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.

Owatonna 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

    Andi Arnold
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    David Gerhartz
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Don McCann
    (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 5074566383
I believe I am the best candidate for Owatonna City Council Ward 2 is because of my: EXPERIENCE: I believe the city, county, and public schools need to have a collaborative relationship with regard to meeting needs and planning for funding to achieve those goals. I accept the challenge of setting policy while providing affordable services to the residents of our city. ENERGY: I enjoy being active and serving the community that has been a great place for me and my family. I look forward to bringing a calm and welcoming demeanor to meetings where there is the possibility of criticism or intense emotions regarding agenda items. ENTHUSIASM: I want to help Owatonna develop sound policy not just for the near-term but also long-term.
The issues: - Development of the Public Safety building o We need to continue to follow the planning process that has been developed to openly discuss the development of the Public Safety building o Follow the timeline that has been developed - Look at a public and private partnership on a community center o This is currently being studied and we need to continue the process that has been developed. - Develop the infrastructure that is outlined in Owatonna 2050 Comprehensive Plan
I have lived and worked in Owatonna for over 35 years. I graduated from Owatonna High School as has my wife and family. I have coached and been a member of many youths’ athletic boards in Owatonna. With my current position with the Park and Rec. I connect with parents, students, citizens of Owatonna as well as senior citizens in Owatonna. This gives me a unique opportunity to interact with people to get their opinions on Owatonna and how we can grow together as a community.
I would utilize various local media outlets and social media to post information on the topics the city council is dealing with. I would also participate in local events as well as being available to the public during my daily life.

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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