Welcome to the SAENA Board Candidate Voter Guide! Voting will occur from July 1st-July 8th. Elected candidates will be announced via SAENA’s email list on July 14, 2023. Candidates are running for a 2 year term and can serve up to 3 terms.
Please visit the SAENA Board Election Ballot to submit your vote!
If you have any questions or need assistance, email us at info@saenaminneapolis.org or call 612-235-8563. Happy voting!
Jordan Bennett
Seeking re-election
She/Her/Hers
Focus: Housing and livability, Membership Committee
Hi, I’m Jordan Bennett, and I have served on SAENA’s Board of Directors since 2021. Most recently, I have held the position of secretary and chaired our Membership Committee, focusing on neighborhood engagement and inclusion. I work as a special educator and as such, I advocate for individuals with disabilities. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor recreation, volleyball, philosophy, travel, and quiet time with my cat Nova. I would love the opportunity to continue serving on the board and supporting our Membership Committee with continued neighborhood engagement.
Loni Sternberg
New candidate
She/Her
Focus: Housing and livability, Finances and fundraising, Parks and green spaces, Events.
I’ve been living in NE Minneapolis since 2013, and moved to St. Anthony East in 2018. My husband and I are both homeowners and landlords and we love the neighborhood. I enjoy being active and you will most likely see me riding my bike, running or walking my dog throughout the neighborhood. I also love exploring all the great things Northeast has to offer, from the restaurants, parks, theaters and supporting the local businesses.
Most of my work experience has been in healthcare and I am currently an Account Manager at a health technology company. I am excited about the opportunity to become a SAENA board member to represent the members of the community!
Aaron Shekey
New candidate
He/Him
Focus: Transportation and mobility, Housing and livability, Parks and green spaces.
I’ve been living in the neighborhood since 2008, first in a rental duplex on Jefferson St. just north of the park. In 2010, I purchased a tiny century home on Spring and Madison, and have been fully obsessed with being a steward of it ever since. I also have a rental property across the street. It’s a wonderful neighborhood central to all the things I love about Minneapolis.
I’ve come to know many of my neighbors and care for their well-being. By trade, I’m a graphic designer and creator of digital products. My biggest hobby is writing and recording music with my band. I also love renovating and working on homes. Each spring, my partner and I pick up trash on every walk with our dog Lenny. We love working with an organization called My Very Own Bed.
This will be my first board experience. I’ve built and managed websites for many organizations over the years. I’ve helped to organize our immediate neighbors and will be hosting a block party to celebrate my little home’s 150th anniversary. Recently, I organized a college reunion.
Nic Hamlin
New candidate
He/They/Any
Focus: Transportation and mobility, Parks and green spaces
I’m Nic, no ‘k’, Hamlin. I’m a University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate. I went to the College of Science and Engineering for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. I graduated in 2020 then lived in Plymouth until I could move to Minneapolis with my current three roommates. I’m a Minnesotan born and raised; Lake Cabin Summers and Long Winters. I have traveled many times across the country. I believe in Urbanism principles for cities. I am a LGBTQIA+, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Accessibility Ally. Walking and Rolling should be our main priorities, to especially support our most vulnerable neighbors.
I want to explore and support my local neighborhood and community. I want to learn about local government operations and work towards the betterment of community spaces and safety. Looking towards traffic calming measures around our most busy streets would be a specific area of interest for improvements to the area.
Emma Eldredge
New candidate
She/Her
Focus: Housing and livability, Parks and green spaces
I have lived in the area for 3 years and have enjoyed the community and the people I have interacted with! I am a teacher in NorthEast and have a dog. I live with one other roommate and we are often walking in the neighborhood or going out to eat.
I am interested in bringing in some new, young perspective to the board, as well as my attachment to teaching in the community. I think my insights will be very helpful for the board. I hope to bring in some fun events to the neighborhood and make some wise decisions for us as a community.