Voters in Brooklyn Park’s East District will choose from two candidates running for Brooklyn Park City Council.
The Aug. 11 primary election narrowed a four-person candidate pool down to two: incumbent Christian Eriksen and Allen Miskowiec. Of the three city council seats that will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, only the East District race triggered a primary.
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.
The Sun Post reached out to candidates to compile this voter’s guide in advance of the general election. Responses from the candidates are below.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen
Current occupation
Registrar, Luther Seminary.
Education and prior experience
B.A. University of Minnesota, M.A. Bethel University.
What is one thing Brooklyn Park is doing particularly well right now, and what is one thing the city needs to improve?
Brooklyn Park is doing really well at public safety. Creative approaches, crime at 37 year low, highly respected in the community. Brooklyn Park needs to dramatically grow our commercial property value to relieve tax burden on residential payers.
Public safety takes up a sizable portion of the Brooklyn Park city budget. What, if anything, would you work to change about the city’s approach to law enforcement and other forms of public safety?
Our department has grown tremendously over the last 4-6 years in terms of community based, technology driven policing that centers the needs of individuals. My intention is to continue supporting that work. I would like to see addition of cadet program and explorers in the fire department.
Are there any projects, goals or issues you see as uniquely relevant for residents of your district in Brooklyn Park? If so, describe how you will approach those topics if you secure a seat in council chambers.
The key issue in the east district is to reconstruct 252. It is not safe, and the reconstruction needs to get underway.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?
christian@eriksenforbrooklynpark.com
Allen Miskowiec
Allen Miskowiec
Current occupation
Retired/part time substitute teacher.
Education and prior experience
B.A. in Chemistry and MBA.
What is one thing Brooklyn Park is doing particularly well right now, and what is one thing the city needs to improve?
The park system and recreational activities available in Brooklyn Park are fantastic. Fiscal management is atrocious and needs drastic improvement. Fiscal management will only improve with a change in elected representation.
Public safety takes up a sizable portion of the Brooklyn Park city budget. What, if anything, would you work to change about the city’s approach to law enforcement and other forms of public safety?
We need to figure out how we do more with less which is a classical business problem I’ve solved many times. If you’re measuring bar for success with policing is crime, we’re doing well there. To do this, the police budget has increased by ~30% in four years. On the other hand, we appear to be building a Taj Mahal type fire station, and the fire budget has increased by 100% over four years. I’m all for proper fire protection but a doubling of the budget in four years is irresponsible spending.
Are there any projects, goals or issues you see as uniquely relevant for residents of your district in Brooklyn Park? If so, describe how you will approach those topics if you secure a seat in council chambers.
Hwy 252 goes through the East District and whatever happens there will most likely impact a majority of the residents. If elected, I will do whatever is possible to support the outcome that is best for the East District.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?