The killing this summer of a Mendota Heights police officer is proving to be a notable backdrop to the campaigns for mayor and council.

In a public forum this month, much of the discussion revolved around crime.

When it didn't, a key target for many was economic development: attracting more of the businesses so critical to a city's tax base..

Less than two months after police officer Scott Patrick was slain during a routine traffic stop, citizens remain concerned about public safety in the city of about 11,000.

Indeed a recently retired sergeant on the city's force is running for mayor, and his opponent underscored her concern about crime.

Patrick, the most senior ranking officer on Mendota Heights' force, was shot in broad daylight by a career criminal on July 30. The small city was shaken by his death and his procession attracted thousands of Minnesotans wishing to pay their respects.

Here's a quick rundown on the candidates and their priorities, as outlined during the debate:

Sandra Krebsbach

Incumbent mayor

Krebsbach was elected Mayor in 2010, before which she served on the City Council for 18 years. She received her bachelor's degree from Creighton University and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. She is the executive director of the American Technical Education Association, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit, and is a former dean at St. Paul College and former academic director at the University of Minnesota's Rochester campus.

Goals: While Krebsbach stressed that the city is as safe as it's ever been, she said she wants to add a sergeant position to the police force in order to help alleviate public concern. "We're still a very safe city," said Krebsbach, adding that there have only been 20 burglaries this year, down from 35 in 2013.

If re-elected, Krebsbach said she intends show her support for the West St. Paul hockey arena project by asking the City Council to consider contributing $500,000. She would also like to add businesses to Industrial Park.

Contact: sandrakrebsbach@hotmail.com; 651-452-1850

Neil Garlock

mayoral challenger

Garlock retired from the Mendota Heights police department after 24 years on the force. Most recently, he served as a sergeant and a field training officer. Garlock formerly served in the United States Marine Corp.

Goals: With an increasing population of new families with young children, Garlock said he'd like to see a rise in youth and park programming to accommodate them.

Another priority: to become a more business-friendly city by actively recruiting more companies for the city's industrial park.

Contact: ngarlock4867@comcast.net; 651-775-3850

Ultan Duggan

City Council, incumbent

Duggan is a retired business owner who operated Duggan's Comfort Footwear for 25 years in St. Paul. He's served on the City Council for just as long and began his career as a teacher in Nigeria and Arizona. He received his bachelor's degree at St. Patrick's College in Ireland in 1962 and later pursued graduate studies at Arizona State University and Ball State University. Duggan, a 36-year Mendota Heights resident, is a volunteer auctioneer in his free time.

Goals: Building relationships with surrounding cities, quality houses for the elderly, research to see why businesses are staying and why they are successful, what will help attract more of them.

"Establishing a business costs a lot of money and you need to be sure that there are people that will support that business."

Contact: ultanduggan.org; duggan.ultan@gmail.org; 651-452-5179 or 651-470-6268 (cell)

Mark Misukanis

City Council, challenger

Misukanis has an extensive background in public policy and data analytics. He is currently a senior consultant at New Pharos Consulting, which provides research evaluation for government entities, nonprofits and advocacy groups. Misukanis studied at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Wisconsin, where he received his bachelor's and graduate degrees in economics, respectively. He also received a doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota.

Goals: Making local government more efficient and effective, while taking a more critical look at the city's budget. He'd like to attract software developers to the industrial park because it's an occupation of the future" and will build economic growth.

"I've looked at the metrics of the city and I think they're painfully inadequate," Misukanis said.

Contact: newpharos@gmail.com; 651-686-7797 (home) or 651-245-4722 (cell)

Liz Petschel

City Council, Incumbent

During her last four years on the council, Petschel has been active on testified on the Noise Oversight Committee of the Metropolitan Airports Commission and testified on behalf of the city regarding airport matters at the Legislature. She received a nursing degree from St. Catherine University and did postgraduate work in nursing education. Petschel is a parish nurse in ministry to the sick and dying at the Church of St. Joseph in West St. Paul.

Goals: Protecting residents from the impacts of the nearby airport and updating aging watermains are her priorities. She said she'd also like to get creative with the industrial park, by adding a pub-style restaurant -- which would provide a desirable gathering place in town.

Contact: Lizpetschel@gmail.com; 651-454-3256

Joel Paper

City Council, Challenger

Paper owns a landscape and remodeling business and is a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He grew up in Mendota Heights and attended the University of St. Thomas.

Goals: With an influx of younger residents and an aging population, Paper stressed the city needs to prepare for the shift in demographics through infrastructure. More programming for seniors and youths, paired with the acquisition of new niche businesses, will move the city to the next level, he said.

"We need to recognize all the new families that are coming to town," he said. "Let's move forward, not backward."

Contact: joelpaper@gmail.com; 651-999-0188

Liz Sawyer -- 952-746-3282

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