Former Council Member Enters Crystal Mayoral Race
Former Crystal City Council Member Julie Deshler has announced her intent to run for Crystal mayor, bringing the candidate total to three.
Deshler will face incumbent Mayor Jim Davis, as well as Crystal resident Rachel Braaten.
“Common sense, experience and an ability to work with people from all walks of life, and all political spectrums,” said Deshler about her candidacy. “I don’t feel like I’m crazy right, I don’t feel like I’m crazy left. Just kind of trying to find a happy medium, so we can all co-exist comfortably.”
Some of her campaign goals are financial, including stabilizing property taxes and taking a look at water bill rates for residents.
Deshler announced her candidacy in an email last Friday. She met with CCX that morning for an interview.
She also hopes to focus on picking up litter and improving storefronts throughout the city. Other priorities include maintaining public safety, improving parks and promoting youth activities within the parks and recreation department.
“There’s a lot to do to keep the city going. And you want a nice community, healthy community, where the residents feel comfortable and are happy to be a part of it,” Deshler said.
Deshler previously served on the council for Ward 4 between 2010 and 2020. She said those 10 years give her a well-rounded perspective of city priorities.
“It gave me some background on budgeting, property taxes, setting policy in terms of ordinances for the community, an opportunity for listening to the residents and what things are important to them,” Deshler said.
Deshler volunteer experience includes the Crystal Airport Open House Father’s Day Fly In, the Crystal Lions Club and Quad Communities Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
She plans to begin door-walking soon to share her goals, along with a casserole recipe for neighbors. Deshler said she did that back when she campaigned for Ward 4 with a recipe for apple crisp.
“I’m going to be out and about offering my platform ideas, but also offering a recipe. And maybe we can find some middle ground to start a dialogue,” Deshler said.
Crystal residents will vote for mayor in November with a primary election on Aug. 13.
Mayor Adams has served as Crystal mayor since his election in 2012. He was re-elected twice. Braaten serves on the city’s Environmental Quality Commission.
Mayoral candidate Rachel Braaten addresses supporters in Crystal.
Crystal Mayor Jim Adams speaks in a CCX Media “Mayor’s Minutes” Update.
