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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Update On City Council Races. Kathy Lantry has opposition.

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Blogger Bob said...

St. Paul / 4 seek re-election to City Council
Bostrom, Harris, Montgomery, Helgen file
BY JASON HOPPIN
Pioneer Press
Article Launched: 07/17/2007 12:01:00 AM CDT


The field of candidates for the 2007 St. Paul City Council elections is getting crowded.

Incumbents Dan Bostrom, Pat Harris and Debbie Montgomery all filed their re-election paperwork Monday.

And on Friday, so did incumbent Lee Helgen.

"I feel like I have a great record of accomplishment and I'm looking forward to another term," said the 5th Ward council member, who will run against challenger David Haas in what seems likely to be one of the more closely watched races.

Montgomery and Bostrom, both former St. Paul police officers, filed together Monday afternoon.

"It'll be a strong race. I've got strong support in the neighborhood," said Montgomery, the city's 1st Ward representative.

Montgomery said she has worked hard during her first term to bring jobs and economic development to the ward. She is facing a challenge from Melvin Carter III, who has the Democratic-Farmer-Labor endorsement.

Bostrom is seeking a fifth term. He cited several economic development projects, including the Phalen Corridor, in kicking off his campaign for the 6th Ward.

"Over the years, what I've learned is that nothing happens overnight in this business," Bostrom said. "We have so many other things to take care of in the ward."

Bostrom will run against Pakou Hang. Seeking to become the city's first Hmong council member, Pakou Hang, who currently works with St. Paul Youth Services, made her candidacy official Friday.

"I'm running because I want to grow strong schools, safe neighborhoods and vibrant economic corridors," Pakou Hang said.
Although both sought it, neither Pakou Hang nor Bostrom was able to win the city's DFL endorsement.

Harris, a first-time DFL endorsee, is seeking his third term in the city's 3rd Ward. He faces a challenge from graphic artist Gerald Mischke.

"We've accomplished quite a bit in the last few years," Harris said. "I look forward to continue to provide innovative services and leadership to the community."

Also filing Friday was political newcomer Janine Kelley, who is seeking City Council President and DFL endorsee Kathy Lantry's 7th Ward seat. A nearly 15-year East Sider, Kelley is raising two adopted children with her husband, Paul, who serves with the Minnesota National Guard.

Kelley, who has degrees in chemistry and business, added that she has also worked for several governmental organizations. And although she has caucused with Republicans in the past, Kelley said she's running to bring an independent, common-sense voice to the City Council.

"If people want to trust me, I feel like I have enough education and experience for (St. Paul)," Kelley said.

Kelley's filing also means at least two races - the other being the 2nd Ward, where four candidates, including incumbent Dave Thune, have filed - will have primary elections.

The last day to file for office is today.

Jason Hoppin can be reached at jhoppin@pioneerpress.com or 651-292-1892.

12:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There looks to be a primary in Ward 4 now also.


chuck repke

4:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You'd think that Lantry, Helgen, and bunch would have the decency not to run, since they have done a lot of damage to the city.

8:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They wanna do more damage, but ya see, they don't think they are doing damage. They think they're helping you.

1:23 AM  

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