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Mr. Bihi believed honesty and service were important. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked why he would be a good person to represent the opinions and concerns of the <br />City. <br />Mr. Bihi stated he loved this community and wanted to serve with his utmost ability. He had a different <br />background than most residents of New Brighton. He noted he was from Somalia and was forced to flee while <br />he was still in university. He now wants to give back and offer his diversity to the community. <br />Councilmember Strub requested Mr. Bihi describe the contact he has had with the business community in New <br />Brighton. <br />Mr. Bihi stated he was a new resident to Minnesota in September of 2013 and has not had a chance do a lot of <br />business in New Brighton. He noted he purchased a car in the City. <br />Councilmember Bauman requested further comment on the experiences he had as they relate to economic <br />development. <br />Mr. Bihi indicated he has a car care business in northeast Minneapolis where he employees 20 people. His <br />employees come from various parts of the northeast metro. <br />Mayor Jacobsen asked that Mr. Bihi share what he knows about economic development in New Brighton in <br />addition to what successes and challenges he sees. <br />Mr. Bihi explained he was new to the City, but he saw the community had opportunity with new companies <br />locating in New Brighton. This was bringing new jobs. He suggested the City contact businesses about <br />locating in New Brighton. There should also be a listing of available space. He wanted to see a coffee shop in <br />New Brighton as well for its residents. <br />Mayor Jacobsen noted the roles of the EDC and asked what experience Mr. Bihi had with developing long and <br />short range plans and strategies. <br />Mr. Bihi stated he has not had any experience within New Brighton, other than owning his own small business. <br />He had previous experience with a real estate business in Dubai from 2004 until 2011. <br />Councilmember Bauman understood that Mr. Bihi applied for three different positions with the City, which <br />meant he just wanted to serve. She asked if Mr. Bihi liked the outdoor spaces in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Bihi indicated he was a father of four and he spent time outdoors playing with his children. <br />Councilmember Burg asked if Mr. Bihi had a preference as to which group he served on. <br />Mr. Bihi had no preference, but stated he would order them Economic Development Commission, Planning <br />Commission and then PREC. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen questioned if Mr. Bihi would be available for meetings in the morning or evenings. <br />Mr. Bihi stated would be making himself available to serve the community. <br />Councilmember Burg asked the first question and wondered what were the three most important <br />