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Clint Kuipers stated he has been a real estate agent for 15 or 16 years. He explained he was married and has <br />three kids. He noted he attends church in New Brighton and volunteers at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. He <br />reported he works with a non-profit that helps homeless teenagers. He stated he was quite busy with his kids <br />and was currently housing a homeless teen in his basement. <br />Councilmember Burg encouraged Mr. Kuipers to attend the upcoming League of Women's Voters meeting <br />where homelessness will be discussed. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked why he had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he has never done this before but was encouraged by his wife. He explained he was good <br />friends with Nasreen Fynewever and she recommended he apply. He stated this has been an interest to him for <br />a long time. He explained he was enrolled in urban planning classes at the U of M at one point, but unenrolled. <br />He commented he was an avid reader and worked in real estate. <br />Mayor Johnson asked what the three most important responsibilities a commission member had to the <br />community. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated communication would be important, being accessible to listen and also to be able to <br />disseminate information. He thought it would be important to be accessible and visible in the community. He <br />stated commissioner members should also have a certain level of knowledge in order to be effective. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked how he would respond if a member of the community were to contact him <br />expressing opposition to an item being addressed by your commission. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he would be a good listener. He understood that decisions would be made that not <br />everyone would like. This was the nature of the position. He commented he would let people speak and have <br />their voice. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked if these actions would change if it was a lifelong friend. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he would do the same thing. <br />Councilmember Allen reported each commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council. <br />He asked how Mr. Kuipers would respond if he disagreed with a policy or Ordinance. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he would have to support the policy. He indicated it would be okay to disrespectfully <br />disagree at times while still supporting the policy. <br />Councilmember Burg asked what the City's biggest challenges were. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he moved to New Brighton for a specific purpose, so he only saw the City's strengths. He <br />commented he really likes to ride his bike and noted there was a trail gap in the City between New Brighton <br />and White Bear Lake. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked if he was interested in land uses and variances; diversity and accessibility; <br />economic programs, retention and development; the impact of recreation on the community; or the impacts of <br />public safety. <br />