Voters in Brooklyn Park’s West District will choose from two candidates running for Brooklyn Park City Council.
Bernice David-Cooper and former Council Member Tonja West-Hafner are running for a seat currently held by Council Member Maria Tran, who is not seeking a second term.
Tran opted to run for mayor this election cycle but lost in the Aug. 11 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.
Bernice Cooper
Bernice Cooper
Current occupation
Police Embedded Social Work Supervisor.
Education and prior experience
College of Saint Benedict-Bachelors Social work, Augsburg Graduate School of Social Work: Masters in Social work: Background is several areas of social work: CP, Hospital, nursing home, Waiver, congregate social work etc.
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 well with their highly proactive approach to resident-driven community planning.
The city generates many of its 911 calls from congregate settings. Therefore, I would like to be a part of the ongoing initiative to give city some level of oversight of congregate facilities to allow all parties to make decisions that prioritizes the safety of the people they service
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?
Brooklyn Park has included response models that includes mental health professionals and practitioners such as: Alternative Response Team, Co-Response, embedded social workers, and other community support programs through the Department. Including mental health practitioners and professionals to community policing continue to contribute to the decrease in crimes in Brooklyn Park. As a Police Embedded Social Worker, I know firsthand how beneficial these services are for our community because I have seen it in action, and their positive impact on the community.
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 Wood was a great project in the West District. However, the goal/work is to ensure that our community are aware of this resource to increase participation. So many great resources in Brooklyn Park but limited about of people are aware of them. There has to be an outreach on how to inform our community of these resources.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?
Tonja West-Hafner
Tonja West-Hafner
Current occupation
Director of Community and Government Relations.
Education and prior experience
Bachelor of Science in Housing Studies from the U of M, former Council Member, Chair of two BP City Commissions, and numerous task forces focused on development, youth and neighborhoods.
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 well with community engagement, using diverse cultural events to build trust, inclusion, strengthen public safety and strong social connections. Cultural events; Concerts, Movies, Tater Daze, Juneteenth and others strengthen relationships and understanding. Prioritizing seeking grant funding will expand courts at the Community Activity Center and sustain the Alternative Response Team, which improve recreation, youth sports, and public safety. In contrast, Brooklyn Park faces long-term infrastructure needs as identified in Capital Improvement Plan, along with aging housing stock with deferred maintenance. These signal the need to expand programs to maintain value, quality and neighborhood stability.
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?
Brooklyn Park’s budget rightfully prioritizes traditional public safety through police and fire services, which are enhanced by innovations like the Alternative Response Team for mental health calls and the Community Intervention Unit for high-risk youth are showing results. I would strengthen and expand these programs, invest more in root cause youth diversion and prevention efforts, and improve support for first responders. In addition, increasing transparency by engaging residents through listening sessions, neighborhood outreach, and collaboration with local organizations and businesses can strengthen trust and guide steps toward a more community centered system. Over time, these changes can reduce crime, ease workloads, and build a safer, more connected community.
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 West District has unique projects, issues and goals. The expanded Wood teen center offers a key opportunity for youth development, and I will ensure its programs remain accessible, safe, and responsive to community needs. Our concentration of group homes increases pressure on police and social services, so I will foster stronger partnership with the owners and the state, explore better response models and improved oversight focused on residents’ needs. The Northwest Growth Area is pivotal to our future, and I will work to cultivate development that increases tax base, creates jobs, transit, housing that benefit residents through transparent, collaborative, community driven decision making.
What is the best way for voters to contact you?