Meet Paul Baudhuin (bōde-win)
“ I love this city. St. Louis Park is in an exciting time of transition, and I feel I have the competency and character to play a role in helping SLP grow as a beautiful place for all to live, work, learn, and play.
My experience as a pastor has taught me how to lead through transition while honoring and celebrating history and tradition, all the while making sure all voices are heard and valued.
I’m not here merely to get elected. I’m here to bring your voice to the table. ”
Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Paul is a St. Louis Park resident of 11 years. He and his wife Betsy are the parents to three young adults and two dogs. Paul is a United Methodist Pastor, currently taking a personal leave to explore new horizons such as serving St. Louis Park as a City Council Member. In his off time, you might find Paul on his bike or at a Twins game, and on really good days, you’ll find him on his bike riding to a Twins game.
For the vast majority of my professional life I have worked as a pastor or youth minister in churches throughout the Twin Cities Metro, from Maple Grove, to Afton/Lakeland, to Rosemount. In 2012 my wife Betsy and I had the opportunity to move from the outer ring to St. Louis Park. Being South Minneapolis kid, and she being an Edina kid, St. Louis Park instantly felt more like to home to us than anywhere we ever lived. Our then 4th and 2nd graders transitioned to St. Louis Park schools and the community swiftly and easily. We were in love.
In 2015, my bishop appointed me as a pastor to Aldersgate United Methodist Church in St. Louis Park, a church itself with 70 years in the Elmwood neighborhood, and well over 100 years of previous presence in the area. It was a perfect fit. As a resident and pastor in The Park, I fell more deeply in love with the community. Since then I have not only been a resident and pastor, but I have been a coach, a Park TV broadcaster for High School sports, a Human Rights Commissioner, and a Family Services Collaborative Board member. The more I get involved in our city, the more I fall in love with it.
After eight years of serving at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, it was time for them to receive new leadership and for me to lead elsewhere. But what I realized was that I felt called to serve the City of St. Louis Park. When the At-Large B City Council seat opened up for the 2023 election, I knew this is what I wanted to pursue.
I am seeking to serve you by taking my love for The Park, my years of experience navigating communities through transition, my passion for justice and equity, my strong empathetic nature and good listening ears, and my deep and critical thinking into the City Council.