Hennepin County Commissioner Candidates Forum

For the first time in more than 35 years, citizens of Hennepin County’s District 5 will elect a new county commissioner. After serving 10 terms in office, Randy Johnson’s retirement at the end of this term creates an open seat on the seven-member Hennepin County Board. District 5 includes Bloomington, Richfield and southern Eden Prairie.   Hennepin County provides an array of social services, a network of libraries, Hennepin County Medical Center, and the sheriff’s and public works department, manages 8,000 employees and has a budget of nearly $2 billion.

With Irene Kelly as moderator, the two candidates will share how they are qualified for this position and what they would do if elected.

Debbie Goettel is a civil engineer who has worked in the environmental and sustainability fields and currently consults and owns a small business. The longtime Richfield resident was elected mayor in 2005 and is serving her third four-year term. Before being elected, she was an active volunteer in her community. She still serves on numerous state and regional boards that work on housing, labor, public health and transportation issues.(in photo on right)

Maureen Scallen Failor, as president of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, understands the private sector and wants to bring a common-sense business approach to the county workforce and economic development. She has been a top executive in a family business and also has worked with community-based nonprofits.(in photo on left)