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.

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Voter Guide

Willmar City Council Member Ward 1

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

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  • Candidate picture

    Thomas G. Gilbertson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael V. O'Brien
    (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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Campaign Website http://www.facebook.com/gilbertson.thomas
Contact Phone 3202350100
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/gilbertson.thomas
Campaign Email tommygilby@gmail.com
I’m the best candidate for City Council because I have a proven track record of getting things done for Willmar and a deep understanding of our city’s unique needs as a lifelong community member. I’ve spent years working alongside neighbors and local leaders to improve parks, expand recreational facilities, address housing needs, and support local businesses. Growing up here, I’ve seen how our community has evolved and where it needs to go. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges we face. I bring experience, dedication, and a vision for a stronger Willmar—focused on infrastructure, economic development, and community safety. I’m ready to make smart, timely decisions that benefit Willmar today and for future generations.
My top priorities will be: 1) Fixing Roads and Infrastructure: Improve and maintain roads, reduce delays, support local businesses, and restructure funding. 2) Keeping Our Community Safe: Enhance and protect property values, and support law enforcement. Improving parks and trails while fostering connections of neighborhoods. 3) Making Smart, Timely Decisions: Ensure city projects benefit Willmar now and in the future, balancing growth with fiscal responsibility.
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by actively listening to residents through open forums, attending community events, and meeting people where they are. I’ll prioritize transparent communication, ensuring everyone has a voice in decisions. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and embracing our cultural diversity, I’ll work to create inclusive policies that reflect the needs and perspectives of all Willmar residents.
I will build on the city’s good work of posting meetings, agendas, and minutes online. Encourage even more accessible and detailed updates on city projects and budgets. I’ll support the comprehensive plan and include a 10-year plan for roads, with clear timelines and costs, so residents can stay informed. Additionally, I’ll encourage greater citizen involvement in decision-making processes to ensure government actions align with the public’s needs and priorities.
I enjoy being apart of organizations to help improve and grow our community in positive ways. My history of being a conservation officer and volunteering on several boards from NLS and Willmar school boards, my church, Prairie Wood Environmental Learning Center, and Southwest West Central Coop have given me experience with working with a variety of people. I am currently on the Community Emergency Response Team and the Willmar Lakes Association. My ability to research information and my broad experiences with law enforcement, schools, and our environment have been beneficial to my current role as a city council member.
 Wheel Tax—I have been working with the administration to research this option to help reduce the assessments for our citizens for street improvements including curb, gutter, sewer and water.  Budget—I want to establish a capital improvement plan that will reduce taxes and complete current projects and those in the future.  Broadband Fiber—I have been on the committee to complete fiberoptics in 3 phases in the city of Willmar. Proposed construction is set for Spring 2025.
I will represent all citizens in our city and welcome dialogue anytime!
I serve the people of Willmar and make every effort to keep communication open. If re-elected, I will continue to respond to questions and concerns through emails, calls, and texts.
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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.