Dear Neighbors,
I want to express how honored and privileged I feel to represent the residents of the Fifth District on the Hennepin County Board. I am extremely fortunate to serve with colleagues that get the business of the day done. In the Hennepin County boardroom there is no partisan bickering, and compromise is not a dirty word.
With the goal of continuing to contribute to this important, collaborative work, today I announce my candidacy for Hennepin County Commissioner in District Five for 2024.
I am delighted to represent the communities of Bloomington, Richfield, a large part of Eden Prairie and a portion of Minneapolis. I have brought my skills as a civil engineer and former Richfield Mayor to the table, directly impacting deep infrastructure and transit investments, climate action policy, and sustained advocacy for our most disenfranchised residents.
Over the last three years, the challenges of the pandemic have tested our collective resolve. It has fundamentally changed how we support each other as neighbors. In local government, we had to pivot quickly to identify innovations to support our most vulnerable community members: BIPOC, low-income residents, seniors, and disability communities. While some have emerged stronger on the other side, there is continued economic insecurity due to the rising costs of goods from inflation. The results have produced more unsheltered homelessness, and an increase in substance use and mental health issues, all of which were exacerbated by COVID-19. These issues are now top of mind as we move into an extremely important election year — and we have much work left to do to address them. I commit to supporting and uniting our diverse communities in achieving greater health and shared prosperity across all of Hennepin County. I humbly ask for your continued support as the most experienced candidate for District Five, and I am excited to work with you over the years to come.
To read about some of the wins we have achieved together over the last eight years during my previous two terms, see a complete press statement here.
If you are supportive of my campaign and are able to make a contribution today, I would be ever appreciative.
Thank you,
Debbie Goettel