Christine Maefsky has decided that after eight years as mayor, she will not seek re-election. Council member Steve Kronmiller is running for mayor, as is former Scandia City Council member Patti Ray.

Five people are running for the two open seats on the council: Zachary Gee, James “Jim” Gribble, Lori Lavin, Kirsten Libby and Adam Schauls; council member Heather Benson 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.

Scandia Mayor

Steve Kronmiller

Age: 66

Steve Kronmiller (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Provide economic opportunities for everyone to enjoy Scandia to the greatest extent, without excessive government oversite. 2. Protect Scandia’s rural character and the environment. 3. Promote Scandia’s cultural heritage.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Experience: 8 years City Councilmember; 12 years Watershed Manager; 19 years other Public Service. I filled in for Mayor Maefsky for 2 months last year when she was hurt. I have the most experience working with and for government than any other candidate on Scandia’s ballot. I worked for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for 10 years. I embrace the values of empathy, humility, gratitude, and serving others. I am also the only person on the Scandia ballot who has maintained an active presence on local social media for the purpose of listening. This helps me understand how the people of Scandia feel about the issues facing the City. People know me to be honest, respectful, and take a common-sense approach to problem solving. Government works differently than a business does. I know how government is supposed to work and will help guide the Council and our Committees to ensure they act in ways that are ethical and legal. In government, it is not just about getting things done. It is just as important to get those things done properly.

What do you think is the primary role of government? A city government looks after the well-being and quality of life for its residents. It does this by managing and overseeing essential services like police and fire protection, maintaining public infrastructure (roads, sewers), managing parks and recreation areas, enforcing local laws, regulating land use, and promoting economic development within the city boundaries.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? First, I treat them with empathy, compassion, and respect. If the person gets upset, I try to de-escalate the situation and remain focused on the issue and not the person’s reactions. Then, I use active listening skills to understand their point of view and share what I know with them. I collaborate with them to separate the facts from what we think we know. Once we have an accurate and complete set of shared facts, we often arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution. For those times where the issue doesn’t get fully resolved, at least we walk away feeling heard and respecting each other.

Website or contact information: http://www.kronmiller.us

Patti Ray

Age: 70

Patti Ray (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? If elected, my top priority will be to reduce property taxes in Scandia. I understand how important it is for our community, especially for our seniors and young families, to keep property taxes manageable. By seeking alternative funding sources, such as grants and corporate partnerships, and ensuring the efficient use of city resources, I will work to lower our taxes, while importantly providing the essential services and amenities that make Scandia such a great place to live.

What qualifies you to hold this position? My extensive leadership experience and commitment to our community make me a highly qualified candidate for the position of mayor of Scandia. I’ve been honored to serve as Scandia’s Deputy Mayor and served on City Council for four years, gaining firsthand experience in local governance and decision-making. I also founded the Internet Action Committee, where I played a crucial role in the successful Midco Internet expansion, demonstrating my ability to solve problems and secure funding for essential projects. Furthermore, my background as a Chief Financial Officer has equipped me with financial planning and budget management skills, which are crucial for working on reducing property taxes and making the most of our city’s resources. I’ll focus on keeping Scandia affordable, building partnerships, and ensuring our community continues to thrive for all residents, providing a sense of security about our financial future.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary goal of government is to serve and protect its citizens by promoting the common good. This includes ensuring public safety, upholding laws, providing essential services, and creating an environment where people can thrive economically, socially, and culturally. The government should also maintain order, protect individual rights, and foster opportunities for growth and development while balancing the community’s needs with fairness and justice.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? When faced with opinions that differ from my own, I make it a priority to listen openly and respectfully. Understanding begins with active listening—allowing others to express their perspectives without interruption. I ask questions to clarify their points and consider the reasoning behind their views. Even when we disagree, I recognize that differing opinions often bring valuable insights and can lead to better, more balanced decisions. I also reflect on these conversations to see what I can learn or how I might adjust my approach. By keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt, I aim to foster constructive dialogue and find common ground that benefits the entire community. I have never met a person from whom I have not learned something.

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

Scandia City Council

Zachary Gee

Answers not provided.

James “Jim” Gribble

Age: 59

James “Jim” Gribble (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Keeping property tax low, respecting and prioritizing our existing residents who have helped shape and keep Scandia a great place to live, to ensure that a small special interest groups vocal stance does not drown out the silent majority. People know I am available to hear their concerns. People here embrace the rural culture and their values should be respected.

What qualifies you to hold this position? First and foremost, I listen to people and try to seek the best outcome possible. I always try to the best with what I have to work with. In my past careers, I’ve worked in Washington for many years seeing first-hand the needs of our residents and learning to integrate innovative solutions to solve problems and achieve meaningful results. I also served for 30 years with the Coast Guard focusing on assisting those in need and mitigating future disasters. I’ve served several years on a Federal Grants Management board for the metropolitan area as well as a preparedness group ensuring that money was spent wisely. I also served on the board of an industry-sponsored environmental response group. I volunteer with Scandia on the Tourism and Wastewater committees, with a Lake association on water quality issues, cleanups, and spring hatchery work, as well as assist the Scandia Marine Lions wherever I can. I have a Bachelors from Bemidji State as well as a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of St Thomas. Scandia has been a great home for 24 years, and I feel compelled to help keep things simple, yet positive for future generations.

What do you think is the primary role of government?  Scandia’s focus should be to efficiently maintain public infrastructure (including internet expansion), provide responsive fire and police services as needed, ensure reasonable and coordinated development consistent with the planning commission’s work, and finally to offer realistic and prudent amenities for residents.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I work hard to stay open minded and I hope I am smart enough to know that no-one has all the insights needed to run a city. I look for common ground and seek to understand the position and interests various people bring to the table. Life is full of challenges and I strive to find win-win solutions, or at least mitigate the downside of unresolved conflict.

Website or contact information: Gribble55073@gmail.com

Lori Lavin

Age: 51

Lori Lavin (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? My top three priorities if elected are to maintain the quality of life in Scandia, examine property taxes and guarantee high speed internet for all residents. As a parent, I am concerned about what our tax dollars are funding and what is the long term plan for city sustainability without relying only on raising property taxes. As a parent of a student who completed lessons online during the pandemic, that was a challenge without access to high speed internet. Scandia is a warm and welcoming community that I am proud to be a member of. Finding the balance between offering services to residences, and keeping the rural charm of the city is a delicate balancing act. If elected to city council, I will work diligently to represent the voices of the residents of the city of Scandia.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As a life long resident of Scandia, I am invested in the success of our city. I am proud to have called Scandia home, both as a township and now as a city. I am a land owner, supporter of the farming community and a teacher. I am committed to supporting the growth of our city, while maintaining its rural character. I have a bachelor’s degree in history, with an emphasis in social studies. I obtained my master’s degree in special education. Most recently, I have completed my k-12 principal and special education director licensure(s). I am a life long learner and have attended city council meetings to find out more about the processes and procedures of the city.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to create, maintain and uphold the rules and laws that maintain our society. Without rules, laws and order, our society would be vulnerable and would not be able to function as a cohesive unit. The governmental processes facilitate the maintenance of the safety and well being of all members of society.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? As a former union co-president, I am accustomed to listening to both sides and finding a satisfactory solution. I always try to learn new information while doing my due dillagence in researching the facts of the situation. This tactic was also useful to me during the pandemic as a union co-president. I have found that it is important to research the facts of the situation as well as listening to the opinions of all parties involved. It is also important to note that sometimes we need to agree to other solutions that might not have been thought of initially. I enjoy working with others to find solutions that benefit the greatest number of people.

Website or contact information: lavin.lori91@gmail.com

Kirsten J. Libby

Age: 62

Kirsten Libby (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Accountability, Transparency, Honesty, Balance, Commitment and Motivation. The comment I hear over and over is “I didn’t know, how did that happen, why wasn’t I aware?” As a representative of the people, not a champion of a special interest group or narrow perspective, I am committed and motivated to bring accountability and transparency to the process of decision making – there will be a place at the table for anyone wanting a seat to have a conversation.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have always believed in participation and giving back to the community. I have served on the Scandia Economic Development Committee, Tourism Committee, and currently sit on the Planning Commission, and am the city’s administrative appeals officer. I serve on the board of the Scandia Farmer’s Market, and have helped with various endeavors in the business community including Evening Nights Out and The Best of Scandia shows. I own a law office in town and a retail shop. I am fully invested in the positive outcomes and building capacity of our community.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to maintain and develop infrastructure, safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development by preserving natural resources, promoting public health, and ensuring a high quality of life for residents. infrastructure through regulation and development, deliver core services to its constituents,

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I actively listen to all sides, so I can understand other concerns and perspectives. I ask questions to ensure clarity, and then work to find common ground and search for mutually beneficial resolutions.

Website or contact information: kirstenlibby@gmail.com

Adam M. Schauls

Age: 43

Adam M Schauls (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Scandia’s city budget is a big concern. I understand the needs which have to be met to maintain the city. Regular routine maintenance and improvements must happen to keep the roads and facilities par. Although, I feel there are ways to reduce spending while still maintaining these things, I would make this a goal to find ways to be more efficient.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have been involved in three different communities as a community service officer, 911 dispatcher, firefighter and a police officer. In each of the communities I have worked in, I have made strong connections with the residents.

What do you think is the primary role of government? I love the rural way of life. I grew up in Stillwater Township and would never want to give up the unique rural way of life Scandia has to offer. I believe serious planning and open discussions absolutely need to happen to preserve the rural dignity of Scandia and carefully and responsibly plan out what the future holds. Now is the time to start planning the future and find a path to maintain our rural and unique way of life. The role of local government is to represent the peoples way of life.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? The city of Scandia residents are the voices I want to represent and feel their say is the most important. I will always listen to what opinions are out there. The need to be open and transparent, free and fair and the preservation of the rural dignity in all city functions for all of us. My goal from everything I have done in life is to treat everyone and every issue absolutely the same and from a neutral perspective. Looking at these issues as they were my own and how I would want to be treated and hearing from the public on what they see as a desirable outcome.

Website or contact information: aschauls@gmail.com

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