By Anne Holzman

Voters in Lauderdale will choose two council members from a field of five candidates. They will also choose a mayor, who this time has no official opponent.

Council:

Jeffrey Dains has served on Launderdale City Council since 2016 and previously as mayor. “I have worked hard for successful improvements that support our unique small town feeling, make our city safe and help it thrive,” Dains said.

Dains said he would address climate change, transportation and financial and social sustainability.

“We need to expand bus services on Route 3 and increase the frequency of service on Route 61 to better serve our residents. Ramsey County needs to finish reconstructing Eustis Street and in the future, Fulham Street,” Dains said.

For the future, “I see Lauderdale maintaining climate equity,” Dains said, “[via] better transit routes for commuters, better walkways and bike paths [and] a more robust commercial district.”

Josh Dirksen is running for elective office for the first time. He works as a supply chain manager.

Dirksen said his main reason for running is concern about the city’s policing contract with the city of St. Anthony, which has been renewed through 2025.

“I believe that the police need to be woven into the culture of Lauderdale. Every citizen needs to be served and feel safe within our city limits,” Dirksen said.

He said he wants to “build a vibrant and inclusive small-town culture,” promoting and expanding city events. “A citizen-led community event planning team to bring people together in Lauderdale is one of my initiatives,” Dirksen said. “Bringing people together in their community builds strong ties, breaks down barriers and promotes public safety.”

Duane Pulford is running for a second term on the City Council. He said maintaining transparency in government is important to him.

In a second term, he would address ongoing transportation challenges. “We need to have good bus service to both downtowns and other parts of the Twin Cities,” Pulford said. “This would allow families to have one vehicle, and it would also be good for the environment.”

Pulford favors continuing the policing contract with St. Anthony. “It is a good deal for our city,” he said.

Pulford said he would continue to look for opportunities for development, including Eustis south of Larpenteur. “There may be a few city lots that could have a new home or business on them. Also, the redevelopment of the Rosehill gas station.”

Greg Williams has served on the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission and has experience in facilities management at the University of Minnesota.

Williams said his council campaign is centered around three key pillars: community engagement, sustainable growth and environmental protection. 

“By prioritizing these values, I aim to represent the interests of our community while ensuring that we maintain our small-town charm and natural environment,” he said.

Williams said he supports theupcoming Eustis Street reconstruction project, contending “it’s a vital collaboration between Lauderdale and Ramsey County to ensure the safety, sustainability and accessibility of our infrastructure. 

“With major reconstruction set to address worn pavement, utility upgrades and pedestrian safety, the project reflects the kind of strategic partnership that cities like ours need to thrive.

 “One of my core focuses is ensuring that projects like these not only meet immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability and equitable access for all residents,” Williams said.

The Bugle was unable to reach City Council candidate Michael J. Brindamour, who did not appear to have a campaign website,

Mayor:

Mary Gaasch is running unopposed for a fifth term as Lauderdale’s mayor. Her main concern is the ongoing battle with Ramsey County about who will pay to repave and maintain Eustis Street south of Larpenteur, which is currently a county road.

“They want to charge Lauderdale a great deal of money for this work, more than half our annual budget,” Gaasch said. “And our citizens have already paid taxes to the county for this road! My goal is to work with Ramsey County on an equitable and just process that will work for the citizens of Lauderdale.”

Anne Holzman lives in the Twin Cities covers Lauderdale government news for the Bugle.