Year in review: Elections

• PHOTO: Kent

Woodbury Democrat Susan Kent speaks with a supporter on election night.
• PHOTO: Bearth

Ted Bearth
• Commissioner Lisa Weik

Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik said the county should seek to find a long-term solution to consolidating services that are no longer funded by the state, like the transportation brokerage service for residents on medical assistance.

Talk about it

New legislators

Woodbury got another changing of the guard from its legislative representation this year following the November elections.

For the fourth consecutive election, Woodbury’s senatorial representation changed parties. This time it was Woodbury resident Susan Kent, a Democrat, who unseated freshman Republican Sen. Ted Lillie of Woodbury.

Meanwhile, in the newly minted House District 53A, political newcomer JoAnn Ward, a Woodbury Democrat, cruised to victory over Maplewood Republican Pam Cunningham. The new House seat was established through redistricting.

The only local Republican to hold a seat was Rep. Andrea Kieffer of Woodbury. She fended off Democratic challenger Ann Marie Metzger in House District 53B.

All state lawmakers will be sworn in on Jan. 8.

Woodbury council elections

Woodbury City Council Members Amy Scoggins and Paul Rebholz won re-election in November against three challengers: Mark Doree, Mike Thissen and Joe Grinols.

The duo will serve third terms, giving them another four years on the council.

County elections

Woodbury saw one of its own return to the Washington County Board, while the city’s other representative was voted out after years on the board.

Commissioner Lisa Weik, a Woodbury resident, was re-elected by Washington County voters over her opponent, Woodbury Planning Commission Chairwoman Nancy Remakel. Weik, who represents District 5, returns to the board for a second term, where she is expected to be named chairwoman.

In District 2, which includes eastern Woodbury and all of Oakdale, longtime County Board Commissioner Bill Pulkrabek was ousted after serving four terms.

He was defeated by Ted Bearth, a former Oakdale mayor and city council member.

County commissioners will be sworn in on Jan. 8.

Elections in Districts 834, 622

The 2012 District 834 School Board elections brought some surprises.

School Board incumbents Kathy Buchholz and Mike Ptacek were re-elected with flying colors, however incumbent George Dierberger lost his seat to a newcomer.

Challenger Amy Burback of Stillwater was elected to District 834 School Board with the second-highest vote total.

Dierberger previously said he felt that the budget adjustment played a role in his not being re-elected given that it was a contentious issue and he was the board chair at the time of the decision.

District 622 sees two new members

The 2012 District 622 School Board election brought some change, but also continued with the status quo.

Incumbents Theresa Auge’, Steve Hunt and Nancy Livingston were all re-elected to another term.

Challenger Becky Neve was elected to the vacant school board seat left by Pam Cunningham, who was a candidate for House District 53B.

Incumbents reign in Afton

The 2012 Afton City Council election didn’t bring about much change for Afton.

All incumbents were re-elected to Afton City Council.

Mayor Pat Snyder, who was unopposed, was re-elected to her third two-year term.

City Council Member Randy Nelson defeated Afton Planning Commission Chairwoman Barb Ronningen, winning by a margin of just 20 votes.

City Council Member Bill Palmquist defeated Planning Commissioner Kris Koptizke.

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