What do you love about the Summit-University District? I walk through the Summit University neighborhood every day and love the diversity of the community.
How have you been involved in your community in the past? This will be my second term on the board serving as Treasurer.
Please tell us about why you are running to join the SUPC Board: I believe it is critical that we work together to maintain the diversity of the community while also working to support our neighbors as the community grows and changes. It is important that we support residents as well as community businesses to maintain the vitality of the district.
Philip Hague
What do you love about the Summit-University District? There aren’t many places left like the Summit-University neighborhood. Diverse perspectives thrive not only from block to block, but from house to house. Virtually every building lining the streets has a rich history with a unique story to be told. The cruel destruction of Rondo 70 years ago serves as an ever-present reminder of how community planning can make a real difference in daily life. Together we have opportunities to join forces across each sub-district, building an equitable and verdant future for all families.
How have you been involved in your community in the past? I moved to Summit University with my family three years ago from the South-Side of Chicago where I served as President of our neighborhood association Groveland Park for eight years. It was a unique neighborhood; a Civil-War era park in the historical heart of Chicago’s African-American community. As one of the few white families in the area, we were given many lessons on how to bridge differences and bring people together. During my tenure as President, I was able to strengthen association finances, build city government relations, and restore the parkland with native plantings. I’m thankful for the many friends I made along the way.
Moving to St Paul for a role at 3M was a big decision as I had no connection to the city. Our family has gradually established roots in the community. I’ve organized an annual tree-planting program at J.J. Hill school and have been a regular volunteer serving meals to at-risk residents at Dorothy Day Place. I’m also on the Booster Club board for St Paul Central High School Girl’s Soccer.
Please tell us about why you are running to join the SUPC Board: Like so much of America, the Summit University neighborhood is at a crossroads. Are we going to retreat into our corners and view each other with suspicion, or are we going to come together and build a prosperous and vibrant community for all neighbors? My background as a community leader in Chicago makes me uniquely suited to help see through our differences and build on our common ground. I truly believe I can help.
My decisions on Summit University issues will be largely informed by listening to passionate people in each sub-district. General views on city life for me include:
•Communities that have equitable distribution of resources are happier places to live.
•Healthy green spaces improve our carbon footprint, reduce crime, and make life better.
•Thoughtful planning and design need to be a core aspect of every project.
•Businesses are the backbone of a vibrant community and deserve our support, until they prove otherwise.
•Good public schools are critical for our families, our communities, and our nation.
•At the end of the day, we all have the same goals in life.