How Will St. Paul Mayoral Candidates Address Rising Property Taxes and the Cub Foods Closure?

In the wake of Cub Foods' recent closure and ongoing concerns about public safety and economic vitality, mayoral candidates in St. Paul have engaged in a heated debate about the city's future. The forum at Johnson High School highlighted differing views on how to improve downtown's appeal and address rising property taxes.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Mayoral Forum

• Candidates expressed strong emotions regarding the recent closure of Cub Foods.
• Public safety and responsiveness from City Hall were major points of contention.
• Rising property taxes are impacting local businesses and residents.
• Candidates proposed various solutions, including enhancing bicycle infrastructure and municipal support for local businesses.
• The ranked-choice election is scheduled for 4 November 2023.

The Context of the Forum

During a 90-minute candidate forum held on Wednesday night, five prospects vying for the mayoral seat of St. Paul discussed critical issues affecting the city, including the struggling downtown area, rising property taxes, public safety, and the need for improved bicycle infrastructure. These discussions were hosted by the League of Women Voters St. Paul and provided a platform for candidates to articulate their visions for the city's future.

The Impact of Cub Foods' Departure

The closure of Cub Foods, a longstanding grocery store located near Snelling and University avenues, has raised significant concerns among residents and business owners. Mayor Melvin Carter responded to queries about the closure by highlighting broader issues of public safety and city engagement. He mentioned that Cub Foods had experienced issues with shoplifting, which contributed to its decision to leave the Midway Marketplace in late August.

Responses from Candidates

State Representative Kaohly Her, a challenger to Carter’s mayoral seat, placed the blame for the grocery store's closure directly on the city administration. Her claimed that the “number one issue” facing local businesses is the lack of responsiveness from City Hall. She emphasised the need for better communication and support for businesses struggling with public safety issues.

"When Cub was struggling, they reached out to City Hall, and City Hall was not responsive," Her stated. This sentiment underscores the frustration many citizens feel regarding city management and its impact on local businesses.

Public Safety and Quality of Life Issues

Mayor Carter acknowledged the presence of crime, particularly relating to drug issues, and mentioned a new £1 million initiative aimed at addressing these challenges. He asserted that the city is grappling with broader societal issues that affect businesses, including the opioid crisis.

However, Her countered that the city needs to address public safety more proactively. She argued that without a safe environment, businesses cannot thrive, and residents will be reluctant to stay. Her highlighted that the city’s responsiveness is integral to fostering a supportive environment for local enterprises.

Property Taxes and Local Business Struggles

Another critical topic discussed during the forum was the rising property taxes that are burdening local businesses. Mike Hilborn, a candidate and local business owner, shared his experience of a rent increase due to elevated property taxes. He argued that such increases make it difficult for small businesses to survive and urged for more police presence to curb theft and improve safety.

Hilborn’s perspective reflects a growing concern among business owners that without a concerted effort to address crime and property taxes, the local economy will continue to suffer.

Alternative Solutions Offered by Candidates

Yan Chen, a regular customer of the Midway Cub Foods, suggested that St. Paul could position itself as a small business incubator rather than focus solely on attracting large corporations. She proposed leveraging the city’s half-cent sales tax to provide micro-grants to local businesses, thereby supporting community growth from within.

Adam Dullinger, another candidate, advocated for the establishment of a municipal grocery store, arguing that the city should fill the gaps left by corporate retailers. He stressed the importance of local control over essential services to ensure residents have access to groceries.

Infrastructure and Community Needs

In addition to addressing public safety and economic issues, candidates discussed the need for improved infrastructure, particularly for cyclists. Dullinger advocated for more bicycle lanes and community trash drop-off locations, indicating that enhancing the quality of life for residents could attract more people to live in the city.

He noted that many potential residents view St. Paul unfavourably compared to Minneapolis or suburban areas, leading to a stagnant population and a struggle to retain businesses.

The Road Ahead: Election Insights

The upcoming ranked-choice election on 4 November 2023 will provide voters with the opportunity to choose a candidate who aligns with their vision for St. Paul's future. As early voting begins, the candidates are likely to continue refining their messages and addressing the pressing issues that matter most to the residents of St. Paul.

FAQs

What are the main issues discussed in the St. Paul mayoral forum?

The main issues included Cub Foods' closure, public safety, rising property taxes, and the need for better bicycle infrastructure.

When is the St. Paul mayoral election scheduled?

The ranked-choice election is scheduled for 4 November 2023.

What solutions have candidates proposed for local business struggles?

Candidates have proposed increasing police presence, creating micro-grants for small businesses, and potentially establishing a municipal grocery store.

How did Mayor Carter respond to concerns about public safety?

Mayor Carter acknowledged the public safety issues and mentioned a new £1 million initiative aimed at addressing crime in the city.

What was the impact of Cub Foods' closure on the community?

The closure has raised concerns about the overall economic health of the Midway area and highlighted challenges related to public safety and city responsiveness.

As the city approaches the election, the discussions surrounding these critical issues will shape the future of St. Paul. Will candidates successfully address the challenges that local businesses face? Only time will tell. #StPaulElection #PublicSafety #LocalBusiness