Select Page

Daniel Brennan

Emily Council Member
(elect 2)
Share On Facebook
Share On Linkedin
Share On X

Political Party:

Age:

64

Occupation:

Attorney

Family:

Phone:

Email:

djb101@me.com

Website:

Three words that best describe you as a candidate:

Thoughtful. Diligent. Collaborative.

Experience:

20-year small business owner. Attorney. President, Ruth Lake Improvement District. Member, Emily Lakes and Rivers Committee. Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety Legislative Liaison. Founding Member, Emily Mine Information Group.

Why are you running?

To apply the skills and experiences I've developed through my legal career and volunteer positions for the benefit of Emily.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe my experience in the legal profession and with state government is unique among the candidates seeking a seat on the Council.

What are the top two or three issues facing the city?

Ecomomic development.
– Emily is at a crossroads over whether and how it will grow economically in a way that does not do harm to our existing recreational economy.
Housing.
– A local workforce is essential to support economic growth in Emily. The current lack of entry level housing is an impediment to Emily’s economic furure.
Community Engagement.
– Too often, year round and seasonal residents see themselves as separate. We need more civic engagement to counter this.

What are your plans to address those issues?

1. Explore moving the city’s economic development function to a stand alone entity, rather than just another function of the Council proper.
2. Explore federal and state sources of funding for expanded housing opportunities in Emily.
3. Seek opportunities for community interaction across any real or perceived divisions. The recent “Sketches of Minnesota” event at City Hall was such an opportunity, and was well received by those who attended.

How would you prioritize area businesses, jobs and the economy?

In addition to my responses above, I would explore the idea of a business roundtable once a quarter or so to discuss with local business owners and employees what they think the City can do to expand economic opportunties.

How would you address the school district’s budget needs?

*All candidates were contacted between August 19 and September 13, 2024 at email addresses and phone numbers listed in public filing records. Questionnaires had strict word/time limits and are published EXACTLY as submitted. No info is displayed if a candidate didn’t respond.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Other candidates in this race

*Candidate listing order is alphabetized. Gray avatars indicate no response.