Mary Behr Kleinberg
Name: Mary Behr Kleinberg
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: NA
Campaign Website: NA
Twitter Handle: NA
Facebook Page: NA
Candidate Bio
As an incumbent I bring four years of experience to the Lilydale City Council. I participated in the 2025 City Code update, attended the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conferences held in Duluth, meeting with staff and council members from across the state. I established the Lilydale Spring Cleanup and was instrumental in engaging the Pool and Yacht Club and the St Paul Yacht Club in joining our efforts. I serve on the Lilydale Finance Committee and the Lower Mississippi River Water Management Organization.
I enjoy working with our mayor, fellow council members and city staff. I am a team player, committed, organized and open to new ideas.
My roots run deep in Dakota County. I grew up in So. St. Paul and attended high school in West St. Paul. My husband and I moved to Lilydale in 2019 after living and raising our daughters in Ramsey County.
I have found being back in Dakota county to be a rewarding experience. If elected, I would be the only woman serving on the city council, and my life experience would bring a different perspective to an all-male council. I would very much appreciate the opportunity for my voice to be heard.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a leader who welcomes new ideas and an exchange of thought. I try to encourage positive change so that I can better serve and promote the common good for the citizens of Lilydale.
I’m approachable, collaborative, committed, and well organized. I contribute practical judgment and an independent perspective to my position on the city council.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Protecting the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Lilydale is a top priority. State and federal funding significantly influence healthcare and inflation; I am committed to safeguarding our citizens' rights to quality healthcare and working to control inflation costs.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources oversees river bluff management. The city of Lilydale is located on the bluffs, so our city is greatly impacted by state funding. I will always act to preserve the integrity of our river bluff.
Ensuring Lilydale remains safe, welcoming, and vibrant is my priority, and I will stay updated on regulations to best serve residents.
What is the biggest challenge facing Lilydale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge to Lilydale now is to protect the integrity of the river bluff in which the city sits on so that future generations can enjoy our beautiful location.
The main opportunity is to engage our citizens in city government. I would like to see more citizens attend our monthly meetings, participate in city sponsored events and serve on the various city committees.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lilydale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I think we have a small but thriving business climate. I think city government should actively work with local business in any way they can so that local business can thrive. The people of Lilydale benefit from effective business practices and government.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
The most pressing public safety challenge is protecting our aging citizens. Older populations often require medical assistance. Many of our citizens leave during the winter months, and surveillance of their homes is often requested. The continued involvement of Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments is vital in addressing these concerns.
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?
Lilydale is largely developed, with limited land available and mainly association living, apartments, and a few single-family homes. I feel for the quality of life associated with living in Lilydale housing and rent are at a fair market value.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I would improve transportation infrastructure by installing more traffic signs and lowering the speed limit in the city of Lilydale. There are many walkers, and bicycle riders that enjoy the trails in Lilydale. More signage and a lower speed limit would make it a safer experience for all.
I would also like to see a public transit system operating in the city. A small shuttle service that connects citizens to nearby cities and destinations such as the airport, Mall of America, and to both St. Paul and Minneapolis downtowns.
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?
I feel everyone involved in Lilydale city government puts balancing fiscal responsibility and demand for services as a top priority. We regularly discuss best practices to avoiding raising our levy.
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?
Local city government is connected and most concerned with the needs of its citizens. As a public servant we are always interreacting and listening to the concerns of are citizens. We know what best serves public safety, our infrastructure and zoning issues.
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 feel that the city of Lilydale has real transparency, our monthly meetings are open to the public and meeting minutes are published on the city website. All citizens are welcomed and encouraged to contact city hall with any questions or concerns. All citizens are also welcome to serve on the city council, various committees and participate in city sponsored events.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: NA
Campaign Website: NA
Twitter Handle: NA
Facebook Page: NA
Candidate Bio
As an incumbent I bring four years of experience to the Lilydale City Council. I participated in the 2025 City Code update, attended the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conferences held in Duluth, meeting with staff and council members from across the state. I established the Lilydale Spring Cleanup and was instrumental in engaging the Pool and Yacht Club and the St Paul Yacht Club in joining our efforts. I serve on the Lilydale Finance Committee and the Lower Mississippi River Water Management Organization.
I enjoy working with our mayor, fellow council members and city staff. I am a team player, committed, organized and open to new ideas.
My roots run deep in Dakota County. I grew up in So. St. Paul and attended high school in West St. Paul. My husband and I moved to Lilydale in 2019 after living and raising our daughters in Ramsey County.
I have found being back in Dakota county to be a rewarding experience. If elected, I would be the only woman serving on the city council, and my life experience would bring a different perspective to an all-male council. I would very much appreciate the opportunity for my voice to be heard.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I am a leader who welcomes new ideas and an exchange of thought. I try to encourage positive change so that I can better serve and promote the common good for the citizens of Lilydale.
I’m approachable, collaborative, committed, and well organized. I contribute practical judgment and an independent perspective to my position on the city council.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Protecting the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Lilydale is a top priority. State and federal funding significantly influence healthcare and inflation; I am committed to safeguarding our citizens' rights to quality healthcare and working to control inflation costs.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources oversees river bluff management. The city of Lilydale is located on the bluffs, so our city is greatly impacted by state funding. I will always act to preserve the integrity of our river bluff.
Ensuring Lilydale remains safe, welcoming, and vibrant is my priority, and I will stay updated on regulations to best serve residents.
What is the biggest challenge facing Lilydale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge to Lilydale now is to protect the integrity of the river bluff in which the city sits on so that future generations can enjoy our beautiful location.
The main opportunity is to engage our citizens in city government. I would like to see more citizens attend our monthly meetings, participate in city sponsored events and serve on the various city committees.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lilydale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I think we have a small but thriving business climate. I think city government should actively work with local business in any way they can so that local business can thrive. The people of Lilydale benefit from effective business practices and government.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
The most pressing public safety challenge is protecting our aging citizens. Older populations often require medical assistance. Many of our citizens leave during the winter months, and surveillance of their homes is often requested. The continued involvement of Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments is vital in addressing these concerns.
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?
Lilydale is largely developed, with limited land available and mainly association living, apartments, and a few single-family homes. I feel for the quality of life associated with living in Lilydale housing and rent are at a fair market value.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I would improve transportation infrastructure by installing more traffic signs and lowering the speed limit in the city of Lilydale. There are many walkers, and bicycle riders that enjoy the trails in Lilydale. More signage and a lower speed limit would make it a safer experience for all.
I would also like to see a public transit system operating in the city. A small shuttle service that connects citizens to nearby cities and destinations such as the airport, Mall of America, and to both St. Paul and Minneapolis downtowns.
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?
I feel everyone involved in Lilydale city government puts balancing fiscal responsibility and demand for services as a top priority. We regularly discuss best practices to avoiding raising our levy.
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?
Local city government is connected and most concerned with the needs of its citizens. As a public servant we are always interreacting and listening to the concerns of are citizens. We know what best serves public safety, our infrastructure and zoning issues.
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 feel that the city of Lilydale has real transparency, our monthly meetings are open to the public and meeting minutes are published on the city website. All citizens are welcomed and encouraged to contact city hall with any questions or concerns. All citizens are also welcome to serve on the city council, various committees and participate in city sponsored events.