In 2025, voters will elect a mayor in Lino Lakes. There are three candidates on the ballot.
About: I hold an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and previously served as Vice President of HR before launching my own consulting firm. Today, I run Pure Home Lending, a mortgage company dedicated to helping families achieve affordable homeownership. Originally from Minnesota, I have lived in Lino Lakes since 2007, where I enjoy the rural character of our community and the nature surrounding my home. That lifestyle becomes more precious with each new development. For several years, I have been a regular at City Council meetings – listening, learning, asking questions, and speaking up for my neighbors. My commitment to service runs deep: one of my ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance recited at every Council meeting is a reminder to govern with liberty, justice, and fairness. I have seen firsthand how rapid growth has brought more traffic, higher taxes, and declining quality of life. I am running for Mayor because I believe Lino Lakes deserves thoughtful leadership, transparency, and development that preserves what makes our city special.
Important Issues: I am deeply concerned about development erasing Lino Lakes’ small-town feel and natural spaces. Growth should enhance quality of life – not diminish it. Transparency is another priority. Too often, residents are not given a full and accurate picture of the consequences of policies, such as city sewer and water conversion. Residents deserve honesty from their leaders. Fiscal responsibility is critical. Every household pays stormwater taxes to the Rice Creek Watershed District, yet the City also charges a duplicative Stormwater Utility tax. That’s not fair or necessary in my opinion. Finally, I am concerned that city government applies rules inconsistently – denying reasonable resident requests while overlooking its own infractions. Accountability should work both ways. I will prioritize fiscal discipline, transparency, preservation of nature, and keeping Lino Lakes rural competitive advantage intact.
Goals if Elected: As Mayor, I will work to slow the pace of development and encourage larger lot sizes, reducing strain on roads, schools, police, and fire services while preserving the character of our city. I will endeavor to end duplicative stormwater taxes by ensuring the Rice Creek Watershed District fulfills its role as intended. I will demand transparency from city leaders and staff, ensuring residents have all the (accurate) information they need to make informed decisions. I will require that the long-term financial impacts of staffing, compensation, and benefit packages are clearly forecast before votes are taken. My goal is simple: to preserve what makes Lino Lakes unique, protect taxpayers, and ensure government serves residents with honesty and integrity.
Endorsements: None sought.
Connect with Me:
Phone/text: 763-200-6362
Web: linolakesmayor.mystrikingly.com
Candidate Interview: Coming soon.
About: I grew up in Roseville and attended St. Rose of Lima for grade school before transitioning to the Mounds View public school system, where I graduated from Mounds View High School. After a brief working experience at Andersen Windows, I attended Moorhead State University on track scholarship. While in Moorhead, I also pursued architectural studies at North Dakota State University before eventually transferring to the University of Minnesota to continue my undergraduate education.
My wife, Amy, and I have been married for 36 years and raised two grown children. We’ve proudly called Pheasant Hills Preserve our home for over 28 years. Professionally, I was a minority owner of RRTL Architects for more than three decades, until its sale in 2018. Throughout that time, I remained actively engaged in city service here in Lino Lakes – serving in roles as Mayor, City Council Member, Charter Commission Member, and Planning & Zoning Board Member. In addition, I’ve contributed to our neighborhood HOA, the American Legion as a member of (S.A.L.) Sons of the American Legion in Lino Lakes, as well as be part of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and member of the Board of Directors for Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization.
Important Issues: I will continue working with our Police and Fire Departments to ensure continued Council support to achieve the Lino Lakes model for the highest standards as the employer of choice. This is designed around the excellence and integrity of every defined position and roll.
I will remain committed to continued collaboration with the Council to advance a shovel-ready approach to commercial development. This strategy is the most progressive way to address the city’s evolving needs of commercial growth by extending city sewer and water services, unlocking new growth opportunities, and strengthening the city’s tax base.
Looking ahead, my focus is on completing and activating the Water Treatment Facility in 2026. Finalize all design elements of our new Public Works facility for construction to begin. These investments are essential in supporting current and future facility needs now.
Above all, continue to create and guide Lino Lakes on the healthiest path forward.
Goals if Elected: Continue working on tangible city needs.
Roads are the city’s arteries, covering over 110 linear miles. Each requires ongoing care and reinvestment. The city uses a 5-year grading review process that identifies the strongest and weakest roads. This grading process allows us to maximize cost-efficiency while using an aggressive approach to prioritizing our next projects.
Parks are products of some new developments, with all contributing to park dedication fees. Once established, the city does the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the property. As equipment needs change with age, reinvestment becomes essential not only for safety but also to meet evolving ADA standards while modernizing the equipment.
Trails are our walking lifeline to good health. They connect us to other neighborhoods, while also showcasing the natural beauty in Lino Lake on a quiet walk through the woods. We must continue to create new segments to allow all neighborhoods these similar opportunities.
Endorsements: None listed.
Connect with Me:
Web: RobRafferty.com
Email: Rob@Robrafferty.com
Candidate Interview: Coming soon.
No longer seeking office.
