Two candidates are running for mayor of Blaine in the November election.
General information about the Nov. 5 election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections, including information about candidates for the Ramsey, Dakota and Washington County races.
To find out where to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online polling station at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
Patrick Hobot
Age: 55
What would be your top priorities if elected? My top priorities, which carry equal weight, include restoring confidence in our city government through ethical, transparent and responsible action. Additionally, ensuring we fully fund our public safety and public works departments in a rapidly growing community is essential to our success. We must also ensure that we preserve the original areas of our city as vigorously as we support new development. As we do this, we must keep sustainability in mind from an economic, environmental and community perspective.
What makes you suitable for this position? My main qualifications are a great love for my community. I have lived in Blaine for 23 years and raised my family here. I have worked in the public sector all my life, creating opportunities for people to develop the tools to elevate themselves. I have held various leadership roles in building communities and bringing together multiple stakeholders to find consensus and solve problems. Finally, I have an MA in Leadership and Administration, which I know is also of interest to many voters.
What do you think is the most important role of government? I believe the primary role of local government is to work directly to improve the lives of residents. We do this by providing essential services such as public safety (police and fire), parks and recreation, utilities, sanitation, infrastructure support, and by managing land use through zoning and sustainable development. Local governments can also play a key role in helping create a sense of a united community.
How do you work to understand and learn from opinions that differ from your own and from people who disagree with you?
I start with an open mind and the humility that I may not be right or have all the information. I then try to listen to understand where the other person is coming from, what motivates him and what concerns he carries with him. Regardless of whether we agree, I recognize that we are all human beings with passions and personal investments in the subject at hand. I try to honor that. I then ensure that the focus remains on the problem and the facts. If we respectfully stay on task, every perspective can be valid and there is a workable solution. Most cases involve a relative win/win outcome that meets many of the needs of all parties involved. Work towards the best mutually beneficial outcome.
Website or contact details: Hobot4Blaine.org
Tim Sanders (incumbent)
Age: 42
What would be your top priorities if elected? Infrastructure: I led the effort to secure over $200 million in funding to rebuild HWY 65! This project will save lives and is critical to unlocking a bright future for the City of Blaine. I will continue these efforts throughout the city and in our pavement management program. Economic Development: Strategy and focus on economic development means more jobs, amenities for residents to enjoy, and an increasing commercial tax base to ease the tax burden on residents. Public Safety: During my first term, we strongly supported public safety and the great people who protect and serve our community. Serious crime has decreased by 37% in Blaine and the SBM Fire Department has significantly improved response times. I will continue to support our heroes and call for the highest standards of professionalism, respect and responsibility so that Blaine remains one of the best cities in the metro to call home.
What qualifies you to fill this position? I’m Tim Sanders, and I’m seeking your support and vote to be re-elected as Mayor of Blaine. Before being elected mayor, I served four consecutive terms representing Blaine in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016. During my time in the state legislature, I served as Chairman of the Government Operations Committee, Chairman of the Elections Policy Committee, Vice Chairman of the Commerce Committee, Caucus Whip, and Assistant Majority Leader. This experience has helped me serve Blaine as your mayor. I understand how we can bring together state and federal leaders to ensure our tax dollars return to our communities, as we have seen with the successful HWY 65 financing.
What do you think is the most important role of government? The primary role of government, especially at the local level in a city like Blaine, Minnesota, is to meet the needs and enhance the well-being of the community by providing essential services, maintaining public safety, and promoting economic development promote. This includes managing resources responsibly, promoting a safe and livable environment, ensuring infrastructure is up to date and encouraging community involvement. Local governments must also be responsive and work to balance the diverse needs of residents while ensuring the city’s long-term sustainability and growth. Our local government thus plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of its residents and businesses.
How do you work to understand and learn from opinions that differ from your own and from people who disagree with you? As Mayor of Blaine, I believe that understanding and learning from diverse opinions is important for effective leadership and community building. I make it a priority to actively listen and engage in open dialogue with residents, council members and community stakeholders, even when their perspectives differ from mine. I approach different opinions with respect and ask questions to understand the underlying concerns and motivations of others. This collaborative approach not only strengthens relationships, but also helps me grow as a leader and ensures that we approach problems from all angles.
Website or contact details: timsandersformayor.com
