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<br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council <br />that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted b y the City Council. He asked Ms. Presek what <br />she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> <br />Ms. Presek explained she would want to learn more about why the ordinance was in place, to get background <br />information to better understand why it was in place. She indicated this may change her mind, but if not she <br />would bring this up in an objective way to get feedback from the Commission. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg requested Ms. Presek speak to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing New <br />Brighton and how do you hope to address these serving on a Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Presek stated one of the biggest opportunities was the community. She discussed how great it had been to <br />see the community coming together during COVID digitally, at the farmers market, at the ice castles and at the <br />community center. She believed one of the challenges facing the community would be that it was seen as a <br />chuck included in the surrounding communities or suburbs. She suggested New Brighton work to have a <br />bigger media presence and working with local businesses to get the City’s name out there, to make its own <br />entity within the northern suburbs. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Presek for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City <br />Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She <br />explained the next person to be interviewed was Karen Wagner. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked Ms. Wagner to explain how both personal and professional experiences will <br />help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner stated she has a background in public safety and municipal government. She reported now she <br />works at the university. She indicated she has been a public servant for a number of years. She commented she <br />has an interested in this and she enjoys giving back to the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Wagner to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner stated she has enjoyed her years on the Public Safety Commission. She finds it fascinating how <br />technology tools can be used in public safety. She reported she has the background and was interested in the <br />topics addressed by this group. She commented she likes to be involved and to know what is happening in the <br />community and was willing to voice her concerns or opinions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council <br />that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted b y the City Council. He asked Ms. Wagner <br />what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner explained as an appointed member she could raise concerns, while not letting person opinions or <br />personal experiences overriding this. She reported she would have a civil conversation about the matter and if <br />you aren’t on the winning side you move on. She commented she did not have one issue that she was greatly <br />concerned about, she does not serve to be in a corrective position, but rather to be collaborative, to be a good <br />listener and to seek input from other people. She wanted to see all voices being heard. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg requested Ms. Wagner speak to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing New <br />Brighton and how do you hope to address these serving on a Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner stated all of the new housing developments was bringing new residents to the community and she