WILLMAR — Former Willmar City Council member Steve Gardner has announced his candidacy for the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners. He will be running for the seat in District 2.
"It's time to turn the page on politicians who use the tactics of fear and bullying, of dog-whistles and place-baiting to pit us against one another," Gardner said in his announcement. "It's time to say no to the politics of division."
The seat Gardner hopes to win is currently held by Steve Ahmann, who is in his fourth year of his first term on the County Board.
Gardner said he will be speaking with a wide range of people over the next several months, to learn how to build community and how to move the county forward.
"In Willmar and Kandiyohi County, people are working each day to come together as neighbors and friends, building trust and true community across all lines, including those of race and class," Gardner said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gardner currently serves on the Willmar Planning Commission and has held the position of chair for the past three years. He also served on the Vision 2040 Leadership Design Team, as board chair of the Humane Society of Kandiyohi and Meeker Counties and helped create the Lions Dog Park as part of a citizen committee.
He lives in Willmar with his wife, Kelly.
"For my part, I'm ready to work to help bring us together as Minnesotans and residents of Willmar and Kandiyohi County," Gardner said. "We will run a robust, volunteer-driven campaign with the message that says we are all better together, stronger together, when we commit to knowing, caring for and loving each other."
