Maple Plain, MN, September 18, 2024 — As the City Administrator for Maple Plain, I want to address recent concerns and clarify the City’s decision regarding the candidate questionnaire during this election cycle.
In mid- August, the City office, under my direction, sent out a questionnaire to all candidates on the ballot with the intention of including their responses in the upcoming city newsletter. The aim was to provide equal access to information for all candidates and maintain transparency in the election process. However, after consulting with the city attorney and reviewing Minnesota Statute 10.60, it became clear that the City cannot proceed with publishing the candidate responses.
Minnesota Statute 10.60 prohibits public resources, including staff time and city platforms, from being used to distribute campaign-related information that could be viewed as supporting or opposing candidates. While the original intent was to foster fairness and accessibility, publishing these questionnaires could be interpreted as using City resources in a manner that promotes specific candidates, which could potentially violate state law.
As the City Administrator, it is my responsibility to ensure that public resources are not used in a way that might inadvertently favor any candidate—whether incumbent or challenger. The City’s role is to remain neutral and to maintain the integrity of the election process.
I understand the frustration this decision may cause, but the City must adhere to legal requirements and avoid any appearance of impropriety or favoritism. Although we cannot publish the questionnaire, transparency remains a top priority, and I hope this explanation clarifies the reasoning behind this decision.
For residents seeking additional information about candidates, voting procedures, or election rules, I encourage you to visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Election Headquarters. They are a valuable resource for campaign regulations and can help voters access the information they need to make informed decisions. More details can be found at their website: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/).
If you have any further questions about this decision or need additional clarification, please feel free to contact me directly.
Contact:
Jacob Kolander
City Administrator
Maple Plain City Hall
Phone: (763) 479-0516
Email: jkolander@mapleplain.com