Four candidates are competing in a primary for a Ward 3 seat on West St. Paul’s city council.
Last week I posed the following question to [most of] the candidates:
At the June 25, 2018 city council meeting, a citizen asked about the possibility of displaying LGBTQ Pride flags along Robert Street for Pride Month next year. The city council would need to approve such a move. Assuming the logistics can be worked out, would you be in favor of displaying Pride flags on Robert Street?
I sent the question on July 10 and asked for their responses by July 17. Below are their responses in alphabetical order.
Wendy Berry
I would definitely be in favor of displaying Pride flags on Robert Street. Understanding the South Robert Street Business Association paid for the current flags, I think it would only be fair to look at outside parties for the funding for Pride flags as well. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m very confident that other members of that community and our allies would be open to raising money for something like that. There are also other non-profits that could assist with this. It’s another opportunity that West St. Paul can take to show inclusivity to the diverse population of the community.
I also don’t think we’d need to stop at Pride flags. There are other groups of people in West St. Paul we should also celebrate throughout the year. Black History Month is in February. National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 – October 15. Hmong Heritage Month is in April. While this definitely doesn’t include all of the people of West St. Paul, it’s a great place to start.
Lisa Eng-Sarne
Thank you, this is likely the easiest question you will ask me! I would love to see LGBTQ Pride flags along Robert Street for Pride month. The first time they went up on the Wabasha bridge in 2013, I felt so proud of our neighboring St. Paul. And even now, when I drive over the Wabasha bridge in June, I feel excitement for how far we’ve come. I would absolutely feel the same way when we make this happen in West St. Paul. If it is a matter of funding, I have confidence we could host a fundraiser (that I would happily initiate and drive) or apply for grants in order to fund the project. Everyone should feel supported, safe, and celebrated in their community and I think this would be a minor investment to accomplish that.
David Meisinger
(no campaign site)
[Per a request from David Meisinger threatening to report me to the police for harassment if I ever contact him again, I did not ask Meisinger this question and therefore have no response to share.]
John Ramsay
(No response; John Ramsay sent me a clarifying question, but he did not submit a response by the deadline.)
Primary Is August 14
The top two in the August 14 primary will advance to the general election in November. The West St. Paul city website has details on where and how to vote, including a handy ward map in case you’re wondering if you live in ward 3. You can also vote early with an absentee ballot, either by mail or by stopping at the Dakota County offices.
(Full disclosure: I have donated to the campaign of Wendy Berry.)
This is great. Will you you be asking more questions of the candidates willing to reply? I would love to know where the candidates stand on more issues!
Jo, glad it’s helpful. Yes, I am in the process of asking another question. Look for that next week.
I’ve also catalogued what the candidates said about the West St. Paul sexism controversy, where they stand on the River-to-River Greenway trail, and the inappropriate behavior of David Meisinger.
For more on the candidates, check out the upcoming Ward 3 candidate forum.