With three council positions on the ballot, voters in Golden Valley who were interested in shaping their city's future had reason to head to the polls.
Once it was all said and done, they elected Andy Snope, Larry Fonnest and Steve Schmidgall.
"I got a lot of positive feedback from residents about the fact I'm already on the council," Schmidgall said. "And I believe that's extremely beneficial."
Now with the campaign finished, each has a plan for Golden Valley's future.
"I think we can do a better job of rebranding our city and marketing it to the larger community," said Larry Fonnest. "We have a lot to offer here. It's a great town."
"This is my vision for Golden Valley: progressive development, a high standard of services without raising taxes and collaborative government," said Schmidgall, who finish the remaining two years of Mike Freiberg's term. Frieberg was elected to the state legislature.
"The biggest goal I have to start off with is to build consensus and cooperation between the other council members, the mayor and staff," Snope said.
One issue that came up on the campaign trail was the proposed Bottineau Transit Light Rail Line and the effect it would have on Golden Valley.
"There were a handful of people that were in favor of that and a handful of people spoke against that," Schmidgall said.
"Certainly it is a concern to people, especially on the east side of Golden Valley," Fonnest said.
"They're very interested in the environmental impact that will happen there," Snope said. "But I found overall throughout the city that people are generally supportive of more transit options."
How those issues play out remain to be seen. For now, the candidates say they're just glad the campaign is over.
"I'm just ready to get some sleep, I think is what I'm looking forward to the most in the next couple days," Snope said.
Andy Snope and Larry Fonnest will be sworn in at the first council meeting of the new year on Jan. 7.
Steve Schmidgall will take office immediately after the canvassing board meets on Nov. 12.
Delane Cleveland
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