Golden Valley City Council Candidate: Greg Keivit

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 Greg Keivit 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.)

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

I have never held any political or government position or been affiliated with any political party. While some would argue this is a negative I believe this is an asset. Because I have no previous exposure to politics I have no pet projects, political allies or enemies or preconceived notions about how things have to be done. Since I have no political affiliation I am not indebted to any groups and have no outside ideologies to which I am beholden. I can bring an untainted set of ideas to the council without being concerned about previous issues.

What other relevant experience do you have?

I have worked in all levels of Information Technology, from development through senior management. I have supervised staff and managed multi-million dollar projects.

Stay-at-home dad

Where did you go to school? 

I have a bachelor’s degree from The University of Michigan.

How old are you? 

50

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

My wife and I have worked and lived in Golden Valley over 17 years. I have a daughter who went through the Hopkins School system and is in college and a son at Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

What are your campaign goals?

I am trying to meet as many residents as possible to learn what is most important to them. I believe that the people who live here have great ideas for their city. Only by hearing from our residents can the city council make decisions that meet the needs and wants of the residents.

What issues are you most focused on?

I am focused on making all decisions should be made based on a few guidelines: 

Who is asking for it? Is the idea being driven by the people who live in the city or is it coming from some outside entity? Residents have the best idea of how they want their city to look and function and have the long term livability of the city in mind.

Is it what the residents of Golden Valley want? Is the majority of the population in favor of a project or change? The “Citizens of Golden Valley” are at the top of the city organization chart and their voices must be the most hear and considered.

How do the residents of Golden Valley benefit? Will a project or change increase the livability, safety, security or financial stability of the city? Any project or change must make sense for the people that will live and work here after the project is finished.

Will it still be viable in the long term? Once a change is made or a project is complete how will it affect Golden Valley in the long term? Will a new development still provide benefits in 5 or 10 years? Will a zoning change cause problems a few years down the road? Any change must make sense both now and in the future.

Are we willing to part with the resources needed to complete the project? Resources are limited. Once land is used or money is spent that resource is gone. Are we willing to part with these resources for this change? Will we miss these resources in the future?

I want to put the people of Golden Valley first. The residents know how they want their city to look, feel and function.

The city belongs to the citizens. I want to be sure their voices have the greatest impact in any decision the city council makes.

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like more information.

gkeivit@yahoo.com

612-382-9002

KeivitForCouncil.blogspot.com