Three candidates are running for mayor of Vadnais Heights and five are seeking seats on the city council in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 3, 2026, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Age: 40

What would your top priorities be if elected? 

My top priority if elected will be to return fiscal responsibility. The 67% in spending over the past 4 years is excessive and will be reviewed for opportunities to cut spending. Another priority will be to ensure that development approvals are scrutinized to ensure they do not take away from the character of surrounding neighborhoods.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a life long resident of Vadnais Heights and a local business owner. Previously I served 2 terms on the Vadnais Heights city council and was also the deputy mayor. Prior to serving on the city council, I served on the Vadnais Heights planning comission for 9 years.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

The primary role of government is to provide basic city of infrastructure and public safety services.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

It is important to listen to differing opinions to try to understand why people think and feel a certain way on issues affecting them. Sometimes, you can take a few good points from someone you largely disagree with to form a better opinion on a matter.

Website or contact information: email: gurban@urbancompaniesusa.com.

Age: 38

What would your top priorities be if elected?

If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize our long-term budget planning to ensure high-quality city services and infrastructure. I will also prioritize the creation of a Finance Commission to create additional opportunities for residents to provide advisory feedback on large city projects and the long-term planning for the community.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

My qualifications are a unique combination of scientific, financial and problem-solving experience. My Microbiology Ph.D. and Biotech Stock Analyst experience have strengthened my critical thinking and financial analysis skills. Now as a Regulatory Affairs Manager, I need to collaborate with cross-functional teams to guide new medical devices through development, testing and FDA authorization. This work has honed the collaborative and problem-solving mindset that I have brought to the role for the past four years.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

The local city government provides essential services (public safety, water, sewer), and infrastructure (streets, parks and trails) as well as support public events that foster a community where businesses and residents thrive.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Our community is committed to supporting reliable city services, but I hear varying opinions on how this is achieved. Often times, the differing opinions are the result of different needs and the financial impact on our residents. We recently had an example of this in my community with an infrastructure project that generated some community disagreement. I listened and realized that our residents did not feel heard and they needed more information and involvement, so we formed an Advisory Panel of residents to re-look at the project. I also support the creation of a Finance Commission to continuously gather inputs on our community’s priorities and advise the council on fiscally responsible pathways to achieve the highest priorities.

Website or contact information: www.dollkanne.com.

Age: 72

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top priorities are to get the local spending under control and ensure that any future development pays their fair share in property taxes. Over the past ten years the city has increased the local levy by 122.17%. The cumulative inflation rate has been 36.66% over this same time period. The current City Council voted to increase the average homeowner’s property tax by $750.00 per year. The tax increase was strictly to replace a perfectly good 35-year-old fire station. TIF (Tax Increment Financing) was originally meant to improve blighted areas. The local goverment and school district do not receive any of the increased tax revenue generated by a TIF project. The small amount of developable land, remaing in Vadnais Heights, is prime real estate, not blighted.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a 47-year resident of Vadnais Heights. I will bring common sense and fiscal responsibility to the City Council. I realize that all of our residents have a fully mature money tree growing in their back yard.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

The local government is here to serve the needs of our residents, by providing necessary local services. Some of these services are public works, public safety, parks and recreation, clean water and proper sewage disposal.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I am always learning, by keeping an open mind, actively listening and asking lots of questions. We may not always agree, but I appreciate, and consider all points of view.

Website or contact information: I am on Facebook at Donald Jorgenson for Vadnais Heights City Council or email me at Donaldj3994@Gmail.com.