2022.03.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Carter for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. The meeting recessed from 5:40 to 6:00 p.m. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained the next person to be interviewed was Anthony Pledger. She asked Mr. Pledger to explain how both personal and professional experiences will help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. Mr. Pledger reported he believed public service was important. He stated his life has been dedicated to this as he works on the Executive Board of the Conflict Resolution Center of Minnesota. He commented being a member of this board helps him to see the community from a different perspective while offering assistance when it comes to mediation and other services offered through the CRC. He explained professionally, he was a business owner, a real estate investor, and he owned a home in New Brighton and other places. He stated he had a civic interest in the success of the community. He indicated he was an attorney so he was always trying to use this background, noting he was an EOE specialist. He stated he investigated discrimination investigations and looked at diversity and inclusion matters as well. He reported he brought all of these experiences for the benefit of New Brighton. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Pledger to reapply to serve on a City Commission. Mr. Pledger stated he understood there was more work to be done. He indicated some headway was made in certain areas, such as addressing the value of living in the community. He commented as a resident he appreciated the responsibility and duty to participate in civic engagement. He appreciated offering suggestions and opportunities to the EDC given his professional and business experiences. Councilmember Abdulle stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. He asked Mr. Pledger what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Mr. Pledger commented he would try to address those within the construct that was being provided through the EDC. He noted he has a liaison to the City Council so there was an opportunity to speak with this individual as well, either before, after or during a meeting. In addition, he could reach out to a Councilmember at the farmers market to have a more casual conversation that supports the City but concerns could be voiced. He anticipated the City Council’s email boxes were always open and ready to receive information, requests or concerns from residents in the City. Councilmember Axberg requested Mr. Pledger speak to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing New Brighton and how do you hope to address these serving on a Commission. Mr. Pledger explained the biggest concern he saw in the community was to ensure that the disposable income within New Brighton doesn’t leave the City or stays within the City as much as possible. He has tried to make suggestions to grow the City’s business and entertainment sectors to match the residential demand. He believed the City was surrounded by opportunity and he hoped the City could do some new things. He wanted to see the EDC providing suggestions to the City Council in order to keep New Brighton growing, while benefiting from the growth inside of the City. He indicated he would like to see the City pursuing night markets, year round event partnerships and a “Buy New Brighton” campaign. He believed this would draw more business to the community.