In a significant shift for the city of Willernie, Mayor Barbara Parent has decided not to pursue another term after more than 24 years of service. The mayoral position will see Diane Baglio running unopposed, creating a notable transition in leadership. Meanwhile, five eager candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for two open seats on the City Council. These contenders include incumbent Andrew De Jong, as well as Kristine Cook, Dean Flaherty, Patrick Miller, and Donald Regan.
As the November 5, 2024 election looms, detailed information about all candidates, not just for Willernie but also key races in Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington counties, is accessible at twincities.com/news/politics/elections. Voters can find out what's on their ballot and where to vote by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.
Kristine Cook, aged 39, presents her campaign with a focus on preserving Willernie's charm and affordability, especially for those with lower incomes, retirees, and families. Cook emphasizes the importance of green spaces and community connectivity. In addition to her active local involvement since 2019, she brings a wealth of experience as a former attorney and a dedicated resident aligned with the values and diverse inputs of Willernie. Believing government should serve its people at all levels, Cook stresses the importance of direct communication and active listening in bridging divergent opinions. For those seeking more insights or wishing to engage with Kristine, she can be reached at [email protected].
Andrew De Jong, aged 36, seeks reelection with a vision to maintain Willernie's blend of modern amenities while enhancing its distinct local character. Fiscal responsibility and clear, accessible city laws remain at the forefront of his agenda. Having slashed property tax levies, De Jong advocates for prudent financial oversight, ensuring all council decisions reflect efficient use of taxpayer money. With deep familial roots in Willernie, his commitment to the community is resolute, focusing on the town’s historical context and future needs. De Jong emphasizes the importance of learning from diverse perspectives and believes in localism as a remedy for polarized times. Reach him for more dialogue at [email protected] or on Facebook at facebook.com/DeJongMN.
Donald Regan, at the age of 31, prioritizes streamlined, sensible governance and transparency. He proposes finding a balanced approach to the city's rental ordinance regulation and advocates for strategic investment of city reserves to shield against inflation's impact on taxpayers. Regan carries a wealth of financial expertise and civil engineering interest, promising practical stewardship of public resources. To foster understanding and collaboration, he maintains that an open mind and reasonableness are key when navigating differing opinions.
Details on Dean M. Flaherty and Patrick Miller's platforms remain undisclosed at this time.
