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.

Maple Plain City Mayor

The mayor is usually the head of the city and may represent the city in front of other government bodies. They also can preside at council meetings and appoint city workers. A mayor usually has a role in proposing a city budget which influences services provided to residents and can veto ordinances proposed by the city council.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for Mayor

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

    Julie M. Maas-Kusske
    (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)

Contact Phone (763)479-6010
Campaign Email JulieMaasKusske@gmail.com
I am committed to and invested in this community. I work collaboratively with others and listen to community input. I welcome conversations with my neighbors and colleagues and truly believe that together we are better. I believe in acting proactively, such as investing maintenance to prevent more expensive repairs later. I am an engaged member with the MN Mayors Association, Orono Rotary club, the Regional Council of Mayors, our chamber of commerce, and in Orono schools. I am an advocate for Maple Plain and work with local, county and state officials, ie Hwy 12, development, potential TIF funding, etc. I am the proven leader who works collaboratively with others and truly wants what is best for Maple Plain and all my neighbors.
My top three priorities would include infrastructure, public safety and development. We need to be creative and encourage development of our very limited available land. Residents need to be able to safely drink their water, drive their cars, flush their toilets and know they are safe and protected 24/7, not just today but for years to come.
Ethical conduct, accountability and transparency are all absolute musts in managing successful local government. Meetings are open and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. City council and planning commission meetings can be viewed on Youtube. All packets and minutes are posted on the website. Ethical conduct will be expected during all interactions, whether in public or during a meeting. Every voice matters. People can agree to disagree but it needs to be done in a respectful manner.
My phone number and email is easily accessible. I welcome conversations with everyone, my neighbors, colleagues, business owners, etc.. I will continue to attend community events. I will continue to be actively involved in community organizations. I would continue to: host Muffins with the Mayor, do my best to keep my political Facebook page up-to-date, welcome public comment at meetings, solicit input via surveys electronically and or paper, host public hearings and open houses.
I will continue to proactively support our police and firefighters. Ensuring that our residents are both safe and served 24/7 is one of my priorities. I’m committed to making sure our first responders have the tools they need to do their jobs well and the resources needed to take care of themselves mentally and physically. Community policing is something West Hennepin Public Safety does exceptionally well. Citizens Academy, Night to Unite, Forensics class, etc and is deeply valued.

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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