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

Columbus 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 MayorWatch a candidate forum for this race recorded on September 24, 2026.

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

    Rob Busch
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Ron Hanegraaf
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Dave Povolny
    (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://ron4columbus.com
Campaign Email ron4columbus@gmail.com
I bring the experience, commitment, and relationships needed to serve Columbus. I have served as Mayor for two years, on the City Council for two years, and on the Columbus Economic Development Authority for four years, including two as president. I have also chaired the Planning Commission and served on the Fire and Park Boards. My 30 years as a police officer, 24 years as a volunteer MN DNR Firearms Instructor, and service with American Legion Post 225 reflect a lifelong commitment to public service. I’ve also volunteered with Columbus Fall Fest and organized a Friends of the Park cleanup. I have built strong relationships with neighboring cities, Anoka County, and State officials to advance projects and pursue funding opportunities.
1. To lessen taxpayer burden, I will keep city taxes as low as possible through responsible budgeting, pursuing grants and County/State funding and cost-sharing. 2. Residents value Columbus’ rural character, I will protect this through thoughtful zoning and development that preserves our quality of life while supporting a strong local tax base. 3. I will improve communication with residents so they are better informed and have a voice in city projects and decisions.
Strategies are important but accountability is the key. I lead by example by conducting city business openly, welcoming public questions and differing viewpoints and making information accessible to residents. I will continue to work to improve communication about major decisions, spending and projects. I hold myself and city leadership accountable for responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Ethical, honest and transparent government is and will continue be a priority under my leadership.
Communication is one of the most frequent complaints I hear as Mayor . I believe residents deserve to be informed, heard, and involved. I created a “Meet the Mayor” opportunity at City Hall during the Lions Pancake Breakfast and will continue it. I’ll explore a Citizens Advisory Committee to provide representative community feedback and improve how we use social media, email and the city website to share information and gather residents’ input before important decisions are made.
As a former Forest Lake Police Officer, I bring 30 years of public safety experience and a strong understanding of community policing. Columbus relies on the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for its policing, and I meet with the Lieutenant at least quarterly to review statistics and discuss ways to improve service. I will continue strong oversight and make quarterly public safety reports easily accessible to residents.
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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.