After serving for more than 24 years as mayor of Willernie, Barbara Parent has decided not to run for re-election. Council member Diane Baglio is running unopposed for the seat.

Five candidates have filed to run for the two open seats on the council. They include incumbent council member Andrew De Jong, Kristine Cook, Dean Flaherty, Patrick Miller and Donald Regan.

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.

Kristine Cook

Age: 39

Kristine Cook (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? If elected, my top priorities would include maintaining the attractive features but also the affordability of our city, especially for single or lower income or retired residents and families; protecting and maintaining green and recreational spaces; and fostering connections between neighbors, and between the city and its residents.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have lived in Willernie since 2019, and as a mom to students who attend the local Mahtomedi schools, former attorney, and Millennial homeowner, who has also lived in a number of other cities and states over time, I have a background that will allow me to serve the city by connecting with the public and other stakeholders, advocate for the city’s success by protecting and promoting its interests within the county and state, and consider and honor the perspectives of Willernie’s diverse residents and businesses in decision making.

What do you think is the primary role of government? To serve the people – whether in a small city, or as a nation, federally.

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 direct communication, which includes listening to perspectives and opinions that differ from my own. Having worked as an attorney, I am used to dealing with directly opposed positions on an issue, and striving for a middle ground if possible. I try to broaden my understanding by hearing others out, and I learn from these experiences when I engage in that active listening to see where my opponent or someone with a different position might be coming from.

Website or contact information: kristineelinnihan@gmail.com

Andrew De Jong

Age: 36

Andrew De Jong (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Keeping Willernie hospitable and local. I will continue Willernie’s progress in striking a unique balance between being a city that has many valuable amenities, services, and development expected from modern, suburban cities, while being locally focused as a wonderfully small community. 2. Safeguard our tax dollars by having fiscal common sense. I am pleased to have spearheaded the cutting of Willernie’s property tax levy, year-over-year. We must continue to find ways to control our expenses and cut taxes whenever possible. The Council’s decisions must be challenged by one straight-forward question: “is this a wise use of the taxpayers’ dollars?” 3. Increased clarity and simplicity in city law and procedures. It is my firm belief that a primary duty of a Councilmember is to make good, concise, and clear law. It is vital that we regularly analyze our current ordinances, codes, and processes, so that our community is aware and involved. Knowing our laws shouldn’t require a law degree, and pulling a permit shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Should my neighbors reelect me, I will continue to diligently fight for the above.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As the only incumbent Councilmember running for reelection, I humbly believe I have served our city and my neighbors with dedication and integrity. My aim is to continue this service for the benefit of Willernie and our amazingly vibrant community. Having lived in Willernie for nearly a decade with my wife and now our young children, and continuing a SEVEN decade tradition of family in this town, I have a deep understanding of Willernie’s history, values and needs.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government in a free society is to protect individuals’ rights and private property, keep the peace, and ensure contractual obligations between fellow citizens are upheld. Anything additional, such as managing communal services and amenities, is the decision of that specific community and its voluntary community commitments.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of listening to all perspectives — learning from those with vast experience and being invigorated by those with fresh ideas. As civic servants, we must elevate valuable input and advice, regardless of its source. While there is a time to stand firm on our convictions, the old adage is always true: “a spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrel full of vinegar.” What I love about Willernie is that in both the inner workings of the city, and in our engagement with our citizens, there’s an honest desire to do what’s best for our community, not ourselves. In this age of hyper-polarization in politics, we must lean into localism, and the care and compassion we can have for our fellow neighbors. I love my town. My town is Willernie.

Website or contact information: I always enjoy connecting with my neighbors in Willernie. Feel free to reach out via email at info@DeJongMN.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/DeJongMN

Dean M. Flaherty

Answers not provided.

Patrick Miller

Answers not provided.

Donald Regan

Age: 31

Donald Regan (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? – Simple, efficient, and common sense governance. – Increase financial and governmental transparency. – Find a compromise between their being no rental ordinances and our current ultra-restrictive rental ordinances. – Properly invest our city’s reserves to protect our tax dollars from inflation.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Financial expertise and a very above average interest in civil engineering matters.

What do you think is the primary role of government? To competently steward public assets and dutifully protect citizens (and their property) from coercion by others.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? By keeping an open mind and being a reasonable person.

Website or contact information: 

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