Mike Mui
Name: Mike Mui
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651 243 8451
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
My wife and I have proudly called Little Canada home for the past ten years, where we're raising our two young children. Professionally, I serve as a Mental Health Therapist at Metro State University, helping students navigate challenges, build resilience, and connect with resources that support their success.
I currently serve as Chair of the Little Canada Parks & Recreation Commission, where I've worked with fellow commissioners and city staff to improve our parks, strengthen community programming, and encourage resident engagement. Through this role, I've gained first hand experience with local government, long-term planning, budgeting, and collaborative decision-making.
Community service has always been important to me. Whether in my professional career or volunteer leadership, I've focused on listening, bringing people together, and finding practical solutions to complex issues. I also serve on the Board of the Minnesota Counseling Association.
I'm running for City Council because I care deeply about the future of Little Canada. I want to help ensure our city remains financially responsible, welcoming to all residents, and a place where families and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My leadership style is collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused. I believe the best decisions come from listening to residents, respecting different perspectives, and working together to solve problems. As a therapist, I've learned that people may not always agree, but everyone wants to be heard. I would bring that same mindset to the City Council by asking thoughtful questions, relying on facts, and treating everyone with respect.
Leadership isn't about having all the answers but rather it's about bringing people together, building trust, and making decisions that serve the entire community.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My priorities are reflected in my campaign message:
Local Focus means listening to residents and making sure city decisions reflect the needs of our community.
Strong Future means maintaining our infrastructure, parks, and public services while planning responsibly for future growth.
For Everyone means ensuring city government is accessible, transparent, and welcoming to every resident.
With uncertainty around state and federal funding, the city must remain fiscally responsible and continue to invest in our communities. That means prioritizing essential services, planning for long-term financial stability, actively pursuing grants when appropriate, and making careful investments that provide lasting value for residents.
What is the biggest challenge facing Little Canada right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
One of our biggest challenges is balancing growth while preserving the strong sense of community that makes Little Canada special. As our region continues to change, we need to make thoughtful decisions about housing, infrastructure, and redevelopment without losing our identity.
Our greatest opportunity is continuing to invest in community connections. Our parks, trails, events, local businesses, and neighborhoods are what bring people together. By strengthening those connections and maintaining excellent city services, we can continue making Little Canada a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.
How would you characterize the business climate in Little Canada, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Little Canada benefits from its central location and diverse business community. City government should see local businesses as partners in building a strong community. The city's role is to provide predictable regulations, maintain quality infrastructure, support redevelopment where appropriate, and foster open communication with business owners. While workforce development often involves schools, counties, and the state, the city can help create an environment where businesses are successful and people want to invest. Strong businesses strengthen our tax base, provide local jobs, and contribute to the quality of life that residents value.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Public safety begins with maintaining strong partnerships between the city, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, first responders, schools, and residents.
In addition to traditional public safety concerns, I believe communities are strongest when they invest in prevention. Safe parks, well-maintained streets, good lighting, accessible mental health resources, and strong neighborhood relationships all contribute to a safer city. I have worked on Mental Health Behavioral Concern Team before the college and university setting and believe public safety important for everyone.
I support ensuring our first responders have the resources they need while continuing to look for proactive ways to improve safety throughout our community.
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?
Housing affordability is a regional challenge that requires thoughtful local solutions. I support encouraging a variety of housing options that allow young families, working adults, and older residents to remain in the community throughout different stages of life.
The city should work with developers and regional partners to encourage responsible housing development while protecting neighborhood character. It is good to continue to ask companies that want to build housing in Little Canada to be committed to improving the areas around the housing.
I do not believe rent control is the primary solution. Increasing housing supply, supporting thoughtful redevelopment, and reducing unnecessary barriers to appropriate housing development are more sustainable approaches.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Transportation should work safely for everyone.
I support maintaining our streets, improving pedestrian crossings where needed, expanding safe trail connections, and coordinating with Ramsey County and MnDOT on larger transportation projects. I support the 35E pedestrian bridge project that can help connect east and west side of Little Canada.
As a Parks & Recreation Commissioner, I've seen how connected trail systems improve both recreation and transportation. Investing in multimodal infrastructure helps residents of all ages safely move throughout our community.
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?
Every dollar collected through property taxes represents money that families have worked hard to earn. City government has a responsibility to spend those dollars wisely. I would carefully evaluate the city's priorities, focus on efficient service delivery, and look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs before asking taxpayers to contribute more. At the same time, we must continue investing in the essential services and infrastructure that residents rely upon. Fiscal responsibility means making thoughtful investments today that reduce costs tomorrow. I would re-evaluate programs and processes as a city council member.
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?
City government is uniquely positioned to lead in three areas:
First, maintaining our infrastructure, parks, and public spaces because these directly affect residents' daily lives. Second, thoughtful planning and development. Local leaders understand the unique character of Little Canada and are best equipped to guide responsible growth. Third, community engagement. Local government is closest to the people it serves and can build relationships, encourage civic participation, and respond quickly to residents' concerns in ways larger levels of government cannot.
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?
Transparency means making it easy, not difficult, for residents to understand how decisions are made and how public dollars are spent. That starts with clear financial reporting, accessible meeting materials, and communicating in plain language rather than technical jargon. It also means actively seeking resident feedback before major decisions are made, not after they've already been finalized. I also believe we can continue improving communication by making city information more accessible to residents of different backgrounds and languages, while using both in person and digital outreach to ensure more people have opportunities to stay informed and participate. Good government earns trust by being open, responsive, and accountable.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651 243 8451
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
My wife and I have proudly called Little Canada home for the past ten years, where we're raising our two young children. Professionally, I serve as a Mental Health Therapist at Metro State University, helping students navigate challenges, build resilience, and connect with resources that support their success.
I currently serve as Chair of the Little Canada Parks & Recreation Commission, where I've worked with fellow commissioners and city staff to improve our parks, strengthen community programming, and encourage resident engagement. Through this role, I've gained first hand experience with local government, long-term planning, budgeting, and collaborative decision-making.
Community service has always been important to me. Whether in my professional career or volunteer leadership, I've focused on listening, bringing people together, and finding practical solutions to complex issues. I also serve on the Board of the Minnesota Counseling Association.
I'm running for City Council because I care deeply about the future of Little Canada. I want to help ensure our city remains financially responsible, welcoming to all residents, and a place where families and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My leadership style is collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused. I believe the best decisions come from listening to residents, respecting different perspectives, and working together to solve problems. As a therapist, I've learned that people may not always agree, but everyone wants to be heard. I would bring that same mindset to the City Council by asking thoughtful questions, relying on facts, and treating everyone with respect.
Leadership isn't about having all the answers but rather it's about bringing people together, building trust, and making decisions that serve the entire community.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My priorities are reflected in my campaign message:
Local Focus means listening to residents and making sure city decisions reflect the needs of our community.
Strong Future means maintaining our infrastructure, parks, and public services while planning responsibly for future growth.
For Everyone means ensuring city government is accessible, transparent, and welcoming to every resident.
With uncertainty around state and federal funding, the city must remain fiscally responsible and continue to invest in our communities. That means prioritizing essential services, planning for long-term financial stability, actively pursuing grants when appropriate, and making careful investments that provide lasting value for residents.
What is the biggest challenge facing Little Canada right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
One of our biggest challenges is balancing growth while preserving the strong sense of community that makes Little Canada special. As our region continues to change, we need to make thoughtful decisions about housing, infrastructure, and redevelopment without losing our identity.
Our greatest opportunity is continuing to invest in community connections. Our parks, trails, events, local businesses, and neighborhoods are what bring people together. By strengthening those connections and maintaining excellent city services, we can continue making Little Canada a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.
How would you characterize the business climate in Little Canada, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Little Canada benefits from its central location and diverse business community. City government should see local businesses as partners in building a strong community. The city's role is to provide predictable regulations, maintain quality infrastructure, support redevelopment where appropriate, and foster open communication with business owners. While workforce development often involves schools, counties, and the state, the city can help create an environment where businesses are successful and people want to invest. Strong businesses strengthen our tax base, provide local jobs, and contribute to the quality of life that residents value.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Public safety begins with maintaining strong partnerships between the city, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, first responders, schools, and residents.
In addition to traditional public safety concerns, I believe communities are strongest when they invest in prevention. Safe parks, well-maintained streets, good lighting, accessible mental health resources, and strong neighborhood relationships all contribute to a safer city. I have worked on Mental Health Behavioral Concern Team before the college and university setting and believe public safety important for everyone.
I support ensuring our first responders have the resources they need while continuing to look for proactive ways to improve safety throughout our community.
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?
Housing affordability is a regional challenge that requires thoughtful local solutions. I support encouraging a variety of housing options that allow young families, working adults, and older residents to remain in the community throughout different stages of life.
The city should work with developers and regional partners to encourage responsible housing development while protecting neighborhood character. It is good to continue to ask companies that want to build housing in Little Canada to be committed to improving the areas around the housing.
I do not believe rent control is the primary solution. Increasing housing supply, supporting thoughtful redevelopment, and reducing unnecessary barriers to appropriate housing development are more sustainable approaches.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Transportation should work safely for everyone.
I support maintaining our streets, improving pedestrian crossings where needed, expanding safe trail connections, and coordinating with Ramsey County and MnDOT on larger transportation projects. I support the 35E pedestrian bridge project that can help connect east and west side of Little Canada.
As a Parks & Recreation Commissioner, I've seen how connected trail systems improve both recreation and transportation. Investing in multimodal infrastructure helps residents of all ages safely move throughout our community.
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?
Every dollar collected through property taxes represents money that families have worked hard to earn. City government has a responsibility to spend those dollars wisely. I would carefully evaluate the city's priorities, focus on efficient service delivery, and look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs before asking taxpayers to contribute more. At the same time, we must continue investing in the essential services and infrastructure that residents rely upon. Fiscal responsibility means making thoughtful investments today that reduce costs tomorrow. I would re-evaluate programs and processes as a city council member.
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?
City government is uniquely positioned to lead in three areas:
First, maintaining our infrastructure, parks, and public spaces because these directly affect residents' daily lives. Second, thoughtful planning and development. Local leaders understand the unique character of Little Canada and are best equipped to guide responsible growth. Third, community engagement. Local government is closest to the people it serves and can build relationships, encourage civic participation, and respond quickly to residents' concerns in ways larger levels of government cannot.
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?
Transparency means making it easy, not difficult, for residents to understand how decisions are made and how public dollars are spent. That starts with clear financial reporting, accessible meeting materials, and communicating in plain language rather than technical jargon. It also means actively seeking resident feedback before major decisions are made, not after they've already been finalized. I also believe we can continue improving communication by making city information more accessible to residents of different backgrounds and languages, while using both in person and digital outreach to ensure more people have opportunities to stay informed and participate. Good government earns trust by being open, responsive, and accountable.