ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- Two St. Cloud City Council members are vying to become the city's next mayor.

Mike Conway moved to St. Cloud in 1991 and has been on the city council for the past six years. He says being on the council has helped him understand how the city runs.

He wants to be mayor to help the city take the next steps to grow.

I view the mayor's job and the city council's job is to get out of the way and let development happen in the city.  Funneling, challenging, and targeting where we want to grow that's part of the city's job, but not be an impediment to development and growth in the city.

Conway says the university area and the downtown are pretty much the heartbeat of the city, and he says those two areas need to grow.

On the topic of the city's homeless population, Conway says the city needs to continue to actively partner with organizations like Avivo which is building a new shelter.

That's a big question mark as to whether or not that particular shelter is going to change perceptions, that's going to be the hardest thing when that opens changing perceptions of what a facility of that level of homelessness can do.  I think you are going to see some interesting changes in that area.

Conway says Avivo will be a huge step in the right direction because they come in with a plan that has already been tested and proven.

Conway also wants to be a champion for new developments for first-time homebuyers. He says the city needs to focus incentives through zoning and building requirements.

Conway says the recent passing of the Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance has the potential to help redevelop older neighborhoods as well.

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Conway says residents should vote for him because he chose to come to St. Cloud to live, and he will be a leader who can make tough decisions.

The other candidate is Jake Anderson. Current Mayor Dave Kleis is not seeking re-election after holding the position for 20 years.

If you'd like to listen to this conversation, it is available below.

 

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