In 2026, Centercille voters will elect candidates to the city council. There are two candidates running for two seats:
LINDA BROUSSARD
About:
Important Issues:
Goals if Elected:
Endorsements:
Connect with Me:
ANITA RIOS
About:
Name: Anita Rios
Age: 64
City of Residence: Centerville
Occupation: Talent Management Consultant
Civic Involvement Roles: Centerville Councilmember, Centerville’s Economic Development Authority, and the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Advisory Committee
Centerville has been my home for 19 years. My husband, Cesar, and I raised our two daughters here, and we deeply value the small-town atmosphere that makes this community special. For the past two years, it has been my privilege to serve residents as a member of the City Council.
I am running for re-election because I want to continue building on the progress we have made, including the downtown visioning process and ongoing efforts to be responsible stewards of the city’s water, sewer, roads, and trails. I believe Centerville residents deserve accountable leadership and meaningful opportunities to help shape decisions about the city’s future.
I currently work as a consultant after retiring from a 35-year career in public higher education.
Important Issues:
- Implement the 2026 Downtown Vision Plan: I will support updates to the city’s zoning codes that align with the recommendations in the 2026 Downtown Vision Plan. I will also advocate for a clear request-for-proposals (RFP) process that encourages developers to bring forward projects with the amenities residents want to see in Centerville’s downtown area.
- Increase Opportunities for Citizen Engagement: I will continue promoting meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in planning and decision-making. This includes town hall meetings, surveys, advisory groups, and facilitated discussions so that everyone who wants to have a voice can be heard.
- Balance Fiscal Responsibility with Stewardship of City Infrastructure: I will continue to support thoughtful, responsible decision-making that keeps taxes as low as possible for Centerville residents while also addressing the city’s essential public safety, infrastructure, and maintenance needs.
Goals if Elected:
- Deferred Maintenance of City Infrastructure: Centerville faces several important infrastructure needs that are costly and must be addressed thoughtfully over time rather than all at once. These needs affect services residents rely on every day, including safe drinking water, reliable sewer systems, and well-maintained roads, parks and trails. In the next few years, the city will need to drill a new well to replace a failing one, inspect and maintain its sewer system, and replace aging public works vehicles and equipment to name a few things. I will advocate for prioritizing and sequencing these projects carefully, while also seeking outside funding whenever possible, so we can protect essential services while keeping city tax levies at a reasonable level.
- Economic Development: To make the most of the new Downtown Vision Plan, Centerville should take a proactive approach to attracting the right kinds of investment. Rather than waiting to see what proposals come forward, I will advocate for a clear business development policy that gives developers guidance and incentives to bring forward projects that reflect residents’ priorities. This approach can help add desired amenities while preserving the small-town character that makes Centerville special.
Endorsements:
None listed.
Connect with Me:
