Bruce Bester
Name: Bruce K Bester
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-240-6712
Campaign Website: www.bruce4roseville.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: BruceBester for Rosevillecouncil
Candidate Bio
I am a lifelong volunteer, beginning with combat military service as a commissioned officer. I was employed 40 years as the CFO of one of Minnesota’s leading human service organizations, providing a wide range of services to meet the needs of adults with disabilities. In that position I was recruited to serve on a number of statewide advisory positions, as a subject matter expert for rate setting and financing of services for persons with disabilities. In that capacity I worked with lobbyists and negotiated contracts and agreements with Hennepin County and MN Department of Human Services. I volunteered for 11 years with the Courage Center Adaptive Waterski Program on Lake Owasso. For the past 3 years I have served as a board member, treasurer, and volunteer of a condominium association whose mission is to serve low-income persons, and senior citizens. While employed, I earned the Minneapolis St Paul Business Magazine’s CFO of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award. I served 6 years on the Roseville Finance Commission, including time as the Commission Chair.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I start by listening and learning. I take the time needed to do thorough research on the topic at hand. I am a problem solver, at home with complex matters. I learned a lot about leadership while in the military, where I learned most important to be a leader, one must first learn to be a follower. I lead by example. I am a compassionate person, and it shows in my leadership style. I act as a mentor and advisor to persons with various challenges, helping them to move forward to achieve their best potential.ll.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
The current levy trend line is well beyond the cost-of-living indexes. Beginning with fiscal year 2026, Roseville approved the addition of 15 firefighters to add to the current force of 30. Grants cover much of this new expense for the first 2 years. Beyond that plans need to be made to cover these new expenses. Simply adding this expense to the levy would place undue burden on the taxpayers of Roseville. We can do something about this. Changes are needed to Minnesota Statutes to permit Roseville emergency first responders to provide first response AND ALSO transport the patient to the hospital. This would eliminate multiple emergency vehicles and multiple emergency staff from responding to a single emergency situation. It would also result in a new stream of revenue for the city for the ambulance service to the hospital.
What is the biggest challenge facing Roseville right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Over the past year, affordability and safety have been at or near the top in terms of public attention and concern. Specifically the levy and Operation Metro Surge. At least one financial opportunity is discussed in point 3 above. Roseville is an appealing place to live and work. That likeability should continue to attract more people to make Roseville an even better community, with a growing tax base. At the same time, sonder tells us that every person has their own view of what is important and what is of concern. Roseville has grown to be a city more complex than its geographic boundaries would suggest, more than its population numbers would suggest. I see that complexity/ diversity / or sonder continuing. To me it means the City Council will need to be prepared to continue to deal with this complexity.
How would you characterize the business climate in Roseville, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Roseville has a healthy business climate. We are blessed with a thriving retail community, which is not the case for many of the metro shopping malls. Roseville’s retail success is not by luck or accident. Location helps, so does smart mall ownership and managers who work with the city to negotiate proper tax rates. Roseville retailers are supported by police and public safety, some of which are contracted or paid by the businesses. Boom in multi-family housing development and an attractive park system brings with it potential new employees and customers.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Operation Metro Surge resulted in a response from Roseville citizens unlike any before. City Council chambers and adjacent hallways were crowded with some 350 citizens expressing their fears and concerns about their safety. While I believe all undocumented immigrants should be working a path to citizenship, we need to be aware of the reality of the Metro Surge situation. Minnesota is estimated to have 100,000 undocumented persons while California, Texas, and Florida are estimated to have over 1,000,000 each. Roseville businesses lost revenue and employees lost wages. To a great extent, Roseville and Minnesota citizens acted in their own defense, and they were recognized for their bravery. Still, solving this is a complicated matter. We need to bear in mind the Supremacy Clause and be aware of the risks to grants and federal income. I suggest we need to demonstrate loyalty to Roseville citizens in our policing operations. In another matter, Roseville Police squashed a ring of brazen retail thieves. A job well done. Thank you!
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
Growth in development of multi-family housing in Roseville has led the Met Council to describe Roseville as an urban rather than a suburban community. Additional multi family and units targeted as low income or Section 8 eligible can be incentivized by using Tax Increment Financing. Roseville’s Community Development department should play a role in encouraging, planning and supporting the kind of housing needed by citizens. In my role as a board member of a condominium association for low income individuals, I further developed my skills to employ creative strategies to keep costs down to maximize affordability, while maintaining proper property management and life safety features.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
The County Road C – 4 to 3 lane improvements will go a long way towards making that road safer, allowing for better and safer experiences for cyclists and pedestrians, never mind badly needed pavement improvements. This project will require coordination with Ramsey County and the City of Little Canada. The cycle and pedestrian walkways over the bridge near County C and Victoria should be enhanced for safer walking and cycling. This project is a worthy addition to the Pathways Program.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
Over the past few years, the city levy has exceeded the cost-of-living indexes by multiples in most cases. For the year 2026, the combined impact of the levy, new sales tax, and new franchise fees (a city tax on utility bills) means Roseville taxpayers will see an effective double-digit increase. Commitments in place suggest that will continue well into the future. If we sincerely want to change that trend line, we need to change the “tone from the top”. That is to say that it would be more effective if it was an initiative fully embraced by Mayor and Council. There are things we can do. First, we need to succeed in changing Minnesota Statutes to permit Roseville medical emergency first responders to transport to the hospital when needed. This will eliminate duplicate medical vehicles at the site of the emergency AND create a source of revenue for the city. Second, we should consider tax exempt bond borrowing to finance more of our capital purchases. By doing this, future beneficiaries will share some of the cost burden of assets that will be in service for many years, rather than using only the current tax levy. This strategy is further justified by the fact that Roseville’s debt ratio is extremely low.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe that one of Roseville’s very special programs is the Navigators Program, a social services like program attached to the police department. This unit responds to situations where mental health, homelessness, even addiction would formerly have been handled by the police. I have personal experience using the referral and advisory services of this unit. In some ways it harkens me back to breakfast I had years ago with Tony Bouza, then Minneapolis Police Chief. Tony said to me “Bruce, don’t give me more money for cops, spend your money upstream”. I shared that story with Roseville’s police officer Juan Teron and he added “way upstream”. The words stick with me, and I think we should seek out ways to invest more of our dollars upstream. What I mean by upstream is about supporting families and preventing problems from happening. It is also about using the appropriate staffing resource, not just the police. Another area where the city is best positioned to lead is in our park system, and Pathways Program. We are rightly proud of our parks, but we shouldn’t take our foot off the accelerator in terms of park development and enhancement. We should make sure that we address the needs of the growing number of Roseville residents who live in the growing number of multi-family housing.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
I listen first, I do thorough research, then make suggestions and report findings, whether that be to Mayor, Council, Commissions or the public. I don’t shy away from matters that may be difficult or sensitive. And I am bold enough to say it like it is. Taxpayer transparency is found in numerous forms - open meetings, meeting minutes, and newsletters. Some require more effort. An important financial document is The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This is very much intended to be a detailed financial report for the public. But it is long, well over 100 pages. A good understanding of this highly detailed document takes a lot of time and effort. We can do something to enhance this. The Finance Commission encouraged city (Finance) staff to test, develop, and implement a brief financial report. This would definitely improve transparency and reduce the level of effort needed to gain a solid understanding of the statement of position and operating results of the city. In the end, we are better served when the public is well informed with accurate information through reasonable effort.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-240-6712
Campaign Website: www.bruce4roseville.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: BruceBester for Rosevillecouncil
Candidate Bio
I am a lifelong volunteer, beginning with combat military service as a commissioned officer. I was employed 40 years as the CFO of one of Minnesota’s leading human service organizations, providing a wide range of services to meet the needs of adults with disabilities. In that position I was recruited to serve on a number of statewide advisory positions, as a subject matter expert for rate setting and financing of services for persons with disabilities. In that capacity I worked with lobbyists and negotiated contracts and agreements with Hennepin County and MN Department of Human Services. I volunteered for 11 years with the Courage Center Adaptive Waterski Program on Lake Owasso. For the past 3 years I have served as a board member, treasurer, and volunteer of a condominium association whose mission is to serve low-income persons, and senior citizens. While employed, I earned the Minneapolis St Paul Business Magazine’s CFO of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award. I served 6 years on the Roseville Finance Commission, including time as the Commission Chair.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I start by listening and learning. I take the time needed to do thorough research on the topic at hand. I am a problem solver, at home with complex matters. I learned a lot about leadership while in the military, where I learned most important to be a leader, one must first learn to be a follower. I lead by example. I am a compassionate person, and it shows in my leadership style. I act as a mentor and advisor to persons with various challenges, helping them to move forward to achieve their best potential.ll.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
The current levy trend line is well beyond the cost-of-living indexes. Beginning with fiscal year 2026, Roseville approved the addition of 15 firefighters to add to the current force of 30. Grants cover much of this new expense for the first 2 years. Beyond that plans need to be made to cover these new expenses. Simply adding this expense to the levy would place undue burden on the taxpayers of Roseville. We can do something about this. Changes are needed to Minnesota Statutes to permit Roseville emergency first responders to provide first response AND ALSO transport the patient to the hospital. This would eliminate multiple emergency vehicles and multiple emergency staff from responding to a single emergency situation. It would also result in a new stream of revenue for the city for the ambulance service to the hospital.
What is the biggest challenge facing Roseville right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Over the past year, affordability and safety have been at or near the top in terms of public attention and concern. Specifically the levy and Operation Metro Surge. At least one financial opportunity is discussed in point 3 above. Roseville is an appealing place to live and work. That likeability should continue to attract more people to make Roseville an even better community, with a growing tax base. At the same time, sonder tells us that every person has their own view of what is important and what is of concern. Roseville has grown to be a city more complex than its geographic boundaries would suggest, more than its population numbers would suggest. I see that complexity/ diversity / or sonder continuing. To me it means the City Council will need to be prepared to continue to deal with this complexity.
How would you characterize the business climate in Roseville, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Roseville has a healthy business climate. We are blessed with a thriving retail community, which is not the case for many of the metro shopping malls. Roseville’s retail success is not by luck or accident. Location helps, so does smart mall ownership and managers who work with the city to negotiate proper tax rates. Roseville retailers are supported by police and public safety, some of which are contracted or paid by the businesses. Boom in multi-family housing development and an attractive park system brings with it potential new employees and customers.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Operation Metro Surge resulted in a response from Roseville citizens unlike any before. City Council chambers and adjacent hallways were crowded with some 350 citizens expressing their fears and concerns about their safety. While I believe all undocumented immigrants should be working a path to citizenship, we need to be aware of the reality of the Metro Surge situation. Minnesota is estimated to have 100,000 undocumented persons while California, Texas, and Florida are estimated to have over 1,000,000 each. Roseville businesses lost revenue and employees lost wages. To a great extent, Roseville and Minnesota citizens acted in their own defense, and they were recognized for their bravery. Still, solving this is a complicated matter. We need to bear in mind the Supremacy Clause and be aware of the risks to grants and federal income. I suggest we need to demonstrate loyalty to Roseville citizens in our policing operations. In another matter, Roseville Police squashed a ring of brazen retail thieves. A job well done. Thank you!
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
Growth in development of multi-family housing in Roseville has led the Met Council to describe Roseville as an urban rather than a suburban community. Additional multi family and units targeted as low income or Section 8 eligible can be incentivized by using Tax Increment Financing. Roseville’s Community Development department should play a role in encouraging, planning and supporting the kind of housing needed by citizens. In my role as a board member of a condominium association for low income individuals, I further developed my skills to employ creative strategies to keep costs down to maximize affordability, while maintaining proper property management and life safety features.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
The County Road C – 4 to 3 lane improvements will go a long way towards making that road safer, allowing for better and safer experiences for cyclists and pedestrians, never mind badly needed pavement improvements. This project will require coordination with Ramsey County and the City of Little Canada. The cycle and pedestrian walkways over the bridge near County C and Victoria should be enhanced for safer walking and cycling. This project is a worthy addition to the Pathways Program.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
Over the past few years, the city levy has exceeded the cost-of-living indexes by multiples in most cases. For the year 2026, the combined impact of the levy, new sales tax, and new franchise fees (a city tax on utility bills) means Roseville taxpayers will see an effective double-digit increase. Commitments in place suggest that will continue well into the future. If we sincerely want to change that trend line, we need to change the “tone from the top”. That is to say that it would be more effective if it was an initiative fully embraced by Mayor and Council. There are things we can do. First, we need to succeed in changing Minnesota Statutes to permit Roseville medical emergency first responders to transport to the hospital when needed. This will eliminate duplicate medical vehicles at the site of the emergency AND create a source of revenue for the city. Second, we should consider tax exempt bond borrowing to finance more of our capital purchases. By doing this, future beneficiaries will share some of the cost burden of assets that will be in service for many years, rather than using only the current tax levy. This strategy is further justified by the fact that Roseville’s debt ratio is extremely low.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe that one of Roseville’s very special programs is the Navigators Program, a social services like program attached to the police department. This unit responds to situations where mental health, homelessness, even addiction would formerly have been handled by the police. I have personal experience using the referral and advisory services of this unit. In some ways it harkens me back to breakfast I had years ago with Tony Bouza, then Minneapolis Police Chief. Tony said to me “Bruce, don’t give me more money for cops, spend your money upstream”. I shared that story with Roseville’s police officer Juan Teron and he added “way upstream”. The words stick with me, and I think we should seek out ways to invest more of our dollars upstream. What I mean by upstream is about supporting families and preventing problems from happening. It is also about using the appropriate staffing resource, not just the police. Another area where the city is best positioned to lead is in our park system, and Pathways Program. We are rightly proud of our parks, but we shouldn’t take our foot off the accelerator in terms of park development and enhancement. We should make sure that we address the needs of the growing number of Roseville residents who live in the growing number of multi-family housing.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
I listen first, I do thorough research, then make suggestions and report findings, whether that be to Mayor, Council, Commissions or the public. I don’t shy away from matters that may be difficult or sensitive. And I am bold enough to say it like it is. Taxpayer transparency is found in numerous forms - open meetings, meeting minutes, and newsletters. Some require more effort. An important financial document is The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This is very much intended to be a detailed financial report for the public. But it is long, well over 100 pages. A good understanding of this highly detailed document takes a lot of time and effort. We can do something to enhance this. The Finance Commission encouraged city (Finance) staff to test, develop, and implement a brief financial report. This would definitely improve transparency and reduce the level of effort needed to gain a solid understanding of the statement of position and operating results of the city. In the end, we are better served when the public is well informed with accurate information through reasonable effort.