VOTERS GUIDE: 5 vie for Robbinsdale Ward 2 council seat

The Ward 2 special election will determine a candidate to complete the term of former Council Member Sheila Webb, who stepped down in October.

Robbinsdale residents in Ward 2, which represents northeastern Robbinsdale, can vote on Tuesday, May 14 in the special primary. Early voting is also available May 11 and 13. Learn more at robbinsdalemn.com/city-government/elections .

Five have filed for election for the seat: Chris Rasmussen, David Dirkers, Jason Greenberg, Kyle Bille and Mark Akerlind.

Sun Newspapers reached out to candidates to compile this voter’s guide. Akerlind did not submit responses in time for publication of the guide, saying he did not have time to do so, but clarified that he is still actively seeking the Ward 2 seat.

Chris Rasmussen

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I work in higher education, helping high school graduates and adults get through college in less time, at a lower cost, with a degree or other qualifications to get a good job. My parents went back to school in their 40s to improve their earning prospects and support our large family, and that’s always inspired me. My work has focused mostly in the public policy arena, working with elected officials and college and university leaders. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a PhD in public policy and higher education from the University of Michigan.

Why should people vote for you? Why are you running in this election?

I’ve spent most of the past two decades helping policymakers and community leaders create opportunities for people to improve their quality of life through education and volunteer service. This has involved bringing people together to develop collaborative solutions to shared challenges, including access to resources, affordability of opportunity, and equity of outcomes – experience that’s important at the local level in building safe, vibrant, and welcoming neighborhoods. In addition to working at the University of Minnesota for nearly 10 years, I’ve worked in Colorado state government and was a local elected official in Maryland, including serving a brief time as mayor of a suburban community outside of D.C.

Can you comment on the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project?

Covid radically changed the calculus on commuter rail lines that move people into and out of downtowns. The original Blue Line to the airport, and the Green Line connecting downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, were sensible projects. But the Blue Line extension through North Minneapolis and Robbinsdale is no longer sensible, and it most certainly does not justify the significant cost and years-long disruption to Bottineau Boulevard/County 81. Just look at the Metro C and D Lines that run down Osseo Road – rarely is there any more than 1 or 2 passengers on the bus.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan to reduce 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030?

I applaud the city and community partners for tackling climate change, one of the most critical challenges of our time. I also applaud the Action Team’s decision to set a relatively modest but achievable goal. Some might argue that the group didn’t go far enough, but too many of these endeavors fail because people are overwhelmed by the scope of the problem and the proposed solutions. I appreciate the focus on raising awareness of existing resources, such as rebates and incentive programs, and the emphasis on community-based strategies to promote choices that can save people money while reducing environmental impact.

Learn more about Rasmussen at ras4robw2.com .

David Dirkers

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I am a Real Estate Agent specializing in Investment Real Estate. My professional path includes 10 years of various entrepreneurial ventures across multiple industries. These highly unique and humbling experiences have allowed me to develop deep skillsets in the areas of problem solving, management, organization, planning and financial analysis.

Why should people vote for you? Why are you running in this election?

I expect people will vote for me because I am a truly genuine person. I am running to meet my extended Ward 2 neighbors and help make the Ward 2 community an even better place to live.

I’ve come to love Robbinsdale in a short period of time and feel my contributions to the Council will be a positive representation for my neighbors and the city.

My collegiate education includes studying Business Management at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and ultimately a Bachelor’s Degree from UNLV. Aside from my collegiate time in NH and Las Vegas; I also lived in Boston for 5 years, and San Diego for another 5 years. Living in these distinct areas gave me the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and social environments. I am though still most proud to be a born and raised Minnesotan, with 27 of my 41 years spent in Minnesota.

Can you comment on the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project?

With my past experiences as a passenger rail user in Boston and San Diego, the Blue Line Extension project was a positive factor in our decision to move to Robbinsdale in 2020. I attended all of the Elim Church events out of excitement to learn about the project details. Now given all the available information, I believe the widening of Bottineau Blvd to insert two sets of rail tracks inside of an already four lane “highway” is not the best plan for Robbinsdale. I feel the transportation goals can be achieved through Electric Rapid Busses, which fit Robbinsdale’s existing infrastructure and preserve its unique character. I also feel strongly that updating and enhancing all major pedestrian crossings at Bottineau Boulevard will produce a safer and more comfortable experience for the walkers, cyclists, and residents of our community. This will one of my top priorities as councilmember.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan to reduce 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030?

I believe clean energy is an important initiative for Robbinsdale, as well as the planet as a whole. It’s great to see some of these technologies already implemented in our parks. I look forward to becoming more familiar with all details of the extended action plan while serving in Council.

Learn more about Dirkers at ward2dave.com .

Jason Greenberg

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I have worked at technology companies in the Twin Cities for the past 14 years. Currently, I’m a Sales Manager for a software company based in Minneapolis. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a major in Communications and a minor in History. I have represented the Robbinsdale community in many ways including co-chairing the Blue Line Extension’s Community Advisory Committee since 2021 and as a member of the Planning Commission for 8 years.

Why should people vote for you? Why are you running in this election?

Living in Robbinsdale since 2007 I have come to truly love our city. I think it is very important to support the things that make Robbinsdale unique – our small-town feel, the way neighbors help one another, and our authentic downtown main street filled with independent businesses. I will work to make sure all residents feel included and thrive in Robbinsdale. The historic downtown water tower is an icon in our community and I want to work to keep it that way. Finally, my experience on the Planning Commission and Community Advisory Committee has helped me understand the importance of listening to and understanding the various viewpoints that surround many issues, representing them the best I can.

Can you comment on the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project?

As someone who took the bus downtown most work days for over 10 years, I have first-hand experience with using mass transit and consider myself an advocate of light rail in general. I have also been a member of the CAC representing all the feedback from residents and businesses in our community. There is still work to do regarding the project’s impact on Robbinsdale, and I will continue to advocate for what’s best for our community. While I will keep an open mind, I personally cannot support this alignment until specific changes are made.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan to reduce 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030?

The Energy Action Plan is a great way to help residents use less energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money in the process. It is important to work with community partners to expand outreach to residents of Robbinsdale and ensure the programs are implemented equitably. I would also focus on finding ways to work with our commercial and industrial sector, which makes up 5% of premises in Robbinsdale but represents 39% of total energy consumption.

Learn more about Greenberg at jason4birdtown.org .

Kyle Bille

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

My professional career is steeped in labor and service, working for smaller family businesses in many industries, where I was fortunate to have shared values and goals. In all of my roles, I was a leader, role model, and an asset for the business, while wearing many hats and doing what needed to be done. Today I work as a carpenter, which has provided me with a fundamental understanding of what goes into larger-scale projects. I believe that everyone’s voice matters. As your Councilman, I will listen to the opinions and perspectives of all residents. I will ask the hard questions in order to guide our decision-making process to find the best solutions.

Why should people vote for you? Why are you running in this election?

I’ve been a resident of Robbinsdale for four years. Along with my co-parenting partner, who grew up here in Ward 2, we are happily raising our two amazing and super fun daughters. We enjoy hitting the trails for walking, biking, and getting to the parks for playing. My first priority, as I enter city service, is my family’s future. How can we build a Robbinsdale for our future residents? We can start with bringing money into the community, and by keeping the work in our community with high-skilled, high-wage jobs. Let’s make Robbinsdale a benchmark for other cities.

Can you comment on the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail project?

I support the reduction of greenhouse gases with logical and safe public transportation. After meeting and talking with many of our neighbors regarding the latest Blue Line plans, the concerns I hear, I share myself. My goal is to find solutions with little impact to our current roadways that do not negatively impact our businesses and most importantly do not impede our vital emergency services in any way. As I introduce myself in the next few weeks I'll ask you “What are your thoughts?” I’m excited to hear everyone’s perspective. My position will be what is best for Ward 2.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan to reduce 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030?

The Robbinsdale Energy Action plan is well thought out, concise, and very much needed. Through work, I see the needs firsthand for updating heating and cooling systems. As we think about a cleaner environment for future Robbinsdale, I believe that the Energy Action Plan is a great first step. As your City Councilman, my priorities will be building partnerships with the rental sector and local businesses to make these transitions sustainable, simple, and transparent to all parties.

Learn more about Bille at kylebille4robbinsdale.com .