Woodbury council race packed

Against a backdrop of city budget cuts, six candidates are competing for two seats on the Woodbury City Council.

The field includes two incumbents, Amy Scoggins and Paul Rebholz, both completing their first terms on the five-member council. They're challenged by Natalie Miller, Emmanuel Obikwelu, Shawn Wignall and Ryan Willis.

All of the candidates favor careful spending and low taxes, but in recent forums offered few specifics about where they would cut, in part because of Woodbury residents' devotion to their parks, trails and other amenities.

Two weeks ago, the City Council asked the city staff to find $750,000 in cuts to next year's budget. The idea was to give some relief to taxpayers, said Julie Lehr, a city spokeswoman. The cuts would reduce the city's total tax levy from $27.5 million to $26.7 million, and reduce the estimated property tax increase on an average-valued house from $47 to $8.
"The council sent a strong message that it recognizes the present economic situation and that cities do not need levy limits imposed by the state in order to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers," said Clint Gridley, the city administrator.

Here are the six candidates:

• Natalie Miller, 29, is a real estate agent who's lived in Woodbury for six years. She's been an assistant coach for youth basketball and hockey teams.

She said that as a fiscal conservative and advocate for limited government her goal is to keep property taxes low and ensure that spending doesn't increase during good economic times. She wants to make sure that the presence of low-income housing doesn't depress property values and said that reduced taxes will help residents save for a house.

• Emmanuel Obikwelu, 50, lives in Woodbury and teaches high school science in Minneapolis.

He said that as "a new voice for Woodbury" he has focused his campaign on accountable use of tax dollars. He wants to promote "excellent" neighborhood schools and safe streets and preserve funding for neighborhoods and parks.

• Paul Rebholz, 44, is a real estate and economic development banker who's lived in Woodbury for 16 years. He is a member for several public boards, including the Woodbury Economic Development Authority and commissioner for the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He also coaches youth athletics.

As a City Council member, he points to his support of economic development as Woodbury added more than 2 million square feet of retail and office space over the past four years. He's also an open spaces advocate and supported the city's $9 million referendum in 2005.

• Amy Scoggins, 38, has lived in Woodbury for eight years. She's a stay-at-home mom and before that was a physician recruiter. She's on School District 833's early childhood education site-based management team and coaches her daughter's soccer teams.

She said the City Council has been diligent in keeping budgets tight and did a good job planning the city's growth. Scoggins favors alternative energy when it makes good economic sense, and in the same spirit, a community swimming pool. Police, fire and emergency medical services are a priority, she said, adding: "We have used our tax dollars responsibly."

• Shawn Wignall, 34, has lived in Woodbury for eight years. He's a research and development engineer at American Medical Systems.

To him, the most important issue that isn't being addressed is a lack of locally owned businesses in the new retail and commercial developments. He would like to see the city explore ways of attracting and keeping more small businesses. Wignall said he would limit provisions in the budget for residential expansion and land acquisition. "I would do everything I could not to cut services offered to the public," he said.

• Ryan Willis, 30, works as a technician/programmer for Automatic Systems Co. in Roseville. Through his job he provides management of Woodbury's water and wastewater resources.

He believes the city should promote fiscal responsibility and smart growth. He said he's not running "based on any axes to grind or personal benefits to gain" but because he believes civic participation is important. "I want to help shape the decisions that will make Woodbury an even better place to live," he said.

Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554