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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Winona City Council Member At Large

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. Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/) to find specific candidate contact information.A candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/Q6jt2NnK-IQ. 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

    Jason David Dicus
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Al Light
    (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 pay attention and have a great blend of professional and personal connections that would inform me how to best represent all people in Winona. I listen and am curious about people’s opinions, their lives and city issues. I can provide measured and thoughtful leadership at City Council. I am lucky that I work in an environment that allows me to have 1000s of face-to-face conversations each year with clients or just those that are seeking a little advice. I understand modern problems and can act on modern solutions.
Affordable Housing: While a national issue, focus must be placed here in Winona in order to maintain a pleasant living experience and a strong workforce. Thoughtful Progress: From a modern senior center to public transportation, we should strive to make Winona better for all our citizens. Quality of Life: Keep Winona's Arts and Outdoor Recreation top-of-mind and make sure we preserve the things that make Winona a great place to live.
I already do this everyday at my downtown repair business, Computer Dock. People like to talk and I like to listen, I invite them stick around and share concerns or the things that they like. I also like to go to many of the local events and try to make myself available for conversations. I am responsive to email and phone calls as well. I think it's important to listen more than speak.
It just makes sense to approach city government with transparency and accountability. I would be data driven and very analytical about my decisions and votes. City staff does a great job of providing meeting thorough agendas to council members and Winonans. We've got a great thing going here in Winona, I want to be a honest steward and help keep that positive energy going.
Contact Phone 5074747093
Campaign Email alandlight@yahoo.com
I have been a resident of Winona since coming to WSU in 1977. Following college, in my role as Local Television Program Manager, I worked with most community organizations at one time or another including the City of Winona. I work extremely well with people. I retired early and will be available 24/7 to listen to and address the needs and concerns of Winonans. I am open minded and will always look at both sides of an issue before making fair decisions. Overall, City Officials have run Winona well in what cities are mostly responsible for: water, sewer, police, fire, parks and public safety. I will work hard to ensure this continues and make improvements when and where possible.
Top priorities include foremost listening to constituents and doing my best to resolve their concerns. The City's main functions include water, sewer, parks, police, fire and public safety. These things are equally important and we need to continue doing a good job maintain these things. Housing costs are also an issue in Winona complicated by land limitations when you're on an island. Community development options need to be discussed more and would like to be on the Housing committee.
I am willing to meet with any Winona resident that has concerns or issues they'd like addressed at their convenience. I will talk via phone, meet at their home or mine, or meet a local establishment. I would like to meet with retirement centers, clubs and organizations to hear and address concerns and discuss what the City is doing currently on a regular basis. I can be available 24/7 to listen to members of the community.
I will encourage everyone to attend or watch the City Council meetings. I would use council concerns time to address anything that I would find that is not being transparent or not having the accountability that is needed.

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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