Robbinsdale voters guide

The Sun Post gathered responses from candidates for the Aug. 13 primary and special election.

Ward 1

Charles Austinson

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I am a tax, trusts and estates lawyer for a mid-sized firm in Bloomington. I also represent businesses with their general legal needs. I have a B.S. in economics from the University of Minnesota, a J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and an LL.M. (masters in taxation) from Georgetown University.

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

Born and raised in Robbinsdale, I have spent most all of my life calling Robbinsdale home. I am a graduate of Robbinsdale schools, played youth sports in Robbinsdale, and continue to live, work and play in Robbinsdale. In short, I’m committed to this city. I am running to ensure Robbinsdale continues to provide its residents high quality and cost efficient services, continues to expand and develop its thriving downtown, and works toward an energy efficient alternative to the current light rail plan down Bottineau Boulevard.

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

I oppose the current light rail plan down Bottineau Boulevard for numerous reasons. First, Covid has taught corporate America that its workers can (and often prefer to) work from home. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of people who need commuter options to Minneapolis. Second, when the Blue Line extension was in its planning stage, light rail was really the only viable environmentally friendly option. We now know electric buses are a viable option at a fraction of the cost. Third, the current plan will irrevocably divide Robbinsdale into two different communities, West and East, and replace our quaint small town charm with just another stop on an unused commuter rail line.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan?

Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan is still in its infancy so it is difficult to provide a complete assessment to the program, but I am generally in favor of any steps we can take to make Robbinsdale services and assets more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

How will you ensure all the denizens of Robbinsdale are safe and able to thrive?

Public safety and a fully funded and staffed police department are vital to the health and wellbeing of a city and its residents. If residents are not safe, they cannot enjoy what the city has to offer. As your city council member I will make public safety a top priority.

Learn more about Charles Austinson at birdtownchaz@gmail.com (email), 612-443-8710 (phone) and charlie4ward1.com (website).

Raymond Blackledge

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

– Compass School Advocate, BrightWorks/MDE

– Assistant Track and Field Coach at Armstrong High School

Education:

– University of Minnesota, Bachelors of Science, Youth Studies

– University of Minnesota, Masters of Education, Youth Development and Leadership

– Member of the Robbinsdale Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission 2021-2023

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

I believe in our community. Robbinsdale is a great city with much to offer those who call it home or visit. I am committed to doing more to support and engage with my community. Robbinsdale deserves a servant-leader who views issues through an equity lens and is willing to actively engage with the community. As a lifelong learner, I absorb information from various perspectives. My approach is calm, approachable and strategic, with a sense of urgency that drives progress in discussions and actions. I will listen attentively, seek feedback and offer my perspective. My life experiences as a husband, father and coach may differ from those of my neighbors, and I believe in sharing my perspective while valuing and learning from theirs. Mutual exchange is vital for fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

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

Light rail is important for our community and greater communities beyond. The light rail offers a way to build on infrastructure that is greatly needed as we look towards the future of transportation. I think energy and efforts, our being put in order to look at all possible outcomes and ways in which it will impact our cities and communities connectedness and accessibility. Time needs to continue to be spent on looking at how we ensure it is designed to meet needs now and for years to come.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan?

I love that we have a vision for moving towards a more efficient and sustainable way to use energy. The goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions for present and future generations to come is important as we learn and know more about our collective impact on the environment.

How will you ensure all the denizens of Robbinsdale are safe and able to thrive?

Safety is a high priority for any community. I think the council’s current attention to having a fully staffed police department is one. I believe in the power of community environments that are welcoming in which individuals feel seen and valued. With that said, encouraging more opportunities for neighbors to take time to get to know each other helps to increase safety in the community. Individuals are more likely to look out for each other and take action to make the environment one where we all can thrive.

Learn more about Raymond Blackledge at raymondblackledge.com (website) and raymondforrobbinsdale@gmail.com (email).

Richard D. Terrell

Richard D. Terrell is no longer campaigning and supports Raymond Blackledge.

Ward 2

David Dirkers

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I’m an Investment Real Estate Agent. My professional path includes 10 years of entrepreneurial ventures across multiple industries. These uniquely humbling experiences have allowed me to develop deep skillsets in the areas of problem solving, management, organization, planning, negotiating and financial analysis.

My collegiate education includes studying Business at Plymouth State University (NH), and a Bachelor’s Degree from UNLV. I also lived in Boston for five years, and San Diego for five more. Living in these distinct areas provided 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.

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’m running to meet my extended Ward 2 neighbors and help make our 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.

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

I want only what’s best for Robbinsdale. My position has not changed. I support better transit and generally support passenger rail, but believe the proposed Blue Line LRT on Bottineau alignment is not the best fit for Robbinsdale. I’ve spoken with countless residents and businesses who agree.

In March, Governor Walz said he would “absolutely” be open to exploring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for any additional routes beyond the Southwest Light Rail route, including the Blue Line extension. I intend to work through the municipal consent process with that fact in mind.

On municipal consent, I will vote “no” with conditions to put Robbinsdale in the best possible position, if this project does come to fruition. However, my conditions will not be based on a fatalistic view that this project is inevitable. I will continue to work with leaders in Robbinsdale and neighboring cities to address the numerous concerns raised by community members and promote alternatives, like BRT, as a viable part of the discussion.

The project must be strongly negotiated to get the best possible outcome for Robbinsdale.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan?

I believe clean energy is an important initiative for Robbinsdale, and the planet as well. It’s great to see some of these technologies already implemented in our parks.

How will you ensure all the denizens of Robbinsdale are safe and able to thrive?

Promote our local businesses and work to attract new ones. Continue to open up and increase the communication bond between residents and our police department.

Learn more about David Dirkers at ward2dave.com (website) and facebook.com/ward2dave (Facebook).

Jason Greenberg

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I am a sales manager for a software company based in Minneapolis. I have a BA, with a major in communications and minor in history. I was a planning commissioner in Robbinsdale for eight years and have been on the Community Advisory Committee for the Blue Line Extension since 2021.

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

I have lived in Robbinsdale since 2007. I believe in supporting our independent businesses and historic downtown atmosphere. I want to make sure our historic water tower remains an icon for our community. My experience on the planning commission and CAC has helped me listen to many viewpoints and represent those well. I love Robbinsdale and appreciate how unique we are in the metro, close to the city with a small town feel where neighbors know one another and look out for each other. I want to make sure we keep that unique character.

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

This is a complex project with no simple solutions. While there are many valid concerns about the project, it is highly likely it moves forward. Robbinsdale needs to vote no on municipal consent to make sure we get a say in what gets built. As the statute makes clear, all municipal consent options end with consent for the project. Voting no means we must make amendments to the current plan. If not, the project will get built through Robbinsdale without our input.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan?

I’m in complete support of finding ways to be more efficient, use less energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I feel that additional outreach will ensure the various programs are used equitably. I would also focus on finding ways to work with our commercial and industrial sector, who make up 5% of premises in Robbinsdale but represent 39% of total energy consumption.

How will you ensure all the denizens of Robbinsdale are safe and able to thrive?

We need to continue to support our diverse communities and make sure all voices are heard. In addition, I will work to strengthen and expand our businesses throughout the city, creating an environment where all feel welcome. I will work closely with city staff to make sure citizens have access to resources that they need. And we must continue to foster our neighborly spirit where we help one another in Robbinsdale.

Learn more about Jason Greenberg at jason4birdtown.org (website), jason4birdtown (Instagram) and jason4birdtown@gmail.com (email).

Carissa Wyant

Describe your occupation, education and qualifications.

I’ve lived in Robbinsdale for 14 years and am a college professor. I have a BA from Wellesley College, a MA from Yale University and a PhD from Luther Seminary. My desire to represent Ward 2 is tied to my commitment to social justice. I have served on the Robbinsdale Human Rights Commission, volunteered with Robbinsdale Community Education, and served as fundraising chair for the local DFL. My background in serving people of diverse backgrounds as well as knowledge of conflict analysis are unique skills I would bring to my role as a city council member.

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

I am running for Ward 2 city council because I think globally and want to act locally with the people of Ward 2 to make change that matters. My desire to serve the people of Robbinsdale on the city council is tied to my commitment to social justice. Some of the initiatives I hope to work on as a Robbinsdale City Council member include youth, equity and sustainability.

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

We can and should negotiate to make sure that the project fits the needs of our community. I hear (and echo) folks’ concerns about wanting to make sure our local business community does not incur losses due to construction, and that the project does not displace folks (especially those within the BIPOC community). We can work together to design safety features and make sure the stops/parking ramp is located at places that work for our community. I am a proponent of public transportation for environmental justice and social justice reasons.

What do you think of Robbinsdale’s Energy Action Plan?

I will continue to support the city’s Energy Action Plan. Let’s explore waste reduction options, use solar streetlights, pollinator-friendly plants, expand recycling and continuing cleaning Crystal Lake. Let’s promote native plantings, rain gardens, and shoreline plantings more, perhaps through an Earth Day event which would include a sustainability fair in partnership with our newly created Sustainability Committee.

How will you ensure all the denizens of Robbinsdale are safe and able to thrive?

As previously stated, focusing on youth and equity are some of my top priorities. In terms of public safety, I would like to see more crosswalks/better marked crosswalks, and invest in traffic calming measures to reduce speed.

We spend most of our city budget on public safety; let’s make sure our police have ongoing education and access to mental health resources for themselves. Let’s expand the embedded social worker program we have had since 2021, which provides for mental health practitioners/EMT to respond to people in distress.

Learn more about Carissa Wyant at wyant4ward2.com (website) and wyant4ward2@gmail.com (email).

Kyle Bille

Kyle Bille is no longer campaigning.

Ward 2 Special Election

The winner of the special election will serve through the end of 2024. Jason Greenberg and David Dirkers earned enough votes during the Ward 2 Special Election Primary to advance to Aug. 13 special election. Their bios may be viewed above.

Mayor

There will be no primary election for mayor of Robbinsdale because only Brad Sutton filed to run. The election will take place in November.