Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
  • Build your ballot before voting. Print or email the information to use as a reference when you actually vote.

We do not save your information; it will be lost when you leave this page. Only candidates that appear on your ballot will be listed. Additional information may be available for your area so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for other voters’ guides.

Start Over

Voter Guide

Washington County Commissioner District 3

County commissioners are the county s key policymakers. They oversee the administration of the county, set county budget, and participate in county long-range planning. County services that they oversee include a wide variety of social service and welfare programs, as well as certain public health programs. Learn more about the day in the life of a county commissioner in this video from the Association of Minnesota Counties.A candidate forum was held for this race on July 13, 2024 - you can view the recording here.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Bethany Cox
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mark Wiens
    (NP)

Biographical Information

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (750 characters)

How would you ensure election laws do not create barriers to Minnesotans’ freedom to vote while also ensuring safe and secure elections? (500 characters)

What do you see as the biggest challenges to mental health and social services in your county, and how would you address them? (500 characters)

{_btnLabelFor(compare1, _isInSelection(compare1))}
{_btnLabelFor(compare2, _isInSelection(compare2))}
Campaign Website http://www.bethanycox.org
Contact Phone 651.504.5162
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/votebethanycox
Campaign Email info@bethanycox.org
1. Housing for all 2. Environmental safeguards 3. Financial sustainability

Being a part of the metro area while having incredible parks and green spaces makes Washington County unique. Protecting these natural outdoor spaces is a priority as these recreation opportunities draw families of all shapes and sizes to our area. Making sure each person that chooses to live in Washington County can find a place to live that fits their budget is essential. And just like my family, keeping a balanced budget is required. With all the needs of the county, managing maintenance and looking ahead to future needs, financial sustainability and transparency of the $400M budget is required.
All citizens must be ensured the right to vote. Whether that’s through early voting, absentee voting, or day-of voting. Absentee voting allows those working irregular hours to get their vote counted. Early voting at appointed voting centers allows for flexibility when it is most convenient for the citizen. Supporting time off on election day allows for scheduling flexibility and freedom in getting all votes entered. Well trained election judges guarantee secure and fair elections.
The main challenge to mental health/social services in our county is the lack of emergency housing and wrap-around services. There is also a shortage of mental health professionals creating a gap between the need for service and the time available by a practitioner. The City of Stillwater has approved variances for an emergency housing facility to be built on the county's campus, which then means the continued funding of this facility will be a priority for commissioners moving forward.
Clean water is essential. In the Legislature I successfully introduced and supported multiple bills aimed at safeguarding clean water for Lake Elmo and East Metro communities. I will prioritize the protection of our water resources, ensuring that clean, safe drinking water is the norm.

Safe roads are vital for economic well-being. I have been a champion for infrastructure improvements, including securing funding for critical projects like the Hwy 36 corridor. We must invest in our roads and transportation systems, so they remain safe and efficient.

Accountability in government is crucial and a core value of mine. In the Legislature I’ve successfully introduced bipartisan reforms to increase oversight, transparency & government efficiency.
Free and fair elections are the very foundation of our Democratic Republic. Any new election laws should not hinder the ability of anyone to vote while also ensuring that those who do are voting legally. The best way to accomplish this goal is through well-meaning bipartisan legislation. I was recognized as one of the top Bipartisan Legislators by the Majority in the Middle and will bring that spirit of non-partisan collaboration to the Washington County Board.
As a Colonel in the Army one of my proudest achievements was developing a plan that substantially reduced the number of suicides among Guardsmen by accepting that the old approaches were inadequate and seeking innovative solutions. As a Representative I supported legislation to fund mental health services for first responders. We need to do a better job of connecting all people who need assistance with resources available and make certain the resources are appropriately funded and effective.
Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.