Additional Q-and-A with Andrew Toperzer

Here’s candidate Q-and-A content in addition to what appeared in EPLN’s print Voter Guide, mailed to Eden Prairie homes in early October. We are repeating the Voter Guide’s introduction of the candidate.

Andrew J. Toperzer 

Toperzer, a Portal Drive resident, moved with his family to Eden Prairie in December 2017.

He is an adoptive father of four children and studied political science in college. He said it is his first foray into politics since the student senate of his college days.

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“My children live, study and play in this community. I want it to be the best it can for them and their peers,” he said about his decision to run for City Council.

EPLN: Eden Prairie has a Climate Action Plan that has a goal of achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Do you support the plan, and are there any changes you would propose?

TOPERZER: I support the city’s climate action plan. Getting carbon neutral takes time and money, but if we continue on the current path the climate action plan sets out, we should be able to get there. What I would change is to make sure the programs that the city is promoting are more visible and the resources easy to access and digest the information for our residents.

EPLN: The City of Eden Prairie uses an Inclusionary Housing Policy to ensure that a small number of affordable units are part of any new multi-family housing development. What additional measures, if any, should the city OK to create more affordable housing for Eden Prairie’s workforce, including young teachers, police officers and health care workers?

TOPERZER: I believe that Eden Prairie has a large amount of upscale and luxury housing being built. I would love to encourage and allow more moderately priced housing that allows young families, teachers, law enforcement and health care professionals to be able to live in our community.

EPLN: In the city’s 2023 resident survey, when asked what they like least about Eden Prairie, respondents cited as No. 1 the need for improved or additional activities, shopping, dining, recreation, and parks. What should the City Council do to address this desire?

TOPERZER: This city has so many great things to offer, but I believe a lot of it feels hidden to the average resident. A perfect example of this was earlier this year when I was planning a graduation party for my son. I wanted to rent a park building. I ended up renting the warming house in Miller Park. It was beautiful and had inside countertops with electricity and clean bathrooms included and we had it for an entire day; it only cost $110! That’s amazing, but I’ve been living here for so long without realizing (that) a great and affordable amenity was available for my use. I think for amenities we are top of the line. We just need an updated and easier way for people to know what’s available, and I’d love to find a solution to that. With shopping and dining, that is harder for the city to improve on its own. Part of the mall being renovated would help that and encourage more businesses around the mall as well.

EPLN: How would you maintain impartiality and fairness, even when faced with issues that may conflict with your personal beliefs?

TOPERZER: I have always had a common-sense, all-sides-of-the-issue type of attitude. If elected, I would look at all sides of the issue put forth and decide accordingly to what is best for the city, not what is best for me.