My name is Lisa Eng-Sarne and I am running for West St. Paul City Council in 2020! If we haven’t met in person (we should fix that), let me tell you a little more about myself. My husband, Chad, and I purchased our home on Emerson Avenue West nine years ago and have loved every minute living here. We were looking for an affordable home in a safe and connected community, and we found that in West St. Paul. At that time, I worked at the state legislature where I gained insight on how to advocate for my city and how to respectfully debate. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of the public and private partnerships it takes to build a successful city and how to best serve my constituency.
In the private sector, I have over fifteen years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, and project management. Distilling complicated information for the public to better understand has always been a part of my work. For 11 years, I was also a leader on and off the track for the Minnesota RollerGirls, now known as Minnesota Roller Derby. In addition to captaining teams and playing the sport of roller derby, I helped raise over $100,000 for charity partners. Every winter, I also participate in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota, raising thousands of dollars for the organization. My younger sister, Molly, is a Special Olympics athlete and she is a huge motivator behind my support. I grew up just down the road from here, in Maplewood, and attended North St. Paul High School, where I once scored three goals in one game against South St. Paul’s hockey team (I feel like that’s a must-mention in West St. Paul). My mom is a lunch lady in the Maplewood-622 School District, and my dad is a union electrician. Following high school, I graduated from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, with a degree in communication and a minor in peace studies and conflict resolution.
I’ve also volunteered for Ramsey County SOS as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault. This involved hospital outreach, as well as staffing a 24-hour crisis line. While this work was difficult, it gave me a better understanding of police and emergency services, public health, and access issues that many people face. Being a crisis advocate also has helped me be a better advocate for all citizens.
By the time the November election is here, I will have served as a council member for nearly two years and it feels like we are just getting started making traction in advancing our city. I plan to keep using my strong, positive, and forward-thinking voice to create transparency and trust within city government. I understand the importance of truly listening to constituents and l look forward to hearing all of your ideas and passions. I love this city and I would be honored to continue to serve you as a member of the West St. Paul City Council in Ward III.
Experience:
Public policy, project management, conflict resolution, advocacy, legislative process, community relations, leading teams (professional, roller derby, and volunteer), social media, marketing and communications, public utilities
Values:
Compassionate, accountable, hard-working, curious, enthusiastic, tough, supportive, always a team player