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

Columbia Heights City Mayor

The role of city mayor can vary from city to city. However, the mayor is usually the head of the city and may represent the city in front of other government bodies. A mayor also usually has a role in proposing a city budget that is approved by the city council. The budget influences the services the city provides to its residents. Mayors sometimes are voting members of city council, and in some cities the mayor is in charge of city council meetings. https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-you-should-vote-mayorA candidate forum for this race is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tym8MbewLN4. 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

    Montrell Bond
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Amáda Márquez Simula
    (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)

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Campaign Website http://montrellforMayor.org
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560149177551&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Campaign Email Bond.montrell@iCloud.com
website Montrellformayor.org
I am the best candidate for this position simply because this is my purpose. I was born to lead my family and community into a greater path in life that empowers and inspires everyone to be their best version of themselves. I am personally invested in securing our future for generations to come. It also is my civic duty to make sure our community isn’t destroyed by petty politics.
If elected I will prioritize Finding innovative , creative ways to reduce property taxes for our community, creating new revenue streams for our city & public and first responder safety. These issues have the biggest impacts on our day to day lives as a collective. Local issues need to be prioritized on a municipal level.
If elected I will firstly abide by the current constitution that governs our city by not injecting partisanship into our local government. I will hold myself and council member’s accountable for engaging in unethical practices. I will use a reverse open door strategy by exploring the idea of bringing myself and the leaders of the community out of the comforts of the city hall by going to engage members of the community on the streets. Meet the people where they are at!
As I mentioned above I will explore a reverse open door policy, that involves the city’s leadership to leave the confinements of the city hall walls and get out there in the community. I would like to see worksessions and city hall meetings out in the public to encourage more people to get involved especially when the decisions are being made on their behalf. Since we are a diverse city we need more interpreters to facilitate closing the gaps of the language barriers that distort communication.
I will approach safety from a holistic perspective. I believe that the public as well as first responders safety both are equally important. The chief and current police department staff have wonderful community engagement programs in place. I want to enhance these programs to ensure we reach a more broader demographic of people that make up our diverse city. I would like to see our city back on the path where we won The All American City Award in 2016.
Campaign Website http://voteamada.com
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/voteamada
Campaign Email amada.simula@gmail.com
Contact Phone 6129901330
website www.instagram.com/amada.for.columbia.heights/
Column16 amada@voteamada.com
I am deeply committed to serving Columbia Heights with informed, fearless, and creative leadership. My experience as a former city and school district employee has given me a unique perspective on how our institutions work together to serve residents, businesses, and visitors. I actively engage with the community, prioritize equity, and advocate for increased representation of marginalized groups in leadership roles. My dedication to inclusivity, strategic thinking, and hands-on service, along with my focus on addressing climate challenges, makes me the best candidate to continue leading Columbia Heights toward a more vibrant, just, and sustainable future.
Improving Safety on Central and University Avenues: I’ll partner with MnDOT and local stakeholders to implement traffic calming, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and reduce accidents, making these key corridors safer for everyone. Securing Funding for Public Works/Municipal Building: I’ll work with state and federal officials to secure funding for modernizing our Public Works and Municipal facilities, ensuring they meet community needs. Increasing Diversity and Accessibility: I’ll priori
I prioritize open communication by making information accessible to the public, ensuring meetings are transparent, and encouraging community participation. I advocate for regular audits of city policies and procedures, uphold strict ethical standards, and ensure that decisions are made with integrity. Through collaboration with residents and regular meetings with council, the city manager, and our police chief, we’ll create a city government that’s accountable, transparent, and trustworthy.
I am dedicated to engaging with neighborhood groups, cultural organizations, and with local leaders. I take part in various events and ensure residents are well-informed through the city newsletter, social media, and local newspapers. As a passionate volunteer and community member, I strive to inspire people to attend meetings and community events. Additionally, I welcome residents and stakeholders to council meetings, encouraging them to share their views privately or publicly with me.
I focus on strengthening our police department, emphasizing community policing, wellness for the community and first responders, transparency, and accountability. We prioritize training in de-escalation, mental health crisis response, and diversity to ensure officers are well-equipped. We have two full-time social workers in our police department to provide the best service. Fostering trust between law enforcement and the community creates a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.
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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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