OPENING (1 minute)

Thank you to League of Women Voters Edina for hosting the forum and to all of
you for being here tonight.
My name is Jennifer Janovy. I have lived in Edina for about 22 years with my
husband Randy Meyer. Our kids are 14 and almost 16, and both students in Edina
Public Schools.
You may remember that I ran for City Council in 2014 and came close to winning
a seat. Over the past two years, Ive continued to work on civic issues such as
transparency, compliance and ethics, the city budget, and transportation.
I serve on the Edina Transportation Commission, and have served on the Met
Councils Transportation Advisory Board, co-founded the Morningside Neighborhood
Association, chaired Bike Edina, and co-chaired the third Grandview Citizen Advisory
Team.
As some of you may have seen coming in here tonight, the theme of my
campaign is Community. Vision. Values. and Voice. I believe that city government
works best when residents have a voice. I believe in leading from the community up,
rather than from the City Council down. I believe that we can build community through
city government, and city government through community.
I look forward to your questions and, again, thank you for being here.

Question asked in advance: What is the most important issue facing Edina? (2 minutes)

Thank you.
The answer to that question has three parts, and theyre connected.
The first part is how the Southdale area is redevelopingwithout a plan or
shared community visionand how that development will define the look and feel of
Edina for years to come.
The second part is how developmentespecially high density residentialputs
demands on existing infrastructure, parks, and public services. And how it creates the
need for new public infrastructure, facilities and servicesif we are going to maintain
our high quality of life and continue to be a community that people aspire to.
That brings me to the third point: The need for our community leaders to
actively listen to residentsto hear our visions for Edina. To understand our values and
concerns. To give us all a voice in how our community moves forward.
In 2013 and 15, the City commissioned community surveys. Residents were
asked if the City is heading in the right direction. In 2013, 94% said yes. In 2015, that
dropped to 73%. Why? Mainly concerns about redevelopment.
We can dismiss these concerns and label people as anti-development or afraid
of change. We can assume there is a lack of knowledge about urbanization.
Or we can deeply and actively listen.

We know certain facts about Edina residents. Were highly educated and value
education. A majority want more sidewalks, trails and green space. A strong sense of
community is very important. Traffic is a pain, especially this year. Apartments arent
too popular. Retaining public land for public purposes is. And most residents want the
City to maintain its focus on strong single family residential neighborhoods.
As a Council member, it wouldnt be my job to sit around a table with other
Council members, City staff and consultants and come up with a vision for Edina.
Instead, it would be my job to help set the table and make a place for each of you so
we can develop a shared vision together.
I believe we can successfully tackle the most important issues facing Edina today
by working together. And, that is fundamentally the best way to run a city government.

CLOSING (1 minutes)

Thank you.
Thank you for listening and for the great questions. Thank you to League of
Women Voters Edina.
This is a critical time for Edina. I believe we need a Council member with my
experience and valuessomeone who will listen to you, work with you, and retain the
independence and character to advocate for residents, smart growth, and open,
accountable city governance.
If you elect me to the City Council, I will work to create a fully open city
government and a civic environment that acts on your input.
Listening to you, I will work to strengthen the connection between your vision
for Edina and the City plans and processes that drive redevelopment.
I will work to bring more citizen involvement into the budgeting process and
accountability into spending decisions.
I will prioritize preservation of mature trees and restoration of natural areas;
improvements to playgrounds, park shelters, and trails; and attention to public
infrastructure to ensure that Edina is not only a great place to live today, but also has a
solid foundation for the future.
I have a passion for transportation and will work to make Edina exceptionally
livable, whether you drive, walk, bike, or take transit.

And lastly, where connection to and confidence in our City government are
lacking, I will work to create connection and restore trust.
I respectfully ask for your consideration and vote on November 8. Please feel
free to reach out to me directly or via my website, JenniferJanovy.com. Thank you.