St. Paul City Council Member Ward 4 (Special Election)
Choose 6
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-councilThere will be a forum for the candidate in this race on July 22, 2025. Use the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/) to find specific candidate contact information.(Note: the current City Council term is five years instead of the usual four, ending in 2028. This change allows Saint Paul to align its city elections with state general elections in even-numbered years, following voter approval of the measure in 2024. The extended term makes this transition possible.)
As a lifelong resident, youth advocate, school board member, and organizer, I’ve spent decades working on the front lines of public safety, education, housing, and economic justice. I don’t just talk about equity, I’ve built coalitions, pushed policy, and stood up in difficult moments to make real change.
I’ve led through countless situations that required deep listening, accountability, and action. My campaign is powered by working people, not special interests. I will continue to center the voices of those most impacted by city policy and fight for systems that truly serve everyone.
I'm running to continue serving my community and delivering results that improve people’s lives.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
Community Safety, Economic Prosperity and Housing Stability. These priorities reflect my experience as an organizer, educator, and longtime Ward 4 resident. I believe safety comes from care, not punishment; we need to identify new revenue streams for the city that take the burden off homeowners; housing must be a human right; and youth deserve real investment—not neglect or criminalization.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?
For me, representation starts with presence. I go where the people are—transit stops, rec centers, schools, and meetings. I’ll lead the same way on City Council, through regular town halls, multilingual outreach, and true co-governance. I’ll make sure city decisions reflect the lived experiences of immigrants, youth, LGBTQ+ folks, elders, people with disabilities, and working families. My campaign is powered by community, and that’s how I’ll govern too.
What steps will you take to work effectively with the Mayor and other Council Members?
Effective leadership means knowing when to push, when to listen, and how to build coalitions that get results. I’ve shown I can do that through my work on the Saint Paul School Board where I’ve navigated budgets, built consensus, and stayed true to my values while working across lines of difference. On City Council, I’ll work with the Mayor and colleagues toward shared goals and communicate openly, making sure Ward 4 knows what’s happening at City Hall.
What are the first steps you will take to address the growing needs of the unhoused?
The first step is meeting people with dignity, compassion, and real solutions. I’ve done street outreach and worked with unhoused residents, so I know the needs are complex—but care must come first. I’ll push for low-barrier, trauma-informed shelter and more supportive housing. I’ll advocate for humane, coordinated responses to encampments and long-term investments in deeply affordable housing. Everyone deserves safety and to be treated like a human being.
I’m a lifelong Saint Paulite, mom, legal nonprofit leader, and champion for economic justice and a democracy that works for all of us. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in public schools, government, and the nonprofit sector and have been both a union member and an employer. I’ve balanced budgets, and made hard decisions about how to prioritize competing needs when resources are tight. I’ve done policy work at the local, state, and national level, built coalitions, and proven my ability to communicate effectively about important issues. As a City Council Member, I would lead every day with a belief in the city of Saint Paul: our history, our present, and all we are capable of being.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
My top priority is building an economically just city: raising the floor for workers, bringing down the cost of living, and growing our tax base so that we can meet the needs of all of our residents. My second priority if elected is providing high-quality core services and building a city that is responsive to our residents’ needs. My third priority is building true, community-focused public safety so that every family can life a safe and secure life.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?
Truly representing all members of our diverse community requires having a City Council Member who shows up; is committed to open and honest conversation; is willing to partner with community members on both strategy creation and tactical execution; and to always work towards alignment, even when that’s challenging. It requires us to collectively build a vision, and to work hand-in-hand to achieve that vision. This isn’t easy work—but I believe it’s the only way we can truly achieve our goals.
What steps will you take to work effectively with the Mayor and other Council Members?
I have an immense amount of respect for every single person who works in City Hall, and while I know that we won’t always agree on everything, I know that every single person is there because they want to build a better future for the city that we all love. I’m committed to honest communication, a recognition that you can disagree without being disagreeable, and to finding opportunities to work productively with anybody who is willing to come to the table to serve the people of Saint Paul.
What are the first steps you will take to address the growing needs of the unhoused?
We have to fully fund the Homeless Assistance Response Team in order to provide the direct outreach to homeless residents that can help connect individuals with the support that they need. Simultaneously, we must prevent at-risk residents from becoming homeless by investing in the Housing Trust Fund and other programs to help people access affordable housing. While increasing housing stock alone won’t solve homelessness, we also need to add more homes at all points on the economic spectrum.
I have lived in Saint Paul for 33 years, in four different wards. I raised my family here, and I love Saint Paul. I bring a strong business mindset to this position. I own my boutique public relations agency, CW Marketing & Communications. Through my work, I have put together partnerships that have supported our local businesses and nonprofits. Last summer, I brought together the owners of the empty building at Grand Ave and Victoria (former Pottery Barn), the Saint Paul Chamber and Grand Avenue Business Association, to produce a gorgeous window gallery displaying 30 years of Circus Juventas costumes, to recognize their 30th Anniversary. 36 costumed mannequins and props brightened and energized an empty storefront block, once a focal pt.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why?
1. Value for our taxes:
As your representative, I will ensure that your property taxes are working for you.
Transparency and accountability in city spending will be my priority.
2. Public Safety on Transit
Public safety is essential for our community.
I will work to enhance safety measures on public transit to keep our citizens safe.
3. Clean Public Parks, Public Spaces and Protecting our Strong Tree Canopy
When our sidewalks are clean, swept and shoveled, it naturally generates respect.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?
This summer, I am hosting Saturday morning socials in the city parks in all areas of Ward 4. It’s been a great way to invite people to meet with me and their neighbors, and share what’s happening in their area, what’s important to them, and what problems they need solved. I would like to keep these free socials going in some form to invite people to have that one-on-one time to talk outside the office.
What steps will you take to work effectively with the Mayor and other Council Members?
I am a communications professional, and I value clear channels of communication. I would make a point of getting to know each of the Council Members and the Mayor, in order to gain an understanding of the priorities from each of their constituencies.
I will show up and I promise to be present and engaged.
I WILL attend council meetings. I WILL listen to constituent concerns. And I WILL work tirelessly to solve problems that matter to Ward 4.
I want all of us to feel proud to live in Ward 4.
What are the first steps you will take to address the growing needs of the unhoused?
I would begin by listening to a solid representation of the unhoused to learn what they believe have been their stumbling blocks, and what they believe the city and community could be doing to address their barriers to living in a more secure manner.
Saying that the unhoused have drug issues or mental issues is an excuse not to help. We can be doing more. We can learn from practices that have worked or show promise, and start building out a strategy. We evaluate, revise, & repeat until success.