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.
  • Build your ballot before voting. Print or email the information to use as a reference when you actually vote.

We do not save your information; it will be lost when you leave this page. Only candidates that appear on your ballot will be listed. Additional information may be available for your area so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for other voters’ guides.

Shorewood 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

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

    Paula Callies
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Michelle DiGruttolo
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Nat Gorham
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Daniele Longo
    (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)

Contact Phone 7635468020
Campaign Email calliespaula@gmail.com
My husband and I have enjoyed living Shorewood for 27 years. I am a recently retired attorney with over 30 years’ experience representing MN cities and individuals concerning local government issues. This makes me uniquely qualified to understand complex city issues and make informed decisions. No one else running for election to city council has this relevant experience. I have past experience serving on the Shorewood city council prior to my current term and have also served on the city planning commission and parks foundation. I have a positive community vision and am committed to being a constructive community leader.
Maintaining good condition of the city’s infrastructure and assets in a fiscally responsible manner is vital to our high quality of life; Sound environmental practices such as DNR recommendations for buckthorn removal and the elimination of unnecessary pesticides and herbicides in the maintenance of our public spaces. I strongly support organics recycling; Continued support of our shared community police and fire departments and public safety improvements along Hwy 7.
The city uses a hybrid model for participation in council meetings where anyone can attend in person, or participate by Zoom. I support using public forums on issues of particular interest to engage with the public. I participate in civic events such as Shorewood’s Arctic Fever and the Fire District Open House and neighborhood meetings to engage with the public. I welcome anyone to contact me personally and I respond in a timely manner.
All meetings are open to the public unless MN law requires they be closed. They can also be viewed online through the LMCC. The city updated its website to be more user-friendly. My contact information is publicly available. I hold myself and staff accountable to respond in a timely manner to citizen requests and questions. City documents are available to view online and copies can be requested. I support Open Houses and public forums on issues of particular concern to engage with the public.
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Campaign Website http://www.natgorham.com
Contact Phone 6177807771
I am the best candidate because of my experience in urban infrastructure and project management, specifically in scoping, budgeting, and stakeholder management. This expertise is exactly what Shorewood needs to tackle its current financial and infrastructure challenges. As the only candidate who has served on the Park Commission, Planning Commission, and as a City Councilmember, I have a deep understanding of how the city operates and can deliver immediate results. I have a proven track record of informed decision-making focused on preserving Shorewood's rural character. My background complements the strengths of the current council and mayoral candidates which will ensure balanced and strategic decision-making for our sustainable future.
1. Capital Projects That Work: Ensuring projects are well-reasoned and clearly communicated, benefiting the community while safeguarding our financial stability. 2. Protecting Our Environment and Parks: Advocating for a rural, bee-safe Shorewood and enhancing our park system while committing to sustainability and environmentalism. 3. Building a More Connected City: Fostering stronger relationships with residents through improved communication and transparency.
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community, regardless of political affiliation, geographical location or income level. I will prioritize availability and meet people on their terms, returning calls promptly and being present in their backyards to listen to their concerns and ideas. By fostering strong relationships and open dialogue, I aim to ensure that every resident feels valued and heard in shaping the future of Shorewood.
To ensure transparency and accountability, I will promote representative democracy by gathering feedback from residents on agenda items and communicating my positions. A councilmember who values representative democracy serves the community by reflecting the diverse perspectives and needs of constituents. During meetings, I will articulate my reasoning and stay informed on relevant issues, ensuring my contributions align with the community's interests and remain accountable for my decisions.
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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.