A second candidate has announced intention to run for Jay Rohe’s Ward 4 council seat this November. Mike Huang threw his hat into the ring Monday.

So far, he will face Rick Ford this fall. Rohe is giving his seat up to run for mayor.

Huang, 37, and his family moved to Chaska in 2002. He was born and raised in northern California and attended California Polytechnic State University, where he studied computer science. Huang has worked as a technology consultant throughout the United States and currently works as a manager for Calabrio in Plymouth.

According to a press release, Huang’s platform will focus on “building a stronger, open partnership between the residents and the city of Chaska.”

“An open, honest dialog is the key to any successful relationship,” he stated. “And I am a believer in listening and working together. Each voice needs to be heard. Reaching out to the people is critical to understanding and representing the needs of a growing Chaska as it continues to change.”

Huang also vows to protect Chaska’s small-town culture while balancing growth.

“We need to be actively involved, to ensure that growth such as increasing traffic and the proposed Highway 41 (Minnesota River) crossing, (does) not adversely impact the community,” he wrote. “Finding and developing better alternatives and working in partnership with residents is a top priority.”

Huang is married to Casey and has a 4-year-old daughter Kylie. They currently reside at 2265 Manuela Circle. Huang volunteers at his church and served on the Educational Equity Commission while in college.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer