Two candidates advance in Stearns County Board special election race
Candidates Amin Ali and Bob Johnson will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.
Ali got the most votes with 528 ballots (36.3%) cast in his favor while Johnson got 486 votes (33.4%), according to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.
St. Cloud City Council member Mike Conway came in third with 277 votes (19%) followed by Frank Imbolte with 97 votes (6.67%), Shawn Blackburn with 53 votes (3.65%) and Darrell Bruestle with 13 votes (0.89%), according to preliminary results posted by the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.
The District 4 seat was vacated by former Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier on April 23. His wife voiced concerns about cognitive abilities in a guardianship battle that was ultimately dismissed.
More: Stearns County combs through staff budget requests, slashes to possible 5.7% levy increase
Amin Ali
Age: 39
Occupation: Housing expert, youth coach and community organize
Why are you running for office? I'm running for Stearns County Commissioner to make a difference, as I have seen the challenges our families are facing from affordable housing, education, public safety and employment. I've spent years serving the community, and I want to bring that experience to the county leadership. We need leadership that listens, leads with compassion, and works for all residents.
Public service experience: As a youth coach, mentor and community organizer, I work directly with more than 250 youth and families to create opportunities, stability and growth here in Stearns County.
What do you want to improve in Stearns County? My focus is on four key priorities: youth development and opportunity, housing access and affordability, public safety and economic development and workforce growth. I want to build a county where families feel secure, youth are supported and local businesses and workers thrive. We need local solutions that reflect the needs of our community.
What is going well in Stearns County? Stearns County is strengthened by its dedicated public servants and administrative leadership who are committed to building a robust and effective local government. What truly defines our community, however, is the remarkable spirit of collaboration and mutual support among neighbors, a foundation that makes our community work.
Favorite food: A good cheeseburger.
More: New COVID variant, 'Stratus', sweeps through the U.S.; what to know in Minnesota
Bob Johnson
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired in August 2023. Administrative Director, Michigan Heart Institute; Executive Director CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center, Dialysis program and CentraCare Wound Center; Executive Director Paramount Center for the Arts.
Why are you running for office? I am committed to public service, and it has helped to guide my career choices. Throughout my employment I've worked for non-profits that met essential needs for all of us. My strong desire to contribute to the public good and improve the lives of others drives what I've chosen to do, and it gives me great satisfaction to see people's lives and vision for their families move forward in positive ways. I have the experience, interest, energy and passion to serve as a commissioner on behalf of District 4 and all of Stearns County.Public Service experience: St. Cloud City Council (3 terms-President in last term), Human Rights Commission-City of St. Cloud, Stearns County Housing Trust Board, NorthStar Corridor Development Authority, Area Planning Organization, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, St. Cloud Library Building Committee, Cathedral of St. Mary Trustee, Good Earth Food Co-op Board, St. John's Boys' Choir Board.
What do you want to improve in Stearns County? Stearns County is (among the) largest in Minnesota with a total area of 1,394 sq. miles. 125 lakes, 500 farms, and numerous towns and urban areas make it a great place to live. As the world evolves, and state mandates change, due diligence and cost scrutiny in planning needs to be a continuous process. I will collaborate with leadership, staff, my fellow commissioners and the public, to look at areas of concern whether finances, infrastructure, housing, land use, safety/security etc. to employ the best technology and policy for all of us who pay taxes.
What is going well in Stearns County? Stearns County has very competent and capable leadership and staff. They provide a foundation of content expertise, skill and talent focusing their work on what is good for residents. The 'Shape 2040 Stearns' comprehensive plan, a vision for the future, written in part by county leaders and employees, offers a framework with five pillars of major concern (Living, Agriculture, Nature, Business, and Connectivity). As the document fleshes out direction and detail and is used to guide policy and implementation, Stearns County can strategically reach that vision that ultimately serves all of us.
Favorite food? Just about everything that is made from scratch.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Who advanced in the Stearns County Board election? Here's what to know
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