I run a small farm using organic practices and have been getting to know the good people of Nowthen for the past 9 years as a vendor at the Nowthen Farmer’s Market; and likewise, the good people of Nowthen have gotten to know and trust the genuine me. Through the people I’ve gotten to know and by meeting new residents; the VAST amount of Nowthen residents live here for the same reasons: The country feel. Large lot sizes. The rural feel. I too, place high value on keeping Nowthen country. I feel called to run for city council as a way for me to do what I can to preserve our beautiful city. I’ve got nothing personal to gain from this and those of you who know me; it’s absolutely nothing out of ego or pride.
In talking with and meeting many of the community; the vast and largest priority of Nowthen is to keep Nowthen rural and to keep the country feel. I will do what I can to keep Met Council out of Nowthen and to preserve the five acre minimum lot size. The second priority is reducing taxes. Residents are not pleased being taxed increasingly more. The third priority is related to the second which is reducing unnecessary spending. As a small town, we need to live within our means.
I’ve been an open book, being out in the public for over 9 years being involved with the farmers market, threshing show and heritage festival. I also have my campaign facebook page available as well as my phone number if people wish to contact me. 763-639-6047
I am running to represent the people of Nowthen, and I will strive to make sure that their tax dollars are being spent responsibly and that our city is being run with accountability to the residents. My biggest piece of advice to the residents of Nowthen are to attend city council meetings or at least watch them on the city’s YouTube channel. Get involved. Get to know your council and mayor candidates and those elected.
As a proud resident of Nowthen, I want to help ensure that our wontedful city stays the way that it's citizens want it; rural, friendly, and unique. My more than 30 years of experience working in the public service has shown me what it takes to be respectful of tax payer dollars, how to truly listen to citizens, and always act professionally with fellow board members and all members of the public. Citizens of Nowthen expect their city council to work hard, always keep the best interests of the city in mind, and listen to them when they have ideas or concerns. With my budgeting experience I will bring a fresh set of eyes to the city budget process and I will not be afraid to ask "why" when tax dollars are being asked for.
My top three priorities are preserving Nowthen's small-town character, keeping taxes as low as possible, and strengthening communication with residents. I will work to reduce the proposed levy rather than accept a 10% increase, with a goal of limiting the annual city tax levy to 5% or less. I will listen to residents, encourage broader public participation, and foster more meaningful communication between residents and their city council.
Everyone in Nowthen deserves to be heard and represented by their city council. I represent all residents by listening respectfully and keeping an open mind- even when we disagree. I support and will implement open meetings where all members of Nowthen will be able to have a two-way conversation with their city council. My decisions will be based on what is fair and best for the entire community.
I will always be open to the public asking questions and sharing concerns, explain why I voted the way I did, and ensure that residents can easily understand how and why their tax dollars are being spent. I will demand clear budgeting, accessible meeting information, and initiate new open discussion meetings so that citizens can have direct dialog with their council and mayor. I will address concern respectfully and never forget that council members work for the residents of Nowthen.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Because I am willing to do the research and work. I take my role on the council seriously and I always research issues to determine both short and long term affects of different options. Nowthen is not going to stay rural through inaction. Nowthen stays rural through research, planning, and understanding the laws and long term affects of decisions. Only focusing on the short term results in bad outcomes. I am not afraid to do the work. Before proposing pay steps, I researched what neighboring cities pay and how they keep staff. Before talking about equipment, I catalogued every vehicle we own. Before arguing about spending, I organized 15 years of council records and 20 years of financials so I understood what we were talking about.
Keeping Nowthen rural is priority #1. I hear it every time I talk to residents. I moved my family to Nowthen for the peace and space. Let's keep it that way.
Keeping Flock out of Nowthen is #2. I have a resolution pending before the council to kick Flock out of Nowthen. After we give them the boot, I will prioritize defending against any future attempts by anyone to bring Flock back in.
Priority #3 is longterm planning. We need to shift away from only looking at short term affects of decisions.
By putting the facts in everyone's hands and answering every question in public. I post what I am working on and the documents behind it, and I reply to comments on Facebook, including the hard ones. Nowthen is farmers, commuters, retirees, and young families on five acre lots, and they all pay for the same roads and trucks. Everyone deserves the same access to the record and a straight answer from their council member.
I have already done it. Every council packet, set of minutes, budget, and audit since 2011 is searchable at mnpublictools.com. Every city vehicle is listed with photos, year, hours, miles, and condition. This is a personal project separate from the city and I did it to enable residents to hold the city and council accountable. My goal is to empower residents with this information so they are more likely to research an issue and share their opinions with the city and council, or to fact check us.
