A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL: St. Paul mayoral field grows to 3

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Saturday, April 04, 2009

St. Paul mayoral field grows to 3

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33 Comments:

Bob said...: From City Hall Scoop

John Krenik has company.

A 50-year-old conservative woman told the Scoop today that on Friday she'll announce her intent to challenge St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who's seeking re-election this year. Krenik, a longtime Republican who hasn't announced whether he'll seek that party's endorsement, has been the lone challenger for months.

Eva Ng, a first-time candidate who has lived in the city since 1997, won't bring name recognition to the race, but she will bring a non-white and female face.

She describes herself as "mainstream center-right conservative" who will run as an independent and bring her business acumen to bear on the city's financial challenges. After a career as a business consultant, she said she took over as CEO of Eagan-based Blanda Inc. and married company founder Bob Blanda.

Ng, a Hong Kong native of Chinese descent, came to Texas when she was 10 and says she hit the ground running and has never loked back.

"My dad told me, 'If you rank first in your class, you get free tuition,'" sae says, with a hint of accent still audible. "My dad's job was to provide for the family, my mom’s job was to take care of us and feed the family, and mine was to grab the glory for the family. And I’ve always reached for the brass ring."

Ng will formally announced her bid Friday evening at the James J. Hill House on Summit Avenue. Her website -- EvaForMayor.com -- is still under construction. Her campaign Facebook page lists 13 supporters.

To say Coleman remains the frontrunner is to say winter is cold. He recently won the DFL endorsement, unopposed.; 7:42 AM
Anonymous said...: I was told by many people in ward
1, that they will be voting for Eva.

She has different plan on getting money instead of taxes the hell out of the people.

She has talking to the Hmong people
in ward 1. And she plan many meeting other wards.

District councils and other orgs.
to get their support.

I feelthat she will give run for his money.

she also, she have talk to many supporter of mayor coleman.

They are change their minds on support him.

shw is planning to meet with the city council in the furture and talking to them.

she has winning personlal and is
worry about all these vacany homes
in St.paul and about all the problems that bar owners are having.

She said that "we some type code
enforcement. But the one that force homeowner out of theirs homes. And cause them to lose their homes to the bank. And she
if the power is shute off. You should not be force to bring our
home to up code if you can not afford it. And find way to help
pay for it.

instead of just telling you to do it or will kick you out of house.
Until you do.

And she said that will have code enforcement work with people.

instead using thr fire inspectors
to bring in money for the city.

by charging for many inspecting.; 8:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you for stepping up. Good luck Eva.; 10:40 AM
Anonymous said...: GOP newcomer gets nod for St. Paul mayor
CHRIS HAVENS, Star Tribune

St. Paul Republicans endorsed a nearly full slate of candidates for mayor and school board at the party convention on Saturday.

Political newcomer Eva Ng, who officially announced her candidacy just Friday evening, won unanimous endorsement to run against DFL incumbent Mayor Chris Coleman.

There was a little last-minute excitement when previously announced mayoral candidate John Krenik stepped aside to seek -- and earn -- a school board endorsement. Richard Easton, also won party backing for the school board seat.

Three spots on the board will be contested this year, and party Chairman Scott Walker said there's still time to find a third Republican candidate before the fall elections.

About 100 people attended the convention at the Carpenter's and Joiners Building, 700 Olive St., Walker said.

"We're here, and we're ready for a good battle," he said.

Ng, 50, a self-described "center-right conservative," has worked in various business roles over the last 30 years. Currently, she's CEO of Blanda Inc., an Eagan machining firm. She was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United States when she was 10.

"This isn't something I imagined for myself, but this is the time," she said. "It's a stressful time, and the city is strained, and I have resources and skills to bust the budget apart, find savings and make things happen."

Krenik, 46, lives in Highland Park and has been a teacher for nearly 20 years. He said that he's concerned with the dropout rate of minority students and said that more innovative money-saving strategies need to be implemented in the district. "We must become effective and efficient in everything we do, and that will mean cutting central administrative staff and put teachers back into the classroom," he said in a statement.

Easton, 25, works for a property management company and is a lifelong St. Paul resident. He sits on the board of River's Edge Academy, a St. Paul charter school set to open this fall. He said he's running because he and his wife plan to have children soon, and they want to send their children to St. Paul public schools. He has said the board could be more efficient with money.

The St. Paul DFL convention was held last month. The DFL endorsed the three school board incumbents up for reelection: John Brodrick, Tom Goldstein and Elona Street-Stewart. Coleman, unopposed in the DFL, also received endorsement.

The sole Republican on the school board, Tom Conlon, is not up for election this year.; 12:13 AM
Anonymous said...: How much do you wan to bet that she gets hit with a code compliance sometime between now and November?

Ng is smart,charismatic and knows how to run a business. The DFL will have to kill her to beat her.; 12:28 AM
Anonymous said...: I don't believe any of them. They'll tell you whatever it takes to get your vote and vote their own interests when they get elected.; 1:40 AM
Anonymous said...: 1:40 A. M.

So you don't believe any of them.

Well then who should run?

If you don't believe any of them who should run the place?

Why don't you step up to the plate?

You believe, "they'll tell you whatever it takes to get your vote and vote their own interests when they get elected."

Have you ever been to traffic court? These guys will tell the hearing officer anything just to get out of a ticket.

So it seems like this is not just related to political figures is it?; 8:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Let's see, first Krenik:
Bawahahahaha!

Krenik's been running for two years, it was announced here. He got edged out by a relative newcomer and decided to beg for a consolation prize, the school board.

Tom Conlon will be the only republican on the school board for as long as he wants.
-----------------------
Congrats to Eva are certainly in order. Eva Ng has two problems and one opportunity.

First, being the only Republican, she is sure to get a sizable vote and should be able to raise money from those who want to 'stop' Chris Coleman. Looking at her finance report will tell a big story.

Her problem is she is a republican- officially. This town does not have 51% of its voters voting Republican- for a first time candidate against an incumbent that most are fine with. The votes are not there especially, since public opinion polls show the public strongly in the court of Democrats when it comes to fixing the economy. A republican, CEO, is not in the best of times.

Running as an independent without the 'R' behind her name would have made her more viable. Randy Kelly only acted like a Republican and supported Bush and it killed him instantly for over a year (he voiced his support for Bush in August 2004, lost the election big time in November 2005). Oh yeah, he's returning to Saint Paul from Washington next week.

Next, I'm sure one reason their salivating over at GOP Central is because she is Asian and there is some idea they'll get some of Asian vote.

They'll get the same amount they always have, usually from the Vietnamese community. The Hmong community for the most part, is not going to vote for a Chinese national. Ever. If you need to ask why, you have no idea why they are here in the first place.

Aside from that, I'm glad to see minorities get these opportunities, and wish her the best of luck(short of winning). With a good showing, the GOP will probably run her for something in the near future. With diverse voices across the spectrum, it will only strengthen the process.

Eric; 10:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Eric,

Once again you have proved your a complete idiot.

Ms. Ng is a good candidate for mayor and Mr. Easton and Mr. Krenik seemed very passionate about education.

It is interesting when the DFL puts forth a woman or a minority it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but if the Republicans endorse a minority or a woman for office it is different.

I applaud Ms. Ng, Mr. Easton and Mr. Krenik for having the guts to run for office, just like I applaud Mr. Coleman, Ms. Street-Stewart, Mr. Broaderick and Mr. Goldstein.

Eric you have proved my point, the Democrats can't get along, they want to fight and raise taxes. Their brand of Socialism is getting tired in St. Paul.; 11:09 AM
Anonymous said...: 11:09

Eric is a DFLer 100%. The DFL in his mind can't do no wrong, even if they are caught with their pants down.; 11:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Krenik is nothing but a two faced pandering fool. He won't get elected to dog catcher not alone Mayor.; 2:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Eric,
Once again you have proved your a complete idiot.
--
A 'complete idiot'? Never let it be said that I do anything half-assed.

Ms. Ng is a good candidate for mayor and Mr. Easton and Mr. Krenik seemed very passionate about education.
--
I don't argue against her being a good candidate and will have a good showing.
I don't Mr Easton.
I'll ignore the Krenik reference.

It is interesting when the DFL puts forth a woman or a minority it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but if the Republicans endorse a minority or a woman for office it is different.
---
Without getting into the slice bread comment, its not her minority status- its her republican status.

Republicans don't do well in the city of Saint Paul at any level. Most people on here have lived in Saint Paul longer than me. They have watched the city go more and more DFL. I moved in after the fact. If I ran for mayor when I lived in Maple Grove, a very strong Republican town, my race would not have been a factor as much as my party status. This is politics.

I applaud Ms. Ng, Mr. Easton and Mr. Krenik for having the guts to run for office, just like I applaud Mr. Coleman, Ms. Street-Stewart, Mr. Broaderick and Mr. Goldstein.
---
I'll rewrite it in bold print for you:
Congrats to Eva are certainly in order. (that was my first sentence)

I'm glad to see minorities get these opportunities, and wish her the best of luck(short of winning). With a good showing, the GOP will probably run her for something in the near future. With diverse voices across the spectrum, it will only strengthen the process.

That's how I ended my analysis. I didn't say I'm glad to see minorities get DFL opportunities, I said 'these' opportunities which means across the board. I end by admitting that having voices like hers on the Republicans side will only strengthen the process.

Eric you have proved my point, the Democrats can't get along, they want to fight and raise taxes. Their brand of Socialism is getting tired in St. Paul.
11:09 AM

The only thing you've proved sir is that you don't read. You are simpleton and reactionary. You saw I posted something on this, and just started foaming at the mouth without reading.

Good day.

Eric; 5:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Eric is a DFLer 100%. The DFL in his mind can't do no wrong, even if they are caught with their pants down.
11:44 AM

What has this to do with anything?

I'm a DFLer because I agree with the party on about 55% of the agenda. I disagree with the Republicans about 80% of the time.

I figure its easier to work with someone who is more than halfway with you than someone who is four-fifths against you.

Every individual has to figure out what's best for them.

Hey Bob. Where is my check for generating some life back into the blog. You're gonna miss ol' Eric when I'm out of state on assignment, that's coming up real soon.

Eric; 5:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Bob,

Are you paying Eric to post here?; 7:35 PM
Leslie K. Lucht said...: It seems to me that this lady.
Eva Ng has a good chance to become the next mayor of St.Paul.

I very upset with the mayor for tax increased for the last three year. Which comes to 285.00%.

On all properties. No rent increased. But Increaese in taxes ,
mortgages and insurance.

Also, increased in the water bill and Excel bills.

I have asked the Mayor how I can afford all these increased.

No response from the Mayor Office or the city council.

Because I rent to Sec 08. Tenants
it is run by the city. The Mayor appoints the board on charge of Public Housing. And He dose the same for the water board. I has
a voice with Excel.

So, Mr Mayor, when are you going to help the people that help you
get your job in city hall??

And Stop running people out of St.Paul?

And have the balls to tell the city council to stop their bullshit. With code enforecment or the so called fire inspector.

15 houses next to my rentals are vacancy and 10 houses a cross the street. When houses sell for $1.50.
And the bank walks away from foreclosed too.

Maybe WE need a changes for the same old bullshit. Taxes the hard work and homes. To pay for all the low level people, that had not work a day in their lives.

Cause everyone to pay for there lazyness. And give millions to
non profits groups. That steal money from the hard work and homeowner.

Maybe the change is Eva Ng.
that this city needs.; 7:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Leslie I agree with you, St. Paul needs a change. The DFL has ruined St. Paul and Chris Coleman has done a fine job of driving off many new businesses from St. Paul.

The only thing Coleman is good at is increasing taxes, banning smoking in bars and inserting government in every part of your life.; 8:07 PM
Anonymous said...: "Republicans don't do well in the city of Saint Paul at any level."

Eric is completely right about this. What's going to be interesting in the next cuople of election cycles is to see how much longer people think they afford the Democrats brand of leadership.; 11:44 PM
Anonymous said...: "Hey Bob. Where is my check for generating some life back into the blog. You're gonna miss ol' Eric when I'm out of state on assignment, that's coming up real soon."

Out of state on assignment? WTF? Sound like some unsuspecting Republican is going to have his reputation turned inside out!

On assignment? What are you, a DFL goon or what?; 2:50 AM
Anonymous said...: 11:44 PM

"What's going to be interesting in the next cuople of election cycles is to see how much longer people think they afford the Democrats brand of leadership."

I have been saying this for the last 35 years. The sheep keep voting DFL no matter what they do.; 5:29 AM
Jeff Matiatos said...: You people are going to have to dump some of your city council members too.

Especially those who voted for the smoking ban, raising taxes, and destroying the property tax base with predatory housing enforcement and its mishandling of its vacant housing situation and creating a non friendly place for folks to want to move to St.Paul.

I am willing to bet money that the population in St.Paul has dropped by the thousands. Anyone know what
the most current census is ?

The city should have went after the banks for property taxes on vacant homes.

It wasted money tearing demolishing homes and tearing down the tax base.

This should just about sum up whats wrong with the Coleman administration.

Jeff Matiatos; 5:37 AM
Anonymous said...: I am willing to bet money that the population in St.Paul has dropped by the thousands. Anyone know what
the most current census is ?

Jeff,
We have an official Census done every ten years as required by the U.S. Constitution, the one the you and others keep swearing you've read.

In between census' data, Minnesota (and other states) has an office of Geographic and Demographic Analysis under the the Department of Administration. You'd know this too if half of you read anything about our state budget instead of bitching about it and how easy you would fix it. That office produces the estimated population growth or reduction based on multiple data. It is official for state operating purposes and planning and budgeting.

The official population in 2000 was 287,151.

The estimated population in 2005 was 287,385.

The estimated population in 2007 was 287,669.

You lose.

The city should have went after the banks for property taxes on vacant homes.
It wasted money tearing demolishing homes and tearing down the tax base.
This should just about sum up whats wrong with the Coleman administration.

The banks do pay property taxes on vacant property. I guess Coleman is not wrong then. He's right.

Eric; 8:11 AM
Jeff Matiatos said...: Wow, such growth Eric !

I bet that growth of about 550-600 in 7 years are illegals.

Oh, now I remember, you read your constitution in grade school
(7th).

Someone here said the banks don't pay taxes on vacant homes.

It wasn't my statement, take it up with someone else.

Jeff Matiatos; 10:34 AM
Anonymous said...: Jeff, what is the overall growth for the state and other mid-sized cities across the country? Was there any growth?

Until you know that, stop pulling stuff out of your butt. Since you are self imposed unemployed, you have the time to look this stuff up instead just making it up.

Most cities close to the size of the Saint Paul are losing populations, Saint Paul is able to maintain. That flies in the face of you whiners crying about what the mayor is doing to citizens.

Facts are stubborn things.

You want to continue this and compare the rate of investment in Saint Paul compared to other cities of its size?

We can solve all of your city complaints by laying out the facts right here.

However, we know you won't. It serves you and the slumlords purpose to engage in rhetoric and emotion instead of facts.

Fact is, Saint Paul is relatively well ran and things are tough all over, just not as tough here because of the decision made by leadership. Like forcing property owners to clean their shitty properties up or forcing them to prey on the poor elsewhere.

Eric; 10:48 AM
Jeff Matiatos said...: Eric, a spinner if there ever was one. I thought Chuck won that award here . Guess you share in that award to.

Were talking about population right ?

Not economic growth or the growth of all the weeds from vacant homes thanks to your boy Coleman.

2007-2009 population in St.Paul will really tell the story.

There is no rhetoric in the facts that have already been published here on A-Democracy about what people have said and done that has caused many to leave St.Paul.

The depositions are sworn testimony.

Unless your legal training ( ? ) tells you different, depositions are evidence.

We will see what St.Paul citizens think of how well this city is run when we get a new mayor elected.

It will happen, then who will you be spinning for when Coleman is not there ?

I haven't made up anything here and in fact, vacant homes in St.Paul mean the population is down period.

No census data required.

When St.Paul demolishes your home, those people move away.

As to investment, care to give us some examples ?

Then, give us the stats that will show that the business tenants downtown have left by the dozens. This should be easy for you. You brought it up, so you prove your point.

I am not convinced in your analogy.

Jeff Matiatos; 4:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Jeff you are such a phony.

YOU say population is going down, yet the evidence shows a different story and I'm spinning?

YOU say St Paul is losing business and investments, commercial tax base tells a different story and a more prosperous story than the 21 other cities of our size, and I'm spinning?

You're a fool with big mouth and nothing behind it.

Like I said, peel away the rhetoric and emotion and reality is stark different than what you're trying to sell. Which is why you and your slumlords can't win elections or cases- you really have no clue.

You sit around here and spin each other all day long.

You have proven to be a failure in virtual reality as much as you are in the real world. Congrats.

Eric; 4:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe WE need a changes for the same old bullshit. Taxes the hard work and homes. To pay for all the low level people, that had not work a day in their lives.
Cause everyone to pay for there lazyness. And give millions to
non profits groups. That steal money from the hard work and homeowner.
-
You also tell us:
-
Because I rent to Sec 08. Tenants it is run by the city.

-
You go on in your next post to say:
-
You called my shitty proprty.
It is because of low lazy persons,
that I rent to

Les, maybe the low-income/section .08 rental business is not for you.

I know a couple of guys I went to college with that wanted to be cops. Years later one is a suburban investigator, one is state trooper on the Iron Range and the other is actually a Sheriff now up north.

All three thought they wanted to work in Minneapolis or Saint Paul where the 'real' action is. Bottom line for different reasons, they decided it wasn't for them. Now, they are no lesser cops, they understood where their strengths and weaknesses were and if they wanted to be in law enforcement-and successful, then the Cities was not for them.

There are plenty of landlords who rent section.08. Its tough but they are not under constant code violations and/or physical threats from their renters.

Maybe its not the racket for you.
You're providing a service to same people you're bitching about. That's not healthy.

I heard the same thing in my college town about renting to students.

Eric; 7:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Les,

My house is just fine.

I will be laying some turf and aerating the lawn, changing the gutters (maybe some of those new ones that block the the leaves), touching up the brick stairs, staining the swing set, and laying some paving bricks in the back for a 10'x12' patio.

Come on over to the Phalen neighborhood and check us out. You sound like you need a break from Frog Town anyway.

Eric; 7:08 PM
Leslie K. Lucht said...: eric,

I am not under any code volations.
The tenants that threatsing are the ones the cop need arrest for drug dealing.

But no they side with thses thugs.

And show me these codes problems that I have.

There is drug dealers in your area too. Maybe you know them.

Your pal johnny knows me real well
too.

I need to get my rest for real work. And deal with the problems in frogtown.

Oh, That right you work for nonprofits. That get my taxes dollars that I pay.; 7:41 PM
Jeff Matiatos said...: Show us the stats about commercial business and investments improving in the last five years and I'll shut my mouth about it.

Try to sell that for Coleman when he's trying to win re-election.

Otherwise, your the big mouth who can't back it up.

Coleman will lose !

Maybe thats your out of town assignment. Looking for a new home because when Colemans out, you might as well leave to.

Adios.

Jeff Matiatos; 8:44 PM
Bob said...: Eric said;
"Hey Bob. Where is my check for generating some life back into the blog. You're gonna miss ol' Eric when I'm out of state on assignment, that's coming up real soon."

My response;
I couldn't afford what you are worth. Thank you kindly for your participation here Eric.

Also, I seem to remember you telling us you had posted here in the past from Virgina MN., Ohio and some other place via laptop. So what happened, you burn that lap top out posting here?

I have a good feeling you will be around for the show Eric! You wouldn't want us to get away with anything would you?

I thank all of you for participating here.; 9:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Eric......maybe your cop buddies are cowards who just wanna work somewhere that they can bully people without having them fight back.; 10:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Eric......maybe your cop buddies are cowards who just wanna work somewhere that they can bully people without having them fight back.

No, that's not it. Two of them never lived in a city bigger than 10,000 people and went to college in Bemidji. They understood that its different for them. The other one was able to get a variety of training and rise through the ranks faster in the burbs.

Do you see the irony in you calling people you don't know cowards, while you are posting anonymously?

You guys are just too much for reality.

Eric; 10:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Leslie K. Lucht ...!
Show the people like Eric and Chuck and the others on the Democratic Party,
Vote for Bill Dahn
He's for the people and not for the political parties.; 9:31 PM

A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL

Saturday, April 04, 2009

St. Paul mayoral field grows to 3

33 Comments:

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