CANDIDATE FILING INFORMATION 2020 Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department Election Division 14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 651‐ 430‐6790 2 WASHINGTON COUNTY 2020 CANDIDATE INFORMATION This packet contains selected general information regarding the candidate filing and election process for federal, state and county offices. The process is principally governed by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 200 through 211B. Please refer to these sources for more complete information. If you have any questions pertaining to the election, feel free to call this office at 651‐430‐6790 or the Secretary of State’s Office at 651‐215‐1440. TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................... 3 COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT .............................................................................................................. 3 DESCRIPTION OF OFFICE DUTIES ............................................................................................................... 4 COUNTY OFFICES ...................................................................................................................................... 5 WHERE TO FILE: ........................................................................................................................................ 6 AFFIDAVIT OF CANDIDACY ...................................................................................................................... 10 FILING FEE (OR PETITION IN LIEU OF FILING FEE) ............................................................................................ 10 PARTISAN/ NON‐PARTISAN OFFICES: .................................................................................................. 11 2020 ELECTION DATES ............................................................................................................................. 11 STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST: .................................................................................................. 11 CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORTING ............................................................................................................. 12 FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES .................................................................................................................... 14 CAMPAIGN SIGNS ................................................................................................................................... 15 CITIES/TOWNSHIP ................................................................................................................................... 15 IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES ..………………………………………………………………………………………..………16 ATTACHMENTS ENCLOSED: Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy Statement of Economic Interest Campaign Financial Report Affidavit of Withdrawal Minnesota Department of Transportation letter Washington County Department of Transportation letter Secretary of State Map Order Form Secretary of State Voter Registration List Request Secretary of State Precinct Finder, Table, & Polling Place Request Secretary of State Election Candidate Information Form GENERAL INFORMATION THE CoUNTY COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT Providing quality services through responsible leadership, innovation, and the cooperation of dedicated people. Washington County was officially created on October 27, 1849, in the Territory of Minnesota (Minnesota was admitted to the United States as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858). As one of Minnesota’s original nine counties, Washington County is located on the eastern edge of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area and is comprised of 423 square miles of land. Washington County government has been serving residents since its creation in 1849. The county seat is located in Stillwater, Minnesota, along the scenic St. Croix River. Washington County has historically played a diverse role in the region, serving the Twin Cities with its commercial, industrial, natural, and agricultural resources. The residents of Washington County take great pride in the rich, historical significance of the area. Today, Washington County is a place where a prosperous economy grows with vital industries. The continued economic expansion of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with its resultant population growth, has caused a spread of highly developed urban areas in Washington County in the cities of Woodbury, Cottage Grove and Oakdale. The communities of Stillwater, Bayport, St. Paul Park, Newport and Forest Lake have each developed economic bases that support a local labor force. While much of Washington County has retained its rural atmosphere, today it is considered a “suburban” county. However, the county continues to maintain its diverse image ‐ from the corn fields of Denmark Township to the residential neighborhoods of Woodbury; from the office and retail complexes along Interstate 94 to the cooling waters of the St. Croix River; from the lakeshore communities around White Bear Lake and Forest Lake to the pastoral wooded settings of New Scandia and May Townships … each area of Washington County possesses a distinct set of landscapes and resources. Goals: To promote the health, safety, and quality of life citizens To provide accessible, high‐quality services in a timely and respectful manner To address today’s needs while proactively planning for the future To maintain public trust through responsible use of public resources, accountability, and openness of government Values: Ethical: to ensure public trust through fairness, consistency, and transparency. Stewardship: to demonstrate tangible, cost‐effective results and protect public resources. Quality: to ensure that services delivered to the public are up to the organization’s highest standards. Responsive: to deliver services that are accessible, timely, respectful and efficient. Respectful: to believe in and support the dignity and value of all members of this community. Leadership: to actively advocate for and guide the County toward a higher quality of life. 3 DESCRIPTION OF OFFICE DUTIES Board of Commissioners: Washington County is governed by a five member elected County Board of Commissioners. These elected officials represent the five commissioner districts of the County, and serve staggered terms. The Board elects the Chair and Vice Chair at the first meeting of the calendar year. The Chair is the presiding officer during the Board Meetings and the Vice Chair presides in the Chair’s absence. During the Board Meetings, the Commissioners develop policy, make decisions, and make and amend laws for governing the County. The Board’s responsibilities include establishing a County budget and tax levy, setting policy for delivery of services, and approving and revising ordinances. The County Commissioner salary for 2020 is estimated to be $70,725. The Board Meetings are held weekly at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday’s. No meetings are held on the fifth Tuesday of a month. The meetings are held in the Board Room on the 5th floor of the Washington County Government Center located at 14949 62nd Street North in the County Seat of Stillwater. The County web site, www.co.washington.mn.us, lists the Board Meeting agendas and minutes results as well as other useful County information. Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors: Over 3,000 Soil and Water Conservation Districts, nationwide, were created in the 1930s in response to national concern over erosion, floods and dust storms. Soil and Water Conservation Districts were organized along county boundaries with the purpose to manage and direct conservation programs, staffed by professionals. They are a local unit of government, established by State Statute 103C, governed by five elected supervisors who hold monthly board meetings. Today, the role of the Soil & Water Conservation District has expanded to include local water management planning, urban erosion and sediment control and the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. 4 In 2020 Washington County citizens will vote for the following federal, state and county offices: Federal Offices Term President & Vice President Four Years United States Representative District 2 Two Years United States Representative District 4 Two Years United States Representative District 6 Two Years State Offices Term State Senator District 38 Four Years State Senator District 39 Four Years State Senator District 43 Four Years State Senator District 53 Four Years State Senator District 54 Four Years State Representative District 38A Two Years State Representative District 38B Two Years State Representative District 39A Two Years State Representative District 39B Two Years State Representative District 43A Two Years State Representative District 43B Two Years State Representative District 53A Two Years State Representative District 53B Two Years State Representative District 54A Two Years State Representative District 54B Two Years County Offices Term County Commissioner District 1 Four Years County Commissioner District 3 Four Years County Commissioner District 5 Four Years Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1 Four Years Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor District 3 Four Years Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor District 5 Four Years Judicial Offices # of seats open Supreme Court Associate Justice 1 Court of Appeals Judge 4 District Court Judge 20 In addition to the federal, state, county and judicial offices, some municipal and, school districts will be on the ballot. 5 FILING