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Chanhassen City Council Member At Large Choose 2

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-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/) to find specific candidate contact information.A candidate forum for this race is available at https://chanhassen.granicus.com/player/clip/1738?view_id=7&redirect=true. More MN forums are available at https://www.lwvmn.org/2024-candidate-forums.

Voter Guide

Candidate picture

Josh Kimber (NP)

Biographical Information

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

As a committed member of the Chanhassen City Council, I have worked hard to ensure our city continues to thrive by focusing on smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. The experience gained over the last two years has given me a deep understanding of local needs, and I have a proven track record of delivering results that improve quality of life for all residents. I’m dedicated to listening to our community, working collaboratively, and ensuring that Chanhassen remains a place where families and businesses can succeed. I am running to continue building on the progress we've made together.

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

Strong Community: Supporting small businesses, police, and fire services, and creating spaces that bring residents together for a stronger, more connected community. Smart Growth: Balancing thoughtful development with preserving Chanhassen’s small-town feel, ensuring we maintain our unique character while accommodating growth. Preserving Natural Beauty: Continuing to expand and maintain our beautiful parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation, enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

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

I will engage with all members of our diverse community by actively attending events, being present in the community, and fostering open dialogue to ensure residents feel heard. I’m committed to being accessible via phone, email, and in-person meetings, ensuring everyone has a voice in city decisions. By prioritizing outreach and inclusivity, I will represent the needs and perspectives of all Chanhassen residents.

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

To ensure transparency and accountability, I will advocate for open communication by making city decisions and financial reports easily accessible through regular updates and online platforms. I will support open meetings, encourage public input, and provide clear, timely information on city projects. If residents feel anything is unclear, I will remain accessible to address their concerns and ensure transparency is upheld.

Voter Guide

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Nora Nashawaty (NP)

Biographical Information

Campaign Website http://votenora.com

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

I feel that I am the best candidate for this position due to my experience and willingness to listen & learn. I chose to run for City Council so that I could center the voices of Chanhassen residents. I have lived in this area since 2010: I love this community and my dream is to see it thrive for generations to come.

I’ve never been one to sit back when I see a need: I’ve spent the last fifteen years running support and advocacy organizations. I know how to manage budgets in the hundreds of thousands, and how to develop teams to their highest potential. Due to my science background, I know how to analyze data to make informed decisions. Most importantly, I know how to listen and engage, and I plan to bring that to Chanhassen City Council.

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

My top three priorities for Chanhassen are housing accessibility, sustainability in city projects & walkable/bike-friendly infrastructure.

I will work with the City Council & staff to adjust zoning to allow for varied housing options in new developments. We need to support the diversifying population of Chanhassen including new homeowners and retirees.

While Chanhassen develops, it’s important that we prioritize sustainability, minimize environmental impact and build walkable infrastructure.

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

While I plan to make myself available through standard methods such as phone, email, and written mail, I believe it’s also important to make myself accessible around the city in third spaces. I plan to hold regular office hours in restaurants & coffee shops around Chanhassen.

I especially believe it’s important to proactively reach out to underrepresented populations in our city. In my experience, meeting people in spaces they are comfortable leads to more meaningful impact on a systemic level.

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

As a Chan resident, learning how to find info about what the City is addressing has been difficult. We can access Council/Commission meeting notes, but they can be hard to navigate. I’d like to instate summaries, which can make finding info & engaging with the Council easier. We can’t represent residents without their input, so we need to reduce barriers to accessing information. I also appreciate the public hearings: I would like to ensure that those are well advertised to impacted residents.

Voter Guide

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Haley Pemrick Schubert (NP)

Biographical Information

Contact Phone 612-269-2228
Campaign Email haleyforchan@gmail.com

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

I have 3.5 years experience in this role as well as serving 2 years on the Park and Rec Commission prior to that. My record shows that I listen to all sides as well as look at potential long term affects prior to making any decisions. The Chanhassen community is part of who I am as a lifelong resident. My experience in manufacturing has taught me how to creatively find solutions to cut costs, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Chanhassen continues to see a lot of growth and I want to continue supporting small, locally owned businesses in our town to make it a place people want to live and visit. We have made strides in the last few years to make the city more business friendly through different council decisions and actions.

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

Supporting First Responders’ needs to service the community. Financial responsibility. Inflation is hurting everyone and the city’s budget should reflect changes that are necessary to maintaining the level of service our residents have come to expect without creating undue burden on residents or businesses. Updating the strategic plan that staff and council use to stay focused and drive decision making. As a “Community for Life”, I like to ensure that mantra is part of all decisions made.

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

I enjoy going to different community events and listening to people. Also, being a member of the Rotary allows me to regularly meet and interact with different members to learn and grow. Any time residents bring a concern forward, I listen to all points of view and try to put myself in their shoes for whatever concern arises.

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

I think we have made improvements in the last few years between an updated, more navigable website as well as increased social media presence to inform the residents of happenings in the city. With that said, there is always room for reflection and change as we have been doing. I have seen an increase in public awareness of the council agendas and participation in meetings which is great!

Voter Guide

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Andrew E Soudbash (NP)

Biographical Information

Contact Phone 952-807-4355
Campaign Email Andrew.soudbash@gmail.com

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

Let me start by saying as someone who has been working in education for the last few years, I have learned many lessons when it comes to prioritizing not only the needs of a few but also the needs of the group as a whole. If you focus on one small issue or one child, the rest of the class will suffer finding that balance where you can help everyone shine to their fullest. That is what I want to bring into the chambers here in Chanhassen. On top of this, I feel it's important to note that I am significantly younger than not only the other candidates but also the other members of the council, this age difference can provide valuable insight into future generations required for future development in town.

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

At neighborhood BBQs and Chanhassen community events the key issues I keep hearing among many citizens is that they feel Chanhassen, once known as the city of trees, has a glaring lack of accountability now towards clear cutting trees. Another issue that keeps coming up is people telling me how they keep getting hit by cars while biking on the roads and sidewalk of Chanhassen. These will be my main focuses for the next few years, and I will also continue to listen to the citizens of Chanhassen.

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

My plan has always been the same, by communicating and talking to my community and making Chanhassen council chambers a place where everyone can feel welcome, we can build a stronger community, and we can create a council that listens to the people of Chanhassen. Together we can make Chanhassen a place where we can all feel our voices carry weight and I promise always to be the ear that listens to your voice and champions your ideas.

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

Transparency is something Chanhassen is already great at as we regularly send city newsletters out to update the people however, I believe accountability is much more prudent for this election, seeing as past council members have had a lack of accountability. My promise is to listen to the people my only reason for running is to make Chanhassen a better place for you to live and for our youth to grow up.