In 2024, Centerville voters will elect a councilmember to a special term on the council. There is one candidate on the ballot.
About the candidate: Anita Rios is a 17-year resident of Centerville. She and her husband, Cesar, raised their two daughters here and cherish the friendly, small-town atmosphere this community offers.
Anita is running for City Council because she believes Centerville citizens deserve greater accountability from their leaders, an impression underscored when a proposed apartment building revealed zoning changes that were made years ago, without notice given to nearby residents.
Anita wants to engage residents in reworking the outdated, failed downtown master plan and solicit community input to envision what will make Centerville successful in the coming decades. She thinks it’s important to capitalize on Centerville’s distinctive assets – its history, its lakes, parks and trails, and home-grown businesses. Anita believes that future growth should be thoughtfully planned to protect Centerville’s history, charm, and character.
Anita is a natural community builder and has professional experience in planning and engagement efforts. She works as a part-time consultant after retiring from a 35-year career in public higher education. She served on several national and regional boards including the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, MnCUPA-HR State Board of Directors, American Council on Education Network of Women Leaders, and has been the recipient of numerous service and leadership awards.
Important Issues: Anita Rios’ campaign is focused on increased community engagement, greater transparency, and preserving Centerville’s small-town charm through thoughtful development efforts. Other top priorities include keeping taxes as low as possible for Centerville residents, maintaining our lakes, parks and trails, and bringing in businesses that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Goals if Elected: As your City Council representative, Anita will work hard to ensure that Centerville continues to be a great place to live, work, and visit. If elected, she pledges to value your voice and will work on your behalf to:
- Listen deeply to Centerville citizens and involve them in future planning.
- Rework the city’s master plan to reflect Centerville residents’ desires.
- Focus on smart growth and rezoning to manage that growth
Endorsements: None
Connect with Me:
- Website: www.centervilleproud.com
- Email: rios4council@centervilleproud.com
Candidate Interview:
