Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis is not facing any competition this fall. Incumbent council member Wendy Ward is running for one of two open seats, alongside John Goodfellow, Christopher Mowery and Paul Paladie; Mowery previously served on the council from 2011-2018. Council member Lon Pardun decided not to run 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.

John W. Goodfellow

Age: 68

John Goodfellow (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities for the Council include establishing fiscal and operational transparency, and increased citizen engagement. Marine’s City Council will need to be nimble in adapting to a changing economic, social, and physical environment. I will work to enhance and preserve a positive and welcoming sense of community which has come under some stress of late. It is incumbent on the Council to consider the quality of life in our community and work collaboratively to resolve any potential adverse impacts. Marine is a special place to live. Let’s not lose sight of that.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Since becoming a permanent resident of Marine in 2015, I have regularly attended Marine City Council meetings, so I am familiar with the issues and workings of our local government. People may know me as someone interested and engaged with water and natural resource matters in town and on the river. What might not be known is that before moving to Minnesota I was Managing Director of a large electric and gas utility service provider in the state of Washington. This has given me experience with civil engineering, construction, personnel management and budget. These are skills the Marine City Council will need to manage current issues and to successfully adapt to future challenges.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of local government is to continue to deliver what we have come to expect: well-maintained roads, good water, and responsible disposal of wastewater. The city also has an important role in supporting services such as public safety and managing growth. Clearly Marine’s few local businesses are vital assets to the community. Lacking a “Chamber of Commerce”, some of the requisite cheerleading falls to the City Council The Council needs to do their part to maintain good communication with local businesses so issues can be resolved before they become crises

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 the “reasonable person model” – that people will make good choices based on a common understanding of the facts and best available information. That requires transparency and open communication. And to be clear: communication is a two-way street. It is not enough to provide information (and opinions). It is vital that people also listen to and consider opposing viewpoints. Of course, a person’s values also influence their interpretation of information. My bias is to make decisions informed by quantitative and qualitative data, not emotions.

Website or contact information: None provided.

Christopher N. Mowery

Answers not provided.

Paul Paladie

Answers not provided.

Wendy Ward

Age: 60

Wendy Ward (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Its difficult to say what the top priorities of a small City, as they ALL line up needing attention and funding so that our town thrives. The last four years however, I have leaned into parks, land use, open +green spaces and trails. Huge gains have been seen here. But truly I have given the time to understand every other critical initiative we are charged with overseeing: roads, water, waste water, communication systems, land use, public buildings, our school, and other City oversight responsibilities..

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have lived in Marine on St. Croix for nearly 10 years, Four years on City Council, Executive Director of several non profits, small business owner, gardener, cyclist.

What do you think is the primary role of government? My primary role is to listen to the community and reflect those community choices through budgeting, programming, infrastructure maintenance, helping with a thriving downtown, being accessible, supporting the arts, and working towards a healthier environment. Overall it is to build and sustain a thriving, healthy community.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? The key word here is listening; if we don’t listen then we don’t know what our community wants. We are elected to reflect those desires, those changes. With difficult issues, its critical to gather as much information as possible, research, listen then do what I believe is best for the community all while taking into consideration the many laws and regulations that guide much of our actions.

Website or contact information: wendy.ward@cityofmarine.org

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