Two people are running for the Ward 2 seat on the Stillwater City Council: Lindsay Belland and Sirid Kellermann; Longtime council member Dave Junker has decided not to run for re-election.

In the battle for the Ward 3 seat, incumbent Larry Odebrecht faces a challenge from Ed Nelsen.

General information on the November 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.

Stillwater City Council Ward 2

Lindsay Belland

Answers not provided.

Sirid Kellermann

Age: 54

What would be your main priorities if elected? (1) LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS (safer streets, traffic calming, experiences more human-centered than car-centered); (2) SMART GROWTH (climate resilience in the public and private sectors; working with the state and county on affordable housing solutions, so people can live where they work and enjoy a better quality of life) ; (3) ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP (ensuring clean water by addressing PFAS contamination, fostering greater biodiversity, exploring innovative economic growth opportunities that celebrate our magnificent natural assets.)

What qualifies you to take on this position? For 25 years, I have worked with numerous clients on hundreds of projects. I start out as an unknown stranger, but quickly gain confidence and credibility. This is because I focus on creating value and making others shine. I am empathetic, but direct. I listen and ask questions. I do my homework and get ready. I present problems in a new way. And I will do the same as the newest member of the Stillwater City Council. As we celebrate Stillwater’s rich history, we cannot ignore issues like social inequality, climate change and threatened natural resources. Like other cities, Stillwater can deliver innovative solutions thanks to its community of engaged residents, dedicated public servants and passionate business leaders. It would be an honor to work with them all to achieve this.

What do you think is the main role of government? The primary role of government is to provide services that enable all residents to prosper and thrive – ensuring public safety, meeting community needs, guiding intentional economic development, and protecting and preserving natural assets.

How do you work to understand and then learn from opinions that differ from your own and those of people who disagree with you? After years of working in teams to solve difficult problems that often have multiple possible approaches and more than one solution, I have learned that differences of opinion and disagreements often come from diverse people framing the same problem in different ways. . Understanding other people’s perspectives helps me stay open-minded and aware of my own biases. I also try to identify commonalities rather than pointing out differences. I feel great in relationships where we “agree to disagree” in a respectful and mutually appreciative way.

Website or contact details: https://www.progressforstillwater.com

Stillwater City Council Ward 3

Ed Nelsen

Answers not provided.

Larry Odebrecht

Answers not provided.