St Paul candidates for mayor debate the future of the city
Five of the leading candidates running to be mayor of St Paul meet for a two-hour debate on their vision for the city with MPR News host Tom Weber. Comment here on the live blog or use #stpaulmayor on Twitter to join the conversation.
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We've heard a lot about the candidates' accomplishments and strengths. What do the candidates think their weaknesses are, and how would they compensate for them in office?
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Thao says he wants to use technology to build on the city's emergency-alert system, use ShotSpotter technology to triangulate gunshots.
He also says kids need to be taught better ways to resolve disputes, and that the city needs to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. -
Carter says so many problems in St. Paul are cyclical because we don't address long-term issues. Public safety shouldn't be about hiring more cops, it should be about building better neighborhoods. More cops, tougher prosecutors aren't a solution, he says, it's "destabilizing" our communities.Hiring more officers would keep money from building communities, rec centers, libraries, etc., Carter says. Trust has been broken in police force, he says, and use-of-force policy needs to be revised so community will trust cops again. Also wants mental-health response teams, a more visible civilian review panel.
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We're talking homelessness, poverty and housing issues in St. Paul. Here's some background on the issue from the Pioneer Press:
Months in motels: a pricey last resort to surging Ramsey County homelessness
Twin CitiesIt’s Alicia May’s third week in a motel. A single room with four kids. “You microwave food, fast food all the time. I can’t cook anything; you just stay in the motel all day,” she said. -
Goldstein says the city has not been openly addressing homelessness, likely because St. Paul wants to tell positive stories about itself.
He wants more density and affordable housing. The new pro soccer stadium site in Midway, he says, would've been a good site for affordable housing due to its proximity to public transit, he says. Also wants to boost tax base so the city has more money to subsidize housing. -
Harris notes he's worked on homelessness issues for years, citing experience with Catholic Charities. As mayor, he wants to change income brackets for affordable housing so there are more options for people.
He wants to consider new options like single-room occupancy housing models. -
Thao says he has a "proven record" on City Council fighting for affordable housing, and that he's working on an anti-discrimination housing measure. Working on low-interest loan program for property owners to renovate without raising rent.
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Carter says city may have a "housing crisis" on the horizon, due in part to increasing rents. Wants "smart" density and developer incentives. He says current city policy isn't making ideal neighborhoods.
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Dickinson wants 20% of new developments to be affordable housing. Fast-tracked permitting should happen for affordable housing developments, she says, and city should support tiny houses and modular homes. Calls current homelessness rates "unacceptable."
She wants to pilot a program in which homeless youth could move in with elderly people who want to stay in their homes and have extra space. -
We have one more hour of the debate left. It will resume at 12:06 p.m. Thanks for joining. Tell us about who you support or what questions you want answered about this election.
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Who would your second and third choices be on the ranked-choice ballot?
Harris: I haven't decided
Thao: You pick, but I want to see a woman in office, so my second choice is Dickinson.
Carter: No specific choice, but voters should use their options.
Dickinson: Voters should use their conscience.
Goldstein: Dickinson and I are most closely aligned. -
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We're talking transit now, following a listener question regarding a proposed streetcar from downtown to the airport.
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Harris says he'd discuss a "modern streetcar" plan, rejects a light rail down West 7th Street.