Two candidates are running for mayor of Shoreview and three more are running for a seat on the city council in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 3, 2026, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Age: 58

What would your top priorities be if elected?

I would like to maintain Shoreview’s reputation as a city that works efficiently to provide quality services. The city also must adapt to changing circumstances outside of our control that can drive up our costs. Minnesota’s labor force is shrinking as the baby boomers retire, and that is driving up our public safety labor costs in particular. The cost of living is making home ownership more unaffordable, so we must apply innovative zoning and planning concepts to build more housing for all income levels. We have lost a lot of trees to the emerald ash borer, energy costs are rising, and our city and residents face hazards and opportunities resulting from climate change. I would like to help the city, its residents, and businesses navigate solutions for these and other issues so that we can reduce financial risks and maintain quality. We must also maintain Shoreview’s status as a welcoming community for all, commit to public safety, enhance our parks and trails, and help our businesses to thrive and expand.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I have been on the Shoreview City Council for the past two years. From 2007 to 2010, I served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for Shoreview and five other suburban communities in Anoka and Ramsey County. Professionally, I have worked in the recycling and water quality sectors in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors where I interacted with state and local governments regularly. Temperament matters in this role. People have described me as a no-drama person who does his homework and listens to residents’ concerns dispassionately.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

Government at all levels should remove barriers to equal opportunity to services, and provide equal protection. In Shoreview’s city government, that means providing high quality streets, utilities, public safety, parks, recreation, trails, and other amenities to everyone in exchange for your taxes, and not just to people with the highest incomes. Equal protection means that city government should support its residents equally against crime, discrimination, and predatory practices without favoring anyone over another.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

At the Legislature, I learned that one can disagree without being disagreeable. Your adversary one day could be your closest ally the next day. Serving as an elected official requires humility because we don’t know everything, and sometimes we can be wrong. We have to be able to take the heat from constituents who are upset, and have the patience to work through complicated issues with people not familiar with the labyrinth of government process. Our residents have a variety of occupations and life experiences, and they help me learn. Hearing from people with different views helps keep me grounded, and it commits me to finding consensus where possible. Since the city council is non-partisan, our similarities and differences don’t fall along partisan lines. That is refreshing!

Website or contact information: www.gardner4shoreview.org and Paul Gardner for Shoreview Mayor on Facebook.

Age: 51

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Our parks and trails are one of Shoreview’s greatest assets, and we should continue building on that success. I voted to approve our Parks Master Plan and we have made a strong down payment on that plan with our recent updates to Bobby Theisen Park, the Shamrock Park playground and Commons Park. As a transportation engineer, I believe we should build safe, connected networks—not isolated segments. That means filling gaps in sidewalks and trails, improving street crossings, adding bike facilities where appropriate, and making it easier for residents to ride or walk to schools, parks, businesses, and neighboring communities. Parks and trails may not be glamorous, but like any good local government, the best parks and trails simply work and you don’t have to give it much thought.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I’m running for re-election to the Shoreview City Council because I love this community, and believe local government should bring people together to solve problems. My goal is to keep Shoreview a city where neighbors know and care for one another, where families are proud to put down roots, and where we continue to be one of the best places to live, work, and play. My commitment to public service started as a 5 year old refugee from Vietnam who did not speak English and was raised by a single mom. This country gave me opportunities I could never have imagined. That experience inspired a lifetime of service—as a Navy veteran, civil engineer, small business owner, and now as a Shoreview City Council member. I have also served as chair of the State Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans and Shoreview Planning Commission, and member of the Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Board on Aging. I focus on listening first, working collaboratively, and making decisions based on facts rather than politics.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe the primary role of government is to create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. At the local level, that means providing high-quality public services, protecting public safety, investing wisely in infrastructure and parks, safeguarding our natural resources, and planning for a strong local economy where people can live, work, and raise a family. Government should be fiscally responsible, transparent, and accountable, always seeking the greatest value for taxpayers while listening to residents and bringing people together to solve problems. My philosophy is that local government works best when it is practical rather than ideological—focused on delivering results, treating everyone with respect, and preserving the strong sense of community that makes Shoreview a welcoming, low-drama city.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

One of the things I value most about local government is that good ideas aren’t partisan—they’re practical. My mom told me, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason—listen twice as much as you talk.” That advice has guided me throughout my life and public service. I’ve learned that when you take the time to truly understand someone’s perspective, even when you disagree, you often discover shared values and better solutions. A great example was my work on Shoreview’s Comprehensive Plan, where residents had different views about housing density—from those focused on creating more opportunities for young families and seniors, to those concerned about preserving neighborhood character, traffic, and infrastructure. Instead of viewing those concerns as competing sides, we listened, found common ground, and created a plan that reflects Shoreview’s values while preparing our community for the future. I don’t believe every disagreement needs to end in consensus, but every person deserves to be heard and treated with respect. My goal is not to win every debate; it is to make thoughtful decisions that serve the greatest good of Shoreview residents and strengthen the community we all call home.

Website or contact information: https://www.doan4shoreview.com.

Age: 37

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top three priorities are housing maintenance and affordability, fiscal responsibility and economic growth, and connected mobility. As housing costs continue to rise, the city must ensure families have access to resources to buy and/or improve homes. Fiscal responsibility protects taxpayers in the long-term, and I will work to expand our corporate tax base to reduce the burden on homeowners. Finally, expanding our trails will enable people to move safely around the community and build connections with their neighbors.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I have lived in Shoreview since 2019 and am running for Shoreview City Council because I care deeply about our community. My goal is to build upon the City’s strong foundation by preserving fiscal responsibility and expanding the infrastructure necessary to meet our evolving needs. My education in Political Science, Social Work, and business allows me to approach issues with a human centered lens to find strategic, financially sound solutions. Additionally, my work with the Shoreview Citizen Leadership Academy, Shoreview Community Foundation board, and Human Rights Commission has given me the background needed to help me find practical, sustainable solutions that align with the character of our city.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

The primary role of government is to promote the overall welfare of the community by maintaining law and order and protecting people’s rights. Local government is uniquely suited to lead in these areas because of its access to residents, which allows the city to respond quickly and efficiently to the challenges and concerns people in the city face each day. As a City Council member, I will work to address the most pressing needs of Shoreview residents by listening to them firsthand and working collaboratively with the parties necessary to develop sustainable solutions that meet the most need.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

In my professional experience in Social Work and technology implementation consulting, I have worked to bridge gaps between people with differing opinions and even people who have opinions different from my own. I believe the most fruitful way to move forward past disagreements is through finding common ground, collaborating, and building connections. A strong community starts with strong connections, even when opinions differ. I believe City Hall must be accessible, transparent, and proactive, listening to all residents before challenges arise, not just after. As a City Council member, I will work to expand community outreach and foster open communication with neighborhoods and local businesses, regardless of opinion differences. Together, we can make informed decisions that reflect our values and ensure Shoreview remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all.

Website or contact information: https://ashleyforshoreview.org.