Candidate Surveys 2023

Noval Noir did not respond to the survey

Peter K. Butler's [PB] responses are below

Council Member Rebecca Noecker's [RN] responses are below

Bill Hosko [BH] responses are below

1. Do you support the current renter stabilization ordinance, and if not, what changes would you apply?

PB: No. I do not support any type of rent stabilization ordinance. Price controls never work; they restrict supply and when removed, prices skyrocket. I support placing a referendum for voters to decide whether to repeal the ordinance. The original ordinance was approved by voters; I believe that voters should decide whether it remains in effect.

RN: Housing costs for many of our community members have continued to increase past what they can afford and unpredictable, predatory rent increases lead to housing instability and sometimes homelessness. Rent stabilization is one among many tools we can use to ensure that our residents are able to find and afford quality housing. However, the ordinance in its original form was the strictest in the country and housing data seemed to indicate that our ordinance was discouraging housing development in St. Paul. I worked with my colleagues and stakeholders throughout the community to amend the ordinance in a way that protects renters from unfair rent increases, ensures that property owners can get a good return on their investment and that still encourages the building of new housing that is so crucial to keeping housing prices affordable and giving tenants choice. I support the ordinance in its current form.

BH: The incumbent did not tell the public, before the 2021 Vote, that variances would be needed.  Thousands of renters are no longer protected.  It was a classic political bait and switch. 

If I am elected, there will be a new referendum, in an even-year election to ensure highest turnout possible, for voters to vote on this issue again. Further, city elections need to be moved to even-years to ensure highest participation which current odd-year elections will never be able to produce.

2. Do you support the construction of the Summit Ave. bike lane?

PB: No. Many residents raised legitimate concerns about the Plan but were ignored. Regardless of the plan's merits and shortcomings, it does not represent the will of many St. Paul residents. My first council resolution will be to repeal the adopted plan.

RN: I support the proposed reconstruction plan for Summit Avenue. I believe that when we rebuild aging city infrastructure like Summit Avenue, we should take the opportunity to bring adjacent bike infrastructure up to modern standards. In the case of a street like Summit, that means separated bike lanes. 

BH: Pioneer Press, May 24, 2023, “St. Paul City Council approves Summit Avenue bikeway 6-1” quoted Councilmember Noecker “I really regret that it has gotten so divisive. Just because an idea is divisive, though, isn’t a sign that it’s wrong. … I think that this plan strikes the right balance. I want to build a city and invest in infrastructure that’s for our children. … This is the best plan for children and families.” 

Good grief her saying I, I, I.  Including “I want to build a city...”  What!? The incumbent gave us a lecture, meant to shut people down, and to make them submit and obey.  Terrible behavior.  I apologize for it. 

Many newer city bike paths placed on streets are no wider than Summit’s long-term one, including Payne Avenue’s newer bike path north of Phalen Boulevard which is 53”. Summit’s near the University Club is 55”.  If the newer bike path on Payne Avenue is keeping “children and families” safe... Summit’s must be doing an even better job.  

This type of inconsistent and disingenuous behavior will end if I am elected.  Further, I will hold weekly People/Press Conferences, livestreamed as well.  Everything will be in the open and above board with me as your Ward two representative.  All the endless behind scenes dramas emanating out of city hall, we will together, put to rest.

3. Do you support the elimination of zoning for single family housing?

PB: No. I strongly support neighborhood preservation. Entry level homes will be demolished for the lot, removing affordable homes from first-time homebuyers. New, multi-unit buildings will overshadow the neighboring homes. The block you move onto should look the same when you move out.

RN: Yes, I support zoning changes that allow increased density in our neighborhoods, especially “gentle” and infill density such as duplexes, triplexes and Accessory Dwelling Units. We need to expand our housing supply in order to increase housing affordability, combat climate change and expand our tax base so as to bring down property taxes. 

BH: The great majority of my constituents would not and neither could I.  

4. What is one action you would take to reduce or neutralize criminal violence to improve residents’ sense of safety?

PB: We must focus multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial resources on the small number of gangs and drug networks causing the most violent criminal activity.

RN: I would continue to support our Group Violence Intervention (GVI) initiative which has shown double-digit percentage decreases in crime when used in other cities. GVI focuses supports and enforcement on the very small number of people who commit the most violent crime. 

BH: Publicly ensure that laws meant to uphold safety and order be enforced and that the politics of under re-porting of crime end as well.  The political games of the public needing to accept crime as being part of life in Saint Paul is a disgrace.  City hall has normalized crime here. They are now picking and choosing which laws should be obeyed.  Simultaneously, they are failing our youth and adults that get involved in low level crime, for too often when there is no consequence for taking away the rights and property of others, those actions become greater and more serious.

Additionally, the incumbent and other local, county and state politics saying, ‘it is a national problem’, ‘it is systemic nationally’ is an embarrassment.  President Biden is not in charge of keeping Saint Paul citizens and our business community safe.  Nor is it Governor Walz’s job.  It’s Saint Paul’s elected official’s job. 

Currently, the mayor selects, and the city council hires our police chief.  For decades this has worked arguably well.  In modern politics in Saint Paul however, sadly it is not.  For these politicians are largely behind scenes, requiring the chief to compromise the safety and well-being of this city in order that the chief support their ‘vision’ of what this city should be and how each of you should live your lives. 

Lastly, it is time the position of Police Chief becomes an elected one.  If elected, I will ensure that this becomes realty. Most agree and would prefer future Police Chiefs be accountable to citizens first and foremost.  

5. Do you support renegotiation of the franchise agreement with Xcel Energy?

PB: I would need to understand the impact on customers, recognizing that greater franchise fees paid to the city are passed to the customers.

RN: I want the City Council to have a seat at the table when Xcel’s next franchise agreement is negotiated. It’s important to me to make sure we’re getting the best price and the best services for our customers. 

BH: If elected, I would need to discus with my constituents and our local business community first before taking a public position.

6. What is your favorite and least desirable detail about the Carter Administration?

PB: Favorite: raising our consciousness to the inequities faced by minorities.

Least: top heavy on mayoral staff.

RN: I appreciate the administration’s understanding that our most complex community problems require multi-faceted solutions. Our Community First Public Safety Initiative is a great example of how this administration understands the need for both immediate responses to crime and upstream approaches to prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

I would like the administration to be more collaborative with constituents and community partners. This includes being more responsive to community members who reach out and request meetings or information, and working more closely with our many exemplary partners in the nonprofit, education, medical, business and other sectors on initiatives that make our community a better place.

BH: I cannot offer a ‘favorite’ in good conscience when he has threatened citizens with large property tax increases if he doesn’t get his way.  Such as with the trash referendum in 2021 and now with the 1% sale tax referendum.  It is a disgrace how the public is being treated, and the incumbent allows it to happen.  Vote NO, on the 1% Salest Tax increase referendum.  

Existing taxes, are supposed to be paying for road repairs.  Our city budget has exploded in the past ten years from $500 million to nearly $800 million now.  The mayor and incumbent have failed for years now in ensuring their fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers by ensuring completion of basic city services always have priority over their financing their politically motivated pet projects - usually rolled out during election season as a way to buy votes and distract from more serious issues.  

If elected, my priority will be to you and not to ‘furthering’ my power, my political career and my ability to spend every greater amounts of your money and in ways I never would if it were my own. 

At the League of Women Voters September 12, Ward Two candidate forum during my closing, I pledged to serve the full 4-year term & to not seek election to higher office, specifically county or state, during it. The incumbent did not join me in that pledge.  The video link is on BillHosko.Org.  

7. Has the newly organized trash system in Saint Paul been successful and if not, how would you change it?

PB: No. The city poorly managed the initial contract by prohibiting neighbors from sharing or opting out, creating no financial incentive to reduce waste, and spending $4 million for new trash carts. I would divide the city into smaller service areas to allow more haulers to bid for the business, and bar any combination or consortium of haulers from submitting a bid as anti-competitive.

RN: Overall, the new organized collection system has been a success. That said, there are significant changes I want to see in our next contract - including bringing customer service into the City so residents get better service and giving people the option to share carts. Both of these features will be part of our next collection contract.

BH: Allow citizens another referendum vote on it during an ‘even-year’ election, including ‘shall citizens have a right to share trash bins with a neighbor or nearby family member’.  Very important that people are allowed to Vote on this.  

For thousands of low-income people here too have been harmed by the incumbent’s and mayor’s policies. As well, low trash producers and high recyclers have too been very unfairly treated by heavy handed city hall behavior.  If I am elected, I will never lose site that that I will be there solely to act as a public servant in the highest sense.      

8. Do you support historic preservation in Saint Paul?

PB: Yes. The most attractive downtown areas are the historic ones that mostly escaped the post WWII redevelopment craze. Historic buildings make St. Paul unique in comparison to surrounding suburbs. We must preserve our heritage for future generations to enjoy.

RN: Yes. I am proud to have worked with community leaders to preserve some of our most important historic structures in Ward 2, including the Hope Firestation, Firestation 10 and the Justus Ramsey House. I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Saint Paul Historic Preservation Political Committee. It is crucial that we continue to balance the need for more development while maintaining the character of Saint Paul that makes this place so special.

BH: I have been self-employed as an architectural illustrator and artist for 34 years.  

I could write pages on this one as well!  I adore this city, my hometown – somewhat beaten, bruised and abused by city hall politicians – if I am elected, together we will right things again in short order, and I will always remain so appreciative to those who worked so hard and devoted so much of their lives to preserving our truly unique in America heritage.

If elected, you will have no better friend in any existing preservation efforts and for those to arise in coming years. Thank you so much for this opportunity and your consideration of me as your next Ward two leader.