Roseville resident and Planning Commissioner Peter Strohmeier announced this week his candidacy for the Roseville City Council.

Strohmeier is vice chairman of the Roseville Variance Board and serves on the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Task Force. He is seeking one of two four-year terms on the Council. The Council seats held by  Jeff Johnson and Tammy Pust are up for election.

Responding to a Roseville Patch inquiry, Johnson said that he is not seeking re-election to the Council. Meanwhile, Pust was not immeidately available for comment.

In a press statement, Strohmeier said he brings youthful energy and substantive knowledge of the issues to the race.

“I am running for the Roseville City Council because I want to serve the residents of Roseville,” Strohmeier said. “My main priorities for Roseville are safe and livable neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, preserving our parks and natural environment and community engagement.”
Strohmeier said he brings extensive public policy experience to the race.  Strohmeier has served as a legislative staffer in the Minnesota House of Representatives for five years, including four years as committee administrator for the Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee and the Public Safety Committee.  Also, he recently completed his master’s degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, specializing in public management and leadership.

On the Planning Commission, Strohmeier was the only commissioner to vote against a Wal-Mart proposal in Roseville. 

“I believe that Roseville already has enough large-scale commercial retail," he said. "I also believe the Wal-Mart proposal is in conflict with our comprehensive plan and the Twin Lakes Master plan.” 

Also during his tenure on the Planning Commission, Strohmeier opposed a conditional use permit for a pawnshop in Roseville. “I voted against this proposal because of public safety concerns.”

Strohmeier also wants to take a more proactive role in engaging the residents in Roseville. 

“If elected, I will hold monthly town halls to hear from citizens and will utilize technology and social media to continuously inform and connect with residents.

Meanwhile, the filing period for the Council will remain open until until 5 p.m. on June 5.

Roseville citizens interested in running for a City Council seat can file at Ramsey County Elections, 90 West Plato Blvd. St. Paul, according to a city news update.

Qualifications to run for a City Council seat include:

• Eligible voter in the city of Roseville;
• 21 years of age or older; and
• Resident of the city for at least thirty days before general election.

To file, you must complete an affidavit and pay a $5 filing fee. For further information, call 651-266-2171.