Eden Prairie City Council Election 2020: Candidate Questionnaire – PG Narayanan

What experience and qualifications do you bring to your candidacy for Eden Prairie City Council? 

As a current City Council member, I have built great relationships with the residents, businesses, non-profits, and community leaders in Eden Prairie. While working with these groups, I have been able to learn and understand the issues that greatly affect their daily lives and what they care about the most.

I have worked with the community on issues including sustainability, climate change, affordable housing, senior housing issues, the CoVID-19 crisis, preservation of our parks and lakes, and maintenance of low tax without compromising our City’s high level of service, and the assurance of public safety to ALL our residents.

I am very involved in our Eden Prairie community. I volunteered for the Eden Prairie Human Rights and Diversity Commission(5+ years) and was a commissioner, Vice-Chair, and Chair. I have served on the Eden Prairie Community Foundation board for 5+ years and served as the Vice-Chair and was the Chair for two years. I am also a member of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary.

What personal values and qualities do you believe are especially important for a City Council candidate?

A City Council Member should be passionate to serve all people in Eden Prairie, has the time and willingness to commit to the city, and has experience serving our community.

Community engagement is another important factor. Being very involved in the community helps you understand what affects people’s daily lives, what is important to them, and the direct impact of the city’s policies and procedures.

I have served on the Eden Prairie Human Rights and Diversity Commission as a Commissioner, Vice Chair, and Chair. I have been on the Eden Prairie Community Foundation board for 5+ years and served as Vice Chair and Chair (2 years). I am currently the SW Transit Commissioner and a member of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary. Because Eden Prairie has a diverse community, it is also important to engage with the various cultural groups and have a proven ability to relate to ALL RESIDENCE in EP.

Why should Eden Prairie voters choose you for the City Council rather than other candidates who are running for the Eden Prairie City Council?

The reason the voters should choose me because I am passionate about serving our city, listening and engaging with everyone in our community, and have the experience. In the few years that I have been on City Council, I have participated in many events, and I have solved many problems and issues affecting residents.

Being a current City Council Member, I have experience dealing with important concerns like COVID-19, LRT, affordable housing, sustainability, climate change, senior issues, public safety, and many others. I have also maintained that I am always accessible. I answer calls, respond to emails, and address questions on social media. Even when topics are controversial or critical.

I think it is important for community members to be able to communicate with their representatives. I understand EP well and my goal is to make EP the best place for all people to live, work, and raise a family. I have the experience and proven track record of working closely with nonprofit organizations like the EP Community Foundation, Human Rights and Diversity Commission, AM Rotary, Prop, Prop Shop, Tree House and many others. I am an entrepreneur, technology executive. I have managed large budgets and was a top executive of a Fortune 500 company. Most importantly, I am passionate about serving our community, working with non-profit organizations, and trying to enhance everyone’s life in EP.

How do you believe the Eden Prairie City Council should be involved in addressing COVID-19, and why? 

As a current City Council Member, I was involved in the early phases of addressing COVID-19. We followed CDC and State recommendations and guidelines.

We closed the senior center, the city center, and other public city facilities. This virus has affected so many people, and it is imperative that local governments step up and help encourage our community to practice mask-wearing, social distancing, washing hands frequently.

I believe in science, CDC guidance, and State guidance. It is also increasingly noticeable how closures have affected local businesses. It is a delicate balance of ensuring safety precautions to restrict the spread of the virus and aiding local businesses that are suffering. The City Council should be involved in soliciting input from the community and still encouraging the adherence to State guidelines.

What are your top three priorities for Eden Prairie City Council, and why? 

As a City Council member, my goal has been and continues to be keeping EP a great place to live, work, and raising a family. Any policies that positively impact that goal are a priority for me. In the long term, I believe that policies dealing with sustainability and climate change are very important.

As demand for affordable housing increases, it is crucial to continue our work with the Affordable Housing Taskforce and search for solutions. And since our community is diverse, it is important that we support and encourage policies that enhance cultural experiences, life experiences, and guide us in eliminating racial equity issues.

Is your candidacy informed by a political perspective? How does that perspective inform your priorities? (Alternatively: If your candidacy is not informed by a political perspective, why not?) 

This is a non-partisan race. On the local government level, it is important that our City is serving all of its people. I am focused on the ways we can help improve our city services and better address community issues.

My granddaughter is almost two years old, and I am always wondering how her life will be growing up in EP. My kids had a great experience growing up in this wonderful city. As a City Council Member, I want to play a part in helping current residents and future generations to also have great life experiences here. All of my priorities and support of various initiatives are fueled by this goal.

What will it mean to you, personally, if you are elected to the Eden Prairie City Council? 

Satisfaction of serving our community and doing a job that I love as a current City Council Member. I immigrated from India 48 years ago and have lived in EP for 22 years.

I have served many organizations, volunteered for many events, communicated and built relationships with many residents, and handled difficult issues. I believe I can continue to contribute meaningfully to our community, and I am happy in serving and representing our community.

How can interested voters learn more about your candidacy (website, public phone/email etc…)?

Website: PGforEP.com

Email:PGforep@gmail.com

Ph:952-393-3100