Lake St. Croix Beach Mayor Tom McCarthy is facing a challenge this fall from council member Cindie Reiter. Four candidates have filed for the two open seats on the council: Samantha Arnal, Dawn Bulera, Warren Burger and Bradley Freppert. Council member JP Armstrong 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 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.

Lake St. Croix Beach Mayor

Tom McCarthy

Age: 68

Tom McCarthy (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? I will work to keep our city a safe and desirable place to live by continuing to support law enforcement and first responders. I will continue to be an active steward for the St. Croix River by partnering with state and county agencies. I will keep on working with City Engineers on maintaining and upgrading infrastructure throughout the city for the safety and welfare of our citizens.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am the incumbent Mayor of Lake St. Croix Beach. I am experienced in strategic planning, and resource coordination during flood/storm emergencies. My tenure as Mayor has allowed me to establish relationships with county, state and federal agencies in order to secure grants and programs for infrastructure improvements – a real benefit for the city’s budget.

What do you think is the primary role of government? I am elected to represent the residents of the city and to use my best judgement on their behalf.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I’m here to represent the residents of our city by listening to their concerns and discussing the pros and cons of possible solutions. By mutual dialogue, a favorable resolution to most issues can be achieved.

Website or contact information: 612-599-2600

Cindie J. Reiter

Age: 70

Cindie J Reiter (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Getting information to those having private wells as it relates to PFAs contamination, investigating the General Fund shortfall of 2023 along with more thorough audits and bringing back standards of property care in our city.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I love my city! Along with 20+ years of elected and appointed municipal experience.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role is responsibly funding for the services of the city (via budgeting and the levy) and building a sense of community.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? For me, listening to those that are willing to discuss and share opinions. The more I can hear various opinions and positions from people the better informed I can be.

Website or contact information: vote4cindie@gmail.com or 651-436-8244

Lake St. Croix Beach City Council (elect two)

Samantha Arnal

Answers not provided.

Dawn Bulera

Age: 60

Dawn Bulera (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Fiscal responsibility is very important because the taxpayers foot the bill. Planning of city projects should all be presented to the entire council and the public for discussion prior to any work done. Community engagement is crucial to neighbors knowing neighbors, thus supporting each other when in need. The St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway part of the National Park system, is the eastern border of our city. The majority of the border is a city park allowing residents to enjoy the river. Having City property as part of the National Park system creates a unique task for the protection of the river.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Actively attending city, county, and state, and volunteering with the Water Conservation District and non-profits–Wild Rivers Conservanacy, Yellow Ribbon Alliance, SOKOLMN, and others–gave me insight as to the workings and relationships of government. I am not afraid of hard work, or to ask hard questions. That is what is needed in city government. Advocating for community involvement, I would be honored to be on the city council.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Keeping the city solvent, planning forward, and using as many resources available so that the taxpayers funds are used in the best manner. Creating an open and honest atmosphere within city hall and the boundaries of the city so the residents can voice opinions and be involved in the process.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Conversations. Some conversations can be difficult but if one continues to ask questions, listen, and try to work through the concerns, hopefully a consensus is reached.

Website or contact information: lscbbulera@gmail.com 651-436-5896 Facebook: Dawn Bulera for Lake St. Croix Beach

Warren B. Burger

Age: 35

Warren Burger (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? To keep the city Lake Saint Croix Beach a safe and affordable place to live and raise a family.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I believe my strong level of customer service and business management experience will help qualify me for this position. I have also built a respectful working relationship with city staff, city attorney, and city engineers. I have been a commissioner on the Lake Saint Croix Beach planning and zoning committee for over 5 years.

What do you think is the primary role of government? I believe the primary role of government is to provide thoughtful consideration on issues and proactively work with members of the community to ask how policies may affect and impact their community and then work with city government to implement those ideas.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I believe in taking the time to properly interpret the data presented by those who agree and disagree and come to a common ground that will help benefit everybody.

Website or contact information: None provided.

Bradley Freppert

Answers not provided.

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