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.

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Voter Guide

Harris City Mayor

The mayor is usually the head of the city and may represent the city in front of other government bodies. They also can preside at council meetings and appoint city workers. A mayor usually has a role in proposing a city budget which influences services provided to residents and can veto ordinances proposed by the city council.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for Mayor

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

    Randy Carlson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Diane Miller
    (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)

If elected, what strategies will you use to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in city government under your leadership? (500 characters)

How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard? (500 characters)

How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents? (500 characters)

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I’m the best candidate due to my extensive involvement in key community projects and infrastructure development. Under my leadership, Harris secured significant funding for improving broadband services, addressing the needs of Harris residents.

Additionally, I have overseen other vital initiatives, including a grant to replace one of the city's wells, removal of abandoned downtown buildings and the expansion of the Sunrise Prairie Trail, contributing to community health and recreational opportunities. My proactive approach to tackling infrastructure issues while fostering growth and engagement highlights my commitment to improving Harris, making me the best candidate for the mayoral role.
Improve infrastructure, controlled growth, reduce taxes and water costs.

The City of Harris has received a grant to expand our city water and sewar to I35 interchange. When completed this will foster business growth.

We are currently working with a local developer to build several small homes and business space on the abandoned building site. The controlled growth, at the I35 interchange and downtown, will help reduce taxes and water and sewer cost to residents.
Harris has an Open Access to Information policy which ensures that the city’s activities, meetings, and financial documents are open to the public and available online.

Harris encourages public participation through town meetings, citizen feedback platforms, and open communication with elected officials.

Regular Financial Disclosures and Audits helps to ensure that city officials provide regular financial disclosures and audits which is critical to accountability.
City council meetings are open meetings that provide residents with direct access to city officials, allowing them to voice concerns, provide feedback, and participate in discussions about community projects and policies.

I have also worked with the Harris Days organization and Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) to help build community and allows for deeper involvement in specific areas like parks, public safety, or urban planning.
The city of Harris contracts police services with Chisago County Police department. They do a great job but to improve public safety we are working on community-oriented policing. By engaging with residents regularly at events like” Harris Days” celebration, our “Santa in Harris” celebration, party at the park event, and summer soak downs. This interaction helps officers better understand the specific concerns of different neighborhoods, fostering trust and cooperation.
Hard work and continuous improvement. Analyze all options. Responsive to public concerns. Respect for everyone. Integrity in all relationships. Strong fiscal control. These are the core values that I bring as Mayor. It is what I would expect from someone who represents me. There is no room in public service for favoritism towards self or others. Elected officials should be responsive to public concerns, analyze all options, and maintain strong fiscal control because it is the residents’ money. Respect for everyone and integrity in all relationships is vital because there will be opposing opinions, and decisions made will affect people differently. I am committed to fiscal responsibility.
Capital Improvement Plan: Needs must be prioritized, a budget prepared, and a Plan developed. Funding: Locate funding for Capital Improvements in ways that will not bankrupt the City or create an unbearable tax burden for its residents. Policies and Procedures: Review with each department to ensure everyone understands and follows appropriately. Employees are under minimal supervision and expectations must be clear.
Transparency: Ensure the website is updated regularly for all public meetings including agendas and meeting minutes for Council, Planning, budget, and other meetings. Accountability: Regular employee reviews as to policies and procedures, including council and planning members. Ethical conduct: Investigate any complaints, review policies, and discuss expectations of ethical conduct with employees, council, and planning members on a regular basis.
Public comment section at every Council meeting. Website updates with news and events. Website subscriptions for automatic email notifications. When an issue specific to an area is under consideration a phone call, letter, or email will be sent to those involved. Residents are also welcome to call me directly. All forms of communication will be used to keep residents informed and involved.
The City has a contract with the Chisago County Sheriff's Department for public safety and community policing. Regular reports are received and reviewed. A specific Deputy is assigned to our City as a contact to discuss issues that arise. If I have any questions or concerns about the process, I will contact the Sheriff directly.
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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.

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.