2023 Voter’s Guide: St. Paul city council, ISD 625, ISD 197 and SSD 6

Lines of people will soon stream to polling booths to exercise their right to vote. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7, and voters in the St. Paul Voice distribution area will cast ballots for candidates running for city council and school board seats. St. Paul voters will also see a question on their ballot to raise sales tax in the city by 1% to generate about $1 billion for parks and roads over the next 20 years, and voters in Independent School
District 197 will see two levy questions to address a projected $2.1 million budget shortfall over three years.
To vote in Minnesota, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on election day, and a resident of Minnesota for 20 days. Register to vote in advance to save time at your polling location. To register online, visit mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us. To find your polling location, visit poll finder.sos.state.mn.us. For more information on elections and voter registration, call the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at 651-215-1440 or visit www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.
Candidates without information were given multiple opportunities to respond.

Sales tax increase
A 2019 report from St. Paul Public Works found the city’s approximately 200 miles of arterial and collector streets to be in fair-to-poor condition, and a 2022 study indicated they will be considered very poor within the next 20 years. Revenue from the sales tax increase would provide $738 million for road improvement and reconstruction projects throughout the city, including 24 arterial and collector roads and some bridges. This work would bring the road network’s Pavement Condition Index to an average level.
Park and recreation facilities in the city are 40 years old on average and there is a backlog of more than $100 million in deferred maintenance projects, all of which will be considered critical or urgent within the next five years. Revenue from the sales tax increase would provide $246 million for improvements to aging parks infrastructure including community centers, trails and athletic facilities. Funds would also be used to build a multipurpose community center on the East Side, an athletic complex at an undetermined location, a river-focused environmental learning space and National Park Service headquarters at Crosby Farm Regional Park, and the River Balcony, a 1.5 mile promenade along the downtown bluff. The tax increase would not be applied to purchases of food, clothing or other essential items.

St. Paul City Council Ward 2

Peter Butler
Occupation: Process and procedure writer. Formerly an in-house management consultant and budget analyst in state and local government for 30 years.
Political experience: None
Top priorities: Repeal the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan, substantially reduce the cost of residential trash collection, and promote greater citizen and business input into decisions affecting them directly and citywide.
Candidate statement: “I will be ‘At your service and on your side.’ A city council member is elected to represent their constituents, ascertain the majority’s will, and ensure that city services are efficiently and effectively delivered to exceed residents’ and businesses’ expectations. St. Paul can only be successful when residents and businesses are engaged in problem solving and planning for the future. City government is responsible for direct services to the public. I will focus on the City’s core responsibilities to citizens, businesses and visitors. I don’t have a personal agenda other than representing the interests of Ward 2 and ensuring that the City spends its tax dollars wisely.”
Contact: odd2evenstp@gmail.com, 651-395-7565

Bill Hosko
Occupation: Self-employed freelance architectural artist for 34 years and owner of Hosko Gallery and frame shop for 30 years.
Political experience: 100% non-partisan and independent. Elected to three district council boards.
Top priorities: Upholding laws that protect the rights of all citizens to be safe and ending the normalization of crime; cleaning up neglected city and public properties within six months and maintaining them; putting tax funds toward road and infrastructure repair and basic city services instead of political pet projects; and holding weekly livestreamed conferences where everything is in the open for discussion, including getting our exploding city budget and subsequent endless tax increases under control.
Candidate statement: “Vote NO on the 1% sales tax referendum. Existing taxes should pay for road repairs and basic city services. Too many people are being harmed by ever higher taxes and crime rates (under-reporting of crime has become common). Together, residents of Ward 2, we will correct many of our problems while simultaneously greatly improving your quality of life here.”
Contact: 651-222-4767, billhosko.org, bill@billhosko.com

Rebecca Noecker
Occupation: City councilmember
Political experience: Two terms representing Ward 2 as a city councilmember
Top priorities: Make it easier for working families to live in St. Paul by expanding access to quality childcare, affordable housing and jobs. Invest in our infrastructure, especially where deferred maintenance has taken a toll – roads, bridges, bike lanes and city buildings and parks. Expand our tax base and find reliable new revenue models to stabilize our city budget so we can preserve our high-quality city services and add new programs without unsustainable tax increases year-over-year.
Candidate statement: “I am a proud resident of St. Paul’s West Side, a community builder, a relentless optimist, a wife and mother. I am committed to working hard, to seeing all sides of a problem, to listening and to getting things done. I ran for office to make St. Paul the best city in the world to work, to learn, to have fun and to raise a family. During my first two terms, I have been a leader on the Council on public safety, economic development, education and government accountability. We’ve got a lot more to do. I’m excited to keep working with you to make our city a place where all children get off to a great start, housing and jobs are abundant, and families feel safe in neighborhoods they love. I hope to earn your support.”
Contact: 651-314-9311, rebeccaforsaintpaul@gmail.com, rebeccanoecker.com

Noval Noir
Occupation: Artist and arts educator for more than 15 years
Political experience: None
Top priorities: Education reform and working with all stakeholders to ensure that every child receives a quality education and the resources they need to succeed; fostering collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to increase public safety and address crime and safety concerns more effectively; and implementing programs that provide education and resources to prevent addiction and support those on the path to recovery.
Candidate statement: “I’m proud to be a grassroots candidate, driven by the voices of our community. I see myself as a bridge builder, aiming to bring diverse perspectives together to find common ground and enact positive change. Our youth are the future, and I am a staunch advocate for their voices and concerns. Together, we can create opportunities and a safe, nurturing environment for our young people to thrive.”
Contact: 651-360-3888, novalnoirforward2@gmail.com, novalnoirforward2.com

St. Paul School Board

Zuki Ellis
Background: Two terms on the school board including time as chair; Minnesota School Board Association district director for Area 8; on the Legislative Executive Board for the Association of Metropolitan School Districts and served as ex-officio member of the St. Paul Teacher Retirement Fund Board Association.
Future budget needs: “It’s critical to surround our students with social-emotional learning, mental health support and elective opportunities to explore and engage in their learning for the possibilities of their future. I have and will continue to advocate for the state fully funding schools. We have American Rescue Plan federal dollars. It has created possibilities for staffing, growth and innovation. That money has a sunset, and difficult decisions will need to be made and that work is underway. I will also continue to support the investment of upkeep and improvements of our buildings for future learning.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “Programs that provide our students access and opportunities to experiences and connections within schools and in partnership with our community are extremely important…. and help build relationships and create more opportunities for learning and fun. It gives families safe and affordable before and after school learning experiences for their kids.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “Discrimination against our LGBTQ+ community is on the rise and is intolerable. We need to fight against these hateful messages. I am proud that St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) was the first to create the Gender Inclusion Policy. I fully support it and will continue to dialogue with our students and staff to increase trans and non-binary inclusive sex-ed, consent ed and comprehensive sex education.”
Security in the schools: “We all want to know our children are and will be safe in their schools. This is a complex topic that has to be approached in a wholistic way – there is not one answer or one simple solution. I do not believe, nor does research prove, that armed police in our schools make them safer. We have increased our School Support Liaisons across SPPS and they have been doing great work in our schools. Security and emergency management is continuous work, and while we do not have police in our schools, we do still partner with law enforcement when needed.”
Contact: neighborsforzuki@gmail.com, or zukiellis.com.

Carlo Franco
Background: Humboldt High School graduate; bachelor’s degree in child psychology; youth engagement and training manager for the City of St. Paul; president of the West Side Boosters and a member of the board of directors for Neighborhood House.
Future budget needs: “One of the biggest threats to our district is that families are leaving, often seeking private and charter schools, or even schools in the suburbs that can provide more accessible support services. To keep families here, we must invest to restore our public schools as competitive, critical community infrastructure. This will require reducing administrative overhead, which is bloated compared to our district’s total budget.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “To prepare students for meaningful careers, we must restore investments in arts and athletics, invest in experiential learning and out-of-classroom learning opportunities, and increase partnerships between district schools and community-based organizations.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “I am endorsed by Stonewall DFL and OutFront MN for championing LGBTQ+ friendly policies in my platform and through my experience in organizing and advocacy. We must ensure our curriculum and wraparound services are representative of all students to improve the health and education of the community as a whole.”
Security in the schools: “We must invest in additional counselors, social workers, restorative justice coordinators and community intervention workers. I led student success, intervention and positive school climate initiatives at Humboldt High School from 2017-2021 and would like to see the successes of that program replicated district-wide.”
Contact: www.carlofranco.org

Abdi Omer
Background: Public works employee for 23 years
Future budget needs: “I stand for what is good for students and the community. Budget is important and I will work hard to see that it’s used to produce desired outcomes for the school and community. I will make decisions to adjust the future budget based on the past.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “I know as a parent how my children benefited from extracurricular programs. We know it enriches our children.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “LGBTQ+ policies are new to me, and I am learning. I believe it is long overdue to take steps for our communities to recognize the needs of the LGBTQ+ and other minorities’ rights.”
Security in the schools: “Security is a hot issue nowadays. School safety is important, and we all have a different opinion. Talking to community members, I found police in schools do not make safe schools due to their practices and I believe them. I think we can find an alternative.”
Contact: jkujoog55@gmail.com

Erica Valliant
Background: Equity director at People Serving People; financial services and insurance; community engagement and systems change work; and telecommunications.
Future budget needs: “Fully funding restorative justice programming, build financial literacy skills into curriculum, invest in early learning, adequate staff-to-student ratio in classrooms, teacher retention and invest in increasing number of teachers of color.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “Students need and should have access to extracurricular programs.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “My goal is to do what’s in the best interest of all students.”
Security in the schools: “Security in schools is very important to the safety and well-being of our teachers, students and staff. Restorative justice programming and being intentional about fostering a culture of school pride, respect, and belonging with staff, students and families goes a long way toward building a sense of accountability and ownership as we all have a role in keeping our schools safe.”
Contact: 651-788-3320, contact@valliantforschool
board.com, www.valliantforschoolboard.com

Gita Rijal Zeitler
Background: Graduate of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; health care provider and school volunteer.
Future budget needs: “Better education and school environment for all children to get world class education. Make public school attractive to all families by offering catch-up and advanced classes. If the trend keeps going down, our public schools will keep closing, which will be devastating for low-income and middle-class families. Have a tutoring center in all public high schools so students who are struggling in math, reading, writing and science can get help and graduate with basic life skills of reading, writing and math. School management must work on using untapped resources like parents, nonprofits and business organizations. This is a tough time for families, so schools need to be smart about how they spend their resources. Must find alternative funding sources rather than increasing property tax – St. Paul will be an unaffordable place to live for middle-class people if we keep increasing property tax.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “Yes but find funding from other sources rather than property tax.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “People must be allowed to live the life they want to, and they must feel safe, welcomed and treated equally. Same time, personal choices and views must not impose their own views or life choices on others.”
Security in the schools: “I think children can learn only when they feel safe and secure. We need to have security in school and maybe have a long-term plan of other ways we can keep school safe.”
Contact: gita4schoolboard.com

Chauntyll Allen and Yusef Carillo did not respond.

District 52B special election

Minnesota State Representative of District 52B Ruth Richardson resigned Sept. 1 after accepting a job last fall as CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. A special primary election will be held in district 52B on Thursday, Nov. 16, to nominate candidates, and a special election to fill the vacancy will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5.

ISD 197 School Board and levy

Two levy questions on the ballot will address a projected $2.1 million budget shortfall over three years due to a lack of funding for general and special education, decreased spending power due to inflation and increased needs from students across all schools. The first question proposes a new $731 per student operating levy which would increase annual property taxes by $153 for an average priced home ($350,000) in the area. The funds would allow the district to maintain class sizes, retain and attract teachers and staff, and avoid cuts to programs and services. The second question asks voters to renew the capital project levy, also called the technology levy. The levy provides district-wide technology infrastructure and network improvements, the purchase of student and staff devices, updates to classroom technologies and more. Approval of the capital project levy would not result in an increase in property taxes, although if it’s not approved then voters would pay about $75 less per year for an average priced home ($350,000) in the district.

Tim Aune
Background: Electrical engineering degree from MIT; executive at FactSet Research Systems; chartered financial analyst.
Future budget needs: “While education models are evolving, I believe classroom-centered education is still a key component. We need to have in place budgets, based on solid long-term revenue projections, that can accommodate pay structures that attract and retain talent.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “Extracurriculars can be a wonderful component of a child’s education. Having a wide range of activities does require appropriate funding, especially for those activities which have limited opportunities to raise their own money. Having user fees with scholarships assist in funding, strikes a good balance.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “I support the continuing development of policies that stress respect and acceptance of all students. We need to communicate these policies are not about advocacy. It is about creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment that includes resources to provide emotional health support for all students.”
Security in the schools: “Physical security has been greatly improved through recent building improvements. I feel there is a good balance between controlled access and having students feel like the building is ‘locked down.’ Equally important is educating our students about digital security.”
Contact: www.timaune.com, tim.aune@comcast.net

Rowen Elsmore
Background: Teacher and Gender and Sexuality Alliance advisor at Jefferson High School
Future budget needs: “We need to fully fund our schools and find ways to strengthen our contracts for our teachers and staff. We have fallen behind other districts and we are not able to fill many of our positions because we are not offering competitive wages. I am fully in support of the levy on the ballot to provide the funds we need to do right by our students.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “All of our students should have full access to our extracurricular activities. We should be funding a broad range of extracurricular activities, which goes beyond sports.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “The district needs to adopt specific policies that protect and honor transgender and non-binary students. All of our students deserve to see themselves in their schools, this includes LGBTQ+ students.”
Security in the schools: “We need to keep students safe, which does not mean just physical safety. There will always be a balance to be struck when looking at school security. We need to look at our solutions through the lens of how they impact all of our students.”
Contact: rowenforschoolboard.com

Bryon Schwab
Background: Bachelor’s in music education, master’s in education and specialist degree in educational administration; 12 years on ISD 197 Board of Education; 19 years of K-12 choral music teaching experience in Cottage Grove, Minn.; principal at Greenwood Elementary in River Falls, Wis. for four years; principal at Pilot Knob Elementary in ISD 197 for 13 years; member of the Minnesota Elementary Schools Principals Association (MESPA); Retired Principals of MESPA board of directors; Minnesota Charter School License Renewal board; U.S. Army veteran.
Future budget needs: “In the immediate future it is very important for two school district levy referendum questions to pass on the November 7 ballot. A major responsibility for the ISD 197 School Board will be dealing with the value of passing or repercussions of failure of these two referendum questions. Also of importance to ISD 197 future budget needs is understanding and preparing for the financial impact from Minnesota legislation passed this year in areas such as the Reading Act, unemployment, family leave, student resource officers and free lunch.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “District 197 has approximately 5,000 students enrolled preK-12. In the 22-23 school year, 47 athletic, activities and clubs were offered and some 1,566 students registered to participate. Extracurricular programs are an extremely important part of a student’s social, emotional, physical and academic growth and development. ISD 197 financially supports our extracurricular programs and I personally support 197’s commitment.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “Policy helps to provide clarity, procedure and integrity when equity issues may arise and Policy 106 (District Equity Policy) specifically identifies race and ethnicity, language, immigration status, ability, socioeconomic status, sex, or gender identity and sexual orientation (LGBTQIA+ status) as protected groups. ISD 197’s current equity work is strong, progressive and focused. I personally feel all students preK-12 must believe they are valued, respected, capable and competent to thrive, grow and experience academic success.”
Security in the schools: “District 197 has a comprehensive and universal safety protocol procedure which is used at each facility, reviewed annually and practiced throughout the school year. The safety and security of all ISD 197 students (and employees) must be and is of utmost importance to our principals, administration and school board if we are to provide an environment focused on learning, growth, excellence and achievement.”
Contact: byronschwab.com, schwabb@q.com, 651-451-9928

Morgan Steele
Background: Bachelor’s degree in French and secondary education and a master’s in teaching with an emphasis in teacher leadership; 17 years as a classroom teacher; member of her building’s instructional leadership team.
Future budget needs: “I believe our contracts for teachers and all staff need to be strengthened to retain staff and attract new staff, especially as we see greater numbers of retirements and a teacher shortage on the horizon. I believe it’s incredibly important to advocate for fully funding education rather than relying on property taxes to continue to allow inequitable funding to further the gaps in resources that exists in Minnesota.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “I would love to see data on how many students/families opt out of extracurricular activities because of both cost and transportation needs. I think equity work should extend to extracurriculars and not just academics. I know that ISD 197 believes this as well.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “I am proud to have been endorsed by OutFront Minnesota and will work diligently to ensure that our LGBTQIA students and families feel safe, seen and represented within our schools. I served as a co-sponsor of the Gay/Straight Alliance when I was in Houston and it was a club that we had to fight to have in our building after students requested it for several years in a row.”
Security in the schools: “School safety is incredibly important. Ensuring access to in-building mental health interventions, chemical health and continuing partnerships, and education about both with students and families is extremely important. I also think that reevaluating safety plans and listening to students, families and school safety about areas of concern is very important. For buildings that continue to have a school resource officer, it is extremely important that those individuals build relationships with students and have the trust of the community overall and especially the support and trust of our marginalized students.”
Contact: www.morgansteeleforISD197.com 

Randi Walz
Background: Former teacher and paraprofessional
Future budget needs: “Public education is the great equalizer that enables communities to thrive. I want to ensure that our district continues to excel. I am committed to upholding our district’s strategic framework while bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the table. I will be a staunch advocate for policies, programs and initiatives that empower every student to succeed and look forward to the possibility of serving our community in this way.”
Funding extracurricular programs: “I believe in programs that ensure every student has equitable access to resources and support, fostering both academic success and emotional well-being.”
LGBTQ+ policies: “I have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities our schools face. I am running for school board because I am deeply committed to our district’s success and the well-being of every student within it. My experience as a community organizer has taught me the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, and I am passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Security in the schools: “School safety is a top priority and I am dedicated to creating a secure environment for our children.”
Contact: www.randiwalz
for197.com, randiforschoolboard@gmail.com

Barbara Kessler
Withdrew, but name will remain on ballot.