Your Priorities are My Priorities
As a long-time resident of Brooklyn Park, I’ve seen many changes to our city, both positive and challenging. We have made great progress in making Brooklyn Park a thriving, vibrant city appealing to both businesses and residents. However, I know we can do more to make this city even better. Below are the ways I would approach making Brooklyn Park the best city it can be as a City Council member.
Empowering Resident Voices
Shelle Page believes in creating a more open and responsive local government that prioritizes the concerns of Brooklyn Park residents. With 25 years of residency in the community, she understands the importance of giving citizens a platform to express their views. From very basic - The right to express and convey concerns has many times been interrupted and shortened and more time of select council members not relying on due process and adoption of civil meetings. While we have great members on council, there are folks who need to be reminded there is a proper way to run a meeting that includes due time, respect and understanding of how a meeting should be run.
2. METRO Blue Line
The METRO Blue Line Extension is a proposed light rail transit project that would connect downtown Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park. This major infrastructure project has generated significant discussion in our community.
While the Blue Line Extension presents both opportunities and challenges for Brooklyn Park businesses, the city is actively working to maximize benefits and minimize disruptions through community engagement and planning efforts. We know that the train is coming and it is up to us to make sure we are protected without further financial, public safety and costs that burden our community.
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As a council member, Page would advocate for:
Expanding opportunities for public comment at council meetings without interruption and/or disruption
Implementing regular town hall sessions in each district
Creating an online portal for residents to submit concerns and ideas
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Page is committed to upholding the principles of good governance by:
Ensuring transparency in decision-making processes
Adhering to proper procedures for introducing and debating new policies
Encouraging diverse perspectives from all council members
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Drawing from her 30 years of experience as a mortgage loan officer, Page recognizes the value of attentive listening. She would work to cultivate an environment where:
The mayor and council members actively seek out and consider resident input
Community feedback is incorporated into policy decisions
Council members are accessible and responsive to constituent concerns
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Economic Considerations
Potential for increased economic development and job opportunities along the corridor
Concerns about project costs and long-term financial implications for taxpayers
Transportation Impact
Improved public transit options for Brooklyn Park residents, potentially connecting different parts of the city
Questions about ridership projections and impact on existing traffic patterns
Community Effects
Possibility of enhanced regional connectivity and access to amenities
Concerns about potential displacement and changes to neighborhood character
Environmental Aspects
Potential reduction in car dependency and associated environmental benefits
Considerations about construction impacts and long-term environmental effects
Safety and Security
Plans for modern transit infrastructure with safety features
Addressing community concerns about crime and safety on public transportation
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Increased Connectivity
The extension will connect Brooklyn Park to downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and other major destinations, potentially bringing more customers to local businesses. This improved transit access could expand the customer base for Brooklyn Park businesses.
Economic Development
Mayor Hollies Winston sees the project as an opportunity to unify different parts of Brooklyn Park, potentially stimulating economic growth. Hold him accountable to his vision that affects the city. He and the council need to fight for the Residents to get that NOW Bus system active East to West.
Enhanced Regional Access
The light rail will provide Brooklyn Park residents and businesses with better access to the broader Twin Cities metro area, which could increase business opportunities and workforce availability.
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Construction Disruption
Some business owners are concerned about the impact of construction on their operations.
Business Advisory Committee
This group needs to be accountable and transparent
Financial Assistance
Needs to be Transparent
Anti-Displacement Measures
Needs to be Transparent
Crime and Public Safety
Needs Transit Police to be accountable, transparent and not burden our current and future Police Department members.
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As your representative, I commit to:
1. Carefully reviewing all aspects of the project, including costs, benefits, and community impacts
2. Actively seeking and listening to diverse community voices on this issue
3. Working to ensure that any transit solutions serve the best interests of all Brooklyn Park residents
4. Advocating for transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process