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

Crosslake City Council Member {_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.mn.gov/) to find specific candidate contact information.Watch a forum for this race, held on September 15, 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

    Sandy Farder
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Heather Jones
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    David Nevin
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Elysha Novak
    (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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Campaign Website http://sandyforcitycouncil.com
Campaign Email dsfarder@comcast.net
Having served a term on the Crosslake City Council, I am well-aware of the challenges involved in running our city and how to address them. I have established strong relationships with city staff and community organizations which has provided me with a deeper understanding of where our needs lie and a greater appreciation of all that our city has to offer. I’m also involved in ongoing projects that would prove difficult for someone new to the council to step in and continue, such as strategic and productive re-zoning, the National Loon Center, the expansion of our area trails system and protecting our sensitive shoreline and our lakes. My love for Crosslake has grown even stronger through my service on the council.
1. Maintaining and protecting the beauty and safety our local environment, because without those Crosslake ceases to be the remarkable city it is now. 2. Supporting our existing and any new local businesses, because when they flourish we all do. 3. Managing future growth with careful, strategic consideration and planning, while utilizing the input, knowledge and experience of our city staff and our residents. Without growth, whether physical or economic, a community can become stagnant.
I will continue to volunteer for local non-profit organizations to gain a better understanding of the needs and desires of our residents. For instance, I supported the efforts to find a solution to the transportation needs of our senior residents who cannot drive. I participate in many local events and fundraisers which offers me the opportunity to meet and talk with a diverse group of residents. I pride myself on responding to all inquiries and concerns that are presented to me.
I am very transparent at our council meetings regarding the reasons behind my decisions. When I have concerns about city spending, I am not hesitant to voice those concerns publicly and to seek answers or alternatives. I have no personal agenda; I am invested only in the well-being of this city and its future. I have encouraged open communication between city departments and staff, and I will continue to do so.
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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.