Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
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Fridley City Council Member at Large

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.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City CouncilA candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/QCADuc__4m8. More MN forums are available at https://www.lwvmn.org/2024-candidate-forums.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Peter Borman
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Patrick Vescio
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)

What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)

Contact Phone 6129984543
Campaign Email Peterborman@comcast.net
I have a long history of community involvement. My history of community involvement has provided me an opportunity to witness firsthand the needs of the Fridley community. Serving our seniors, schools and other in the community has been a fulfilling part of my life. I am proud to have served and to be active with various groups and committees. Fridley Lions Club- Past President & Board of Directors Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board of Directors Fridley 49er Days Festival- Parade Chairman & Past President Parks & Recreations- 2018 to present (Chair) Planning Commission- 2022 to present Charter Commission-2003 to 2015 Based on my extensive involvement in the community, I am the ideal candidate for Council Member at Large.
1. Thoughtful revitalization and re-development of Fridley. Fridley is an established community and does not have room for expansion. 2. Ensure that Fridley's infrastructure and services are kept to a high standard of service at a cost all residents can afford. Fridley's streets, water, sewer and storm sewer are aging. They will need to be updated. 3. Ensure that our Police & Fire departments are fully supported with the tools needed. Also engaged with the community and supporting all citizens.
Fridley is a culturally diverse community. I am willing to meet and listen to all groups. Learn about the diverse cultures and work to ensure everyone feels they have a voice and are being heard. Encourage everyone to get involved in our community and share their different cultures with all. Be inclusive and support everyone.
I will be accountable for all my actions and will hold the city staff to the same standard. I will ensure that all levels of Fridley's government and services are open and transparent to it's citizens. Encourage everyone to ask questions and get involved. I will help and guide the people to get the answers to their questions and support they are seeking from the city. If a change is needed on how the city operates to serve its residents. I will work to make that change.
I am the best candidate for Fridley City Council because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. Our city thrives when we listen to each other and work together. That’s why, if elected, I will create a Community Engagement Commission to foster stronger connections between residents and local government. This initiative will encourage diverse perspectives, ensure transparency, and help us address the needs of all Fridley residents. My approach is built on collaboration, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to serve, making me the candidate who will bring real, positive change to our community.
If elected, my top three priorities will be: 1) Elevating community voice by establishing a Community Engagement Commission to ensure residents are heard in decision-making; 2) Promoting responsible spending with a focus on transparency, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all; and 3) Enhancing public safety by collaborating with law enforcement and community members to create a safer, more connected Fridley.
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by holding open office hours and meeting with residents at different times and locations to ensure accessibility. I will actively seek out and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. By collaborating with school leadership across all districts in Fridley and maintaining a regular, transparent online presence, I will make sure that the concerns and ideas of every community member are heard and acted upon.
To ensure transparency and accountability in city government, I will maintain and regularly update my website with current concerns and provide full transparency on city plans and priorities. I will actively seek feedback on public spending and invite residents to share ideas. At City Council meetings, I will gather input through various channels—such as in-person comments, phone messages, and emails—to ensure that every voice is heard and considered in decision-making processes.

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

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