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.

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Voter Guide

Nisswa 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.

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

    Bobbi Kochevar
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Darel Murphy
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    John Ryan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jesse Zahn
    (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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elect Elect 2
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593050888048
Campaign Email bobbi.kochevar@yahoo.com
I have lived experience as a Nisswa resident and expertise that builds upon the strengths of the current council while bringing fresh perspective as a former non-profit executive. I have a unique background as a scientist (data driven, critical thinker) complemented with an MBA (strong financial acumen). My husband and I moved permanently to Nisswa in 2019 after having a cabin in the area for 5 years. We recently built a pole shed and experienced the Planning & Zoning complexities and inefficiencies that residents face. I have witnessed the dysfunction, inefficiency and self interests of the current council. I do not have special interests/personal gain--I am unencumbered to serve in this capacity. I'm running to be the voice of residents.
Thoughtful growth and expansion. Addressing the aging infrastructure of the city buildings. Restoring trust between the City Council and residents.

These are topics that the Nisswa residents and business owners are most interested in. Differing opinions exist that need to be respectively and thoughtfully navigated so we can proceed forward. When there is disagreement, that is where the conversation should start, not end. I am an influential leader who can move people and systems forward.
I have already begun to engage with key stakeholders in our community. I am on a mission to meet every Nisswa resident through social media, emails and door knocking. Communication is key. I have met with several members of the current city council to understand their perspectives and concerns. An Economic Development Authority (EDA) Committee has been formed. This group is made up of several Nisswa business owners. I'm attending these meetings and sharing information on my Facebook page.
Individuals must be aware of their own behavior/actions and how they can erode transparency and accountability. Trust is built when residents understand HOW decisions are made, WHY they are made and WHO is responsible for ensuring the city operates with integrity. At its core, we must recognize that Nisswa is a special community with unique charm. We must be mindful of the long-term impact that today's decisions will have on future generations. It's time to set aside personal interests.
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elect Elect 2
Campaign Website http://www.letstalknisswa.com
Campaign Email letstalknisswa@gmail.com
I have 38 years of public service which has provided me with the experience to understand serving the citizens of Nisswa. With 30 years as a law enforcement officer and 8 years of service on the city council, 4 as mayor, I have not only experience but also history of the community to bring to the table. It seems too many people today have agendas that they run on. I have no agenda and do not believe in agendas. I have demonstrated a willingness to listen to all sides, respectfully, and ask that we all listen to each other. Civility and a willingness to listen to all citizens is what our city needs. I will bring that back to the council
Planning and Zoning: Many of our planning and zoning ordinances are cumbersome and in need of updating.

Public Safety: The main job of government is to provide for the safety of it citizens. This includes not just police and fire but also safe streets.

Economic Development: Our area is growing and will continue to grow. As a city we must plan for our growth what we want and don't want. We must set future generations up to succeed.
I have always been willing to meet and listen to anyone or group about their concerns or ideas. I also believe we need to communicate better with the public. We must get word out using not just technology but also news letters. I would also like to see the city communicate directly with citizens impacted by infrastructure projects. I will always make myself available to discuss any subject
As I have said many times I have no agendas. The city council works for the people of this community, not just the ones that vote for them. My voting record is very clear, I will abstain from votes where a conflict of interest is present. I will expect others to do the same. I also believe staff has to be given clear direction and expectations along with the tools to do the job. It is up to the council to be clear with the citizens and deliver explanations as to how services are delivered.
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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.

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