Northeast Brainerd resident Dave Badeaux has filed to run for the Brainerd City Council Ward 3 seat, currently held by incumbent Council President Gary Scheeler.
Badeaux is running because he feels the city council could use a new point of view to freshen things up. He was born and raised in northeast Brainerd, he said, so he knows the area well.
"I'm kind of a guy that prides myself on using common sense," Badeaux said. "I like to look at all sides of an issue."
Badeaux, 33, graduated from Brainerd High School in 2001 and went on to earn an associate's degree in graphic design and marketing from The Art Institutes International Minnesota in Minneapolis. He then returned to Brainerd to raise his family. He is divorced with an 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. Both of his children go to Garfield Elementary School, he said, just like he did.
When he returned to Brainerd, Badeaux said he wanted to get involved in the community. His grandparents are big proponents of giving back, he said, so he joined the Brainerd Jaycees and the Crow Wing County Historical Society.
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"I just have that background, as far as working with people, understanding how to communicate with people," Badeaux said, "which I feel is probably my biggest strength."
In situations where things don't go the way you want, it's important to understand the need to give a little bit and take a little bit, Badeaux said. Anytime you experience a setback, he said, the goal is to learn something from the experience.
"Anytime you get knocked down, it's more important how you're able to pick yourself back up than the fact you got knocked down to begin with," Badeaux said.
Northeast Brainerd is a beautiful area that's historically been populated by working-class people, Badeaux said. He grew up with his friends in the area and has immense pride in the neighborhood.
"It's my goal to see that area shine again," Badeaux said.
It would be foolish to think anyone could take office and start making sweeping changes, Badeaux said. Besides, that's not what the city needs, he said.
"The city needs more just a cleaner viewpoint, a fresher viewpoint," Badeaux said. "And taking things slow and building from there is a safer investment."
There wasn't a specific issue that made Badeaux want to run for city council, he said. Sometimes northeast Brainerd is overlooked, he said, so it needs someone who knows it well to stand up for it.
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"This is who we are, this is who this area is, this is who Brainerd in general is," Badeaux said.
Badeaux lives at 512 Second Ave. NE and owns an art-related small business.
Voters should choose Badeaux because of the fresh perspective he brings, he said, which is what he believes people are looking for.
"I think that the city council as a whole has become a little stagnant at times," Badeaux said. "And some of the decisions that they make don't represent the city at large."
SPENSER BICKETT may be reached at 218-855-5859 or spenser.bickett@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/spenserbickett .
