Two candidates are running for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 3 seat and two others are racing for he District 5 seat in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 3, 2026, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Age: 72

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Fiscal Reform & Right-Size the scope of County Government which would Reduce Spending and Cut Property Tax Levies. Since 2023 spending has increased by $180 Million and annual tax hikes have almost doubled, 4.54% in 2024 to 8.25% in 2026; and Commissioners approved another 8.25% increase in the 2027 Maximum Levy! Ramsey County must get out of the LRT, Trolley and Bus Line business, and leave building the $373.2 Million Bronze BusLine Roadway from Downtown to Maplewood Mall to the MET Council! The RC Regional Rail Authority and its’ $36.2 Million Property Tax Levy ended. Additionally Ramsey County should cancel their $320 Million “Building Together” program to build a riverfront park in Downtown St. Paul for $140 Million, there are already a dozen Downtown Parks, plus Harriet Island and Raspberry Island! The County should leave the proposed $100 Million in new streetlights, sidewalks and roads to the City of St. Paul. Also rather than spend $70 Million to fix -up surplus properties before placing them on the market, let’s just get them listed for sale now!

What qualifies you to hold this position?

City Manager of Maplewood, 2006-2008. St. Paul Capital Improvement Board, CIB, 1994 – 2000. St. Paul Charter Commission 1996-2008.Fomer Community Action Agency Deputy Director; Private Industry Council Contract Compliance Monitor; Community College Trustee and Government Reporter.B.A. Political Science, Saint Leo University & Graduate Studies In Public Administration & Management Hamline University, Saint Paul

What do you think is the primary role of government?

Provide for the Public’s Safety & Administration of Justice. Effective, Efficient and fiscally accountable delivery of vital Public Heath and Human Services to protect vulnerable adults and children as well as critical infrastructure, roads, bridges and stormwater drainage. Supporting employment services for job seekers and employers and intellectual pursuits through Libraries and Recreational activities for all ages. Innovative Partnerships with other governments to advance sustainable solutions to complex problems such as First Time Home Ownership leveraging financial opportunities to involve banks and foundations are of particular value to meet societal challenges.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Limiting the people, the taxpayers to only three minutes is not a productive way to gather information or exchange opinions on public policy. This has been current practice for many years at all public hearings, and if there is no public hearing there is no interaction with the Commissioners and the voters, whose silence is commanded! The County Commission must act to engage in new ways with the public, such as public question and answer sessions, or District Forums with individual commissioners on important topics to the community. Being receptive to frequent open public discussions is important to engage citizens in serious conversations and collaborative policy making. I see enhanced public engagement as critical to addressing and understanding public expectations. It is Time for a Change!

Website or contact information: gregcopeland1@comcast.net 

Age: 37

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Since, I have only been in this position for a year and a half, many of my priorities from last year, still stand. Overall, I want to continue to fight for economic justice and ensure that it is at the forefront of the work that we do at the county. A few specific areas that I want to focus on are 1. Prioritizing growing our tax base to ensure that we can lessen the burden on property taxes. 2. Growing our affordable housing stock and investing in the entire housing continuum so that residents remain on the path to stable and secure housing. 3. Investing in multimodal infrastructure that supports families, workers and businesses. Under all of this work will also be my commitment to fight back again the Trump administration and their attacks on the basic needs of our community.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I have had the honor of serving in this role for the last year and a half since winning a selection election last year. I have learned a lot in that time on the inner working of county government and have built strong relationship with stakeholders who will help provide solutions to residents. In addition to my time serving on the board, I also bring the lived experience of someone who has had to rely on the services provided my our county government. Growing up, my family needed SNAP to put food on the table. So, when I see the cuts and cost shifts that the federal government is making to that program, it makes me think of my family and countless others that will be directly impacted. As well as the role we must play at the county level to protect our communities and fight for the resources we need.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I continue to believe that the role of government is to step up and ensure that all of the people in our community have an opportunity and an environment where they can thrive. County government in particular is often times overlooked and yet we are the safety net for so many in our community. I also believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that the public is aware of what we offer and how we can help make their lives better.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Relationship building and getting to know individuals as human beings has always been my key to working with folks who have differing views than myself. Taking the time to understand their point of view and lived experience, as well as where we might align on the end goal, has helped create a space to robust, respectful conversations. Then through that relationship and understanding, we can work towards solutions.

Website or contact information: https://www.electgarrison.com/

Age: 42

What would your top priorities be if elected?

1. Standing up for our neighbors. Workers, immigrants, democracy defenders, the LGBTQ+ community, and women have been under attack from the federal government, and the County must increase protections for all residents to ensure people feel safe to go to work and school and to live their lives freely. I’d propose a strong Ramsey County separation ordinance that prevents County staff from cooperating with federal agents, a county-wide ban on masking for all law enforcement, and an end to our contract with Flock and any other third party that puts our residents’ data at risk. 2. Affordability. Too many Ramsey County residents are struggling with the cost of everyday living. We cannot continue to raise property taxes and place more and more of the burden on our people. First, I’d get county-owned land back on the tax rolls. The County needs to act with urgency to develop its land, especially on critical downtown sites like RiversEdge, and expand our tax base. I’d also create a countywide Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program to encourage tax-exempt organizations to contribute to the cost of County services and share responsibility in the success of our community. Finally, I’d work with my county and city colleagues to advocate for the state aid we’re entitled to and to demand a repeal of Trump’s cruel cuts to critical benefits like medical assistance and SNAP. 3. Homelessness. We are failing our unhoused neighbors in every way. A shortage of supportive housing and shelter space is leading to a growing number of people experiencing homelessness with nowhere to go. Ramsey County needs to invest in culturally-responsive, dignified supportive housing with on-site mental and chemical health services, and the County needs to fund outreach workers who can connect our unhoused neighbors to housing, counseling, jobs and more.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I’m a proud West Sider, mom of two, devoted Saints fan, policy nerd, avid biker and relentless optimist. I have 10 years of experience delivering results on the Saint Paul City Council. I’m proud of the work I’ve done with my constituents to ensure safe gun storage, raise the minimum wage and combat wage theft, support small businesses, guarantee earned sick and safe time, build hundreds of new units of affordable housing, open new shelters, and protect our community from Operation Metro Surge. Recently, I spearheaded the successful effort to end St. Paul’s contract with Flock. I know how to listen, dig into the details and work collaboratively with my colleagues to get hard things done. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo because I always believe we can do better. Prior to serving on the City Council, I taught middle school science in Louisiana, trained teachers in India, worked with communities recovering from wartime violence in Uganda and helped connect kids to college and career opportunities in the Twin Cities. I’ve served on the St. Paul Planning Commission and chaired the board of the West Side Community Organization. These experiences have shown me how strong public systems and real community engagement can make a difference in people’s lives. I’m excited to bring my experience to make Ramsey County the best place to live, work and grow.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

Government should be a trusted force for good and a voice for those who are too often overlooked. Right now, during a time of increasing attacks from Washington, local government has an urgent responsibility to ensure that every person can work, learn, live, and raise a family freely and without fear. Government should deliver high-quality public services promptly and efficiently. This is especially important for counties which provide essential services that people depend on every day, like SNAP, Medicaid, 911 emergency operations, aging and disability services, workforce development, transit and more. These services must be culturally responsive, accessible, and delivered effectively to the people who need them. Elected leaders need to build strong relationships with the communities we serve so we can be effective advocates for them. As a Councilmember, I make it a priority to show up at neighborhood events, respond to my constituents’ concerns and ideas, ask for advice from the people who are impacted, host regular community conversations at restaurants, rec centers, laundromats and shelters, and engage young people by speaking to classes and hosting student job shadows. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built with community members, my fellow elected officials, our District Councils, and advocacy organizations. This kind of deep, diverse and ongoing community engagement is how government works best.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I represent an incredibly diverse ward, from West 7th Street to Summit Hill, the West Side to Railroad Island, and all of downtown Saint Paul. To effectively represent all my constituents, I spend a lot of time listening and asking questions. I work hard to hear as many viewpoints as I can – especially from those who will be impacted by the outcome – before making a decision. I try to talk over the phone or meet in person with people who disagree with me, rather than exchange emails, because I believe conversation is the best way to really understand someone’s views. I’m proud to be endorsed by a wide range of organizations representing different trades, interests and positions. Even though these groups sometimes disagree with one another and with me, we’ve been able to work together to make positive change over the last 10 years. Finally, I’ve learned how to work productively with my colleagues so we can reach the best policy outcome, even when we disagree. On a small, nonpartisan body – like the City Council and the County Board – you have to work well with everyone if you want to get things done for your constituents. Over the last 10 years, my colleagues and I have often had to work through disagreements on how to approach and prioritize the issues facing Saint Paul. I’ve found that when you listen first, think hard, explain your reasoning, and show kindness and decency no matter what, you can sustain the relationships needed to make conflict productive and get the outcomes that benefit the people you serve.

Website or contact information: https://www.rebeccanoecker.org, rebeccaforsaintpaul@gmail.com, 651-314-9311

Candidate name
Age:

What would your top priorities be if elected?

What qualifies you to hold this position?

What do you think is the primary role of government?

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Website or contact information:

Candidate name
Age:

What would your top priorities be if elected?

What qualifies you to hold this position?

What do you think is the primary role of government?

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Website or contact information: