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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Circle Pines City Council Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-council Watch a candidate forum for this race, recorded on September 18, 2025.If your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!

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  • Candidate picture

    Meagan Bachmayer
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    John Burns
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Nici Dorner
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)

What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)

telephone 612-412-4073
I love serving on the Circle Pines City Council because it’s an opportunity to give back to my neighbors and help care for the community we share. It’s a privilege to work alongside my council colleagues, city staff, and our police and fire departments to keep Circle Pines strong. My professional experience—from working at the Minnesota legislature to the book publishing industry to co-founding a performing arts nonprofit—has equipped me with skills in communication, stewardship of resources, and relationship building. Just as importantly, I’m raising my family here and am invested in Circle Pines for the long term. I listen carefully, take concerns seriously, and work hard to pursue opportunities that benefit our whole community.
The following reflect what makes Circle Pines strong today and will help us thrive in the future:

Keep local government affordable by maintaining a sustainable “Goldilocks” budget—not too big, not too small, just right.

Invest in community by creating more opportunities to connect across neighborhoods because a connected community is a welcoming, safe, and rewarding place to live.

Punch above our weight by delivering high-quality services to our small city through partnerships and innovation.
I believe the most important part of leadership is listening. I’ll continue to connect with residents about issues and opportunities through community events, surveys, and one-on-one conversations. I also want to make Council business easier to find and understand so people feel empowered to participate. My goal is to ensure every neighbor feels welcome, respected, and confident their voice matters in shaping our shared future.
I’ll work to make Council decisions clear and accessible by sharing updates—join my newsletter list by emailing meagan4circlepines@gmail.com—and answering questions directly. I’ll continue being a good steward of our tax dollars and other shared resources, asking thoughtful questions, and ensuring my neighbors understand how decisions are made. By being approachable, responsive, and open about both challenges and successes, I’ll do my part to contribute to trust and confidence in our city.
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