To the Editor:

As someone who has had the privilege of serving Brooklyn Center and working alongside many people who care deeply about this community, I have learned that civic leadership can take many forms. I see that commitment in Teneshia Kragness, Nahid Khan and Mark Viste.

I have had the opportunity to work with Teneshia and see her leadership up close. Her service to Brooklyn Center goes well beyond her four years on City Council and two years as mayor pro tem. Before that, she spent 12 years on the Financial Commission, including as chair. She understands the responsibility of managing public resources while keeping the long-term health of our community in mind. I have always appreciated her thoughtfulness, empathy, accountability and commitment to prevention, youth, economic stability and community trust.

I have also come to appreciate the way Nahid has contributed to Brooklyn Center. As a longtime resident, she cares deeply about how we share the beauty, culture and history of our community. She has also been a strong advocate for the environment and its connection to public health. Nahid does her homework — she is thoughtful, highly informed and willing to research an issue deeply before contributing. Her service as chair of the Arts, Beautification and Culture Commission and on the Sister Cities Commission reflects that commitment.

Mark has likewise been a longtime contributor to civic life. I saw that commitment through his service on the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Implementation Committee, and he continues to serve on the Planning Commission. He stands up for those marginalized and targeted, even when it is easier to stay quiet. His professional experience also brings valuable problem-solving and systems-thinking experience to find solutions for civic life.

These three are not identical, and they don’t need to be. Brooklyn Center benefits from leaders with different experiences, knowledge and perspectives who understand that public safety, health, youth, opportunity, environment, belonging and economic stability are connected.

They have the care, commitment and compassion to help bring Brooklyn Center forward, with the willingness to listen, learn, work together and serve with humility.

April Graves

Brooklyn Center

April Graves was elected to serve as mayor of Brooklyn Center in 2022. Her term expires at the end of this year. She is not running for reelection.