Amada Simula (Mayor of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, candidate 2024)

Amada Simula (Democratic Party) ran for election to Mayor of Columbia Heights in Minnesota.^[1]

Elections

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Amada Simula completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Simula's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Amáda Márquez Simula, and I’m the current Mayor of Columbia Heights, running for reelection. These forums are important, and I thank the League of Women Voters and the city of Columbia Heights for hosting them. Thank you to the other candidates for being willing to serve in these roles and thank you to the community members for taking the time to attend or listen to these forums. My motivation to run for office stems from a deep commitment to making Columbia Heights a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving community. As someone who has actively engaged in the city through various roles—organizing events, volunteering, and working with neighborhood groups—I understand our residents' unique needs and aspirations. I am motivated to make sure every voice is heard and represented.

My previous work experience with the Columbia Heights School District and the city has given me valuable insights into how both entities serve residents. My hands-on experience and commitment to community engagement, along with my knowledge of government operations, allow me to advocate effectively for positive, lasting change. I believe in truth, integrity, and authenticity and in leading our community by building partnerships with other elected officials at the county, state, and federal levels, as well as with our faith and business communities, and with anyone else who lives, works, visits, or worships in our city.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Improving Safety on Central and University Avenues: I will partner with MnDOT and other local stakeholders to implement traffic calming measures, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, and reduce accidents, making these key corridors safer for everyone.
Securing Funding for the Public Works/Municipal Building: I will work closely with state and federal elected officials and agencies to secure funding for the modernization of our Public Works and Municipal facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of our community and support efficient city operations.
Increasing Diversity and Accessibility Among City Staff: I will prioritize hiring diverse staff, expanding language accessibility within city services, and supporting workers' rights to create a workforce that reflects and serves our community effectively and equitably.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As an elected official, I believe equity and inclusivity are essential. It's important to ensure that everyone of all ages and residential status, especially marginalized groups like senior citizens, new residents, citizens and immigrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community, is heard and represented fairly. I prioritize sustainability and resilience, focusing on environmentally conscious development and long-term infrastructure improvements that benefit future generations.

Community engagement is central to my leadership. I listen to constituents, supporting both long-established residents and new businesses, ensuring that policies reflect the diversity and needs of everyone. Transparency is also key—I meet regularly with city leaders and seek to understand complex issues like worker rights to make informed decisions that benefit our community.

Advocating for workers' rights is a principle I hold close, having observed unsafe working conditions and fought for fair wages for our city staff. I’m also committed to fiscal responsibility, securing grants and funding to keep property taxes low while maintaining services.

Finally, I believe collaboration is critical to success. Whether partnering with local businesses, schools, or community organizations, I understand that we achieve the best outcomes when we work together for the good of Columbia Heights.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that promote equitable, resilient, and sustainable development. Supporting established businesses and residents while welcoming new opportunities will keep Columbia Heights vibrant and diverse. Priorities include a Climate Action Plan, investing in aging infrastructure, and maintaining key public buildings. Park improvements and sustainable growth are also essential. Listening to and representing our diverse community of all ages and residential status, including our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors, is critical. Securing grants and state funding, along with preserving Local Government Aid (LGA), will help keep property taxes low and ensure long-term prosperity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My active engagement in community events, advocacy for equity, and attentiveness to residents’ concerns have shaped my leadership. I prioritize inclusivity within our government and city staff, working to create a more just and representative system. By collaborating with cultural leaders, community groups, and fellow officials, I strive to increase the presence of Black, brown, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in leadership roles.

My experience as a former city and school district employee has given me a unique understanding of how these entities serve residents, businesses, and visitors. I know the importance of strong partnerships between the city and the school district in delivering better services to our community.

I'm also committed to fostering climate-conscious solutions, strategic thinking, and hands-on service to ensure Columbia Heights thrives as a place for everyone. My dedication to equity, sustainability, and positive change remains unwavering.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I’m proud to be endorsed by the Minnesota DFL, Women Winning, Stonewall DFL, Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 5, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

Women Winning's endorsement reflects my advocacy for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. The AFL-CIO's support aligns with my commitment to unions, workers' rights, and fair working conditions. The MnDFL endorsement connects me with community members who share my values. I'm honored to seek the Stonewall DFL endorsement again as I continue championing LGBTQIA+ rights. I also aim to secure ERA certification in my fight for gender equality.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.