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

Fergus Falls 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

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

    Lonnie Ballweg
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mark E Leighton
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Lea M. Oswald
    (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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Contact Phone 701-261-1265
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566260245504
I am the best candidate for this position because I bring over 20 years of leadership experience across multiple sectors, including business development, real estate, and the military, all of which have equipped me with strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills. My commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement aligns with the values of our city. I prioritize sustainable growth, infrastructure improvements, and supporting local businesses. I am dedicated to serving all residents fairly, listening to their concerns, and ensuring that city decisions benefit everyone in the community.
Economic Development – I will focus on supporting local businesses and attracting responsible developers to ensure sustainable growth that benefits the entire community. Infrastructure Improvements – Investing in our aging infrastructure, including roads and public services, will improve safety and quality of life for residents. Government Transparency – I will promote open communication and ensure residents have access to clear, accessible information on city decisions. These priorities address
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by fostering open lines of communication, ensuring that residents have multiple ways to share their concerns and ideas. I will attend community events, and actively seek input from underrepresented groups. I believe in listening to all voices and will create opportunities for engagement through surveys, online platforms, and face-to-face conversations to ensure everyone's needs are heard.
First, I will advocate for easily accessible financial reports and budget details, ensuring that residents can see how public funds are being used. Second, I will encourage open meetings and provide clear communication channels for residents to express concerns or ask questions. Finally, I will promote regular performance reviews of city projects and officials, ensuring accountability in delivering results efficiently.
Contact Phone 612-910-5413
Campaign Email Mark@westcentralcompanies.com
Over the last five years, I have been actively involved in city council meetings. I have regularly communicated with the mayor, other council members, administration, and department heads to address public and personal concerns. This commitment has given me valuable insight into the functions of the Fergus Falls City Council.

With my background in finance, insurance, and investments, along with my first-hand experience engaging with the council, I possess a deep understanding of the responsibilities of the City Council. This I believe qualifies me as the best candidate for the 2024 City Council election.
I aim to restore government representation - at the city, school, county, and state levels - to the people, beginning at the local level. No. 1~focus only on the fundamental of city government; water, sewer, storm, streets, police and fire. No. 2~ control excess spending, reduce overreaching regulations/ordinances. No.3~Better manage and maintain what the city currently has and cut the political spending on “wants.” All without reducing taxpayer’s primary services.
No. 1. Public Input~I will ensure all public communication received by the city is logged, reported to the city administrator, and presented to the council. No. 2. Open Forum~I will work on the Open Forum Policy to include a dialogue, not a monologue, with the council. No. 3. Town Hall Meetings~We will to hold Town Hall Meetings to provide additional venue for public input. This will help the council and staff to appropriately respond. Simply better “customer service.”
I will request the council to become more informative for all to understand. For example, Fergus Falls real estate tax levy per city population exceeds that of all cities’ real estate tax levy per state population, capital spending over the past 10 years is approaching $200 million. Much of this spending has been for “wants” while city buildings, infrastructure and streets are crumbling. A surprise to many and this will change.
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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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