In 2023, there are four candidates seeking two seats on the Lino Lakes city council.
About the candidate: Catherine, a descendant of Declaration of Independence signer and Harvard Theologian William Williams, proudly calls Minnesota home. With a Master’s in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Business and the prestigious national Rising Star Award from Human Resources Executive Magazine, Catherine boasts a successful career in HR executive roles within high-growth companies. She also manages her thriving HR consulting firm, PursueXcellence.
Catherine’s multifaceted background includes serving as a non-profit board member and working as an independent mortgage originator. Her entrepreneurial spirit is rooted in her parents, entrepreneurs in commodities and marketing, who passed down their passion for horses and a rural lifestyle. A resident of Lino Lakes since 2007, Catherine has witnessed her community’s remarkable evolution.
Motivated by her unwavering commitment to conscientious citizenship, Catherine is running for City Council. She ardently champions her rural community and its residents’ rights. Catherine is driven by a deep concern over potentially illegal actions by local institutions especially where there is unanimity as it is ripe for corruption. She shares Plato’s wisdom: “If you do not take interest in the affairs of the government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”
Important issues: Catherine is dedicated to fiscal responsibility, due process, civil rights, personal freedom, and limited government. She believes leaders should exemplify impeccable integrity and prioritize citizen interests over special interests. Catherine advocates for lower taxes and the maximization of individual freedom through limited government.
She also underscores the importance of financial transparency, as she believes understanding the flow of money is key to addressing issues effectively. Catherine opposes unchecked power, asserting that the rights of one citizen hold the same significance as those of many.
Furthermore, Catherine emphasizes the need for police training in de-escalation and ensuring the rights of innocent citizens. She challenges the infringement of property rights & control over private property and stresses the value of gender diversity on the council. As an independent thinker, Catherine pledges to serve without being beholden to special interests or quid-pro-quo arrangements and to support the betterment of our schools and first responders.
Goals if Elected: Catherine’s goals as an elected official are centered on transparency, open governance, and safeguarding individual property rights. She is committed to ending closed-door meetings and promoting healthy debate, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.
Catherine aims to support the education and proper equipping of the police force while preserving the rural community’s unique lifestyle. Equal treatment and distinguishing between legitimate and nuisance complaints are key priorities.
She intends to protect legacy establishments like farms, uphold the life and liberties of citizens, and foster neighborly camaraderie. Catherine seeks to eliminate bureaucratic red tape, support small businesses, and champion property owners’ rights.
Catherine is determined to prevent injustice, prioritize local citizens over special interests, and ensure transparency in decisions affecting property, tax payments, rights, and the city’s future. She brings a strong dose of logic, forthrightness, fiscal responsibility, and legality to the decision-making process, safeguarding Lino Lakes’ cherished community and values.
Endorsements: None listed.
Connect with me: Did not respond.
Candidate interview:
About the candidate: My wife Lona and our four children Dannielle, Allison, Macallister and Elliott have been richly blessed to call Lino Lakes “HOME” for 30 years now. We love Lino Lakes open spaces, trails and wildlife. Even those slow moving turkeys crossing the road.
Education:
Graduate of Totino-Grace H.S.
Bachelor’s degree University of St. Thomas
Master’s degree University of Minnesota
Experience:
34th year of teaching….LOVE IT!
Volunteer Head Coach, many seasons Youth Football, Basketball, and Little League Baseball
School Coached, St.Paul Academy, Totino Grace H.S. and University of St. Thomas
Member of Living Waters Church
Civic Commitments:
8 years City Council (Acting Mayor) (President of Economic Development)
3 years Council appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board.
12 years Judge appointed to the City of Lino Lakes Charter. (Charter Chair)
I’m grounded in a life of service. I often will say “life is not about me…it’s about serving others!” Rooted in my humble thinking is having the most education or experience does NOT mean anything If you don’t know how to LISTEN to the people, and honor their perspectives. It’s still a government of “We the people”.
Important issues: First do no harm! Our friends/great neighbors live and have been drawn to Lino Lakes for it’s beautiful, natural, open aesthetics and the wildlife it supports. Our schools are solid and our neighborhoods are safe. Our predominate challenge as we grow is to accentuate these valued attributes and not diminish them. An emphasis on trail completion/maintenance, is important to our community. WE LOVE OUR TRAILS!
Top Priorities:
- Reduce tax burden
- Supporting a sustainable street maintenance program
- Providing safe/clean water
- Expanding post-Covid youth, and senior programs
- Attract more roof top businesses, active sports bars, and restaurants like Chipotle.
- Love to add a Dog Park!
Life is all about relationships. It is vital that we reach out and create positive relationships on all levels. Collaborating with citizens, local organizations, businesses, schools, neighboring communities, Anoka County and State agencies. “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller-
Goals if elected: Covid impacted each and every one of us. But we are resilient. It’s a perfect time to reset and reconnect with “We the People”. To move forward together with a new shared vision for Lino Lakes.
Needed next is a Council that embraces strategic thinking (with the aforementioned spirit of collaboration) in making our vision a reality. I have high expectations for Lino Lakes!! Our motto should be “WHY NOT LINO LAKES?”. Let’s get excited. Nothing great in life is ever achieved without enthusiasm and passion!
Achieving a diversified tax base is every community’s goal! We can be thrilled about the 300 plus acres ripe for development in the North-east corner of Lino Lakes alone. I have called this Lino Lakes’s Fort Knox! We are talking about a ‘Win-Win’. Diversifying our tax base and creating jobs here at home.
Endorsements:
Dr. Sr. Love, Mayor of Centerville
Tony Cavegn, Lino Lakes City Council Member
Tom Knisley, Centennial Schoolboard Vice Chair
Craig Johnson, Centennial School Board Treasurer
Connect with me:
Email: lyden4linolakes@gmail.com
Facebook: Lyden 4 Lino Lakes
Candidate interview:
About the candidate: Chris, a Minnesota native, drew early inspiration from his grandfather, Lloyd Stowe, a Navy veteran with remarkable experiences, including involvement in Pearl Harbor and nuclear tests post-WWII at Bikini Island Atoll. Another influential figure in his life was the legendary Roy Rogers, a family friend and famed cowboy.
His educational journey began with an AA degree in Computer Animated Design, followed by studies in Environmental Sciences at University of Minnesota. Starting his career in design, Chris transitioned into becoming a licensed Plumber for Local 34 St. Paul and later Local 15 Minneapolis. This diverse professional background culminated in the establishment of Pure Mechanical Corporation, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Chris cherishes his grandfather’s and Roy Rogers’ mentorship, which fueled his passion for horsemanship. He founded a private riding club at the historic Rehbein’s Arena site in Lino Lakes, providing horsemanship opportunities to those in need, inspired by his mentors who were cowboys, private business owners, and staunch second amendment advocates.
Through this club, Chris is dedicated to making horsemanship financially accessible, countering the rising costs of horse ownership. His unwavering commitment to community engagement and preserving the horsemanship legacy reflects his deep love for both this craft and the local community.
Important issues: Chris is dedicated to fiscal responsibility, due process, civil rights, personal freedom, and limited government. He believes leaders should exemplify integrity and prioritize citizen interests over special interests. Chris advocates for lower taxes and the maximization of individual freedom through limited government.
He also underscores the importance of financial transparency, as he believes understanding the flow of money is key to addressing issues effectively. Chris opposes unchecked power, asserting that the rights of one citizen hold the same significance as those of many.
Furthermore, Chris emphasizes the need for police training in de-escalation and ensuring the rights of innocent citizens. He challenges the infringement of property rights & control over private property and stresses the value of gender diversity on the council. As an independent thinker, Chris pledges to serve without being beholden to special interests or quid-pro-quo arrangements and to support the betterment of our schools and first responders.
Goals if elected: Chris’ goals as an elected official are centered on transparency, open governance, and safeguarding individual property rights. He is committed to ending closed-door meetings and promoting healthy debate, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and are kept informed.
Chris aims to support the education and proper equipping of the police force while preserving the rural community’s unique lifestyle. Equal treatment and distinguishing between legitimate and nuisance complaints are key priorities.
He intends to protect legacy establishments like farms, uphold the life and liberties of citizens, and foster neighborly camaraderie. Chris seeks to eliminate bureaucratic red tape, support small businesses, and champion property owners’ rights.
Chris is determined to prevent injustice, prioritize local citizens over special interests, and ensure transparency in decisions affecting property, taxes, rights, and the city’s future. He brings logic, forthrightness, fiscal responsibility, and legality to the decision-making process, safeguarding Lino Lakes’ cherished community and values.
Endorsements: None listed.
Connect with me: Did not respond.
Candidate interview:
About the candidate: Michael Ruhland, a dedicated family man, is pursuing reelection for Lino Lakes City Council. Relocating to Lino Lakes in 2015 with his family, he embraced the vibrant community. Michael has been married for 12 years and has two children. His children attend, Rice Lake Elementary, and Centennial Middle School. They are active in baseball, hockey, wrestling, and football to name a few. Michael’s family are active members of Eagle Brook Church and cherish their summer camping trips.
Originally from Shoreview, Michael attended Moundsview High School. The move to Lino Lakes was motivated by the exceptional school district, spacious landscapes, and the community. His civic journey started with the Economic Development Advisory Committee, followed by the P&Z Board. Then he won the 2019 city council election. Besides his council role, he serves on the Anoka County Board of Appeals and Equalization, along with the Anoka County Fire Protection Council, showcasing his enduring dedication to the great city of Lino Lakes.
Professionally, Michael thrives as a Sales Manager at LendSmart Mortgage “The Ruhland Team” and runs a successful real estate investing business.
In his reelection bid, Ruhland’s commitment to smart development, open spaces, family values, and community stands stronger than ever.
Important issues: It’s my opinion that a city’s governments top priority is public safety. We need to continue to evaluate and ensure our public safety department has the tools it needs to keep our residents safe.
Another top priority for local government is infrastructure. With the known Manganese issue Lino Lakes is facing coupled with the growth we’re experiencing it’s important to get a water treatment facility so that us residents do not need to worry about the water the city is providing, and perhaps lessen the need for water use restrictions.
The city spends a lot of taxes on equipment, like plows, and a wide variety of vehicles. Our current public works facility is extremely outdated, and short of room. Being able to effectively keep public works equipment out of the elements, and work on the repairs of the equipment more efficiently will save us taxpayers money in the long run.
Goals if elected: My goals as your city council member would be to support our police, and fire departments, and ensure our public safety.
I also want to continue to be forward thinking about expenses, so we do not have any large tax spikes despite these inflationary times. I want to keep taxes at or below their current level and look for ways to save as we’re growing.
I want to improve our infrastructure. This includes a water treatment plant for safer drinking water, a city works facility to keep our equipment out of the elements and lasting longer, improving our parks & trails, and continuing to expand our street repair program.
I want to bring more commercial development into our city. The right kind of commercial development. Things that bring the community together and make us proud to live in our great city. This will help all our goals come to fruition!
Endorsements:
- Jeff Reinert (Anoka County Commissioner)
- Rob Rafferty (Mayor of Lino Lakes)
- D. Love (Mayor of Centerville)
- Elliot Engen (MN State Representative)
- Craig Johnson (Centennial School Board)
- Tom Knisley (Centennial School Board)
Connect with me:
Email: Mike@michaelruhland.com
Candidate interview:
