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.

Wayzata 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 MayorA 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

    Jeff Buchanan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Andrew Mullin
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Barry Petit
    (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)

I am an experienced, knowledgeable and proven leader. In addition to my over 30 years as the CEO of a successful sales and marketing company , I have served the citizens of Wayzata as a Planning Commissioner, as a member of the City Council and have led or served on many other task forces and study groups. I have the most recent and relevant experience of all the candidates that are running. I am widely supported and have the temperament to ensure the continuity necessary to provide the services Wayzata is accustomed to receive.
First, protect our natural resources. We live near a magnificent body of water. We must ensure that what flows into Lake Minnetonka is safe and non toxic to plants and wildlife. Second, improve our housing stock diversity. Make sure that our current affordable housing stock is kept in good condition and look for new strategies to expand it.

Third, hire a full time Fire Chief. This position has been debated and delayed for too long. The safety of our citizens must be a priority.

All documents, budgets, minutes of meetings etc., can be found on Wayzata.org.. To make sure that this site is up to date and easily accessible will be a priority. I will also publish a regular report that will summarize the work of the Council.

Wayzata has a Code of Conduct that was adopted in 2021. This document outlines acceptable behavior of all elected officials. Respectful behavior has always been a hallmark of Wayzata city government and will continue to be the norm when I am Mayor.
When I am Mayor I will work hard to breakdown the barrier between government and our citizens. I will establish a “Mayor’s Round Table” made up of community members, both residential and commercial. Their purpose will be to inform the Mayor of issues concerning all citizens. Additionally, I plan to make myself available on a regular basis at the Muni or other public venues to listen and learn about community concerns
Wayzata maintains a very capable, well trained and well equipped police force. In the last two years we have added two additional officers and a third will be added in 2025. This will bring our total officer count to eighteen. The safety and security of our citizens has always been our top priority . If elected I will continue to invest in our Police and Fire departments and make sure that we are meeting the needs of our community.
Campaign Website http://andrewmullin.com
Contact Phone 9524848159
Campaign Twitter Handle @andrewmullin
Campaign Email andrew@andrewmullin.com
I believe that I stand apart in this race with my extensive experience in local government & a successful track record of fiscal management & getting things done. I have dedicated 17 years to city governance with 8 years on Wayzata City Council & I believe my experience and skills can further enhance our community. I have a proven track record of results that matter from restoring Wayzata's AAA bond rating to implementing large capital projects. I will continue my commitment to service & to ensure that Wayzata remains a safe, vibrant, and fiscally responsible community. My opponents continue to admire Wayzata's challenges but have not offered any tangible solutions. This underscores my commitment to positive, constructive leadership.
Invest in our independent police and fire departments & ensure that they have the tools to do the job - fire response, petty crime, noise, loitering, & traffic violations. The city’s operating budget has grown by $2million from $5million to $7million in less than 5 years. Focus on needs not wants. Our city faces parking and circulation issues. Make changes to our public parking and explore creative solutions to mitigate traffic congestion along Lake Street, Wayzata Blvd and Central/101N.
I’m committed to being a visible and accessible mayor, engaging with stakeholders directly to address concerns. Wayzata has a Code of Conduct for public meetings to provide clarity on expected behavior for the public, staff, & the Council. This code outlines guidelines for all appointed officials on various boards, commissions, authorities, and committees, setting clear expectations for roles, responsibilities, and behavior standards. I support this best practice for local government.
I will be dedicated to fostering proactive community engagement. City leadership has been passive, delegating crucial decisions to city managers and attorneys. Wayzata has numerous task forces, advisory groups, formal boards & commissions that play a vital role in influencing council decisions. However, there is room for improvement in defining the specific roles and charters of each group to enhance outcomes. I am committed to shaping a more responsive and inclusive community governance.
Enhance community policing by investing in the necessary resources and tools required. This will address issues such as noise, loitering, and traffic violations. Update our ordinances and put some teeth into them. Fund a robust Community Service & Reserve officer program. This election is about the future of Wayzata. It's about choosing a leader who has the experience, dedication, and vision to continue making our city a beacon of excellence. I am that leader, and I ask for your support.
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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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