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.

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Voter Guide

Elk River City Council Member Ward 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.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City Council

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  • Candidate picture

    J. Brian Calva
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Niziolek
    (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)

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Campaign Website http://votejbriancalva.com
Contact Phone 6122828365
Campaign Email jbriancalva@gmail.com
I am a good candidate. I am running against a gentlemen that is also good. Best is in the eye of the beholder. My perspective is to maintain what is good about our city while welcoming what will be helpful toward our future. People move to Elk River for what has been built here already so changing what's good is not helpful toward maintaining what attracts others. We want to grow but keep our identity as we go. Families working together, collaborating when our views are different, and building a community that is safe and prosperous, should be every councilperson's goal. I am a collaborator who knows that I do not have all the answers and I am willing to listen to all ideas to distill them into what's best for Elk River's future.
People move to Elk river for it's safe neighborhood's and welcoming retail spaces. I will work to retain that, protect it, and enhance what's available to residents and visitors alike.

We have a need for a new fire station but reports are that the cost is more than we can afford. I hope to find creative ways to pay for that improvement while not increasing costs for residents. This is a huge hurdle but I am up to the challenge.

I hope to be a liaison between the council and local schools.
As I've mentioned, I am a collaborator. I don't believe I have all the ideas but I have many of them. I enjoy the give and take of face to face communication and that is for all cultures in our community. I am part of a transracial family, with an Hispanic background. Differences are not different to me. They are everyday. As a Pastor, I already have a heart to serve ALL people and see no reason that political engagement would be any different. I was born to serve everyone.
I expect transparency. I live by it. Although I am a flawed human being, I have nothing hidden in my closet and I expect Government to behave the same way. In fact I require it. Nobody's perfect, especially Government, so that means decisions can seem to be made that are behind closed doors. I desire to meet regularly with constituents over coffee or whatever and share what is happening and what's being planned so that I can be held accountable as I do the same with our city.
Contact Phone 6125593661
Campaign Email MNiziolek2020@gmail.com
I have lived in the community since 1970, worked in the community since 1977 for: Farmers, Local Merchants and Elk River School District ISD #728, I have been a Park and Recreation Commissioner for over 15 years. (Have been extensively involved in the development of Elk River’s Treasured Park and Recreation System.) Taught for 34 years in Elk River Coached several sports in Elk River and am presently the Elk River Cross Country Running Coach (Coached a State Championship Team, as well as many team/individual qualifiers) Volunteered for a variety of local organizations Graduated from Elk River High School University of Minnesota Graduate with two Degrees one in Biology and the other Education.
Socially Sustainable which will focus on essential needs of the people and emphasize the process that we all must work together towards a common goal. Economically Sustainable that develops long term economic growth with no negative impact to the social or environmental components of our city and world. Environmentally Sustainable which implements policies that assure that we are an integral part of an ecosystem that successfully functions, assure future generations have a quality experience.
I will respond to emails and phone calls within 36 hours Monday through Friday.

I spend time daily in public spaces, in particular our parks, and carry on conversations with those I meet along the way. (Typically I spend time in all parts of our city while running or biking.)

I am particularly interested in meeting with marginalized individuals and groups.
I will take steps to work as a Team to ensure transparency. This teamwork requires collaboration with community members, council members and city staff. This process requires open meetings which mandate a reverence for others opinions, spiritual beliefs and space. Every effort should be made to invite community members to the round table to share their thoughts and make the hard decisions in an open public meeting setting. I will be available to the public and will return their calls/emails.
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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.

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