Green Party candidate Elizabeth Dickinson joins St. Paul mayor's race

Environmental activist and life coach Elizabeth Dickinson is joining the St. Paul mayor's race.

Dickinson, 56, ran for mayor as a Green Party candidate in 2005 against Chris Coleman and then-incumbent Randy Kelly. She came in third in the primary election but won an impressive 19 percent of the vote against the two DFLers.

Since then, the West Side resident has pursued much of her political activism through Clean Water Action and Community Power, organizations that push for environmental protections.

Dickinson said she wants the city to develop a clean energy plan and living wage ordinance, as well as leadership programs to support city employees and youth. She also plans to focus on homelessness and simplifying city regulations for business owners and entrepreneurs.

She said she would "play defense" against the state and federal governments by protecting St. Paul's sick leave plan and sanctuary city status.

Dickinson, who has lived on the West Side for 18 years, said some neighborhoods in the city have been neglected and that the city should budget more for those areas. She asked residents to contact her with suggestions for what she should focus on if elected.

"I hope to provide a very inclusive, welcoming attitude toward the mayor's office," Dickinson said.

Dickinson is the fifth candidate to enter the race to succeed Coleman, who is running for governor.