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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Fridley City Council Member Ward 2

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 17, 2026.(Primary election candidate forum recording is here, recorded July 22, 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 Brillhart
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Ryan Evanson
    (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)

telephone 7632604238
Campaign Email johnbforward2@gmail.com
I am running for City Council because we need leaders who can do not only the day-to-day work of the city, but be a voice for all communities, and be by our side when things are difficult. What separates me from other candidates in this race is I believe serving an elected official in Fridley is a trust. A trust that you will listen to all voices, uplift others, care for those in need, and be the voice for each of us. From protecting your tax dollars, to public safety, and keeping housing affordable. I know that an ask for your vote is an ask that you put your faith in me to deal with these issues and others thoughtfully and responsibly. I look forward to hearing from you, and I would be honored to serve you as your councilperson. 
My top priorities are collaboration, affordable housing, and responsible stewardship of your tax dollars. I believe Fridley is strongest when city leaders work closely with residents, businesses, schools, and our county and state partners. I'll fight to keep housing affordable, accessible, and protect our neighborhoods from out-of-state investors driving up costs. I'll also ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely, transparently, and on services that matter most.
I pride myself on building relationships and bringing people together. As a longtime Fridley volunteer, I've developed strong connections throughout our community and continue to meet one-on-one with residents, community leaders, local businesses, and elected officials. My philosophy is simple: listen before you lead, seek out diverse perspectives, and make decisions based on what's best for Fridley. I will always represent every resident with authenticity, honesty, fairness, and transparency.
I'm passionate about Fridley and believe trustworthy leaders should be accessible, accountable, and connected to the communities they serve. I'll clearly explain my decisions and communicate regularly through, emails, phone calls, and community events. I won't just respond when residents reach out—I will proactively seek their input, check in, and ensure every resident knows they have a voice at City Hall. I want my community to know they have a councilperson who cares about them.
Campaign Website http://ryanforfridley.com
telephone 6123251329
Campaign Email rdevanson@gmail.com
I am seeking a second term to not just listen to the needs of residents, but continue my proven track-record of delivering measurable results to residents based on the issue that matter most. Fridley continues to have a fully staffed police department that has strong council support so that residents feel safe in our community. I have overseen the implementation of Fridley's revitalized parks system, and I have delivered infrastructure improvements including clean water projects and safe roads for drivers, pedestrians and bikers, while keeping the levy as low as possible. Results matter to Fridley residents and my track records demonstrates my ability to provide residents what matters most to them. I humbly ask voters for another term.
Throughout my first term, the most common issues I hear from residents relate to public safety, the desire for amenities such as parks, dining, and shopping, safe roads for drivers, pedestrians and bikers, and keeping the levy at a reasonable rate. My priorities will be to advocate for the delivery of those services to residents while simultaneously continuing to listen to residents about the evolving needs they have and what they expect from their local leaders.
One of the most divisive actions that splits communities is when local leaders who hold non-partisan office behave in a partisan manner. In my first term, I was committed to respecting the non-partisan nature of local office by focusing on issues that unite all residents such parks, maintaining infrastructure, and public safety and I commit to continuing that in my second term so all residents feel represented.
What makes local government unique and powerful is that it allows community members to interact directly with their elected representatives on the council. I routinely respond to phone calls, emails and meet with residents in person to address their concerns and ensure they know their government is working for them. Regularly holding public meetings within neighborhoods makes the decision making process more accessible and ensures residents know what is happening in their community.

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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