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.

Start Over

Voter Guide

Independence 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

    Brad Fisher
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Edward L. Genereux
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Cathy Iverson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jon-Paul Story
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Hal Tearse
    (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)

{_btnLabelFor(compare1, _isInSelection(compare1))}
{_btnLabelFor(compare2, _isInSelection(compare2))}
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
elect Elect 2
Campaign Website http://edwardgenereux.com
Campaign Email edwardgenereux@gmail.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing jobs and city governments. As an information technology specialist I will bring a much needed technological skillset to the council that is sorely needed during these rapidly changing times. Our current city council has immense experience in housing, finance, and government, but no one on the council has the deep technological skillset required to make informed decisions on AI related matters.
A one-year moratorium on data centers, similar to Eagan's, is critical. Data centers process massive amounts of data for AI companies like Anthropic, whose CEO admits regulation is needed to slow progress for safety. Additionally, AI-assisted cameras, like those managed by Flock, should be outright banned from our city. Finally, to maintain civic unity, the only flag our city hall should ever fly is the red, white, and blue American flag. No state flag (old or new).
Independence should be a welcoming place for everyone in our community, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. I am entirely open to attending local events hosted by LGBT+ groups to ensure all residents know their voices and perspectives are welcome at city hall. Ideological diversity is also vital to a thriving local government. Because I value a true marketplace of ideas, I will always listen to our community members and work to understand their points of view with genuine humility.
Transparency and accountability go hand in hand with accessibility. I have been actively reaching out to community members via text to ensure you have my direct line. I want every single person in Independence to know they can reach me personally whenever they need assistance or want to share their perspective. Please save my number, 612-247-3539, and feel free to reach out anytime. I am here to listen and serve you.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
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.