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

Shoreview 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 candidate forum for this race recorded on September 19, 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

    John Doan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Ashley Patel
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Christine Thompson
    (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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My commitment to public service started as a 5 year old refugee from Vietnam who did not speak English and was raised by a single mom. This country gave me opportunities I could never have imagined. That experience inspired a lifetime of service—as a Navy veteran, civil engineer, small business owner, and now as a Shoreview City Council member. I have also served as chair of the State Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans and Shoreview Planning Commission, and member of the Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Board on Aging. I'm running for re-election to the Shoreview City Council because I love this community, and believe local government should bring people together to solve problems.
Practical Community Development - Enhance the quality of life by investing in city parks, streets and recreation programs to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Commitment to the Environment - Support Shoreview’s Energy Action Plan, renewable energy, expanding our tree canopy, and protecting our lakes.

Smart Investments - Maintain the city’s financial stability and commitment to maintaining our high, AAA-bond rating, and middle-of-the-pack tax levy ranking among peer cities.
My mom always told me, "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason—listen twice as much as you talk." That advice has guided my public service. I believe listening first helps us understand different perspectives, find common ground, and make better decisions. My goal is to represent every resident by working collaboratively and basing decisions on facts, not politics.
Transparency starts with listening and communicating openly. I will continue to explain the reasoning behind my votes, encourage public participation before decisions are made, and ensure residents have access to clear, timely information. Accountability means making decisions based on facts, being willing to answer tough questions, and always putting Shoreview's long-term interests ahead of politics.
I have lived in Shoreview since 2019 and am running for Shoreview City Council because I care deeply about our community and want to give back through service. My goal is to build upon the City’s strong foundation by preserving fiscal responsibility and expanding the infrastructure necessary to meet our evolving needs. My education in Political Science, Social Work, and business allows me to approach issues with a human centered lens to find strategic, financially sound solutions. Additionally, my work with the Shoreview Citizen Leadership Academy, Shoreview Community Foundation board, and Human Rights Commission has given me the background needed to help me find practical, sustainable solutions that align with the character of our city.
My top three priorities are housing maintenance and affordability, fiscal responsibility and economic growth, and connected mobility. As housing costs continue to rise, the city must ensure families have access to resources to buy and/or improve homes. Fiscal responsibility protects taxpayers long-term, and I will work to expand our corporate tax base to reduce the burden on homeowners. Finally, expanding our trails will enable people to move safely and build connections around the community.
A strong community starts with strong connections. I believe City Hall must be accessible, transparent, and proactive, listening to residents before challenges arise, not after. As a City Council member, I will work to expand community outreach, support multi-generational programming, and foster open communication with neighborhoods and local businesses. Together, we can make informed decisions that reflect our values and ensure Shoreview remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all ages.
In addition to City Council meetings and public hearings that are open to the community, policy and budget transparency and accountability can be increased by publishing updates in a more tangible “you said, we did” manner that shows decisions made and outcomes achieved as a result of public feedback. Sharing updates with Shoreview residents in this way can help explain the factors that influence City Council decisions and increase accountability to the people of Shoreview.
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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.