Issues: I believe local politics should be nonpartisan, inclusive, and resident-centered. I believe elected leaders should be honest, ethical, and transparent. I believe that the interest of residents should supersede the interests of developers and even the City.
We have great momentum: redevelopment of the Northtown mall and reducing crime in the area, Highway 65 project, new parks and activities to bring neighborhoods together, clean water projects, carwash moratorium, and real efforts to seek resident input and put people before profit. I am the strongest advocate for unions because of the quality of work, stability and ethical leadership unions bring to cities and projects.
Goals if Elected: My key priorities include:
- Improving Infrastructure: Ensuring our roads, public spaces, and utilities are well-maintained and modernized.
- Enhancing Public Safety: Working with local law enforcement and community organizations to keep Blaine safe.
- Fostering Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to participate in local government and decision-making processes.
- Smart Development: Promoting sustainable and strategic growth that benefits all residents.
The question I ask before every vote is: “How do Ward 1 residents feel about this and how will this vote impact them and their quality of life?” I work for Ward 1 residents in this role and my vote will always reflect that.
Endorsements:
Carpenters Local 322
ERA MN
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 110
Run For Something
Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®
SEIU MN State Council
Teamsters Joint Council 32
Women Winning
Connect with Me:
Website: https://votesaroya.com
Email: VoteSaroya@gmail.com
Facebook: Lori Saroya for Blaine City Council
Instagram: votesaroya
Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/lorisa
Candidate Interview:
