Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey is running unopposed, and three candidates are vying for two city council seats: David Clausen, incumbent Tony Khambata and incumbent Justin Olsen.

Council member Monique Garza, who last year was chosen to fill the seat vacated by council member Steve Dennis, is running unopposed in a special election for council.

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.

David Clausen

Answers not provided.

Tony Khambata

Answers not provided.

Justin Olsen

Age: 54

Justin Olsen (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Sensible growth in our business sector to increase our city’s tax base & create good paying jobs. Work closely with Economic Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, City Staff, and other Government Partners at the County & State level toward supporting and enhancing a vibrant, compelling commercial environment – including retail services & dining amenities – that keep Cottage Grove residents shopping locally. Fiscal responsibility that perfectly balances our city’s overall tax levy, bond rating, & infrastructure needs for the long-term health of our community. Environmental stewardship focusing on our communities water quality, air quality, and preservation of community parks & greenspace.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I grew up in Cottage Grove, graduating from Park High School in 1988. My Dad was a Volunteer Firefighter for many years while my mom worked in Early Childhood Education. Their example about the importance of serving others led me to my role as a volunteer Public Safety, Health, and Welfare commissioner for four years before seeking election to the Cottage Grove City Council. That experience taught me a lot about how our city operates, the annual budget process, and the critical importance of compromise. A little more about me. Accomplished thirteen-year Council Member seeking re-election. Current Board Member of the association of Metro Municipalities Previous President of Cottage Grove Strawberry Festival Committee President & Current Board Member for Cottage Grove Lions Club CGAA Youth Baseball & Softball Coach for many years Business Mentor for DECA & Junior Achievement High School Students Vice-President of the Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority Member of Mississippi River Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee Over 30 years of Multi-Unit Retail Business Management & Corporate Support Experience in a variety of Retail & Wholesale Industries that includes responsibility for regularly managing budgets exceeding $100 Million annually. Member of council that achieved a AAA Stable Bond Rating for City of Cottage Grove

What do you think is the primary role of government? For me, it’s imperative to approach the role of council member employing the ideals of being a true “servant leader”. I’m committed to a “community first” approach that works in unison with city staff, community leaders, elected officials, local non-profits, our Chamber of Commerce, city advisory commissions, and valued citizen volunteers to strengthen our city both economically and socially. I am committed to be both engaged and engaging by staying well informed about issues important to our residents, such as affordable housing and improved transit options, while working hard to support the continuing elevated levels of service and taxpayer value residents deserve from their local government. It has always been my goal to serve Cottage Grove residents fairly and honorably, to represent our city positively, to communicate my positions effectively, and to help enact policy initiatives that serve the greater good of our community. Those are my core values, instilled in me as I grew up in Cottage Grove, went to school here, and settled here with my family.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I’m a firm believer that leaders must seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Collaboration is one of my core values as a public servant. That requires a focus on listening intently to our various city advisory commissions, other elected officials, community stakeholders, and the citizenry at large. I enjoy personal interactions during which I am able to ask questions or answer them regarding issues important to our community. Being fully present in the community for events like Night to Unite, Strawberry Fest, Public Safety Open Houses, etc. provides a terrific opportunity to connect with area residents for those important conversations. Invariably there will be disagreement, which provides an opportunity for finding common ground through compromise whenever possible. Again, that compromise starts with listening to understand versus listening to simply respond.

Website or contact information: https://olsenforcottagegrove.com/

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