Golden Valley Appoints Sophia Ginis To Fill City Council Vacancy

The Golden Valley City Council appointed Sophia Ginis as its newest member on May 19.

Former City Council Member Kimberly Sandberg recently resigned from her seat, leaving a vacancy on the council.

Ginis serves on the Golden Valley Planning Commission and is director of community affairs for Metro Transit.

“It was clear she put a lot of time and thought into her application, so it really showed that she put a lot of time, effort, deliberation and preparation into her application, which to me sort of reflects how she would show up as a council person,” said Council Member Denise La Mere-Anderson.

The Golden Valley City Council appointed Sophia Ginis to fill the vacant council seat previously held by Kimberly Sandberg.

Council Wanted to Appoint New Member with Public Sector Experience

The council said Ginis’ experience working in the public sector and her understanding of the budgeting process would benefit the city.

She was one of five candidates to apply for the seat. Her term will run through the end of the year.

“What I heard from different comments was realistic, forward looking — I just added some of my own comments here — can hit the ground running, has the experience for the moment, a firm understanding of the budget process,” said Mayor Shep Harris. “I also wrote down understands how government works especially with her work experience with Metro Transit. And also just that financial philosophy.”

The other applicants for the seat were Roger Bergman, Andy Johnson, Stephen Ettel and Stephen Merriman. 

Council Member Gillian Rosenquist said that Ginis had a vision for the future, particularly as it relates to policing.

“She’s coming in then with an experience and some knowledge about programs and ideas that are being generated from public safety professionals themselves about how to do 21st century policing,” she said. “In a way I think that aligns with the values that Golden Valley has adopted.”

Golden Valley