ELECTION

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From president to school board the Farmington Independent will have all the election results you need as soon as they’re available.

November 04, 2008

New faces for Farmington City Council

Farmington has a new mayor-elect, and he’s never even served on the Farmington City Council. That is not to say Todd Larson does not have any knowledge about how city government runs. But the longtime planning commission member has only served in an appointed position during his civic career.

By Michelle Leonard , November 04, 2008

Letter: Julie May is a capable leader

Farmington residents are fortunate to have Julie May as a candidate for Farmington City Council. Julie is a capable and competent leader who has served — and continues to serve — the Farmington community in multiple capacities.

October 30, 2008

State General Election Ballot: Dakota County

October 27, 2008

Farmington General Election

October 27, 2008

Voter's guide: Mayoral candidates

We asked all candidates for city positions the same six questions and gave them each 900 words with which to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best. The questions are: 1. Why are you the most qualified candidate for this city council position? 2. What do you like about Farmington? What would you change? 3. The issue of a divide between north and south Farmington comes up a lot. Do you believe there is a divide? If so, what can the city do to address it? 4. What do you believe is the role of the city council in attracting commercial development to Farmington? 5. Cities have to balance the need to provide services with a desire to keep taxes low. What would your priorities be when putting together a balanced budget? 6. If you could address just one issue as a member of the Farmington City Council what would the issue be and how would you address it? Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Voter's guide: City council candidates

We asked all candidates for city positions the same six questions and gave them each 900 words with which to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best. The questions are: 1. Why are you the most qualified candidate for this city council position? 2. What do you like about Farmington? What would you change? 3. The issue of a divide between north and south Farmington comes up a lot. Do you believe there is a divide? If so, what can the city do to address it? 4. What do you believe is the role of the city council in attracting commercial development to Farmington? 5. Cities have to balance the need to provide services with a desire to keep taxes low. What would your priorities be when putting together a balanced budget? 6. If you could address just one issue as a member of the Farmington City Council what would the issue be and how would you address it? Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Voter's guide: Minnesota House District 36B

We asked all candidates the same questions and gave them each 600 words to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best. The questions are: 1. Why are you the best person to Represent District 36B in the Minnesota House of Representatives? 2. Transportation has been a big issue in this area, with proposals for everything from improved bus transit to light rail in the area? Do you think this area’s transportation needs are being met? If not, what must change? 3. What would be your priorities when trying to put together a balanced budget for the state? 4. If you could address just one issue as a state Representative what would it be and how would you address it?Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Voter's guide: Farmington School Board

We asked all candidates the same six questions and gave them each 900 words to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best. The questions are: 1. Why are you the best person to serve on the District 192 School Board? 2. If you could address just one issue as a school board member what would the issue be and how would you address it? 3. What criteria would you use to determine whether the school district is succeeding? 4. Communication has been an topic of conversation lately in the district. Do you think the district does a good job communicating with residents? Where do you think it can improve? 5. School districts have to balance a need to serve their students with a desire to keep taxes low. What would your priorities be when setting the district’s budget? 6. What do you think the Farmington School District does well? What would you like to change? Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Voter's guide: Dakota County Commissioner

We asked both candidates the same questions and gave them each 1,000 words to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best. The questions are: 1. Dakota County residents consider transportation issues – moving people more efficiently from one stop to the next, ongoing maintenance on existing roads – a major concern. With the always- present budget constraints, how should county officials face this issue/need? 2. How can Dakota County continue to ensure it is a “premier place in which to live,” while still adhering to its low tax rate? 3. What are the other major issues/challenges facing Dakota County in the next four years? How should they be addressed? 4. Why should people vote for you? 5. Other comments Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Voter's guide: U.S. House

We asked both candidates the same questions The questions are: 1. Americans are expressing their growing concern about the economy, whether it is higher gas (both heating and vehicle) and grocery prices; increased medical costs, etc., or concern about their financial investments/retirement accounts. What do you believe should be done about the situation and what should be the response of Congress?2. How can Dakota County continue to ensure it is a “premier place in which to live,” while still adhering to its low tax rate? 2. The United States has now been at war with Iraq for more than five years, with differing opinions of how successful it has been. Where should we go from here? 3. What makes you the best candidate for this position? Why should people in this district vote for you? Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

October 24, 2008

Watch the school board candidate forum video

Couldn't find time Thursday night to take in the school board candidate forum put on by the Independent and the Rotary Club of Farmington? Did you try to watch online and have some trouble seeing everything? Now you can check out the video archive of the event by clicking here. You'll find archived video from this week's school board forum as well as video from the city council and House District 36B forums put on earlier this month by the Independent and the Dakota County Regional Chambers of Commerce. The Independent's live webcast starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 8.

October 23, 2008

Farmington City Election

October 21, 2008

Letter: Return board to what it should be

The upcoming school board election for District 192 is very important. This is a chance to return the board to what a real school board should function as — the taxpayer representative that ensures necessities are met and which is not a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Education Association or the current school superintendent.

By Arlo Finney, Farmington , October 16, 2008

Election to shape state House

Minnesota News
ST. PAUL – Minnesota House Democrats hope for a supermajority from next month’s election. Republicans would be thrilled with simple majority control, but would consider it a success just to narrow the margin Democrats hold.

By swente@forumcomm.com , October 06, 2008