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

Detroit Lakes 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

    Amber Abraham
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Wendy Spry
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Marga Ybarra
    (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 218-850-4286
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564342827869
Campaign Email abraham4dl@gmail.com
My desire to be part of the city council stems from 2 years of actively advocating for my neighborhood and our city. I have 22 years’ experience in the civil engineering field. I have worked in different positions in my career path, from road design to construction. Currently I work in project management. For my position I have been educated in public engagement and how to interact successfully with the public. I understand to make the best decision as a city council member there needs to be community engagement, site visits to observe and thought of future repercussions of the decision. I want to be a part of making our city sustainable for the future and viable for our residents.
The first priority for me as a city council member is to listen to the people I represent. Listen to listen, not to respond and push an agenda. My second priority is to be the voice of the people I represent. I will advocate, I will be honest, and I will be a resource for the citizens. Third priority is to responsibly plan. This includes financially and the planning of our city’s future
I am currently door to door campaigning. I have had a pleasant time meeting a variety of people in our community leading to important conversations regarding concerns to seriously consider. I have a natural ability to communicate with anyone. I know how to engage and read people. Bottom line is people want to be listened to and acknowledged. I have email, social media and phone number for my campaign. I want to be accessible. I am running for city council to be a voice for the people.
Communication is the key. While advocating for my neighborhood I have attended countless city meetings. I know what it means to be ignored by your representatives in big decision making. I will always be open, honest and approachable for the citizens I represent.
My strength is that I am forward-thinking, intentional, and strategic when confronted with difficult decisions. In my four years in city government, I’ve gained knowledge and experience that allows me to immediately continue serving the people of Ward 2. For example, I understand the services our residents expect and appreciate, and what it takes to deliver them. The process of making financial decisions is incredibly important to me. People comment on my insightful questions posed at meetings, noting they result in better conversations. It is equally important to me that I conduct myself in a respectful manner when I engage with other council members, city staff, and the public and I’ve achieved this in the toughest of conversations.
Continue planned growth of the city and tax base to better manage financial burdens carried by the current residents.

Continue review of assessment policy to distribute water/sewer/road construction cost in a more equitable manner that doesn’t overburden the property owner. The city has made progress in this area and I will continue to support city staff who seek solutions.

Affordable housing. Everyone deserves a roof over their head that they can afford.
I encourage attendance at committee and council meetings. Not everyone will be 100% satisfied with every outcome, but through public hearing, consideration of all sides, and informed decision-making, we can operate in an inclusive and strategic direction.
The most effective way to achieve transparency and accountability is by inviting citizens to participate in local government through committees, advisory boards, and planning processes. When opportunities to participate arise, I encourage individuals to get involved. I will also continue to ask thorough questions of city staff, fellow council members, committees and advisory boards. I raise questions that I believe the public wants answered in order to fully understand the issue at hand. Lastl
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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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