Coon Rapids City Mayor Choose 1
The mayor is usually the head of the city and may represent the city in front of other government bodies. They also can preside at council meetings and appoint city workers. A mayor usually has a role in proposing a city budget which influences services provided to residents and can veto ordinances proposed by the city council.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-you-should-vote-mayorIf your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/). If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!A recording of the forum for the candidates can be viewed here.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://patcarlsonformayor.com
telephone
7635680714
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/patcarlsonformayor/
Campaign Email
carlson11349@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I was elected to Council At Large in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. The Council At Large represents the entire city and responds to residents from all five wards. I've also fulfilled the duties of Mayor Pro Tem on some occasions, appearing at events on behalf of our mayor and leading some work sessions. I've been a part of many key decisions (mostly related to infrastructure) and have provided input on six budgets. Service is very important to me, and I've always been an active volunteer, from coaching youth sports to visiting people in long-term care centers. Being a lifelong Coon Rapids resident, active volunteer, retired Coon Rapids Police Officer, and Council Member at Large has helped me to know the city and its residents very well.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Our police and fire departments must continue to receive proper support in staffing, equipment, and training. We need to get our police staffing back to full strength. We must continue to rebuild our infrastructure. Much has been done, but there are still several necessary projects ahead of us. We need to continue to be fiscally responsible to continue improving infrastructure and providing a high level of services, while staying financially strong and avoiding the burden of overwhelming debt.
If elected, what strategies will you use to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in city government under your leadership? (500 characters)
Elected officials and governmental entities must have honesty and integrity. People need to be able to trust that their government and elected officials are working for them, and not self interests. I will hold fast to the council's obligation to abide by the open meeting law, expect the city and council to be up front about decisions that are being made, and will call out anything that appears to be self-serving or unethical.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard? (500 characters)
Residents currently have the opportunity to express their concerns to council at the open mic portion of our council meetings. They're also free to call or email their council members and city staff with their concerns. For six years, I have used my political Facebook page as a means to inform, but also as a way to receive feedback and address concerns from residents. Residents reach out to me almost constantly by phone, text, e-mail, and FB message. I will continue this level of accessibility.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents? (500 characters)
The first mission of the police department is to provide public safety. Our officers are professional, well-trained, and expected to abide by the standards set for them. Community policing takes many forms. Our police department has had some form of positive engagement with our residents for at least 50 years, with SROs, bike safety, crime prevention, and many other programs. I support our officers in their mission to protect the public and build relationships with our community.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://thubaforcoonrapids.com/
telephone
6123258947
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/share/198k5yDudE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Campaign Email
thubaforcoonrapids@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
My dedication to public service is rooted in building a Coon Rapids that works for everyone. With degrees in early childhood education from Rasmussen University, public policy training, and experience as a House of Representatives communications specialist, I understand the legislative process and the issues our city faces.
As a children’s author, entrepreneur, and child of immigrants, I’ve overcome housing insecurity and hardships through grit and hard work. These experiences root my leadership in deep empathy for working families. What sets me apart is a sense of hope and true representation for our diverse community. I am ready to bring fiscal responsibility, listen to all residents, and ensure a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities are economic development, infrastructure investment, and public safety. Coon Rapids has over 20 vacant buildings which is affecting our local economy and challenging our current businesses. It is important to transform these empty spaces into thriving hubs and revitalize Riverdale Village with a downtown social district. New revenue expands our tax base, funding our roads and parks while ensuring first responders and city employees have the tools and training they need.
If elected, what strategies will you use to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in city government under your leadership? (500 characters)
I believe in an open-door policy and active leadership. I will be a present leader, accessible where residents live and work, hosting Coffee & Conversations and creating an anonymous feedback portal. Ethical leadership begins at the top; I will always take responsibility for missteps and lead with respect. By ensuring city data is accessible and decision-making is traceable, we will build trust, support our dedicated city staff, and create a connected, prosperous Coon Rapids.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard? (500 characters)
I will host informal community gatherings and open City Hall for civic engagement to ensure voices are heard. Partnering with city communications experts, I will utilize digital platforms, CTN, mail surveys, and direct outreach so no resident is left in the dark. As Coon Rapids grows, I will advocate for upgrading IT systems to meet evolving linguistic needs. I am committed to tracking feedback and documenting milestones because true accountability means ensuring your ideas come to fruition.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents? (500 characters)
I will invest in first responder training to keep our community safe while treating everyone with dignity. I support embedding social workers and mental health professionals in our police department to build a robust support system. I firmly back our first responder unions and protect those who protect us. To build trust and keep residents informed, I will advocate for community outreach programs, creating a public safety framework built on transparency, partnership, and respect.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://shegstadformayor.com/
telephone
6129990402
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587059244986
Campaign Email
shegstadformayor@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Coon Rapids needs leadership focused on the future. I will prioritize redevelopment in aging commercial and residential areas to improve property values, strengthen public safety, attract new businesses, and protect our tax base. I will support our police and fire professionals by ensuring facilities, staffing, and technology keep pace with rising call volumes and community expectations. And I will improve communication by explaining decisions clearly, providing more opportunities for resident input, and making the council’s decision‑making process easier to understand.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Transparency: Residents deserve clear explanations for every council decision, including decisions not to act.
Public Safety: Police and Fire leaders have identified facility, staffing, and technology needs. Meeting them must remain a top priority.
Redevelopment: Aging commercial areas affect safety, property values, and our tax base. The city should use incentives, partnerships, and proactive planning to encourage reinvestment.
If elected, what strategies will you use to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in city government under your leadership? (500 characters)
I will improve transparency by explaining decisions openly, including when the council chooses not to act. Residents deserve clarity on issues like the state flag decision or responses to regional enforcement activity. I support recording and sharing Council Work Sessions and posting agendas and summaries so residents can follow discussions. Ethical leadership means consistent standards, clear communication, and accessible information for every resident.
How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard? (500 characters)
I will request additional public comment sessions when community interest is high and ensure enough time for residents to speak at meetings. I will use social media and online tools to share information and gather feedback. I will also attend neighborhood meetings, community events, and local group discussions to hear directly from residents, including those who may not typically engage with city government.
How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents? (500 characters)
Public safety is the city’s top responsibility. I will work closely with police and fire leadership to identify immediate needs and plan for future challenges using data on call volume, response times, and staffing. I support community‑focused policing, strong training standards, and modern equipment and facilities. Our departments must be prepared for changing technology, evolving community expectations, and long‑term growth.