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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Voter Guide

Blaine City Council Member Ward 1 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

A council member serves on the city council. The city council makes any decisions on behalf of the city. This includes authorizing spending and adopting local laws. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, public safety, and more.https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilA candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/_sprt561lvw. 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

    Chris Ford
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Lori Saroya
    (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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I am the best candidate for Blaine City Council because of my proven leadership as a fire department captain for 14 years and my expertise in policy analysis and community engagement. My public safety experience has equipped me to lead under pressure, make informed decisions, and prioritize the well-being of our residents. I am committed to improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and expanding parks and green spaces. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, I will ensure every voice in Blaine is heard.
If elected, my top three priorities will be: 1. Public Safety – Strengthening fire service and law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents. 2. Parks and Green Spaces – I am dedicated to expanding and maintaining recreational areas to enhance your quality of life and support your love for outdoor activities. 3. Infrastructure Improvement – Upgrading roads, transit, and utilities to accommodate growth and reduce congestion
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by fostering open communication and creating inclusive spaces for dialogue. Having lived in Minneapolis, Rochester, and other communities and worked with diverse students at Blaine High School, I bring a fresh perspective to understanding community needs. Working with diversity has been my lifelong obligation, and I am committed to ensuring all voices are heard and respected in our city's future.

To ensure transparency and accountability in city government, I will advocate for continued clear communication through regular public updates on council decisions and budget reports. I will push for open forums where residents can directly engage with city officials and provide input on key issues. Additionally, I will support the use of online platforms to make city documents and meetings easily accessible. These steps will foster trust and allow residents to hold their government accountable.
Campaign Website http://VoteSaroya.com
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/VoteSaroya
Campaign Email votesaroya@gmail.com
I bring a unique perspective shaped by my background as the daughter of immigrants, nearly 20 years of community service and nonprofit leadership experience, and a law degree. I spent 7 years on the Blaine Charter Commission and now almost 2 years on the Blaine City Council. Blaine has been my home for 20 years with my husband and three children and I’m deeply committed to this community. I love living in Ward 1 because it is the heart and soul of Blaine. There is so much history here and I have met so many good, genuine people. I am committed to creating a Blaine that puts residents first.
My top three priorities include: Improving Infrastructure: Ensuring our roads, public spaces, and utilities are well-maintained and modernized. Enhancing Public Safety: Working with local law enforcement and community organizations to keep Blaine safe. Smart Development: Promoting sustainable and strategic growth that benefits all residents.
I am proud to be the first Muslim and woman of color to be elected to the Blaine City Council. My parents are immigrants, which is something many people in Blaine can relate to. My work in the community and the nonprofit sector has brought me together with many people from diverse backgrounds, and I’m thankful for that experience. I am people-centered and I put residents first.
We have made significant progress and brought unprecedented government accountability and transparency to Blaine, but there is still much to do. I am committed to ensuring that our growth benefits all community members and that our city remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. I will do this by continuing to prioritize the needs and voices of all Blaine residents and calling for transparency each step of the way.
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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.