Golden Valley City Council Candidate: Andy Snope

There are 11 candidates running for three Golden Valley Council seats this year. Two seats are for two four-year terms and one seat is a special election to fill the two-year term seat. 

Below you will find the candidate biography for Andy Snope running for one of the four-year term seats. (All candidates were contacted by Patch via email and given the chance to answer the same questions.)

What previous political experience do you have (including other governmental positions you’ve held, whether elected, appointed or volunteer)?

At this time in my life, I find it rewarding to become more involved in public policy and government. I have been attending the Golden Valley City Council meetings and have become more familiar with the issues that affect our great city, as well as the many benefits that enrich the lives of our fellow residents in Golden Valley. Most recently I have been appointed to the re-established Human Rights Commission where I have been elected chairman. I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Holiday lights in the park at Lake Phalen, Toys for Tots at KARE 11 and the Golden Valley Run the Valley event.

What other relevant experience do you have?

On July 5, 1990, I became a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Minneapolis Local Union 292. I completed my Apprenticeship in 1995 and shortly after that I was appointed Job Steward. Over the years, I have held several volunteer officer positions in our Union, serving on several boards, including Executive Board Chairman and Recording Secretary. I have lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of my fellow electrical workers and our community as a whole. I am employed as the Political Coordinator for IBEW Local 292.  I work to educate and activate our members on important political issues affecting our ability to do our jobs and provide for our families.  I also communicate our issues to the legislators that represent us and government entities that regulate our industry. Through this experience I have built many relationships with local, state and federal representatives of our government.  I also voluntarily serve as a Trustee for our Health and Welfare Benefits Funds; I am involved in making decisions regarding the benefits structure of our self-insured health care plan and investment allocation decisions for our pension and defined contribution plans.

I am currently employed as a Business Representative for IBEW Local 292, the Electricians Union located in Minneapolis. I work as the Political Coordinator and the Market Recovery Director. Before working in the office I worked as an Electrician in the field for 22 years.

Where did you go to school? 

I grew up in Chaska, in the Johnathan Development. I graduated from Chaska High School in 1987. After High School I immediately started school at Dunwoody Institute in the course of Electrical Construction. I graduated from Dunwoody in 1989. I served my electrical apprenticeship through the Minneapolis Joint Apprenticeship program. 

How old are you? 

In December, I will be turning 45 years old

Do you have a spouse, children or any other family members you’d like to tell voters about? 

I have lived in Golden Valley with my wife Gretchen for 15 years, we have 2 children; Jakob, 13 and Xiao Que, 7. We moved into Golden Valley as first-time home buyers in 1998

What are your campaign goals?

The number one goal of my campaign is to talk to as many Golden Valley residents as I can before being elected to the council on November 5th. I will be a council member that is responsive to residents. The best way to accomplish this is to get out on the doors and talk with folks about the issues, concerns and great things about our city. I believe the most important quality of an elected official is the ability to listen and to engage in respectful dialog.  This is what I will deliver if I am elected.

What issues are you most focused on?

As a Golden Valley City Council member:

• I will work to build consensus with my fellow council members, the Mayor and staff to create a respectful, thoughtful decision making process that will help to move Golden Valley forward.

• I will work to explore the possibility of additional transportation options for the residents of Golden Valley.

• I will work to increase bicycle and pedestrian corridor options in and throughout the city to increase capacity, accessibility and safety on sidewalks and paths to connect our neighborhoods.

• I will work to make sure we are attracting business development and job creation while, at the same time, being respectful of our established building ordinances and current residents’ concerns about expansion and environmental impact.

• I will continually examine that crucial balance between delivering quality city services and keeping our tax burden at a reasonable level.

• I will examine our infrastructure system and make sure we are working with other entities to provide a seamless delivery of utilities - especially concerning the delivery of water, gas and electricity.  

•  I would like to see Golden Valley become a greener city; to that end, I will work to explore alternative energy options for city buildings and work to encourage residents and businesses to do the same.

• Golden Valley is a diverse community; I will work to see the city continue to provide programs and activities that celebrate the different cultures and lifestyles we share, building our sense of community and participation.

Why should voters choose you?

I was raised to find good in everyone.  Everyone has a story to tell; we just have to slow down long enough to listen - only then can we truly educate and enrich ourselves.  I believe that everyone should be treated with respect and should be given equal opportunities and equal rights.  I believe I can carry those values and objectives with me on to the Golden Valley City Council to help make the lives of my fellow Golden Valley residents better. We will face many issues over the next few years in Golden Valley; I am ready to take on those issues and help move Golden Valley forward with a new perspective while preserving what is unique about our great city.  My life experiences have provided me with the qualifications to work well with others, build consensus, collaborate and compromise.

I respectfully and humbly ask for your support.  Please vote for Andy Snope for Golden Valley City Council on Nov. 5.

You can find out more about me, my ideas on the issues that affect our City and how you can help with my campaign on my website at www.andysnope.com.