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.

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Voter Guide

New Hope 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 MayorA forum for the candidates in this race will be held on September 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm at New Hope City Hall. The forum will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewing by CCX Media.

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  • Candidate picture

    John A. Elder
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jonathan D. London
    (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)

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Campaign Website http://johnaelderforCity Mayor.com
Contact Phone 612-578-4322
Campaign Email JohnAElderforNewHope@gmail.com
I have been on the New Hope City Council since 2008. For years, I have served this community in many leadership roles. I have a proven track record of public service and servant leadership. I have worked with civic organizations, businesses, residents from all communities and staff to make New Hope a better place to live, work and play. I am approachable and easy to work with, as is evident from my accomplishments on Council thus far. I have a strong vision for improvements in the city and continue to work towards making them happen. I have shown that I am a person who leads with compassion, focus, direction and civility. Having been a law enforcement leader for years, I have the knowledge to ensure public safety success.
Public Safety - The Police and Fire Departments both are performing at high levels. It is important to support their needs while still being fiscally responsible. Living in a safe community is one of the biggest quality of life issues. Budget - New Hope has had annual tax increases less than surrounding cities. We need to ensure this remain as low as possible while not cutting service to our residents. Infrastructure - We need to continue to ensure our aging infrastructure is tended to
The Mayor role is about leadership. Leading by example, demanding and demonstrating ethical practices and giving consequences (both positive and punitive) when warranted. Servant leadership is imperative. Setting expectations for staff lets them know what is needed from them and how to succeed. We will keep improving. Communication is another key piece. Tell people what is going on and why. Be accessible to the public to answer questions or address concerns. People expect and deserve this.
This is basic community engagement and something that I have been doing since 2008 as a council member. It is attending block parties throughout the year, not just on National Night Out. It is meeting with local businesses. It is bolstering the number of people on city commissions. It is bringing the government to people where they are, not just from city offices & city council chambers. I believe being approachable and accepting is a great model to engage everyone. Make people feel welcome
New Hope Police and West Metro Fire Depts have done a remarkable job serving the well-being of the community. The fire dept has in-depth public outreach programs and education for safety and prevention. The police department has added an embedded social worker and a Joint Community Police Partnership staff member to reach underserved members of the public, as well as all residents. These departments strive to take care of the community and meet the diverse need of the residents. I support this!
Campaign Website http://www.londonfornewhopemayor.com
Contact Phone 7635461293
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/JonathanDLondonforNewHopeCityCouncil/
Campaign Email jdladvisor@gmail.com
I have lived in New Hope for more than four decades. My recommendations and leadership have resulted in greater impact and success than my opponent’s. Since being elected in 2014, my recommendations have improved the City’s vitality and operational efficiency. I revitalized the scattered site housing program. I introduced the 10-year rolling calendar Street Maintenance Plan. I requested the Police Annual Report be reinstated. I introduced Key Performance Management Reporting and SMART Objectives for Directors and Staff. I provide a check and balance to staff’s recommendations.

Lastly, my opponent is a police officer and an employee of the City of Robbinsdale. I am impartial and independent.
The number one priority is public safety. That doesn’t change from year to year. Providing effective and accountable public safety is the most important priority every city should have as it allows for the City to reach its greatest potential. Targeted redevelopment of commercial and residential properties. The quality of our commercial, retail and housing stock is an important element in the long-term vitality of the city. Increased efficiency, lower taxes for greater service.
Adhering to open meeting laws, regular city communications, and internal and external auditing. Residents are informed through Key Performance Measurement reporting, Police Annual Reporting, and a clear city budget. I am a proponent of stronger community journalism and reporting. I will encourage directors and staff to set goals with SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Based) objectives. I requested that the City website feature “Report an Issue”.
In my three terms on the Council, I have always asked for and encouraged residents and city stakeholders to provide positive and negative feedback. My phone line is always open, and I regularly take calls from community members. The annual City Survey response data is included in the Key Performance Measurement reporting, found on the city website, I introduced to New Hope.
I am for accountable and effective policing. I have high expectations for our public safety officers. We have a very well run police department and culture in New Hope. I have asked repeatedly in my time on the Council for a report of 911 calls in descending order by address to identify where the biggest challenges exist.
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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.

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