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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Waconia City Council Member At Large

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://vimeo.com/1018151776. 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

    Jacob Coleman
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jim Lohan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Simon Malinski
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Derek Siddons
    (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)

Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Campaign Website http://Lohan4Waconia.com
Campaign Email Lohan4Waconia@outlook.com
I have a passion for keeping the great parts of our community great and making it better as we move through 2025 and beyond. I have the time, energy, and passion to make an impact. I believe the best place I can do this is locally. All my children and grandchildren live in Waconia and Carver County. I am running for City Council for them and all of us.
Stewardship: Our community has long supported Waconia. I pledge to manage our resources as if they were my own.

Independence: Waconia must remain independent to preserve our culture. I will ensure that decisions made outside Waconia are implemented only if they truly benefit Waconians.

Safety: I will work to ensure that all of Waconia remains vibrant and safe. I will hold those who benefit from our growth and culture accountable for funding essential traffic, parking, and green space projects
First, I will be present. I am recently retired at only 62 and have the time, passion, and energy to engage with those interested in participating. Second, I have built connections with business owners, neighbors, and social groups, I have unique connection to younger families through my children, grandchildren and their churches. Third, I am a team builder. I have successfully engaged teams and individuals across the economic, social and global spectrum for decades.
Transparency is a challenge in all government activities. I am impressed with those Waconia undertakes. All meetings and notes are public and all are welcome. The two key actions I will take to ensure transparency in addition to those already in place are bi annual financial disclosures by any school board, council, or planning commission member and managment of the Water and Sewer operation as a stand alone business.
Contact Phone 6177856431
Campaign Email simon.malinski@gmail.com
I have over 20 years of professional experience and several roles in leadership positions across large organizations. I hold my master’s degree in management and bachelor degree in finance. I have ties to the community through fire service and volunteerism. Throughout my career I have managed large profit and loss segments for revenue generating divisions. For example, last year I was responsible for just under $100 million as Director of Equipment Finance for Bremer Bank. I have experience in managing teams of over 150 team members. I routinely work with the senior executive team in my current role and am relied upon for my advice and experience. I believe I have the experience, demeanor, aptitude to serve Waconia with integrity and honor
Establishing an annual budget is necessary to an effective city council and would be the most important items as a council member. Maintaining an engaged community is another area of focus. Being present and visible to our residents. Transparency is a key factor in the trust of our local government. I have and continue to be active in community events throughout the year. Managing the growth of Waconia is supported by a strong local workforce and we need to balance growth with resource needs
Engagement with our community stakeholders is going to be important in giving everyone a voice. I will continue to be accessible, present and transparent within the community. As Waconia grows, we need to ensure everyone has access to essential resources. We have a responsibility to address the needs not only of the new families moving to Waconia but the aging community.
My family and I live in Waconia. I serve on the Fire Department and am active in many volunteer events. I support local businesses and am visible in the community. My commitment to visibility and accessibility will remain throughout the term I shall serve. Accountability begins with each candidate's commitment to integrity and trust. Each member of our community shall demand that of their elected officials.
Contact Phone 952-465-9469
Campaign Email Derek_Siddons@yahoo.com
It’s an honor to be considered for City Council as we move into the next generation of Waconia families and businesses. With growth on the horizon, we will face critical decisions. I feel I am uniquely positioned as a resident for 15 years and as a business executive to help solidify future policies and growth initiatives. This is a very critical time for Waconia and I’d be proud to help lead the discussion to ensure common sense prevails. I’m proud to have raised our three kids here in our public schools. I’m proud of our local farmers, our teachers, and our local businesses. As a coach, mentor, leader and dedicated business professional it would be my honor to serve alongside others to make sure every step we take is the right one.
1. Maintain a healthy thriving downtown while evolving the Hwy 5 corridor for a lasting future with smart infrastructure choices.

2. Strengthen partnerships with business & schools so we can bring more meaningful community projects to fruition.

3. Increase communication to current residents. Develop a new brand identity to attract new business and residents. Continue to partner with build on the work the chamber does to bring the community together.
I plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community by first recognizing the unique voices that contribute to our collective identity. My approach includes hosting regular town hall meetings to hear directly from residents across different neighborhoods, establishing community advisory boards and partnering with local organizations that advocate for various demographics. I believe in the importance of transparency, so I will keep the community informed and seek feedback.
As a political candidate, I believe that transparency and accountability are fundamental to building trust between the government and the community. To ensure these values, I would implement a multi-faceted approach: first, I would advocate for increased public reporting on city finances and decision-making processes, making this information easily accessible online. I would establish community advisory boards to engage citizens in policymaking and feedback loops, ensuring their voice is heard.

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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