CITY OF BRAINERD RACES

James 'Jim' Sykes

Age: 58.

Address: 1223 10th Ave. N.E.

Position sought: Brainerd City Council Ward 3 seat.

Occupation: Remodeling contractor.

Education: High school graduate, some college credits, electronic tech graduate, computer training.

Family: Married, three children.

Why are you running for office?

"I have been attending city council meetings for the last four to five years following the issues and council activity. After watching the operation and direction of the council, I thought it was time for a change. I believe I am well-informed of the issues and I know I will do an excellent job. I have been supported and encouraged by many friends and neighbors and I am willing to listen to citizens' concerns and act on them as I have proven in the past. I am friendly and courteous and always helpful."

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city of Brainerd?

"I don't know if I can name only one but if I must I believe it would be a combination of improving and updating our infrastructure and have staff and myself be accountable for the funds that were designated for this purpose. Also make sure other designated funds are used for their intended projects."

How do you specifically plan to work on that issue?

"Open up city government so the citizens are better informed of the issues. Work with elected officials and staff to resolve problems and find solutions to issues. Use the information from reports the city has already received and paid for to plan the needed improvements or repairs required to rebuild our infrastructure. Make staff and myself accountable for funds to be used for intended projects."

Kevin T. Goedker

Age: 33.

Address: 1218 Mill Ave.

Position sought: Brainerd City Council Ward 3 seat.

Occupation: Real estate sales and property management.

Education: Brainerd High School graduate, various courses at Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Florida and Central Lakes College.

Family: Married, two children.

Candidate Web site: www.electgoedker.com.

Why are you running for office?

"It is my passion to serve this community in a leadership capacity. I have a deep sense of pride and faith in this community. I am a civic leader and have proven leadership skills, founded on experience in the Marine Corps and several community service organizations. I will be the best person to handle the business of the city, deal with difficult issues and have the courage to stand up for the best interests of this city. I am not running for a single issue or faction, and I feel my skills are well-rounded and can be an asset."

What do you think is the most important issue facing the city of Brainerd?

"We have several issues facing this city. Three of the top priorities should be crime prevention, fiscal responsibility and our future stability."

How do you specifically plan to work on that issue?

"Encourage common sense in all decisions; encourage the council to cooperate with each other and city staff; encourage citizen community involvement; encourage commerce and industry to invest in Brainerd to aid the economy; encourage consistency with decisions from both city staff and council members; provide better means of communication between the city and citizens; and to be considerate and empathetic to citizens' time, money and requests."