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<br /> <br />Mr. Vazquez stated the environment was also a big issue for him and he appreciated the investments the City <br />has made in its parks and water system. He did support the City being more intentional about creating <br />strategies that help create an environment that was safe and sustainable for the long term. He noted the third <br />item he would like to prioritize would be economic development. He understood the City has done a great job <br />over the past 10 years, but he believed there was still more to do. He discussed a recent conversation he had <br />with a potential resident and this individual ended up moving to Fridley instead of New Brighton because <br />Fridley has more services and restaurants. He explained there was value in bringing services to New Brighton <br />to make it attractive to residents or potential new residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated the City Council currently enjoys a strong working relationship with each other. <br />He indicated it would be important to appoint someone who can work in such a manner. He asked how Mr. <br />Vazquez would develop and maintain strong and productive working relationships with the Mayor and City <br />Councilmembers. <br /> <br />Mr. Vazquez stated communication would be key while also being transparent. He believed it would be <br />important for the Council to hold each other accountable and be able to speak truth, while pushing each other <br />out of their comfort zone. He then discussed how he manages a team of five employees at work and how he <br />addressed an offensive comment in a respectful manner. He stated he wanted to be part of an environment <br />where it would be okay to call each other out, where thoughts can be shared, no matter what job title he holds. <br />He understood there may not always be 100% agreement but he did expect people to respect his truth and <br />where he was coming from. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated City Councilmembers have to work through conflict from time to time. He asked <br />how Mr. Vazquez would approach conflict with a fellow Councilmember. <br /> <br />Mr. Vazquez stated this was about having a conversation with that individual and trying to understand where <br />that person is coming from. As a trained mediator he has learned that mediation is not getting what you want, <br />but getting to a point of understanding what you can live with. For him it would be important to understand <br />where the other person was coming from and why this person was upset. He explained he would want to have <br />an open conversation, not over email or text or even the phone. He would rather have this conversation in <br />person. He stated he would want to understand where that person was coming from knowing that their <br />perspective is their reality. He indicated he would also give this person the space because other things may be <br />happening and he would allow this person to vent if they need to and then try to move forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen questioned what Mr. Vazquez approach would be to work effectively with City staff. <br /> <br />Mr. Vazquez explained he would try to understand City staff’s role, their day to day. He commented he may <br />have some experience in some of those things, but he did not have their experience on a day to day basis. He <br />stated just because he has worked in government does not mean he has their experience. He discussed a recent <br />event that occurred at the post office and described how he stepped in to calm a situation down with the postal <br />worker. He commented further on the importance of taking a step back and being honest in all situations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked where Mr. Vazquez thought the City Council could improve the most and how <br />would you assist in improving that area. <br /> <br />Mr. Vazquez stated he has lived in this community for the past 13 years. He explained he has been part of a lot <br />and he has supported the City Council for a long time. He believed the City could do better to ensure the <br />Council and the decision makers are representative of the community they serve. He did not believe the entire <br />City Council fully represented the community that lives in the City of New Brighton. He indicated he could <br />bring this piece to the City Council. He explained when people see themselves in positions of authority it is