Page Title

Century Wine & Spirits

On Century Blvd. * 952-401-WINE

Mikal Dean

1260 West 78th Street

Since 1982.

Family: My immediate family is my mother Mary who lives in Victoria, my father Bob who lives in Waconia, my sister Chele who lives in Minneapolis, and my longtime girlfriend Jeni Thuening who also lives in Victoria.

1) Roots. My roots are here in Victoria. I was born and raised here. I have spent all but four years of my life here living in Victoria. I have chosen to live here for many reasons including the people, parks, and small town values.

2) Education/Work. In brief, I attended Chaska ISD #112 schools for elementary through high school. I then attended Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN. I have worked the last three years for Lakewinds, a community owned food cooperative, as the bulk commodities buyer.

3) Reason for running. I decided to run for city council in order to serve my community and neighbors, by helping guide our city in a more prosperous and sustainable direction.

4) Improving Victoria. My thoughts in short are to work on promoting downtown growth to strengthen our city with the positives of more jobs, a shift of tax burden from the residents to the commercial sector, and keeping our money in town, which helps build economic stability. Also, obvious to those who have spent time here, something needs to be done concerning Highway 5. I would propose a system of pathways including under and/or overpasses to increase safe pedestrian crossings. And to continue to work with MnDOT for other solutions. I would like to have these paths also interconnect our neighborhoods with a possibility of a network of small parks. I would also form a volunteer based community group to work on various projects to both build better bonds between residents and to help beautify our city while remaining fiscally responsible.

5) Characteristics of a Councilmember. The characteristics I would choose are: hardworking, concerned, insightful, and “real.”

6) Expectation of citizens. The expectations I have for the citizens are to be open and honest with their concerns and ideas about our city and its future.

7) Safeguarding transparency. I will abide by the laws and standards put in place to this regard.

8) Parking. I believe the push for more parking spaces may seem unwarranted at this time but with future downtown development they will be on point.

9) Lofty purpose. By truly listening to our fellow residents about their needs and wants. Not just listening either, but by taking action.

10) Council time. The demands of Council are numerous and extensive. In order to meet these demands, I offer hard work and dedication, for nothing great has come from anything less.

Click here to meet the next five candidates.