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 Grove 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 CouncilA forum for the candidates in this race will be held on October 8, 2024, at 6:30pm at Maple Grove City Hall and available for later viewing via CCX Media.

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.

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    Samba Fall
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Brad Ganzer
    (NP)

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    Brandy Logan
    (NP)

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    Clarke Macbeth
    (NP)

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    Jon McCullough
    (NP)

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    Mike Ostaffe
    (NP)

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    Joshua Provo
    (NP)

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    James Robbins
    (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)

I am the best candidate for Maple Grove City Council because I bring a unique combination of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the community. As a longtime resident and community advocate, I have worked tirelessly to improve safety, promote equity, and support local businesses. My experience as Chair of the International Service at Rotary, a board member on various state councils, and a career navigator shows my commitment to uplifting every resident. I will work to ensure that Maple Grove’s prosperity is shared by all, making our city more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant. Together, we can build a stronger, united community. I humbly ask for your vote and partnership!
If elected to the Maple Grove City Council, my top three priorities will be:

1. Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring all residents, regardless of background, have access to city resources and opportunities. 2. Community Safety: Strengthening public safety partnerships to keep neighborhoods safe and improve quality of life. 3. Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses and sustainable development to ensure Maple Grove continues to thrive while sharing prosperity with all residents. Vote Samba
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by creating open channels of communication through regular town halls, listening sessions, and community events. I will prioritize reaching out to underrepresented groups, ensuring their voices are heard in city decisions. By fostering trust and collaboration, I aim to build a more inclusive environment where every resident feels valued, and their needs are addressed, promoting unity and shared growth in Maple Grove.
To ensure transparency and accountability in city government, I will promote open communication by making council decisions and processes easily accessible to all residents. I will advocate for regular public updates, clear reporting on budget spending, and encourage resident participation in decision-making through forums and surveys. Additionally, I will hold myself and my colleagues accountable by setting measurable goals, regularly reviewing progress, and maintaining integrity in all issues.
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Campaign Website http://jonformaplegrove.com
Contact Phone 6124050001
Campaign Twitter Handle @Jon4MapleGrove
City council planning, through equitable and financial responsibility, corresponds with my civic engagement and school district service.

Using proven principles and strategies as a condominium president, I will seek ways to optimize our city budget and focus on residents well-being.

I will emphasize community safety and prioritize fiscal responsibility, facilitate open access round table discussions, and collaborate with citizens seeking mutual goals.
Fully staff our police and fire departments and ensure there are resources for a safe community and respond to criminal threats.

Traffic has increased making it a growing threat to pedestrians. We need to anticipate stronger safety management as we mix pedestrian, bike and park trails with vehicles.

Fiscal responsibly focusing on realistic goals that optimize future investment is necessary to keep costs affordable. I am committed to our city’s progress and value input from our citizens.
I enjoy building relationships with all. My door will always be open to listen to people's ideas. I encourage a compassionate and welcoming atmosphere. This includes representing people with disabilities and other needs of families.
I support transparency in all decisions allowed by law. Open access in government decisions is a right that all citizens must have. It’s important to remind others in city government or employment to assure the same transparency and accountability for our hard working taxpayers.
Campaign Website http://mikeostaffe.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @Mike4MapleGrove
I have lived in Maple Grove since 2006 and have the experience needed to immediately step in and be effective in representing our residents with their issues and concerns. Maple Grove is on a good path, and I want to guide our city forward with the principles that have made Maple Grove a great place in which to raise a family and to locate a business. In 2021 I was appointed to the Planning Commission to provide guidance regarding the suitability of projects proposed for the city. I have attended the strategy meetings, budget work sessions, and council meetings and have a strong knowledge of the issues facing the city. I have built good relationships with the Staff and Council, and I understand how our city is managed. I promise to listen.
Actively listen to our residents' concerns and issues. Do nothing until they are heard. Focus on the key roles of the city: Water, Sewer, Roads, and Public Safety. Plan, build, and maintain great parks and recreation facilities and ensure a development policy that attracts business growth and investment, provides for a wide range of housing, and protects and enhances the quality of life for all of our residents. Weigh Wants against Needs and accomplish the above in a fiscally responsible man
I am a connector and take pride in being able to speak with and listen to everyone I meet. I will continue to attend many functions to meet the residents where they are. I will evaluate current city efforts, listen to our residents, and make/support proposals to improve outcomes. I will actively encourage residents to attend council meetings and work sessions, and become involved in city boards and commissions as well as in civic organizations such as The Lions and Rotary.
The state has laws regarding open records and meetings to ensure transparency. I will clearly explain why I view an issue a certain way. As for accountability, there must be consequences for failure. For projects that do not meet expectations, they must be ended or modified. For elected officials, that means facing the voters. For staff, that means fairly applying contracts and disciplinary actions. I will remember that every dime that the city levies comes out of the wallets of our residents.
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Contact Phone 6518080335
Campaign Email james.robbins.s@gmail.com
I believe I’m the best candidate for Maple Grove City Council because of my unique blend of legal expertise, military experience, and commitment to our community. With over 20 years in service, I understand the value of discipline and teamwork. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the recent conference in September due to my deployment overseas, but my dedication to Maple Grove remains strong. I’m eager to connect with residents and tackle the issues that matter most. Together, we can enhance the quality of life for all our neighbors, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
If elected, my top three priorities will be:

Public Safety: Keeping our police and emergency services well-equipped and supported, so our community feels secure.

Community Engagement: Making sure everyone has a seat at the table through regular town hall meetings and online forums where we can share ideas.

Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely by prioritizing efficient use of city funding. Together, we can build a thriving Maple Grove where everyone benefits!
I’m committed to engaging with all members of our diverse community by actively seeking your input through regular town halls, surveys, and community forums. I’ll create advisory committees to represent different groups, ensuring every voice is heard. I want to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and welcome. By keeping communication open and collaborative, we can address concerns together and make sure every resident has a say in decisions that impact our beloved city.
To ensure transparency and accountability, I’ll advocate for open access to city meeting agendas, minutes, and financial records, making it easy for you to stay informed. I’ll promote regular public forums where you can ask questions and share your concerns about local government actions. By creating a culture of openness and responsiveness, I’ll work hard to make sure our city government

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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