Brian Paulson for New Prague

Experienced Local Voice for Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

About Brian Paulson
Brian Paulson is a proud New Prague resident, Navy veteran, husband, and father of four boys (Picture before Mason was born 7/8/2026). He and his wife recently said goodbye to their German exchange student, or as they learned to say, “Auf Wiedersehen”, after she became a beloved extra member of the family for the past year.

Brian currently serves on the New Prague Park Board as Vice Chair with 100% attendance. In addition to his public service, he has owned and operated a small business in New Prague since 2011.

A Navy veteran, he enlisted in 2008, deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in 2011 supporting Operations New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom, and met his wife while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. The family moved to New Prague in 2017 seeking a smaller, safer community with strong values, the exact qualities they want to preserve.

Professionally, Brian has extensive experience in information technology and data systems. He served as an IT specialist in the Navy, later supported the Air Force Reserve’s “Flying Vikings” unit working on C-130 mission systems, and currently works as a Systems Administrator at General Dynamics Mission Systems managing infrastructure and sensitive data classification.

Brian is running for City Council because New Prague has struggled in three key areas: fiscal responsibility (repeated large tax levies, and subsidies), following proper procedures (bypassing public hearings), and better data practices (as highlighted in the recent Minnesota Data Practices Office opinion).

A strong advocate for accountability and common-sense leadership, Brian has attended over 90% of City Council meetings since 2024, regularly researches budgets and policies, and pushes for greater transparency. He does not support using taxpayer subsidies for private developments.

Brian is a homeowner, small business owner, active community member, and dedicated family man who values hard work, low crime, and the small-town feel that makes New Prague special.

Preserving Our Small-Town Character

I strongly oppose using taxpayer subsidies to attract high-density developments that could change the character of New Prague. We moved here for the small-town feel, low crime, friendly community, and quality of life. I want to protect those qualities for our families and future generations.

Fiscal Responsibility & Taxpayers First

New Prague’s population has remained relatively flat in recent years. Official estimates presented to the City Council show we have only 11 more residents in 2025 than we did in 2019. In that same period the City’s total property tax levy has grown 36%, from $4.18M to $5.68M. The City built a new $12 million police station, purchased a new City Hall, and is now moving out of the old building, even though it could have been renovated for a fraction of the cost to house the police department. I will work to stop adding new fees and regulations, reduce unnecessary spending, and make sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

Transparency & Following Proper Procedures

The City often does the bare minimum when it comes to community feedback, only holding public hearings when required by state law, and sometimes not even then (as seen with the police station project). I will push for real transparency, consistent public input, and full compliance with open meeting and data practices requirements. This includes addressing concerns with systems like Flock surveillance cameras that track residents’ movements and the raw data collected is owned by a private company, not controlled by the City.


Public & Civic Service

Brian currently serves on the New Prague Park Board as Vice Chair with perfect attendance. He became actively involved in local government in late 2024 after attending a City Council meeting regarding a proposed tax abatement for a 54-unit housing project. Since then, he has maintained strong attendance at City Council meetings and regularly researches city budgets, policies, and data practices. His hands-on involvement has given him a clear understanding of how city government operates and where improvements are needed.

Professional & Business

Brian has a strong background in information technology and systems management. In the Navy, he served as Tech Control Watch Supervisor at NCTAMS PAC. He later supported the Air Force Reserve’s “Flying Vikings” unit on C-130 mission systems and currently works as a Sr Systems Administrator at General Dynamics Mission Systems, managing infrastructure and data classification for software development teams. Since 2011, Brian has also owned and operated a small business in New Prague. This experience gives him practical understanding of how regulations and taxes affect local businesses.

Military Service & Community Roots

Brian enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2008 and deployed in 2011 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), supporting Operations New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom. He met his wife while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After his service, he returned to Minnesota. A 5th generation Minnesotan whose family first settled in the state in 1883, Brian has no plans of leaving. He and his wife moved their family to New Prague in 2017 because they wanted to raise their children in a smaller, safer community with strong values, the same qualities he is committed to protecting today.


  • 206 4th St SW, New Prague, MN, USA