Six candidates are running for two seats on the Maplewood City Council this November.

General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Rebecca Cave (incumbent)

Rebecca Cave. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 55

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Supporting and investing long term in Maplewood Public Safety staff and services. 2. Committed to protecting our trails, parks, and public open spaces. 3. Dedicated to providing diverse housing options throughout Maplewood.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As a current Maplewood City Council member, my ongoing mission is to make a lasting impact on Maplewood, benefiting both our present and future generations.

What do you think is the primary role of government? My primary goal as a government elected official is to provide a seat on the council where citizens voices can be heard and represented. Maplewood has many unique and diverse neighborhoods which means the “ one size fits all” model does not always work here and the voice from the neighborhood needs to be heard.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? My job as your council member, is you listen to all comments from every side of the discussion. I have the responsibility to make the tough decisions based on fiscal responsibility, citizen input, and common sense. I welcome the discussions of those who have different opinions and views on projects. We rely on gathering as much information we can to make the best decisions for the people of Maplewood.

Website or contact information: 651-399-1779 rebeccacave1@hotmail.com

Stephen Fitze

Stephen Fitze. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 43

What would your top priorities be if elected? Revitalizing our parks, increasing municipal environmental efforts, and getting Maplewood back to the table on the Purple Line.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a former Vice Chair of the Ramsey County Library Board, a longtime union activist and officer, and the father of two ISD 622 students. I care deeply about the future of my city and everyone who lives here, and I have the skills and experience to make positive changes for all of us.

What do you think is the primary role of government? To provide the infrastructure to allow citizens to lead productive and meaningful lives.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I’ve found that a polite “Can you please explain that further?” tends to get a civil, informative response.

Website or contact information: fitzeformaplewood.com/

Lynnaia Jacobsen

(Candidate information not provided)

Alex Kline

(Candidate information not provided)

Cedric Allen Mantovani

(Candidate information not provided)

Nikki Villavicencio (incumbent)

(Candidate information not provided)

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