Fridley City Council Member Ward 1 Choose 1
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-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/) to find specific candidate contact information.A recording of the forum for the candidates in this race will be made available to the public once it has taken place. Please visit the Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids LWV forums page to submit a question for the candidates in advance.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://LukeForFridley.com
telephone
763-334-2810
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/LukeCardonaFridley
Campaign Email
campaign@lukecardona.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I've served Fridley as a city employee, volunteer with the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and now as a City Councilmember. I've also built a career in communications and community engagement, working with local and state government, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.
Those experiences have connected me with neighbors from many different backgrounds and perspectives. They've also given me a practical understanding of how local government works, how decisions affect families and businesses in Fridley, and the importance of listening and considering the full impact of a decision before acting.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Public Safety. Ensuring residents and businesses can continue to count on responsive police, fire, and emergency services while maintaining the trust that keeps Fridley safe.
Fiscal Responsibility. Protecting taxpayer dollars with thoughtful planning and investments in infrastructure, parks, and services that improve quality of life.
Accessible Government. Providing clear communication and transparency while making it easier to participate, ask questions, and find the information people need.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
As a Councilmember, I've worked to be accessible and responsive to our community. Throughout my career, I've worked with public servants, police leaders, immigrant families, educators, students, business owners, and nonprofit leaders. I'll continue engaging residents by showing up, listening before making decisions, responding to concerns, and making city information clear. We've made progress, but there's more to do to meet people where they are and make local government more accessible.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
I've always been open and honest with residents, first as a City of Fridley staff member and now as a Councilmember, and that won't change. Transparency means explaining not only what decisions are made, but why they're made. I'll continue asking questions in public meetings, responding to residents' concerns, and taking responsibility for my decisions. Elected officials, city staff, contractors, and our partners should all be accountable for the work they do on behalf of our community.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.ajforfridleycitycouncil.com
telephone
6193829167
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/people/AJ-For-Fridley/61589184631623/
Campaign Email
ajforfridleycitycouncil@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am the best candidate for this position because I bring a proven commitment to public service and deep community ties. I prioritize listening to residents and turning their concerns into actionable policy. My campaign is rooted in consistent community engagement, not just during election season, and I am committed to expanding civic participation, strengthening local services, and ensuring every voice in the community is heard and represented in decision-making.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Immigrant safety and ICE accountability. I am fighting to ban ICE from all city property and end Fridley's contract with Flock camera systems and ALPRs, which are mass surveillance tools that have been used to track immigrant communities. Renters' rights and housing justice, because over a third of Ward 1 rents and most people don't know the state already owes them money back. Clean water and environmental justice, because Ward 1 sits upstream of Minneapolis's entire water supply.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by showing up consistently, listening intentionally, and ensuring every voice is reflected in decision-making. As a young Black immigrant, I bring lived experience navigating systems that often overlook communities like mine, and I will use that perspective to build more inclusive and responsive leadership.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
I will ensure transparency and accountability by making city decisions more accessible and understandable to residents, including clear communication about budgets, projects, and timelines. I will prioritize open dialogue through regular community meetings, responsive constituent communication, and accessible public information.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.fridleyforward.com/ward-1-villanueva
telephone
7018402001
Facebook (Full URL)
http://facebook.com/emilyvforward1
Campaign Email
emilyvforward1@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am the best candidate for this position because I have a unique mix of personal and professional experience that sets me apart from the others. I have spent the past nearly 20 years dedicated to public service, am a mother of three young children, have previously started and ran a small business in Fridley, and am currently a Pediatric Oncology Social Worker at a local children’s hospital. This mix has taught me how to listen deeply, bridge gaps, and find solution-oriented answers to complex problems. I am practiced in working with individuals, families, and systems to navigate challenging situations, collaborate on resources, and create change for policies and procedures that affect everyday people.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top three priorities include Public Safety, Community Engagement, and Safe Streets. The impacts of Operation Metro Surge (ICE) on Fridley highlighted gaping holes in Fridley’s public safety approach and response to its residents. Additionally, Fridley currently has a contract for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) that are a cause for concern for mass surveillance and data mining. As part of an approach to reimagining public safety, I will say No to ICE and No to ALPRs.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
One of my priorities is stronger community engagement with all members of our community. As a social worker, I have years of experience working with and advocating for underserved and underrepresented communities. I intend to work with the city to implement equity tools to move diversity as a buzz word into true inclusion. I imagine a Fridley with greater access to language services, intentional engagement with neighbors, and stronger relationships with school, faith, and business leaders.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Transparency and accountability in city government is key to residents feeling trust and safety in their representatives. As a public servant, this is an important issue that requires a steadfast approach to responding in a timely matter, making meeting agendas accessible and timely, inviting public comment into decisions, and having the ability to change course when residents disagree with the city’s approach to a matter.