Golden Valley Mayoral Race: A Voter's Guide

More than 100 people crowded into the on Oct. 26, and more than a dozen filled the meeting room across the hall to watch the on closed-circuit TV.

Election day in Golden Valley is this Tuesday, Nov. 8, and the forum was an opportunity to hear the candidates for mayor and two City Council seats speak about themselves and the issues.

This guide is intended to give you as much information about where the candidates stand and what they envision for Golden Valley's future. To learn more about the candidates themselves, you can read Patch's profile on incumbent and challenger

One candidate that many people wanted to learn about was Jeff Beck, one of three candidates for mayor. Patch has profiled all the city candidates, but Beck did not respond to our requests for an interview. The League of Women Voters also profiles the candidates on its website, www.vote411.org, but Beck did not respond to their requests for information, either.

Loomis and Harris provided answers to the same questions Patch sent each of them, and we're posting those answers, without editing, below. We required all answers to be 100 words or less.

For more information on Jeff Beck, we're posting some brief information about him at the end of this article. The information is based on comments he made at the forum.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Shep Harris:

I’m the best qualified candidate to serve as Mayor based on my community leadership, professional experience and pro-active vision for the future of Golden Valley. I’ve been involved in a number of leadership positions that have strengthened our community, and my professional experience in the government relations field will create more opportunities for partnerships and success at all levels of government. I’ve heard from thousands of residents the need for a Mayor who will provide better communication, greater transparency and lead in times of crisis. As Mayor, I will partner with you and provide that improved customer-service that you deserve.

Linda Loomis:

My experience and track record make me the best candidate. Before being elected mayor I served 7 years on the Open Space and Recreation Commission, including 6 as Chair. Prior to being mayor I was active in many initiatives, including that which resulted in Golden Valley Commons.  I am currently the Chair of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission and serve as co-chair of an intergovernmental task force for Minneapolis water supply. My major opponent has virtually no (official) city involvement, other than starting an informal neighborhood group and a short stint on the Human Services Foundation, a fundraising group.

What are the three most important issues facing Golden Valley, and how would you address each one if you were elected? 

Linda Loomis:

1. The city’s budget and financial integrity is our most important issue. My first duty is to make sure that every dollar of taxpayer money is spent wisely. In this challenging economy it will take elected officials that have a deep knowledge of the city budget and financing to make the best decisions to keep this community strong. During my time as mayor the operating budget has gone down in recent years, and we have upgraded our bond rating to Triple A, which saves interest costs.

2. Strong citizen involvement in our city’s affairs and community life is a major priority for me. The Envision Golden Valley initiative was an unprecedented opportunity for input into the city’s vision for the future. It is important to continue the work through the Envision Connection Project, which has fostered many community building initiatives, such as the new Community Foundation, the Lilac Planting Project, the annual Ice Cream Social, community Gardens, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Valley Volunteers and many others.

3. We must continue to maintain and strengthen our city infrastructure and services in a cost-effective way. For instance, the city does not currently have a backup water supply. We must continue the work I have begun to develop an alternate supply of drinking water for emergencies. The Douglas Drive Corridor project is another example of proactive action to make Golden Valley a better place to live, work and do business.

Shep Harris:

1. ENHANCED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT—We need to follow through on the Envision Golden Valley goals of strengthening and engaging our community. This can be done in a number of ways including:

• Coordinate an annual Senior Citizen “Summit” to identify ways to help seniors live independently.
• Help create neighborhood associations and strengthen ones that already exist.
• Hold a Family Forum to identify new opportunities for our youth.
• Updating the Golden Valley Library to respond to changing needs.

2. PRO-ACTIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT—We’re fortunate to have premier international companies headquartered in Golden Valley. But we’ve become reactive, allowing our community to be shaped by marketplace conditions as neighboring cities have shown ways to diversify their tax base. As Mayor, I would proactively recruit and retain businesses in the following ways:

• Launch a Golden Valley business council.
• Create a 10-year economic development strategic plan responsive to resident and business needs.
• Establish a task force with public input on future development of key areas in Golden Valley.
• Develop a Sister City program to promote job growth and business exchange.

3. RESPONSIVE & COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP—Many have offered a number of examples where communication and partnership have been lacking or non-existent: the Harold Avenue/Winnetka Avenue rezoning proposal, the Douglas Drive Corridor, the Pavement Management Program, the ongoing closure of the Motor Vehicle Licensing office, and the Human Rights Commission.

As Mayor, I will be a more inclusive, collaborative leader:

• Better communication and accountability—town hall forums, a Community Advisory Council, neighborhood meetings.
• Create a “Common Sense Commission” to eliminate unnecessary city regulations.
• Enhance partnerships with schools and government to maximize grant opportunities.
• Rebuild the Human Rights Commission to promote diversity.

Is there anything else you want voters to know about you as they head to the voting booth?

Shep Harris (www.ShepHarris.com):

It’s been an honor to convey what many have shared with me throughout this campaign. The response and support has been quite overwhelming.

However, if I have yet to answer your questions or to learn more about my community leadership and professional experience, please visit my website at www.ShepHarris.com, or feel free to call me anytime at 612-219-8531.

I ask for your vote on November 8, and I thank you for your commitment and interest in making Golden Valley a better place to live.  

Linda Loomis (www.LoomisForMayor.com):

Golden Valley is a wonderful community, with great neighborhoods, a strong and diverse housing base, first-class parks and open spaces, a strong business community, good streets and infrastructure, and excellent cost-effective city services. Ninety-seven percent of our residents rate quality of life in Golden Valley as excellent or good. We have made many changes for the better, and have a strong tax base. We must strengthen this success through budget discipline, citizen involvement, hard work, and effective, experienced leadership that I, with the voters’ support, would like to continue to provide.

*****

Jeff Beck:

Beck said he is caregiver for a senior citizen and said that he is the candidate who best understands the needs of Golden Valley seniors.

Here is an overview of the comments made by Beck during the forum:

• Residents shouldn't have to drive outside the city to do their shopping.  Golden Valley should try to bring a grocery store to the downtown area.
• Golden Valley needs better sidewalks that are more accessible to the disabled.
• Residents need more transportation options. There should be light rail along Olson Memorial Highway to lessen traffic congestion.
• The city doesn't need to lower property taxes, but it needs to provide more services with the money it's currently collecting.
• The Human Rights Commission lacks minority representation
• Golden Valley should have its own school board so residents can take care of all their schools, "not just Perpich."
• The city needs to do a better job communicating with residents, especially seniors. Many seniors do not use the internet.

Editor's note: If Jeff Beck chooses to participate in this voter's guide before the election, we will add his responses to the questions given to the other candidates.