Golden Valley City Council Member Choose 2
As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval. Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilA forum for this race was held on September 17, 2025 - watch the recording here.If your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!
Biographical Information
telephone
6128010593
Contact Phone
6128010593
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579735103048
Campaign Email
adavidblack@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best candidate because I bring many years of professional and civic experience in Gold Valley, including charing a city commission for many years and serving on local boards. I have a proven track record of working effectively with city staff, as a small business owner I have years of experience managing budgets responsibly, and collaborating across diverse viewpoints. I am not running to push a narrow agenda, but to represent all residents, balance priorities thoughtfully, with the goal of keeping Golden Valley safe, welcoming, and thriving for everyone.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
1 Public Safety Staffing
Ensure strong police, fire, and mental health staffing to keep neighborhoods safe and responsive to residents’ needs.
2 Fiscal Transparency and Responsibility
Promote open budgets, clear reporting, and responsible spending so residents always know and trust where tax dollars go.
3 Senior Services & Inclusion
Expand support, social, and health programs so Golden Valley seniors can thrive with security and dignity at every stage.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Transparency and accountability can improve greatly by offers more access to Council Meetings and Planning. This can be achieved by bringing residents into the conversation earlier in the decsion making process and offer more opportunities to engage and offer input into important City decisions. Having quarterly Town Halls, Neighborhood gathering on a regular basis and expanding access to City information through multi-channel, offline, online, email and social media.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
If elected I will make it a priority to hold neighborhood meetings and offer bi-weekly one on meetings with any resident that has concerns or wants to provide feedback-also regular surveys. I will also advocate for recruiting more diverse and representatives to commission our boards, including seniors and everyone else that deserves a seat at the table-voices from different perspectives is essential to move the city forward, address the most pressing issues and move Golden Valley Forward.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
I’ll focus on strong police staffing, more resources for our police and first responders including mental health resources, and open communication—partnering with residents and officers alike. Community policing means listening and building trust and ensuring fair, responsive service for every neighborhood.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
I believe fostering concurrence starts with open dialogue. I’d encourage town halls where all voices are welcome I would help recruit commissioners from a diverse view points. I would also promote shared community projects, like local cleanups or charity events, and festivals, can unite us around common goals. Transparency in decision-making and emphasizing what we have in common and our shared values over differences will build trust.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
Yes, Golden Valley should prioritize infrastructure to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term savings. My top priorities are Public safety infrastructure, Public Works infrastructure, Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities, Economic Development & Redevelopment.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Because I have 8 years of experience on the council and our city has been a mess for the past 5 years. I served from 2012 to 2019. In good government, everyone deserves equal respect, open dialogue and the opportunity to succeed and our Council/Manager form of government is designed to balance policy-making with professional administration and I believe both of these are missing.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
Restoring accountability, respect, integrity, trust and communication within our community. I will lead by example, promoting open dialogue, transparency and collaboration for all. Ensure fiscal responsibility by prioritizing our needs and wants and finally work on completing our infrastructure for police, fire and public works.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
I believe the culture with our upper management needs to be addressed and changed. Everyone has a role in delivering good government. Everyone must work together for positive outcomes, through listening, open dialogue and respect.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
Council Members must be responsive to citizens needs by listening and working with them on concerns and frustrations. The policy making process needs to change to bring back their voice on issues that affect them. New policies should be under New Business at Council Meetings to ensure they can voice their opinions. We must work together!!
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
I support our public safety department 100%. They have a very hard job. and safety is a top issue for our community. We must continue to bring back our community police outreach, so that the public and police can work together toward a mutual understanding of concerns and positive outcomes when needed. Support and respect on both avenues is needed for success.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
Working together!! A balanced government is necessary for success. Again respect, trust, transparency, honesty and understanding has to be part of the equation. The political divide is not doing us any good. Excepting different points of view and remembering everyone brings something to the table, is a great start.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
I believe the city is addressing our infrastructure needs, but they need to be a reality as we can afford them. I'm concerned that we could be undertaking too much all at once. Cost is a huge factor for me. We already have high taxes and we have to be concerned we are not pricing people out of their homes.
Biographical Information
telephone
6123853908
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am the best candidate for the city because I can move past partisan politics and get to the city's root problems - lack of trust and communication
between elected officials, city managerial staff and employees. In addition, I am very concerned about the high taxes in Golden Valley, much of it used on vanity projects that do not improve the lives of the taxpayers of this city.
I would like to see a more balanced relationship between the mayor and city administrators and create an equal balance between the mayor and city manager. Currently the city manager has almost total power in the city and does not need to report to anyone. One person in control is not a good idea for Golden Valley.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
Trust
Strong communities are built on trust — between residents, city staff, and elected officials.
Truthfulness
Trust grows when leaders tell the truth, even when the news is difficult. Residents pay for city services through their taxes, and they deserve honesty and clarity from their local government.
Taxes
We need to ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely on core services — public safety, infrastructure, parks, and maintaining essential city operations. I will work to identify waste
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Require the city manager and the mayor to work as a team and require information sharing between them
Ensure city-wide metrics are established for the critical functionality of city services and establish a scorecard to monitor them
Involve city all employees in establishing the hallmarks of trust - what it looks like and what it means - and get employee buy-in
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
This is an area that I believe the city has failed. There are several ways that could happen - hold local face-to-face meetings, include questionnaires in the newsletter, and send out a citizens survey. An expensive consulting firm is not needed to do this. Volunteer citizens could generate the questions and tally responses. Getting the community involved in this type of activity builds trust and eliminates hidden agendas.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
Public safety, including the both the fire and police departments, is critical and I believe the citizens of Golden Valley place a high priority on this service. This would mean that police officers and firefighters need to be involved and ask for what they need to successfully serve the citizens. It also means that the management of these two departments must listen to their emplyees and take action to ensure their needs are being met. I would set up scorecards to monitor changes.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
Telling the truth and being transparent is a good start.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
Golden Valley has some aging infrastructure but everything in the upcoming budget is not needed
. Our fire stations are way outdated and Golden Valley firefighters have one of the highest cancers rates in the metro due to a lack of adaquate ventilation systems in the stations. A new city hall is not needed and if space is too tight it would be more effecient to build an addition to the existing building.
Golden Valley spends too much money on frivilous items, such as "redesigning the city logo
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
As a 15 year resident who has raised her family here and been part of Hopkins schools, I am invested in this community. As an almost 20 year city attorney for Minneapolis I am qualified to do the job. I already know the laws that govern cities, the issues they face and the importance of research and analysis prior to making decisions. I have worked closely with police, fire, zoning and planning, housing, HR, and public works. In short, it would be a seamless transition to advocate as a city council member here. I also have vision and a desire to move the city forward by planning methodically now. I will carefully analyze decisions to ensure we make the most of our tax dollars and mitigate unintended consequences.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
My first priority will be improving our infrastructure including new fire station, public works facility, water tower and police station. These improvements are long overdue and will only get more expensive to construct. These improvements will open a space for a thriving mixed use development of condos, retail and restaurants. Finally, bike and walking trails to connect our community. These improvements will increase our tax base and provide downsized housing for seniors to stay in the city.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Transparency starts with communication. Listening and really hearing from the constituents. I will provide all of the information I can and why I made the decisions I’ve made. The city can improve its communication with the public through an improved, user-friendly website as well as email and text messages. While people may disagree with decisions, honest engagement builds trust.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
The city already does much of this but must improve its processes. Education on where to find council agendas and meeting dates as well as how to watch council meetings will provide greater community engagement. This information is difficult to find online. The city website is antiquated and its social media presence is minimal. I envision town halls, as well as email communication to open up dialogue and learn about concerns too.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
Officers have a very challenging and often dangerous job. We expect a lot of them. Supporting police officers centers on the 4 pillars of good policing: good training, including how to deescalate; policies rooted in best practices; creating clear expectations and high standards; and, health and wellness. Our officers are dynamite. An additional way to show support is through improving their police station and providing modernized equipment.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
People are very passionate about the rules that govern their day to day life. We need to understand where they are coming from before we assign motivation. Collaboration with integrity is key. While council represents the public, it needs to work together to fulfill everyone’s desire to get things done. Council members need to know when to be firm and when to adapt. Developing a reputation of considering all of the facts and making the best decision possible is paramount.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
Yes. The city needs to plan well ahead so that we are prepared to improve infrastructure when it needs it to be improved. We need to develop a larger tax base to pay for it to reduce property tax increases. My top priorities are replacing the fire station and police station and replacing water mains and storm drains as needed. When we plan well in advance we have more control over how, when and where we do it.
Biographical Information
Contact Phone
6124442285
Campaign Email
andyjohnsongv@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Ultimately the voters will decide on the best candidate. I believe our city needs to be transparent, responsive, and accountable. I’ve served our country for 10 years as a Navy officer and our city for eight years as planning commissioner and two years on the Board of Zoning Appeals. I currently serve our country’s farmers and ranchers as a crop insurance technology executive and my community as president of my Vallee d’Or townhome association. I commit to applying all the above to help lead an effective city government.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
1. Protect firefighter health by decontaminating them from chemicals and carcinogens encountered during emergencies – an issue recognized by city management since at least 2021. 2. Restore morale and productivity of city employees, and restore management of the police and fire departments to their respective chiefs and not the city HR department. 3. Ensure the city focuses on core priorities, including infrastructure, and allocates funds accordingly.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Did you know that city council policy/critical decisions are now not required to be voted on individually or discussed? We must continually improve our resident outreach and publish resident questions and city responses to improve community engagement. City communications should be aligned with city priorities.
We need a city council that has diversity of thought and a focus on core city responsibilities. Our mayor is making great progress in this area but can’t do it alone.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
Increase participation and awareness by improving the quantity and quality of information shared with residents, especially during planning phases. Fully leverage our multiple distribution channels (social media, email, text, remote meetings). Use more plain language in executive summaries and agendas. Engagement is a two way street - residents have a civic responsibility to participate at some level in local government. The city is the hub and has the resources to bring people together.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
Return management of our police and fire departments to our chiefs to properly manage their public safety responsibilities. Finally deploy a public safety dashboard of crime statistics and enable residents to easily obtain facts. Update the PEACE commission by laws to balance membership and not “focus away from law enforcement.” Equal and fair representation will foster more meaningful conversations and more successful additions to our public safety policy.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
Candidates in a Golden Valley’s non-partisan elections should not be seeking or advertising national or state party endorsements. Those endorsements work against the intent and design of our city.
The city must be more transparent and responsive. It must 1) provide timely and complete information to the public, and 2) create a forum for dialog and information exchange. Many residents express inability to find city information online – let’s provide more effective self service tools.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
Yes, especially funding and planning. Provide a comprehensive facilities plan that prioritizes Public Safety and Public Works over a new city hall and library complex. Share progress and issues with residents instead of the current minimal disclosures.
Immediately cease the use of Tax Increment Financing in city development. Mobilize voters to demand an end or waiver to Fiscal Disparity so we can invest in our own infrastructure. TIF and FD misallocate millions of tax dollars each year.
Biographical Information
telephone
6125783889
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579150622899
Campaign Email
kiddforcouncil2025@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
My experience in firefighting, emergency preparedness, human resources, non-profit board member, and fundraising have created an awareness of planning, monitoring, and review that is truly relevant to activities of the council. I have a comfort level with problem solving and planning from career that demanded it. I am keenly aware of the responsibilities and visibility of delivering services to the public. I am uniquely suited to reviewing policies and procedures, cooperating with city personnel, and holding myself to a level of accountability and transparency in the actions taken on behalf of our community members.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
Transparency, public safety, and emergency preparedness. The response to the water tower emergency underscored the lack of procedure, communication, and planning. We must do the work necessary to ensure that the planning, training, and response is known, coordinated, and effective to mitigate emergencies in our community. We need to take inventory of our activities and decisions surrounding the police department to restore balance and stability.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Review of budget, with notations and specifics of budget items, current projects, setting up process for attaching linking numbers to items in the budget that tie it to a specific project or contract. Listing of current projects with scope, and timelines. Reviews of activities taken by departments reviewed with the council and made public. Metrics standardizing expectations of projects and city performance.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
City website and our council meetings need to be reformatted. We need a listing of current initiatives and projects with stated goals, costs, timelines, managers. Providing ongoing status updates of projects keep voters informed in the community. New projects or those being considered can be introduced. Having information that is tied to the project and visible on the city website allows residents to read more detailed information about the projects of the city.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
Golden Valley continues to be a safe place to call home. We have on going issues with the management of the department making the department fragile. Public safety departments need to maintain a certain autonomy from city governance due to their enforcement arm. The council provides support thru thoughtful vision and values to uphold. We need to ensure there is confidence in the city management which starts with clear direction from the council.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
Transparency and accessibility creates trust and accountability. Our city needs to ensure the voices of our voters are represented thru the council to the city staff. The council would review and focus their dealings to always consider the perspective of our community members. Establish a decision tree that ensures consistent approaches to items before the council. This allows the community to be forefront and considered in items before the council.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
This week marked the start of multiple large-scale projects. The priority will be contracts, management oversight, monthly progress reporting to the council, and involvement of the citizens with the project design and look. This is our voter’s city, and it is their money. Their input is vital. I have concerns about the status of the city reservoirs. Is replacement soon? We need dedicated updates on a monthly basis in our newsletter and council meetings televised to our community.
Biographical Information
Contact Phone
218-461-0536
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/p/Chris-Queitzsch-for-Golden-Valley-City-Council-61579320045403/
Campaign Email
chris@chrisqforcouncil.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am driven by a desire to help others and my community; I am an Eagle Scout, youth coach, and volunteer with The Loppet. I am running for city council to protect our local community. I will ensure that the city continues to provide essential services – clean water, professional first responders, road maintenance, and incredible neighborhood parks.
Professionally, I am a software engineer who enjoys working to find efficient solutions. Collaboration is essential to my work. I understand the importance of working with different backgrounds. On the Council, I will be a force for positive change, ensuring everyone's voice is heard and that we continue to work collaboratively to make our city safer and stronger.
DFL Supported and Union endorsed
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
My top priorities are to make the city more affordable, accessible, and connected.
Redeveloping existing hardscapes for mixed use construction means business taxes and condos for new residents to purchase, and also increases housing supply which reduces the cost of a home purchase.
Connecting the city’s sidewalks and trails reduces our dependency on cars and ensures we can safely navigate the city when walking, biking, or scooting around.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
With my background in software, improving and modernizing the city’s website so information is easy to find is key. Modernizing the website will allow multiple improvements, accessibility features, better navigation and organization of information, and allow us to add more information in a clear and manageable way. We can also add new features like an email newsletter, message board for the city to post updates, and begin to lay the foundation for a city emergency alert system.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard?
Outside of the public comment sections at council meetings and my council email, I will hold monthly office hours at one of our local businesses for citizens to come discuss civic issues with me or simply how the MN United did last week. The purpose of a council member is to hear the people and be their voice in legislation and budgetary decisions. I am also very involved in many different events around our city, and will make time to discuss concerns there.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents?
I was fortunate to have a ride-along with the GVPD recently. We have a professional police force with a mix of community service and sworn officers. Our excellent training and recruiting officers, with the city’s support, can continue to grow the force beyond minimum levels.
Changes to the reporting structure to better support our officers and departments will help with decision making. These changes will help to prioritize our officer’s well being so they are not overworked and burnt out.
In these divisive times, what do you think could be done to bring more concurrence and understanding to the community?
Collaboration is key to reducing division. In my career, I have worked across technical silos to improve communication and break down barriers to information sharing. Improving how the city displays information and making our online presence easier to navigate can reduce divisions. Within city hall I will be a voice for making sure information is passed along efficiently and will advocate when change is needed. Together we can build a better process so the public and city staff are supported.
Should Golden Valley put a higher priority on infrastructure needs than it currently does? If so, what would be your top priorities?
Overall the infrastructure in the city is aging and we need to examine the existing life expectancy. Rather than waiting until the last minute we should prioritize the planning for replacement early and be prepared to make the improvements ahead of a disaster. As seen with the fire station, projects can take years to get started so we should keep the infrastructure prioritized. With new technology and design we can also save money in the long run by investing in upgrades.