Two candidates vying to be Brooklyn Park's next mayor say addressing violent crime will be a top priority if they're elected to lead the north metro city.
During a candidate forum Tuesday night, City Council Member Lisa Jacobson and Hollies Winston, a former member of the city's Budget Advisory Committee, said they would address public safety issues with investments that tackle the causes of crime, from youth programs and housing to improving relationships between residents and police.
"This is the most important question of the night," Winston said when asked what measures he would take to curb crime. "We need to be laser-focused on the rise in violent crime. People are tired of hearing gunshots or sleeping in bath tubs."
Winston proposed increasing the public safety budget, improving relations between the city and residents, investing in programs for youth and providing better housing.
Jacobson said she'd focus on improving trust between police officers and the community, addressing socioeconomic issues related to crime and listening to everybody from youth to seniors and getting them connected with services.
The two candidates are running to fill the position left vacant when former Mayor Jeff Lunde was elected to the Hennepin County Board in November. Voting will take place Aug. 10, with early voting in-person and mail-in voting available through Aug. 9. The winner will serve through 2022.
During the hourlong forum, Jacobson and Winston also said improving city communications with residents is a top priority. Jacobson said the city and next mayor will have to be innovative to reach those of whom traditional methods of communication aren't reaching.
"What's going on in this city can't be the best-kept secret in town," Jacobson said. "It is critically important that we bring traditional groups together with other groups."
Winston proposed the city conduct an audit of its communication.
The candidates also traded ideas on issues from improving the city's hard water to attracting businesses and meeting residents' transportation needs.
Both candidates spoke in favor of converting Hwy. 252 into a freeway. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been studying the idea for years and is conducting an environmental assessment.
As why they want to be mayor, Winston said "it's deeply personal" and that "the status quo is not working."
Jacobson said she is a "microphone for residents."
"I deeply love this community," she said. "I don't just talk about things — I get them done."
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
