An Introduction

Hello! My name is Graeme Allen and I'd like to represent you on the New Brighton City Council. I want to add a new voice and a fresh perspective to the issues that face our city. I will put aside personal politics and work to encourage thoughtful conversation on topics that are important for the future of New Brighton.

I’ve learned the value of hard work and fairness and I have always sought to incorporate those lessons into my professional and volunteer life. I work as an advocate for public college students and higher education institutions in Minnesota at the state and federal level which has given me a deep understanding of how policies and laws directly impact people's lives. The experience of seeking solutions, building coalitions and providing a vision for the future has taught me how to get things done in government. I also serve as a volunteer board member for the 621 Foundation who's mission is to encourage the community to invest in excellence in education in the Mounds View Public Schools. My parents are both educators and share thirty years of experience between them. They instilled a passion for education in me, and I'd like to bring that commitment to the council. Exploring the potential for more communication and collaboration between the city and our top-rated schools is just one of the tasks I'm eager to take on as a council member.

I believe that economic redevelopment is a key issue for our city. We're all feeling the strain of the current financial situation. We need to make sure we're doing our best to utilize city resources and staff to maximize our opportunities. As a council member, I would like to explore the idea of increased cooperation with our neighboring cities to expand shared services. The next city council will need to design a plan to revitalize our economic base and make sure that city planning and development make sense--not just for the next 2 to 4 years, but for the next 30.
The most pressing redevelopment task is the Northwest Quadrant. The Northwest Quadrant has been tangled in unwise decisions and bad luck for over 20 years. It's become a lasting headache and caused public mistrust. The ability to think forward and reevaluate options for the area will be crucial for the next city council. I believe I will be a valuable asset to the process as the council explores development opportunities and continues the search for grants and funding to address the remaining environmental concerns. Decisions will need to be made that affect not only the current situation but take into account goals for the future.

The growth of new businesses is vital to that future. By attracting enterprise to the Northwest Quadrant area, as well as the old Highway 8 corridor, we can bolster and expand our tax base. New Brighton has many strengths that can be capitalized on to help us achieve that goal, as the maintenance of our city infrastructure provides us with safe streets, clean water, and beautiful parks. The city council can use these already existing assets to promote New Brighton as an excellent place to live, work and play.

I firmly believe elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently, especially when communities across the state, including ours, are being affected by our nation’s economic troubles. These uncertain times have sent city officials scrambling to find creative solutions to make up deficits in the city budget. Our public workers have done an exemplary job in continuing to provide us with the excellent services we’ve all come to expect in New Brighton while making personal sacrifices. I would like to take a moment to personally thank our dedicated workers for agreeing to freeze their wages in the short term to help our community. Their selfless act has allowed the city to fill gaps in the budget and maintain essential services. However, we all know this is only a short term solution. The next city council must be innovative and find ways to capitalize on a slowly strengthening economy while not overburdening the people of New Brighton. As your voice on the city council, I will work with the mayor and other members of the council to provide practical, long lasting solutions to our city’s budget problems.

As I go door to door through the city I've had the great opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting people in the community. I've heard over and over that with the uneasiness many residents feel about their financial situations, they're looking even more toward the city government for leadership and answers. They want elected officials who understand the issues that they and their families are facing and who are willing to listen. As a member of the city council, I will always strive for the best for the city of New Brighton and the people who live here. I have the track record, the passion and the deep commitment for the work that lies ahead. I would be honored to have your support on November 3rd.

I welcome any questions or comments. Please feel free to comment here, contact me at allenfornb@gmail.com, or call me at (612) 481-2144.

Thank you!