Lemke Recap: LMVLMPA Candidate Forum
Last night was a great night. I had the honor of joining the Special Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Lake Minnetonka Plymouth Area MN. Big thanks to LWVLMPA for putting it on and to everyone who submitted questions ahead of time—it’s clear Orono residents care deeply about their community.
We covered a lot of ground, and I wanted to share a quick recap of the topics we discussed:
1. Conflicts of Interest – I don’t have any, and I think it’s critical that elected officials stay above board and transparent and recuse themselves if there is even a perceived conflict.
2. The Future of Fire Service – I support the current administration’s plan to combine departments and move toward a long-term collaborative solution. It’s a smart move to strengthen public safety for everyone.
3. Regional Collaboration – Working well with neighboring cities is key. It helps us share resources and tackle bigger issues together.
4. Civility & the Code of Conduct – Respect and professionalism should be the baseline. I support the code of conduct and believe it helps keep discussions productive and focused.
5. Land Use Principles – As a former Planning Commissioner, I know how important thoughtful, long-term decision-making is. We can lean on existing policies while still listening to residents about future development.
6. Supporting Local Business – Let’s bring life back to our empty storefronts. We need to make it easier to start and grow a business in Orono.
7. Budgeting & Tax Rates – While the mill rate has stayed the same, property values have gone up, and with that, so have taxes. I'd like to see the mill rate adjusted to reflect responsible spending and lessen the burden on homeowners.
8. Fiscal Responsibility – We need to learn from past mistakes—especially decisions made without public input—and ensure our budget reflects the community’s priorities.
9. Public Comments – Moving public comment to the start of meetings was a step in the right direction. I'd like to take it further by allowing residents to email, text, or call in—especially helpful for those who are mobility-impaired or juggling busy schedules.
10. Protecting Lake Minnetonka & Local Land – Our current environmental safeguards are strong, but we need to enforce and enhance them—without excessive variances. Our natural resources are one of Orono’s greatest assets.
11. Parks & Rec Input – I’d like to survey residents to better understand what you want from our parks and recreation spaces. Your voice should help shape the future of these community assets.
12. Working Across Differences – I believe in listening, understanding where people are coming from, and finding common ground. We may not always agree, but we can always work together.
And finally, my priorities include preserving the Orono lifestyle we all love and planning for the future through the Imagine 2050 comprehensive plan. I’d like to see a community-wide survey to get your input—not just on that plan, but on other issues that deserve your voice.
Thanks again to everyone who attended and participated—it was a fantastic event. A heartfelt thank-you to my wife, Linne, for her unwavering support. I’d also like to acknowledge my fellow candidates, Jon Schwingler, Aigul “Gigi” Simpson, and Todd Trettel—it was a pleasure sharing the stage with you. And to Ryan Kanive, who couldn’t be there with us. I am grateful to be part of such an engaged and thoughtful community!
Below is a link to the forum recording—I hope you’ll give it a watch. I’m proud of my background on the Montrose City Council and as an Orono Planning Commissioner, and I’m ready to bring that experience—and a true passion for public engagement—to Orono’s City Council.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkRMDfG4sYA
Let’s keep the conversation going! Join me for coffee or submit a question!
