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

Deephaven City Council Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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

    Tom Erdmann
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Emily Scherschligt
    (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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While I lack the hubris to claim that I am the BEST candidate for this position, I can promise to serve the Deephaven community with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to support a citizen-focused, efficient, and functional city government. I am running for city council because I envision a Deephaven that continues to grow and thrive for future generations while maintaining the elements of our community that make us distinct, unique and enable an exceptional quality of life for our residents. I have actively volunteered in Deephaven, serving on the Cottagewood Community Foundation, leading Cottagewood Store Lawn Sale fundraiser events, and serving on the Deephaven Parks Committee for over six years where I currently chair the committee.
1. Balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support and enhance city services. Tax carefully, spend wisely. 2. Protecting Deephaven's unique character as homes are remodeled and replaced: Changes to zoning ordinances should be the exception, not the rule. 3. Maintaining, enhancing, and increasing access to our parks, beaches, and marina while expanding and improving walking and biking routes throughout Deephaven. Our park system is a gem that belongs to all residents to enjoy
As a council member, I will actively solicit feedback, listen carefully, and remain curious to understand what others in our city identify as priorities and want from city leadership. I will actively engage with residents, foster connections, and work to build a strong sense of community. We share a collective pride and sense of gratitude as Deephaven residents, and we need to lever this community energy to accomplish things that enhance our life in Deephaven.
I will work to expand the information and services available through the city website. Specifically, summary-level information on budgets, spending, demographics, public safety, and services can be made more available online and in our newsletter. I encourage residents to voice their ideas and provide feedback by engaging with council members and attending council meetings. I hope to expand activities that include joint city/citizen volunteer activities to build community and quality of life.
I have been honored to serve as a member of the Deephaven City Council since being appointed to the office in February of 2023. This experience, along with my professional background as an attorney, has given me a knowledge and understanding of the issues facing our community and the desire to continue as a member of the City Council for the next four years. Deephaven is a growing and thriving community and I hope to represent our city by being a thoughtful listener and advocate for all residents and also a responsible steward of our community’s resources.
I hope to develop a comprehensive plan for the repair of roads we have identified as in poor or failing condition and also implement a cost-effective strategy for prolonging the life of the roads in which we have already made significant investment. I also hope to improve our website and offer options for communication with and input from our residents. I will maintain focus on updating our beautiful parks and beaches and actively seek out grants and outside funding available for these projects.
I enjoy meeting and talking with residents about their ideas and goals for Deephaven and welcome any opportunity to do so. Whether you are someone whose family has lived in Deephaven for generations or you are a recent transplant, we all take pride in our city and have a unique perspective to offer in how it can be improved. I hope to update and expand our city’s website and also initiate a social media presence to better engage with all residents.
I hope residents feel welcome to attend and actively participate in our City Council, Planning Commission and Parks Committee meetings. Our work sessions and meetings are always open to all and we encourage resident participation and feedback on everything from budgeting to park improvements. Meeting agendas, video and minutes are always available on the city’s website. Trust in our elected officials and in our government at every level is paramount and will be my highest priority if elected.
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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.