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.

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Voter Guide

East Bethel City Council Member At Large {_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. Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/) to find specific candidate contact information.

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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    Robert H DeRoche
    (NP)

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    Dan Dobbs
    (NP)

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    Suzanne Erkel
    (NP)

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    Mark Lutcavish
    (NP)

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    Brian Mundle
    (NP)

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    Dino Perfetti
    (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)

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With over 50 years in East Bethel and 25 years in the Maintenance Department, I have a deep understanding of our community and its infrastructure. My experience enables me to identify key improvements and prioritize what matters most. I value honesty, transparency, and approachability, and I take pride in listening to residents' concerns. My long-standing relationships here help me balance preserving our local values with preparing for future growth. I am committed to representing our community effectively and bringing a thoughtful approach to City Council.
Restoring Respectful Engagement: I will prioritize open, transparent communication with residents and businesses, ensuring everyone feels heard and treated fairly.

Ensuring Integrity in Growth: I'll focus on thoughtful, sustainable expansion that aligns with community values while preserving East Bethel's character.

Increasing Community Engagement: By improving transparency and involving residents in decision-making, I aim to foster a more informed and engaged community.

My approach to serving our community is simple: treat everyone with the same level of respect and consideration, regardless of their background or the issues they face. I believe that every voice matters, and I am committed to actively listening to the concerns of all residents, whether they come from long-established families or new members of our growing community.
To ensure transparency and accountability in city government, I will prioritize open communication, make meeting agendas and financials accessible, and involve the community in key decisions. I will uphold a strict code of ethics, conduct regular audits, and use technology to keep residents informed. My focus will be on making all decisions clear, honest, and in the best interest of our city.
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Family first—I am dedicated to our local community and represent new and young families in East Bethel.
My goal is straightforward: to drive a vision for East Bethel. It’s crucial that we maintain our community’s identity as we develop. We must balance the need for development with the educational requirements of future families, as well as ensure access to grocery stores and essential businesses.
I am passionate about building community wherever I go and deeply interested in how others live their lives. I strive to meet people where they are—whether online or in person—by being a good listener, staying open to new ideas, and welcoming advice. Success comes from partnering with those around you and valuing their viewpoints.
Accountability and transparency are essential. Communicate problems and challenges clearly to the public. Seek solutions and advice beyond yourself, as the community holds valuable knowledge. Finally, take ownership of your decisions and the reasons behind them.
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As a dedicated resident of East Bethel for the past 25 years, and a proud member of Anoka County for 38 years, I have deep roots in this community and a genuine passion for its future. I currently serve as the President of Automotive Concepts and have previously held the position of Chairman of the SEMA PRO Council, where I had the privilege of advocating for the automobile industry in Washington DC on numerous occasions. These experiences have shaped my belief that our voices matter and I am committed to bringing the voices of East Bethel residents to the forefront. I believe in standing up for what is right, even if it may not be the easiest path. I am here to ensure that your concerns and ideas are not only heard but acted upon.
Ensuring the safety of our residents is my top priority. I will advocate for adequate funding for our police and fire departments, so they have the resources to keep East Bethel safe. Secondly, as our community grows, we need responsible zoning and development policies to see that new developments will not compromise our lifestyles. Lastly, in becoming more open and transparent with East Bethel residents, I will see that there are more opportunities for community participation in decision making
By actively listening and open communication. Empowering resident to feel like active participants rather than observers. By engaging young members of the community through partnering with schools and youth groups. Showing our youth that their perspective is important. By considering the needs of our older residents in providing easy access to public meetings and decisions related to healthcare, transportation and housing.
Making all city records, budgets and council meeting minutes easily accessible on-line. Encourage residents to attend council meetings and feel comfortable bringing issues to the forefront. Providing opportunities for public comment during meetings. Allowing residents to voice their opinions or concerns and see that responses are given during the meeting or afterwards. Ensure that council members are approachable to explain the results of issues voted on. Self-serving action’s are unacceptable.
Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

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.