A primary election will help decide the next council member to serve the East District of Brooklyn Park. On Aug. 11, a four-person candidate pool will be reduced to two candidates.
The candidates are Aaron Endris, Philip Seton Gaye-Bai, Allen Miskowiec and incumbent Christian Eriksen.
The two top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 3 General Election. The candidate who wins this fall will serve a four-year term beginning in January 2027.
For more information on voting, visit brooklynpark.org/elections.
Sun Newspapers reached out to candidates to compile this voter’s guide in advance of the primary election. Aaron Endris did not respond in time for the deadline and could not be reached.
Responses from the remaining three candidates are below.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen
Current occupation
Registrar – Luther Seminary.
Education
B.A. International Relations, U of MN, M.A. Family Therapy, Bethel University.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Park faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Economic Sustainability. Decades of choosing low-density residential and lower-value commercial property instead of high value commercial development has created a fiscal hole in our city, burdening residents. This is why the NW Development Area/Bio-tech Innovation District and the Brooklyn Blvd. corridor are so important.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Park, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
1. Recruit several large employers who will build high value facilities in Brooklyn Park. 2. Several high density, market rate residential developments. This will generate property tax revenue and drive demand for the retail and restaurants residents want, and lower residential property tax burden.
Are there any projects, goals or issues you see as uniquely relevant for residents of Brooklyn Park’s East District? If so, describe how you will approach those topics if you secure a seat in council chambers.
1. A centerpiece multi-use development on the Regent site would spur redevelopment all along the Brooklyn Blvd corridor. 2. Marketing and utilizing the Mississippi Gateway park as a metro area destination. 3. Advocate for long overdue 252 improvements.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?
christian@eriksenforbrooklynpark.com
Philip Seton Gaye-Bai
Philip Seton Gaye-Bai
Current occupation
Solution Engineer.
Education
Master of science in Management Information Systems.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Park faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Brooklyn Park is faced with multiple issues today with crimes and violence being the most radiant. Housing and social services inadequacy play a vital role in the lives of the residents of the city. Additionally, annual increase in property taxes has become a burden for residents. To curtail such, the city needs an oversight of spending and budgeting. This community needs a perspective and proactive leadership to monitor the city finances through transparency and accountability.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Park, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
My vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Park is focused on improving education to prepare our youth for higher earning jobs while encouraging the growth of our small businesses while taking the initiative to encourage and to welcome new businesses to operate in our community. When we prioritize a strategic approach in supporting our existing businesses and simultaneously attracting new businesses, we can build a thriving, resilient and stronger local economy.
Are there any projects, goals or issues you see as uniquely relevant for residents of Brooklyn Park’s East District? If so, describe how you will approach those topics if you secure a seat in council chambers.
The East district is facing some very obvious infrastructure issues that do require urgent council attention. Many trees in our community are dying, dead or deceased causing safety hazard and economic challenges to our residents/homeowners. I believe the city must create some tree remover program to mitigate the problem. Another important issue is the erosion along the Mississippi River threatening property lines because there’s no adequate water retention barriers. When I’m elected, I stand to advocate for available fundings for these issues facing our community.
I’m interested in creating activities for our youth especially during vacation to limit idle time for them. I believe this is one way of fighting against crimes and violence in our community.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?
763-732-3299
Allen Miskowiec
Allen Miskowiec
Current occupation
Retired and substitute teacher.
Education
BA, MBA.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Park faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Runaway spending is a HUGE problem and the solution is to elect better representation. The excessive (42% in 4 years) increase in property taxes is what spurred me to run for City Council. General fund expenditures are up 43% from 2022-2026. The current council does not know how to control spending and it needs to change. Needs and wants are not the same thing.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Park, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
My vision involves broadening the tax base and making sure you pay for services as development occurs so you’re not negatively impacting the citizens who already live in Brooklyn Park. Raising property taxes and “hoping” for economic growth is not a reasonable vision.
Are there any projects, goals or issues you see as uniquely relevant for residents of Brooklyn Park’s East District? If so, describe how you will approach those topics if you secure a seat in council chambers.
Highway 252 cuts right through the East District and if elected I will dig into the details around the proposed expansion of the highway by MnDOT.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?