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.
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Mound City Council Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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 CouncilA candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/qRG2AJnlmP0?si=HlJrEu6FH0m5o3U3. More MN forums are available at https://www.lwvmn.org/2024-candidate-forums.

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

    Kevin Castellano
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Michelle Herrick
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Joanna Kahn
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Tre Woodson
    (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)

I have lived in Mound for over 20 years, and am currently on the city council, with lots of municipal work experience. I keep focused on objective and critical thinking, ensuring that all residents are best served, and voices heard. I also have a strong background in municipal budgetary experience having worked for the city of Wayzata for just shy of 10 years. I am most proud of our Long Term Financial plan which benefits all residents. Transparency and communication is also very important to me. I am a good collaborator, adept at getting the most out of our resources and building valuable relationships with our neighbors. I will also keep the focus and momentum on our water treatment plant. I have strong, relevant experience
As your current council member, I will continue to be supportive of keeping the momentum going on fixing our water problem. I will make sure our public parks and greenspace stays top notch as we are soon to have more than ever before with completion of the Lost Lake Commons beautifying downtown, and Surfside Park improvements. Managing an effective and efficient budget is also top priority as I am on the finance committee. Responsible Fiscal management ties it all together.
I have built a lot of relationships over the last 20 years - learning what's important to our residents of all ages from first time homeowners, to seniors citizens. Their needs are different, and they can all count on me to make sure they are heard, questions answered, problems solved. I have proven this over the last several years on both the city council and planning commission prior to that.
This is and will continue to be a priority for me. We hired a new city manager and deputy city manager, improved our newsletter, website, and social media presence. Transparency is much improved, and access to information and city meetings is much clearer. I listen to residents to hear what they would like to see, and make sure that we doing more than just the minimum for communication. I think we are doing a great job of that now, and will continue that work.
I would be honored to serve the community of Mound and support the priorities of those who work and live in our community. I have lived in Mound for 19 years and fell in love with our small-town charm and sense of community. We all know Mound is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. I am committed to preserving and cultivating Mound’s charm, history, and allure. While at the same time incorporating those unique attributes into strategic planning and development opportunities that benefit our citizens and businesses.
First, I want to support our council in obtaining funding to provide a clean and safe water system. This has been a long-standing issue with our community. Second, I want to support existing businesses and attract new ones to our community. And finally, I would be an independent voice supporting development that matters to the community of Mound, not just the developers that benefit financially.
Mound has a diverse community. I am enthusiastic about supporting our elderly and disabled residents. Communication is essential to understanding their needs. Also, I volunteer at the Westonka Food Shelf which has been rewarding and educational. As a representative of Mound, I would welcome conversations with all our citizens.
The current Mayor and Council have been doing an impressive job improving communication channels. However, the community must take action to learn about what is happening. Transparency is essential to earning the trust of our community. I want the people of Mound to understand issues not rumors. Getting the word out in a non-biased way is essential to gain trust. Let's provide just the facts.
I moved to Mound from California because I wanted my family to enjoy small-town life, and I’m passionate about preserving and enhancing it. Also, as a second-term Mound Parks Commissioner, I have working relationships with the current mayor and Council members, as well as city staff, so we’re ready to work together immediately. Finally, I enjoy working on difficult projects. I have spent my career teaching both teenagers and adult inmates; after working with those populations, I have the strength of character and tenaciousness to handle politics.
1. Follow the 2040 plan and block attempts at high-density housing. Mound should retain its small-town feel. Instead of growth, we can put our energy toward increasing beauty, livability, and walkability in Mound. 2. Partner with the library to provide and support library services during the construction of the new library in 2025-2026. 3. Continue the current city council’s attempts to get the necessary water treatment plant funded via state and federal funds.
My daily life is centered around Mound. I am a: Hilltop parent x3, daughter and niece of Artessa residents, Westonka Library patron, WAC employee, Buy Nothing member, Parks Commissioner, supporter of the Island Park Village Hall Preservation Society, Little Free Library owner, farmer’s market shopper, and Gillespie Center member. If we don't already know each other, as a city council member, I look forward to increasing council presence at city events and soliciting citizen feedback.
Mound already works hard to be transparent and accountable. Mayor Holt has prioritized increased communication via the new Mound Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube accounts and an expanded printed newsletter; I was able to gain Mayor Holt’s support to write a new “Spotlight on the Parks” column in each newsletter to highlight our parks amenities. Moving forward, council members should be involved in daily community life in order to be accessible to residents outside of formal council meetings.
Campaign Email trewoodson@usa.com
As a passionate advocate for community-driven progress, I bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to transparency. My experience in local initiatives and collaboration equips me to address Mound City’s challenges effectively. I prioritize sustainable development, economic growth, and enhancing public services while listening to residents' needs. My focus on open communication and inclusive decision-making will ensure every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build a vibrant, thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel connected. Your support can make this vision a reality.
#1 Public Safety: Enhancing community policing and emergency response to ensure a safe environment for all residents. #2 Infrastructure Improvement: Upgrading roads, parks, and public facilities to support a higher quality of life and economic growth. #3 Education and Youth Programs: Investing in local schools and recreational programs to support the next generation and build a strong future for Mound City.
I will host regular town hall meetings and create accessible online forums to ensure all voices are heard. By actively seeking input from diverse groups and working closely with community organizations, I’ll ensure representation of various perspectives. Additionally, I'll prioritize transparent communication and feedback mechanisms to address concerns promptly. This approach will help build trust and ensure that every member of our community has a stake in our collective progress.
I will implement regular public reports on council activities and financial expenditures, and ensure meetings are open and accessible to all. By promoting a clear and straightforward online portal for tracking decisions and budgets, I’ll foster openness. Additionally, establishing an independent oversight committee will help address any concerns and hold officials accountable. These measures will build trust and ensure that city government remains transparent and answerable to its residents.

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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