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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Voter Guide

Willmar City Council Member Ward 4

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

    Sarah Kretschmann
    (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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Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of nonprofit organizations focused on communications and community engagement. I bring experience in strategic communications, administration and development. My focus has been on translating complex information into clear, practical resources, a skill that is especially valuable in local government.

I am an active member of our community, volunteering at events and festivals that celebrate the many people and cultures that make Willmar home. I care deeply about this community and its future. Together, I believe we can build on our strengths, address our challenges and ensure that Willmar remains a welcoming place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If elected to represent Ward 4 on the Willmar City Council, my priorities will be clear communication, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. Local government should be accessible, transparent, and responsive to all residents. Clear, consistent communication builds trust, and trust creates the foundation for meaningful engagement. By listening to residents, sharing information openly, and working together, we can address challenges and strengthen our community.
I am actively involved in advocacy, food access and mutual aid efforts in our community. Through this work, I have seen the urgent need for people experiencing challenges to easily access resources they need. If elected, I will advocate for city communications that are accessible in multiple languages and shared across a variety of platforms. Doing so will help ensure that all people in Willmar can access information, services and opportunities to participate fully in civic life.
Clear communication is essential for transparency and accountability. Reaching people where they are through text messages, direct mail, social media, email and print publications helps ensure that important information is accessible to all. Using a variety of communication channels increases opportunities for people to stay informed and connect with local government. This approach reflects a commitment to openness, relationship-building and meaningful engagement with the community.
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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.