Candidates Forum Luncheon
Date and Time
Tuesday Oct 7, 2014
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM CDT
Tuesday
October 7, 2014
11:30 a.m. - Registration
11:45 a.m. - Buffet Lunch
12:15 to 1:00 p.m. - Forum
Location
Eagle Valley Golf Course
2600 Double Eagle Lane
Woodbury, MN 55125
Fees/Admission
$17 for members
$22 for non-members
Website
Description
October Candidates Forum
Mark your calendar and plan now to attend the candidates forum for Woodbury at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, at Eagle Valley Golf Course. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from the candidates and to ask questions before Election Day. Bring others to do the same. This is valuable time to gain a better understanding of the candidates’ platform and to interact with each. Candidates invited are:
State District 53A
JoAnn Ward, Representative
I have been a Woodbury resident since 1974. I have taught vocational education, established internships, and led school and community projects. I have been an active community volunteer, leading two successful bond issues: we rallied 1,000 volunteers and supported the construction of much-needed school facilities. I have held leadership roles in my university, our public schools, our church, and in neighborhood organizations. In 1994 I completed a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Learning and Human Development Technology -- Human Resource Development. I have extensive training and experience in collaborative decision-making and conflict management, specifically Baldridge Performance Excellence and Restorative Justice. These practices can be invaluable in creating and nurturing efficient and effective systems, like education, health care, and the economy.
Lukas Czech
State District 53B
Kelly Fenton
Kelly Fenton is the Republican endorsed candidate for State Representative. She is a current board member and past President of Minnesota Excellence in Public Service, a woman's leadership and political training program which is part of a National Coalition. Fenton has extensive experience as a former Educator and School Administrator for the 4th largest school district in the country. She served under the leadership of the former Secretary of Education, Dr. Rod Paige while he was still the Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. Fenton has also dedicated many years of serving her community in multiple capacities through her membership and leadership roles in various organizations. She is a graduate of Marquette University and holds a Master's of Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. Kelly resides in Woodbury with Greg, her husband of 23 years, and their three children.
Kay Hendrickson
Kay Hendrickson has a Masters and PhD in Administration and a BA in educational psychology and special education. Professional work experience includes Community Faculty Metropolitan State University; Special Education Teacher; Policy Maker in Health Care; Manager of Computer Systems. Her community involvement includes Parent and volunteer in school programs for music, theater, ice hockey; City of Woodbury Planning Commission; Past Chair: Information Technology Collaborative Work Force; Board member GTS Training. Her platform topics include Education, Affordable Health Care, Transportation and transit, Technology and innovation, Effective and efficient government.
Woodbury City Council
Christopher Burns, Councilperson
Christopher J. Burns is a current first term member of the Woodbury City Council. He is running for his second and final term. Christopher also chairs the City's Street Rehabilitation Task Force.
Professionally, Christopher is a Shareholder at Henson & Efron and chairs the firm's Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Practice Group. Christopher is also active in the management of Henson & Efron, as a member of the firm’s Compensation Committee. His Estate Planning work has been featured in the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Rising Stars issues of Minnesota Super Lawyers (formerly Minnesota Law & Politics) magazine and was named as a Super Lawyer in 2014. He has also been selected by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business as a Five Star Estate Planning Attorney for his work and dedication in providing quality services to his clients.
Christopher has always been active in the community. His service has been recognized by his alma mater, by a radio station which named him their “Hero of the Week,” and by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a “North Star Lawyer for his commitment in providing pro bono work to low income Minnesotans. His community and civic efforts have also been recognized by Woodbury Magazine.
Christopher grew up in Woodbury and is a graduate of Woodbury High School ('91). Christopher and his family are active members of their church (Woodbury Lutheran), and Christopher enjoys reading, writing, politics, bicycling, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his wife and children.
Emmanuel Obikwelu
Julie Ohs, Councilperson
Julie is a 20+ year resident of Woodbury. She is married and has two adult children. Julie served one term on the Woodbury Economic Development Commission. She is currently completing her second term on the City Council. She is also one of the founding members of the Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Group and is completing her eighth year on the South Washington County Cable Commission. Julie received a BA in Psychology and an MA in Management from the U of M Twin Cities.
William Braun
Bill Braun has his MBA in Strategy from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Bill helped found and grow both a chartered Minnesota Telecommunications Utility and a licensed Minnesota Specialty Electrical Contracting company. Currently President of CCARSA, representing Minnesota’s Technology Companies, Bill has helped pass three pieces of ‘common sense’ legislation into law through both Republican and Democrat chambers in the Minnesota Legislature. During the last decade, Bill has also run into burning buildings for the City of Woodbury. Awarded the Achievement Medal for “Leadership” and “Innovation” by the City, Bill wrote the police/fire integration study. Bill is currently running for a seat on the Woodbury City Council to improve local government operations.