Four candidates are running for the Washington County Board of Commissioners District 3 seat in November’s election.

District 3 serves the cities of Afton, Bayport, Baytown Township, Lake Elmo, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Oak Park Heights, St. Mary’s Point, Stillwater, Stillwater Township, and West Lakeland Township.

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

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.

Bethany Cox

Age: 44

Bethany Cox (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Clean water – everyone in our community should be able to turn on the tap and drink safe, clean water. Housing accessibility – expanding your home or downsizing, it’s important that Washington County residents are able to find their next home here. Public transportation – ensuring our aging family members can maintain their independence demands a more robust bus system. Financial sustainability – Washington County boasts the 2nd lowest property tax rate in the seven county metro area.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Working full time in the nonprofit sector within the St. Croix River Valley has shown me first hand the gaps nonprofits fill in our community. With children in the Stillwater Area Public School District, I hear the needs our students have, and with an aging mother in the county, we are working together to navigate this stage of life as well. Through appointed roles at the City of Stillwater, first as a trustee on the library board and now as a voting member of the planning commissioner, I am learning more and more about local government. I have the ability to take on the challenges of political life and I have the desire to connect with our citizens to enhance Washington County.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to represent the people. Taking in the needs and opinions of constituents by listening carefully and then bringing that information to the county board meetings and work sessions. Serving the needs of the community in a way that the community wants is the primary function.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Differences are intriguing to me. It’s a time to get curious, to listen, and to learn. While it has become normalized to surround ourselves only with people who think and act like us, my entire career has been working with others who see the world differently. I am grateful for the lifelong opportunities to learn about others and how to work together toward a common goal. It is in the learning and listening that I have come to find out that different isn’t that different.

Website or contact information: bethanycox.org

Scott “Cutter” Junker

Candidate information not provided.

Michael Schultz

Candidate information not provided.

Mark Wiens

Age: 61

Mark Wiens (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Preserving our environment, investing in our transportation infrastructure and accountability of our tax dollars and resources. Clean water is not just an environmental issue—it’s a basic necessity. In my time serving the Minnesota Legislature, I introduced and supported multiple bills aimed at safeguarding clean water for Lake Elmo and the East Metro communities. We must continue to prioritize the protection of our water resources, ensuring that future generations inherit a county where clean, safe drinking water is the norm, not a privilege. Safe roads are equally important for our community’s vitality and economic well-being. I have been a champion for infrastructure improvements, including securing funding for critical projects like the Hwy 36 corridor. As commissioner, I will push for continued investment in our roads and transportation systems to ensure that they remain safe and efficient for residents, commuters, and businesses alike. Accountability in government is not just a talking point for me—it’s a core value. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel and now a Minnesota State House Representative, I have a long record of demanding transparency and ensuring that government works for the people. I’ve introduced bipartisan reforms to increase oversight and government efficiency, and I will continue this work at the county level. We deserve a government that is transparent, responsive, and accountable to its citizens. Washington County is a special place—our natural beauty, vibrant economy, and strong communities make it one of the best places to live. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when communities don’t have the resources they need, and I’m committed to ensuring that our county remains prosperous, safe, and sustainable for future generations.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a leader with a proven record of working with all folks of good will to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, economy, environment, citizens and future. I am tireless in the pursuit of collaboration and excellence. As a Veteran with 30 years of service, I have experience building & leading diverse executive-level teams in pursuit of solving what the military calls wicked complex issues. As a State Representative, I introduced and supported multiple bills including funding for Hwy 36, clean water for Lake Elmo and East Metro communities, First Responders’ Mental Health, government reform & accountability and the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, all of which passed into law. I was rated as one of the top Bipartisan House members by the watchdog organization ‘Majority in the Middle.’ I have lived in Washington County with my Wife 21 years; have children in the public school and am dedicated to keeping Washington County a great place to work, play and thrive.

What do you think is the primary role of government? To ensure our Constitutional rights, provide for the general welfare, and empower people and communities to achieve their goals and live their lives as they wish. Accountable to their citizens for proper taxation and effective dispensation of their tax dollars.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? In order for any challenge to be solved permanently collaboration is required so that everyone is heard and is invested in the solution. This includes people that do not agree with me. Unfortunately we live at a time where politically too many people focus on divisive issues that pull us apart without any real corresponding benefit to the community. This leads to wasted opportunities. We all have more in common with each other as human beings than our differences. It is important to listen to others, find areas of agreement and seek collaborative solutions to the challenges that we face as well as identify new opportunities. This is a skill I honed during my time in the military and used during my time in the legislature. I learned the value of working with people from all walks of life and diverse perspectives to achieve a common goal. As a County Commissioner, I will bring this same approach to addressing the needs of Washington County. Whether it’s ensuring we have clean water, investing in our infrastructure, or supporting our local businesses, I will work tirelessly to build consensus and deliver results.

Website or contact information: wiens4washco.com

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