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

Nowthen 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.A candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/GasVmcYwl7s. 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

    Ken Glaser
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Sheryl Mady Olson
    (NP)

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    Mary Rainville
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Steve Schmit
    (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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Contact Phone 612-964-5228
I bring professional experience in government, public safety, construction, and a long history of community involvement, all of which provide the experience needed to be an effective council member.

Prior to running, I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I also attended years of council meetings to gain insight into matters affecting our community so I could immediately participate in discussions and vote with a solid understanding of the issue. My efforts have provided fiscally responsive budgeting ensuring residents receive the value they expect for their tax dollars. I have also worked hard to keep the residents’ concerns in the forefront when making decisions regarding land use and maintaining our 5-acre average lot si
Public Safety: Support our Fire Department & Anoka County Sheriff assuring residents receive services reflecting their needs.

Growth: Uphold 5-acre average lot size. Fight governmental efforts aimed at removing local zoning/building authority. This means the residents determine their future which reflects their needs, values and one they can be proud of. Recycling Center: Continue to optimize the level of service to include increasing the types of items accepted, logistical and operating hours
Nowthen is a welcoming community which offers its residents the opportunity to be involved in the community social activities of the Nowthen Farmers Market, which features local vendors, the Nowthen Lions and Nowthen Heritage Festival. I am or have been a member of all and found they are a wonderful way for residents to meet their neighbors and I encourage others to join.
As state law dictates our meetings are open to the public. We also live stream our meetings for remote viewing. Agendas and packets are on the city website as are approved meeting minutes. I recently voted for an upgrade to our website to ensure it is user-friendly for computer and mobile users. My contact information is on the city website and in the city newsletters. I personally return all residents phone calls and emails with the goal of helping to bring resolution to their concerns.
THIS CANDIDATE HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL RACE.
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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.