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

Austin City Council Member Ward 3

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.mn.gov/) 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.

  • Candidate picture

    Kris Heichel
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jeremy Hoffman
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Oballa Oballa
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Cindy K. Stahl
    (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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telephone 5074381554
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/Krisheichel/
Campaign Email kris.heichel@fairwaymc.com
I am running because I believe Austin has tremendous potential. My background in business leadership and community involvement has given me a practical perspective on growth, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I am honored to serve on several local boards and organizations, working with others to strengthen our community.I am not afraid to challenge assumptions or simply rubber-stamp proposals. I will bring an independent voice, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to results. I believe city government should be managed with the accountability, financial discipline, and focus on results that taxpayers deserve.
Economic development and job creation—Austin must be proactive in attracting businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and growing our tax base. Housing growth—we need more housing options to attract workers, support families, and support long-term growth. Accountability and transparency—I will ask tough questions, review spending carefully, and ensure residents understand how decisions are made.
My responsibility is to represent every resident of Ward 3 and the entire city, whether we agree on every issue or not. I will be accessible, attend community events, listen respectfully, and encourage participation from residents who may not traditionally engage with city government. I believe the best decisions come from listening to different perspectives and focusing on what is best for the community as a whole.
Residents deserve to understand how decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent. I will support clear communication on major projects, contracts, and spending decisions before votes are taken. I believe elected officials should explain their decisions, answer questions from the public, and be accountable for results. My goal is to help restore trust through openness, communication, and responsible leadership.
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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.