Minnetrista's elections follow a year of political turmoil — the resignation of its longtime mayor, the firing of its city administrator and sharp factional differences over plans for a new water treatment plant.

Council Member Anne Hunt, appointed mayor in April after Cheryl Fischer resigned, has chosen not to run for mayor or City Council.

Sherri Sturm, one of three mayoral candidates, said her career as an actuary has given her experience in government, "specifically state and federal regulations, compliance and policy planning." She said she has been involved in weather-related catastrophe planning for communities in Florida and Louisiana.

Council Member Mark Vanderlinde said that as mayor, he would make sure Minnetrista continues on its "positive upward path.

"The council … my first two years was very reactive, not addressing our neglected roads, stormwater runoff, and most of all, our city's poor drinking water," Vanderlinde said. He said the current council has been proactive in planning street improvements, maintaining gravel roads, addressing stormwater issues and planning the new water treatment plant, all while lowering city taxes by 16 percent.

The third mayoral candidate, Lisa Whalen, served on the council from 1999 to 2010. She said she would "bring ethical and honest conduct back to the council" if elected mayor.

"Minnetrista needs leaders that will be respectful, have vision and guide us as we continue to grow," Whalen said. She said the city needs to address neglected infrastructure, including road projects. "We need to phase in a cost-effective water treatment plan that makes sense for our community's needs," she said.

The council candidates

Two council seats are open. Tyler Abens, appointed to fill Hunt's vacancy, said "petty politics" has resulted in misinformation about water infrastructure plans.

"We need more candor in politics … and representatives who will listen to their constituents," Abens said.

Sylvia Allen said that if elected to the council she would "make sure all residents are informed and their voices are heard in the areas of expansion, growth and financial oversight … while working diligently as an advocate and voice on behalf of all of our citizens."

Council Member Arlene Donahue said that if re-elected, she will "put our city first and treat our residents with respect. … I will continue to listen, make decisions based on facts not fiction, and spend our taxpayers' hard-earned money sparingly."

Pam Mortenson said "regaining public trust and restoring ethical leadership" are key issues in Minnetrista, which must balance growth with retaining the community's rural character. She said long-term planning should include "addressing neglected infrastructure by prioritizing projects with a time line."

Planning Commissioner Patricia Thoele said infrastructure needs can be addressed by working "respectfully and collaboratively with … city staff, fellow officials, residents and developers." She said city officials should be "good stewards of the land and natural resources, while allowing change and planned development to occur."

Susan Feyder • 612-673-1723