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Voting for the School Board Election

Be sure to vote in the November Eden Prairie School Board Election and Minnetonka City Council election November 7. It is important to elect local officials who share our values and you can make a difference when you vote. Many of you have been inquiring on who DFL SD48 supports for Eden Prairie School Board and Minnetonka City Council (the at Large seat).

The following candidates for Eden Prairie School Board have received Letters of Support from SD48 as well as support from local leaders like Councilman Ron Case:

Esra Riggs	Esra Riggs — is an Associate Director of Controls and Risk Assessment at United Health Group with over 20 years of corporate and internal audit experience and an MBA with a finance concentration. She is also a mother of an 8-year- old in Eden Prairie schools who is very familiar with school programs and issues, volunteering in the classroom and library. Esra believes in a strong public school system that interacts and listens to parents and teachers and feels communication must be improved. She is behind a school system that serves all student’s needs, encourages diversity, is dedicated to closing learning gaps and that no child should be hungry at school. Esra and her husband feel that Eden Prairie can benefit from those who have seen other school systems. https://www.esrariggs.com/
Barbara West	Barbara West — is a Presbyterian Pastor with a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theological Studies and undergraduate degree in Business Management, spending 30+ years in the Corporate world. Barbara served on the Bloomington Youth Commission for 3 years and works with “at-risk” families in the Southwest Metro. Barbara believes Thomas Jefferson was right about public education being the cornerstone of Democracy and is for the “Designing Pathways” Program, hiring more teachers to reduce class size and ensuring all residents have a voice at the table. If elected she’d work to encourage more communication and voice for families and residents and investment in Eden Prairie schools as important to property values. Barbara raised 3 children and has experience with other school districts and wants youth to have a greater voice. https://www.barb4ep.com/
The following candidate for Eden Prairie School Board did not ask for SD48 support but shares our values and is also supported by Eden Prairie Councilman Ron Case:
Terri Swartout	Terri Swartout — both of the candidates who received SD48 Letters of Support have met with her and believe she has a similar platform. Terri is a product of Eden Prairie schools and has three children currently in Eden Prairie Schools. She is a teacher with an MA in Teaching from St. Mary’s University, and a BS in Health Education/Community Education from St. Cloud State University. Terri is a School Health Coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Education. She is running to bridge health and education, advancing education equity and giving youth a greater voice, including ensuring decisions are “young people focused”. http://www.terriswartout.com/
Minnetonka City Council at Large — the following candidate has received a letter of Support from SD48 and the other Senate Districts in the Minnetonka District:
Deb Calvert	Deb Calvert — Deb is a strategic planning veteran and advocates smart growth; meeting changing needs while protecting Minnetonka natural resources. Her priority is public safety and as the wife of a retired firefighter, has a deep regard for public servants and supports the collaborative approach our fire and police departments use to strengthen our community. Deb backs our city leadership in supporting the Southwest Light Rail project that will bring jobs to our area and attract younger residents as well as relieving traffic congestion. She will work for better options for Senior transit. Deb will make decisions based on facts, constituent input, and community needs. Among her many endorsements and supporters are former Minnetonka Mayor, Karen Anderson, Jan Calliston, Hennepin County Commissioner and former Minnetonka Mayor, Shep Harris, Golden Valley Mayor, Amy Klobuchar, Mn US Senator, Jake Spano, St. Louis Park Mayor and many past and present Minnetonka planning Commissioners, State Senators, and State Representatives serving Minnetonka. http://debcalvert.org/

 

P.S. Folks, the GOP usually raises much more money through the PCR than the DFL does. Let’s change that NOW. Please chip in now – we’re counting on you! You can donate in 2017 and again in 2018.

2017 · Barbara West · Deb Calvert · Eden Prairie school board · elections · Esra Riggs · Minnetonka City Council at large · school board · Terri Swartout

In an email sent yesterday David Hann expressed his support for Adam Seidel & Murshid Barud for Eden Prairie School Board:

Dear Friend,   I have received a number of messages asking my opinion of the candidates fortomorrow’s EP School Board election.  As a former school board member, I think those elected play a vital role in the governance of our schools.  Fortunately, I believe we have some good people who have decided to run this year. There are two candidates I have known for some time, and for whom I intend to vote; Murshid Barud and Adam Seidel.  Murshid has been very active in local and state politics and was a strong support for me in my last election.  He is a Republican, and given the changing demographics in Eden Prairie, he would play an important role as a member of the Board.  Adam Seidel is also a Republican and has been politically active.  He will make a strong connection with many of the younger families who have moved into Eden Prairie in recent years. Please join me in supporting these two candidates for Eden Prairie School Board. Thank You,

2015 · David Hann · Eden Prairie school board · voting

Seven candidates have filed for the four school board seats that are up for election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The candidates are Asad Aliweyd, Murshid Barud, Dave Espe (incumbent), John Kohner, Greg Lehman, Jeffery Saxton, and Adam Seidel.

DFL Senate District 48 has given a letter of support to Asad Aliweyd.

We feel Asad Aliweyd has the strong educational foundation and demonstrated values that we share.

visit Asad’s website for details

Note: Keep in mind when voting that you may choose up to 4 candidates, however you can optionally indicate only one if you wish, especially if only one candidate strongly supports the public school system.

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Polls will be open on election day – Nov. 3 – from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents will vote at their combined polling place due to the odd year election cycle. You must vote in the precinct you live. To find your precinct, visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us and enter your current address. Poll locations can be found in the chart below. If you have any questions please contact Laurie Hemstock, Elections Coordinator at 952-975-7072.

Poll Location	Precincts
Immanuel Lutheran Church (6515 Luther Way)	This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 272 located in the City of Eden Prairie, Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 and the City of Chanhassen, Precinct 1; Hennepin County, Minnesota.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church (3600 Technology Drive)	This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 272 located in the City of Eden Prairie, Precincts 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12 and the City of Edina, Precincts 10c and 19c; Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Prairie Lutheran Church 11000 Blossom Road	This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 272 located in the City of Eden Prairie, Precincts 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Hennepin County, Minnesota
Grace Church Pioneer Trail & Spring Road	This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 272 located in the City of Eden Prairie, Precincts 9, 10, 18, 19A and 19B; Hennepin County, Minnesota
City of Bloomington Voters	For those voters residing in the City of Bloomington, the school district general election will be held in conjunction with the municipal elections in that city and those voters will vote at their regular city polling place.

Absentee Voting – VOTE NOW!

Eden Prairie residents who are eligible to vote can also vote absentee either in person or by mail. Absentee voting for the General Election is available NOW through Nov. 2.

Absentee voting in person

2015 · asad aliweyd · Eden Prairie school board · school board election · voting

There are a number of elections on the ballot this November 5.  Where there isn’t a national race or event a state race on the ticket, people tend to tell themselves it doesn’t make any difference if they don’t take a bit of time away from work (it’s in statute that you can take time off to vote) or an evening to do that one action that makes us a representative democracy — vote.And, in several of these races, they will have a direct affect on your life than some of the state or national positions do.

So, please, put voting on your calendar and make certain you take that time that citizens of Minnesota and the United States and cast your ballot.

Eden Prairie School Board

At the recent Eden Prairie School Board Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, these candidates stated they were endorsed by the Senate District 48 Republican Party of Minnesota:  Murshid Barud, Renee Jacobus and Holly Link.  Mr. Barud led outreach efforts for the Emmer gubernatorial campaign. Elaine Larabee is the Treasurer for Rep. Jenifer Loon (48B-R).

Based on what the candidates have said, we believe these candidates most closely match the  DFL Party’s positions on education:

Timothy Laurie

With this race, the individuals receiving the highest vote totals will be elected to the three open positions. So, we ask that you research the candidates in this race and only vote for those who support your values on education.

Eden Prairie School District Referendum

Want to find out more about the referendum that’s on this November’s ballot? The district’s website has a section of their website devoted to the two questions that will be on the ballot. Here’s a link to that site.

The district has not had a funding increase since 2004. The current Republican-controlled School Board, felt additional funding is critical. Public education is one of the strongest planks of the DFL’s platform and specifically cited in the Minnesota state constitution.

• Therefore, we believe funding public education is needed for a viable democracy. And, that voting for the referendum questions is a position matching that of our party platform.

Eden Prairie Polling Locations

Where the only items on the ballot this November are school district issues, the election is being handled by the district. That means we’ll have fewer polling locations. Here’s a link to our page with where polling will be held and how to find out where you’ll be voting.

Hopkins School Board

There are 3 seats open on the Hopkins School Board. These are the candidates who are running to fill those positions:  Betsy Anderson, Warren Goodroad, Gary Jing, Heather Hansen, Katie Fulkerson, Michael “Doobie” Kurus and Tobias McKenna.

Betsy Anderson has served on the school board since 2005. Mr. Goodroad has served since 2009. Katie Fulkerson has been Senate District 48 Republican Party of Minnesota’s Vice Chair.

Based on what the candidates have said, we believe these candidates most closely match the  DFL Party’s positions on education:

Betsy Anderson
Warren Goodroad
Michael “Doobie” Kurus

Hopkins School District Referendum

Want to find out more about the Hopkins School District’s referendum questions? Here’s a link to their site.

the Hopkins School District, like others in our area, has been dealing with state funding that hasn’t kept up with inflation. Public education is critical for our children’s success in the workplace tomorrow. We believe this referendum should be supported. 

Minnetonka City Council

The position of mayor and the two At Large City Council seat are up for election in November. Here are the candidates:

Mayor:                   Terry Schneider, incumbent, and Grace Sheely, challenger

At Large Seat A:  Dick Allendorf, incumbent, and Angela Griffin, challenger

At Large Seat B:  Patti Acomb, incumbent, and Dan Martin, challenger

In these races, we believe the following candidates most closely match DFL party positions:

Gracy Sheely, Mayor
Angela Griffin, At Large Seat A
Patti Acomb, At Large Seat B

Minnetonka School Board

Here are the candidates running for Minnetonka School Board and links to their websites:

• Heidi Garcia, http://voteheidigarcia.com/
• John Holcomb, incumbent,  http://www.electjohn4tonka.com/home
• Deirdre Keller-Zucker, http://www.deirdre4tonka.com/
• Pam Langseth, incumbent, http://www.pamlangseth.com/

All candidates bring strengths to this race. Any of them would be strong School Board members.

League of Women Voters Forums

Most of the League’s forums have taken place by our issue date. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, you can still watch them. They will be aired on local cable channels (information not yet available). Or, you can visit the League’s website to watch the forums there.

Where to Vote

If you’re voting in Minnetonka, it looks like you’ll be voting at your regular polling place.

As we mentioned above, f you’re voting in Eden Prairie, you may not be voting at your regular polling location.

To find out where you’re voting November 5, and to find out about candidates and see a sample ballot, please visit the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder.

Eden Prairie District 272 · Eden Prairie school board · Hopkins school board · Minnetonka City Council · Minnetonka Mayor · Minnetonka School Board

In Eden Prairie, the only items on the ballot will be for Eden Prairie School Board positions and a school funding referendum. In situations like this, precincts are combined into fewer polling locations.

To insure you find your polling location for voting, we’ve contacted Independent School District No. 272. Here’s a list of the polling locations and precincts voting at each location:

Eden Prairie Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 will be voting at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie, MN.

Eden Prairie Precincts 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12 will be voting at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN.

Eden Prairie Precincts 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 will be voting at Prairie Lutheran Church, 11000 Blossom Rd, Eden Prairie, MN.

Eden Prairie Precincts 9, 10, 18 and 19 will be voting at Grace Church, Pioneer Trail and Spring Hill Rd, Eden Prairie, MN.

For Minnetonka residents, you will be voting at your regular polling location.

Not certain what precinct you live in? Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Pollfinder website.

 

2013 election · Eden Prairie school board · Hopkins school board · Minnetonka City Council · Minnetonka City Council at large · Minnetonka Mayor · Minnetonka School Board · polling locations · voting