KVSC Radio and St. Cloud LIVE will host a mayoral debate between Anderson and Conway on the SCSU campus

By Shay Lelonek / Asst. News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KVSC) – For the first time in twenty years, St. Cloud residents will elect a new mayor for the city.

On Tuesday evening, October 15, KVSC Radio and St. Cloud LIVE hosted a debate on the campus of St. Cloud State University between 44-year-old Jake Anderson and 58-year-old Mike Conway, the two candidates for mayor of St. Cloud .

The debate took place live and free to the public, with the option to listen or watch online. Participants and live viewers or listeners also had the opportunity to submit debate questions via an online form before and during the event.

KVSC News Director Grace “Gracie J” Jacobson and St. Cloud LIVE reporter Trent Abrego moderated the debate and asked questions about St. Cloud State’s campus and community, the increase in crime around campus, housing and how it’s happening in the If they choose, they will handle the office.

The first question was what their community-campus partnership would look like and how each candidate plans to retain graduates in St. Cloud. Both candidates agreed with this theme and planned events that would attract and engage students. This plan will bring more students to campus and encourage them to stay after graduation.

The next question asked about crime in the neighborhoods surrounding campus and how the candidates would work with law enforcement to reduce crime in the area. Both agreed that a run-down house would bring more crime to the area and that these houses needed to be renovated to deter crime.

A resident asked a question about the sale of the downtown riverboat property and asked if they were candidates for the sale. Both candidates said they were in favor of the sale and would be open to any suggestions from residents regarding parking, provided the solution was cost-effective. However, Anderson said he doesn’t believe the parking issue will ever be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

Anderson said housing is a “comprehensive” approach that includes the rehabilitation and revitalization of homes and neighborhoods, not just around the university but throughout the community. Anderson said if elected he would address housing needs for low-income earners and seniors.

Throughout the debate, the candidates were very similar in their comments and vision for the city. However, when the presenters asked in their closing statements to highlight the differences between the two, Anderson commented on the stark contrast between his and Conway’s temperaments.

“A few months ago he tried to censure two council members…. He just threw it at us and caused such tension on the council for no reason,” Anderson said. “He also had a few episodes where he more or less yelled at residents.”

Although Anderson gave the final closing statement, the moderators gave Conway the opportunity to respond to Anderson’s claim.

“Sometimes my passion gets overwhelmed and people think I’m mad about something, but that’s really not the case,” Conway said.

Election Day for 2024 is Tuesday, November 5th.

Anyone who submitted questions that were not addressed during the debate is strongly encouraged to attend St. Cloud City Council meetings to ensure their voices are heard.

To (re)watch the St. Cloud mayoral debate, click here.