St. Paul City Council Election: Nelsie Yang’s Campaign for Reelection in the Vibrant Sixth Ward

Nelsie Yang, the trailblazing Hmong woman who made history in 2019 as the first to be elected to the St. Paul City Council, is now vying for another term. At just 24 years old, she became the youngest St. Paul council member, and she seeks to continue advocating for progressive policies in the upcoming November 7 election.

The Vibrant and Diverse Sixth Ward

St. Paul’s Sixth Ward, encompassing East Side neighborhoods such as Frost Lake, Hayden Heights, Hazel Park, Payne-Phalen, Phalen Village, and Prosperity, has a rich history of welcoming newcomers to the United States. This ward boasts vibrant cultural corridors but also grapples with persistent pockets of poverty.

Sixth Ward Concerns

Concerns within the Sixth Ward are varied, but public safety stands out as a top priority. Sai Thao, a resident who attended an elected officials’ forum, expressed concern about crime rates, emphasizing the need for improved lighting on the area’s streets.

Terri Thao, who finished second to Yang in the 2019 race, echoes these concerns, citing recent tragic incidents, including a fatal stabbing at Harding High School and the shooting of a 14-year-old girl. She emphasizes the feeling of East Siders being left out of critical conversations at City Hall despite being a significant part of the city’s population.

Nelsie Yang: The Incumbent’s Agenda

Nelsie Yang, a resident of the Greater East Side neighborhood, stands as the incumbent council member. In an interview, she highlights income disparities as the most pressing issue in the ward. Drawing from her family’s experience as refugees, she stresses the importance of a living wage to ensure dignified lives for all.

Affordable housing is another key priority for Yang. She actively campaigned for the rent control ordinance approved by St. Paul voters in 2021 and remains a vocal advocate for affordable housing. However, she expresses reservations about certain amendments to the policy, believing they favor developers over renters in the community.

Ben Werner, an East Side housing advocate, acknowledges Yang’s strong advocacy for housing and other essential issues. He underscores the need for more affordable housing, particularly deeply affordable housing, and better support for small businesses to create living-wage jobs.

Werner also suggests a greater focus on addressing gun violence, though he recognizes the challenges given the many pressing issues on the East Side.

Key Ballot Question: Sales Tax Increase

This year’s St. Paul ballot includes a critical question regarding a 1% sales tax increase to fund transportation and recreation infrastructure. Yang stands in support of this measure, emphasizing the necessity of additional funding to rebuild and maintain vital infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

Endorsements and Finances

Nelsie Yang enjoys significant endorsements, including the DFL Party, TakeAction Minnesota, OutFront Minnesota, Democratic Socialists of America Twin Cities, and various progressive groups and labor organizations. In her most recent finance report filed in September, Yang reported raising $171,800 and having $15,500 on hand.

The Challenger: Gary Unger

Challenging Yang is Gary Unger, an 82-year-old retired 3M employee residing in Hillcrest. Unger, a lifelong East Sider, has entered the race due to his perception that the East Side has strayed from its core values.

Unger’s primary concern is funding for the police and other emergency workers. While he does not support the 1% sales tax increase proposal on the ballot, he advocates for a renewed focus on essential issues, such as road maintenance and building upkeep, rather than what he deems as tangential matters.

Unger’s extensive experience, including two decades on the local district council, sets him apart from Yang in the race. However, it’s worth noting that he has not filed any campaign finance reports.

In conclusion, the St. Paul City Council election in the Sixth Ward offers a choice between Nelsie Yang, the incumbent advocating for progressive policies and affordable housing, and Gary Unger, who prioritizes essential services and a return to core values. The election on November 7 will determine the future direction of the Sixth Ward, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.