Four candidates are running for mayor of Forest Lake and four are running for two seats on the city council.

Mayor Mara Bain is not running for re-election.

General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, 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.

Forest Lake mayor

Bruce Anderson

Age: “No way.”

Bruce Anderson (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? *Eliminate the Planning Commission and replace it with a board. This board would get answers to property and business owners within 10 working days (unless test results or studies are needed). *Cut city ordinances 1/3 to 1/2 to give property owners their rights back. You should be able to do whatever you want on your property as long as it meets 3 criteria. 1) Cannot harm the environment. 2) Cannot harm your neighbors. 3) Cannot be unsightly or immoral. *Make Forest Lake a “Must Comply” city for police protection. *Cut taxes by making profit center city owned businesses (municipal liquor, etc). Have the first city owned insurance company for Forest Lake residents. Everyone knows the price gouging going on with auto and home insurance. They tell you they have to raise rates because of storm claims. Hogwash. Progressive Insurance net income for the year ending June 30th, 2024 was $6,810,000,000.00. We could offer reasonable rates and make money for the city to lower taxes and have more money to spend on city necessities. This insurance would be sold by the local agents currently working in our city. *Hire a lake restoration company to tackle the weed problem in Forest Lake (let the DNR battle begin). *Support churches in our city by having a conference twice a year to make sure their needs are addressed. *Support high school activities by having a city giveaway each year (vacation, car?). For every ten events attended (sports, theatre, etc) your name gets put in a drawing. Build community spirit!

What qualifies you to hold this position? I’m an American.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Serve the people, not burden us like it does with most politicians.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I try to understand what planet they are from. Listen, this country was formed on principals that made this the best country in history. If anyone’s opinions vary from these principals, I honestly have a hard time. I’m not confrontational but I am honest.

Website or contact information: No website, no Twitter, no Facebook. Scary stuff. Contact me at mrsblumis@gmail.com.

Sam Husnik

Answers not provided.

Jason T. Mayhew

Answers not provided.

Blake M. Roberts

Age: 53

Blake Roberts (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Continue to fund public safety, improve infrastructure and aesthetics, redevelopment of downtown and ensure that the city is business and development friendly.

What qualifies you to hold this position?  As a lifelong resident of Forest Lake, I am deeply committed to our community. For the past 27 years, I have run three small businesses, giving me valuable insights into the needs of local businesses and families. My wife, ShaVaughan, and I are proud parents of three daughters, all of whom have attended Forest Lake Area Schools, deepening our connection to this community. My dedication to Forest Lake extends beyond business. I have served on the Forest Lake City Council for the past year and a half, and for 12 years before that, I was a member of the city’s Economic Development Authority. I am an active member of the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and I have served as president of the Forest Lake Rotary Club and the Forest Lake Lake Association. With this extensive experience in both business and community service, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve as your next mayor. I am eager to bring my experience, dedication, and passion for Forest Lake to this rol

What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of government varies greatly based on the level of government. At the city level, the primary role is public safety, infrastructure and providing those services as efficiently as possible.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I have and always kept an open mind whenever not fully agreeing with someone. On local issues, so many times people have the same goal, but have different ideas how to get there. Once that is realized, a favorable outcome on both sides is usually the result.

Website or contact information: http://www.blakeforforestlake.com

Forest Lake City Council (elect two)

Jeff Larson

Answers not provided.

Hanna Valento

Age: 30

Hanna Valento (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? My top three priorities are: (1) to follow our ten-year budget plan; (2) to encourage economic development; and (3) to prioritize the City’s internal organization. Please visit my website at hannvalento.com to read my top three priorities in further detail.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have served one term on the Forest Lake City Council and my background is government work. I am currently the Legal and Policy Counsel for the Chief Executive for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. I have experience in every branch of government and experience at the city level, state level, and tribal level. I have loved serving in government and getting to understand the roles each government plays.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of city government is to serve the citizens through regulations and ordinances, operating and maintaining facilities, parks, and programs, and provide and operate services, such as sewer and water.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I believe there is not one single person you will always agree with or get along with. Where there’s disagreements, it’s important to always listen to what the other person is saying so you can put yourself in their shoes. It’s okay to still on agree with them, but you should at least understand where they are coming from. It’s about being empathetic as each person has their own story.

Website or contact information: hannavalento.com; email: info@hannavalento.com

Jesse Wade Wagner

Answers not provided

Susan Young

Answers not provided.

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