2024 League of Women Voters Brooklyn Center City Council Candidate Forum

ByAndrew Johnson

The Brooklyn Center City Council Candidate Forum, held on October 15, featured four city council candidates: Gretchen Enger, Andrew Johnson, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Laurie Ann Moore, with Patty Robles serving as the moderator. Each candidate was given time for opening statements, responded to questions from the audience, and provided closing remarks.

Please take the time to read the high-level summary and view the video of the event below or read the full transcription.

Key Discussion Points

Opening Statements

  • Gretchen Enger emphasized public safety, commercial development, and transparent governance.
  • Andrew Johnson focused on his experience running two years ago and his commitment to being a good listener and servant leader.
  • Laurie Ann Moore discussed her civic engagement roots, local politics’ importance, and the need to continue progress in the city.
  • Kris Lawrence-Anderson highlighted her 12 years of experience on the council and her calm, common-sense approach to decision-making.

Major Topics Addressed

  1. Business Attraction and Retention
    • The candidates agreed that public safety is crucial to attracting and retaining businesses. They also suggested revitalizing business groups and addressing crime around the transit hub.
  2. The Opportunity Site Development
    • Most candidates expressed disappointment in the lack of progress with the Opportunity Site and remained open to selling it if viable options do not emerge.
  3. Increasing City Revenue and Cutting Expenses
    • Ideas included promoting redevelopment, being fiscally responsible, and exploring ways to expand the tax base.
  4. Public Engagement
    • Candidates discussed the importance of engaging the community, with suggestions ranging from meeting people where they are to organizing more community events. Food-centric gatherings were also suggested as a way to build bridges between diverse communities.
  5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
    • While supporting DEI, candidates had varied approaches. Andrew Johnson emphasized hiring the most qualified individuals regardless of background, while others stressed the importance of lifting disenfranchised communities and addressing systemic racism through ongoing dialogues.
  6. Public Safety and City Cleanliness
    • Panhandling, litter, and overgrown weeds were noted as concerns. Candidates suggested a mix of community responsibility and increased code enforcement to address these issues.

Closing Statements

Each candidate reiterated their commitment to serving Brooklyn Center, focusing on public safety, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparent governance.

This forum provided voters with insights into the candidates’ priorities and approaches to pressing city issues.

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