Mayor Mary McComber, who has held the position since 2012, is running unopposed. Council members Chuck Dougherty and Mike Runk are running for re-election; Blake Van Denburgh, chairman of the city’s planning commission, also is running.

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.

Chuck Dougherty

Age: 65

Chuck Dougherty (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? The closing of the King Coal Plant, working to come up with a plan to minimize the effects that the tax base loss will have on our residents. Keep working to maintain and improve our parks and trails and that they are accessible to all. Keep working to keep taxes low.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I’m currently serving on the Council. I’m involved in the community, I know the issues we are facing.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Being a private business owner, I bring a perspective to the government and business community. I understand what it means to work with government to develop property.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Ever since I have been on the Council I do my research as we approach new issues. I read through all the information, talk with city staff and go to the affected community to hear what our neighbors are thinking. I always understand that we are servants to our community and we must do what is best for everyone.

Website or contact information: https://www.facebook.com/doughertyforoph; email: chuckdoughertyforoph@gmail.com or phone: 651-491-0419

Mike Runk

Age: 68

Mike Runk (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Making sure we continue to provide quality services efficiently and at as low a cost as possible. mindful of the changes we will see in future. In particular the loss of tax base with the closing of the Excel Power plant. Also working with State and Federal agencies to provide safe and clean water for our residents.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Life long resident of the area, current resident in Oak Park Heights since 1989. Active in the community. previous service on the City Parks Commission a City Planning Commission. Current member of the City Council fourth term.

What do you think is the primary role of government? In the case of city government it is to provide basic services to our residents utilities, police and fire protection and road maintenance are examples.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? You must learn to listen and respect others. Even if they differ with you. Their opinion and knowledge may provide insight into issues. this may or may not affect your opinion but you cannot have a closed mind.

Website or contact information: mjrunk@comcast.net

Blake Van Denburgh

Age: 38

Blake Van Denburgh (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? If elected to the city council, I will leverage my diverse background and forward-thinking approach. I plan to integrate modern technology and systems into Oak Park Heights, helping the city embrace the new generation of leaders emerging from our communities. My vision is to support and guide the transition into a more connected, innovative future for Oak Park Heights. We need to focus on Replacing Lost Tax Revenue, the tax dollars from the King Plant by developing strategic facilities on the limited land available. The importance of thoughtful, future-focused planning for sustainable growth is key. Holding them accountable for Land Cleanup, before it’s turned over to new ownership or use, ensuring environmental safety and responsibility. We need to driving innovation listening to ideas that will propel Oak Park Heights into the future, integrating technology and modern solutions to enhance community growth, sustainability, and quality of life.

What qualifies you to hold this position?  I have a deep-rooted history of community involvement, with over 25 years of volunteering. My leadership roles currently include serving as Vice President of the Midwest Poultry Federation and Chair of the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Association’s BBQ event. Over the years, I’ve contributed to numerous nonprofit organizations, demonstrating my strong commitment to service and leadership in the community.

What do you think is the primary role of government? A primary role of government is to ensure the responsible management of community resources, drive innovation, and plan for sustainable growth. This includes replacing lost revenue, holding corporations accountable for environmental responsibilities, and fostering forward-thinking development to meet the needs of future generations.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I work to understand differing opinions by listening openly and respectfully to those who disagree with me. I believe in fostering dialogue, asking questions to gain a deeper understanding, and valuing diverse perspectives. Learning from others’ viewpoints helps me adapt, find common ground, and develop more balanced, innovative solutions that serve the entire community. Through my work with diverse organizations and in leadership roles, I’ve seen how collaboration and open-mindedness lead to stronger, more inclusive decision-making.

Website or contact information: https://blakecouncil.com, 763-442-5036, blake@felizinc.com

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