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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Stillwater City Council Member Ward 3 {_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 CouncilA candidate forum for this race is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbYUZe2Ksp0&t=5s. 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

    Ed Nelsen
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Larry Odebrecht
    (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)

Campaign Website http://edforstillwater.com
Contact Phone 6513007936
Campaign Email edforstillwater@gmail.com
I work in the basic human services nonprofit sector here in Stillwater and am the chair of the city's Human Rights Commission, which, coupled with my own personal intersect of growing up Latino, has made me distinctly aware that not every citizen is always represented or heard. I have over 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and public service sectors supporting children, education, the environment, human rights, National Parks, and the arts. I feel integrity, compassion, humility, and thoughtfulness are the pillars of a true leader. I am curious and forward-thinking by nature. I like to take in as much information as is available so I can bring ideas to the table that are grounded in knowledge, collaboration, wisdom and equity.
To continue to evolve as a community without losing our history, charm, beauty, open spaces, and watershed quality. To address important issues like water quality, housing, transportation, and accessibility, while at the same time have a vibrant and diverse economy. And to do all this with representation of all our citizens. As Paul Wellstone said, We all do better when we all do better. And to that end, I want to ensure that every voice is heard and represented at the table.
Between being Latino, seeing the vulnerable in our community on a regular basis, and being a trained DEI facilitator; I think I have a unique perspective to understand some of the cultural differences within our community while still recognizing I don’t know each persons journey. I will engage and build relationships with others and listen to what is important and what drives someone and what there needs might be. I will do this through active community involvement and communication.
I will make sure I understand all the available information. I will actively and regularly engage, interact, and communicate with the community. I will supply my constituents with regular, timely, and clear information. I will make sure I am available to my constituents in multiple ways in order to accommodate their communication preferences. I will utilize the communication tools of the city and will also use my own social media accounts. This issue is one of the reasons I decided to run.
Contact Phone (651) 356-8763
Campaign Twitter Handle @Ode2Larry
Campaign Email larry.odebrecht@gmail.com
I'm the best candidate because Stillwater is thriving, and I want to keep that momentum going! As a Planning Commissioner and Council Member, I've championed initiatives that drive supportable growth and meaningful community engagement. I focus on practical solutions, ensuring our governance is efficient and effective, with top priorities like public safety, infrastructure, and environmental health. I actively involve all of our community, ensuring every voice is heard. My dedication is about keeping Stillwater vibrant and making it even better for everyone who calls it home.
Public Safety and Health: Enhance our emergency services to ensure swift, effective responses and community safety.

Environmental Health and Infrastructure: Address PFAS concerns and upgrade critical infrastructure to protect public health and facilitate sustainable growth.

Economic and Housing Development: Expand affordable housing through innovative strategies like ADUs, supporting economic diversity and inclusion in our community.
I actively engage with our community through regular open forums, direct communications via our website and social media, hands-on involvement in city events, and written articles. My ongoing collaboration with diverse groups ensures all voices are heard. Proudly supported by community members across the political spectrum, I am committed to representing all of Stillwater with integrity and dedication.
We prioritize clear, consistent communication to ensure transparency and accountability in city government. Mayor Ted and I are committed to expanding these efforts in 2025, using platforms like larryforstillwater.com and social media to keep you informed and engaged. We actively demystify processes, ensuring every citizen understands and can participate in government actions.

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.