D10 Como Park Elections
The District 10 Como Community Council annual meeting and board election takes place every April at our regular board meeting time (3rd Wednesday at 7pm). Voting in the election occurs in the weeks leading up to the meeting by either electronic or mail-in ballot. You can find details below on applying for the board and requesting ballots.
If you’re interested in joining the board, we highly recommend you first attend our meetings as a community member to better understand our organization and the work that we do. All of our meetings and events are open to everyone, agendas are posted on our website the Friday before meetings and shared in our weekly newsletter. You can view the current board members, and any vacancies, here on our website.
Election Guide 2026
Introduction
Each year, the Como Community Council holds elections so community members can elect directors to the District 10 board. The procedures for nominations, elections, candidate eligibility, and voter eligibility are governed by the Bylaws of the District 10 Como Community Council. Each year, roughly half the seats on the board up for election. All terms are two years. (Board members elected in 2026 officially take office on April 22, 2026, and serve until April 26, 2028.) The complete Bylaws can be found on our website at: https://district10comopark.org/bylaws/
Elections
Como Community Council will accept and promote board applications for the annual election starting at the beginning of the year. Community members, including incumbent board members, must fill out an application before March 30 to be included on the election ballot. There will be no write-in voting. The application remains open year round for community members interested in being considered for appointment to board vacancies.
Como Community Council Staff will create sub-district specific ballots using Google Forms. Ballots will require voters to provide their name and street address to verify legitimacy and flag discrepancies. Names and addresses will be compartmentalized from vote tallying with minimal access permissions required for appropriate verification. Ballots must be received by Como Community Council staff by 5pm the day before the annual meeting (April 14, 2026).
All candidates will be on the ballot in a group, and voters will receive a ballot specific for their sub-district.
Counting ballots and seating candidates:
- First, all ballots will be counted by voter sub-district, and the qualifying candidate(s) with the most votes from each sub-district will be elected to that sub-district’s seat(s).
- Second, all ballots will be counted as a whole for the remaining candidates who weren’t elected to a sub-district seat. The youth-eligible candidate with the most votes will fill the youth seat; the senior eligible candidate with the most votes will fill the senior seat; and the renter-eligible candidate(s) with the most votes will fill the renter seat(s).
- Third, the remaining candidates with the highest votes will fill the available At-Large seats.
If there is a midterm seat up for election because of a vacancy or a seat that was filled by appointment, the qualifying candidate with the most qualifying votes will be seated in the full term seat, and the candidate with the second most votes will fill the midterm seat. A candidate may defer accepting a seat in preference of another seat. (For example, if there is only one qualifying youth candidate, they may defer a sub-district seat to instead fill the youth seat.)
The D10 Board will elect Officers for 1-year terms following the annual election.
Voting
Who can vote: All renters, homeowners, and other residents age 16 or older who live in District 10 are eligible to vote. So are authorized representatives from a business or nonprofit organization located physically in District 10.
Election integrity: As part of the absentee voting process, each community member must affirm that they are eligible to vote. Ballots that are not accompanied by the statement affirming eligibility will not be counted. These statements will be used only to cross-reference a voter’s eligibility. To ensure the privacy of the ballot, statements will be separated from the actual ballot when counting.
Who can vote for whom: All eligible community members are able to vote for At-Large positions (including At-Large Renter and Youth seats). For positions representing the four Sub-Districts, only community members who live in that Sub-District may vote. Sitting board members may vote for all positions on the ballot.
Below we will list neighborhood residents who are on the 2026 ballot. These candidates submitted their names by the March 30 deadline. There is no write-in voting, but interested community members are welcome to fill out a board application anytime to be considered for any midterm vacancies.
Board seats up for election in 2026:
- One representative each from the neighborhood’s FOUR sub-districts (map)
- Two representatives from the neighborhood at-large
- One representative from the neighborhood at-large who is a renter
- One representative from the neighborhood at-large who is a senior (age 62+)
- We also have
- One vacant midterm at-large renter seat (term expiring in 2027)
- Qualifying applicants are welcome to submit an application to be considered for appointment* to a vacant seat throughout the year, as well as for our annual elections.
- *Appointed seats are always on the subsequent election regardless of the term seats are attached to.
These positions serve two-year terms, through April 2028, unless otherwise noted. All of our board and committee meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted in advance on the website and in the weekly newsletter. We encourage you to come to our meetings and see how you like being part of our work and get to know us!
The filing deadline to be included on the 2026 ballot is March 30. The election results are announced at the April board meeting. If you have questions or would like to know more about being a board member you can reach out to our Executive Director at [email protected].
If you have questions about voting or the elections, contact the District 10 office at [email protected].
Candidate Statements
Candidates submit their own statements for the positions they are seeking. Candidates have the option of also submitting a statement from a supporter.
All these statements are reprinted below, with only minimal editing for clarity and consistency. Candidates are listed by sub-district then in alphabetical order. (Updated as applications are processed)
Sub-district 1 Candidates
Sub-district 1 is the part of our neighborhood west of Hamline, bounded roughly by Hoyt on the north and the BNSF tracks south of Jessamine on the south. There is one open sub-district 1 seat, the votes from subdistrict 1 residents will be counted separately to determine who fills sub-district-specific seat, any remaining candidates will be eligible to fill at-large seats.
John Waelti
Sheldon St. – Sub-district 1
I’m a St. Paul native who grew up in St. Anthony Park. I’ve always had a deep love for my native city and I’m very concerned about its direction. I have a particular interest in historic preservation, economic development, land use and transportation issues, and making the city more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. I believe strong neighborhoods and civic-minded residents are this city’s primary asset, and engaged district councils are foundational to strengthening our neighborhoods. I would also like to work with Ramsey County in planning for better pedestrian and bike connections across Energy Park and BNSF property. I would welcome the opportunity to continue on the District 10 Board, and I look forward to contributing to District 10 initiatives.
Sub-district 2 Candidates
Sub-district 2 is the part of our neighborhood roughly between Hamline on the west, Larpenteur on the north, Victoria on the east, and the BNSF tracks south of Jessamine on the south. There is one open subdistrict 2 seat, the votes from sub-district 2 residents will be counted separately to determine who fills this sub-district-specific seat, any remaining candidates will be eligible to fill at-large seats.
Dan Edgerton
Como Blvd. W. – Sub-district 2 (Also eligible for At-Large Senior Seat)
I’m a 38-year resident of the Como neighborhood. I’ve been on the D10 Board for six years now. I previously served on the Environment Committee, as Vice Chair of the Board, and currently am Treasurer of the Board. I’ve been involved in many of the D10 activities, including the Ice Cream Social, Blizzard Breakfast, Pick-up and Party at Orchard Rec, clothing drive, and numerous Lake Como cleanups. I look forward to continuing to serve on the D10 Board but intend to continue participating in neighborhood activities regardless.
Abby L. Gold
Hoyt Ave. – Sub-district 2
The Como Park Neighborhood is vibrant and lively. Como has many natural assets, more businesses popping up, and caring neighbors. I have had the pleasure of serving on the D10 Community Council for two terms where I witnessed many changes and improvements to our D10 board activities. In that time, I’ve served on the Neighborhood Relations Committee and co-chaired the Environment Committee. I am a co-coordinator for the Como Park Community Garden and liaison to the D10 Board in that role. Serving Como as a D10 board member has been an honor, allowing me to meet many wonderful people and be a part of multiple community building events. As a board member I feel more connected to neighbors and enjoy sharing my organizational skills with the community. You can find me in my garden at Como Community Garden or working as a health and nutrition Extension specialist and faculty at the University of Minnesota.
Dana Hagemann
Hoyt Ave. – Sub-district 2
Hello! I’m Dana Hagemann, a resident of the Como neighborhood for 10 years.
I’m also a parent of two elementary-aged kids and care deeply about my local community.
In my work as a marketing professional and former journalist, I approach challenges by asking good questions, understanding different perspectives, and helping organizations tell their story in a way that is both authentic and strategic.
By joining the D10 board, I would bring this background along with an eagerness to learn more about how local decisions are made and how they can have the greatest impact on our community. I believe we need strong communities now more than ever, and I would be honored to support that work in the Como neighborhood.
Some of the issues I care most about include community safety, supporting families and young people, preserving what makes Como unique, and making sure neighbors feel a strong sense of community and belonging.
Jonathan Herum
East Como Blvd. – Sub-district 2 (Also eligible for At-Large Senior Seat)
I am currently on The District 10 Board and would like to continue being on the Board! I work in the construction Industry and I am on the Land Use Committee. I have lived in Como for over 30 years and I would like to continue to help shape our neighborhood.
Sub-district 3 Candidates
Sub-district 3 is the part of our neighborhood roughly between Victoria on the west, Larpenteur on the north, Dale on the east, and the BNSF tracks south of Jessamine on the south. There is one open subdistrict 3 seat, the votes from sub-district 3 residents will be counted separately to determine who fills this sub-district-specific seat, any remaining candidates will be eligible to fill at-large seats.
Lizzy Cantley
Maywood St. – Sub-district 3
I am a St. Paul native from the East Side Payne-Phalen neighborhood and moved to the Como Neighborhood in 2018. What we first thought of as a “starter home” now feels like a “forever home.” We can’t imagine leaving the strong connections we have to the neighbors, schools, rec programs, or Como Park and the Lake. I first got to know the Como Community Council through participation in their Anti-Racism Work Group in 2021. For the past 4 years, I have been an active D10 board member on the Neighborhood Relations Committee and in the role of Board Secretary. My favorite aspect of being part of the board has been planning and volunteering at our four annual neighborhood events. I am proud to say I’ve only missed one event within the past four years. I am a quiet observer, thoughtful listener, and all around team player. I look forward to continuing this work to bring people together, to build a strong, inclusive community for all to live, work, and thrive in.
Sub-District 4 Candidates
Sub-District 4 is the part of our neighborhood roughly between Snelling on the west, Dale on the east, and between the two sets of BNSF tracks (near Jessamine on the north and between Front Ave. and Energy Park Drive on the south). There is one open subdistrict 4 seat, the votes from subdistrict 4 residents will be counted separately to determine who fills this subdistrict-specific seat, any remaining candidates will be eligible to fill at-large seats.
Joe Adcock
Carling Dr. – Sub-district 4 (Also eligible for At-Large Renter Seats)
Hi! My name is Joe and I’ve been renting in Energy Park since my fiancee and I moved to Minnesota two years ago. I’m currently finishing up my Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Minnesota. Since moving here, I’ve been attending D10 board meetings (school schedule permitting), keeping up with the newsletter, and joining in volunteer events like the Lake Como cleanups. All of these interactions with D10 have really helped me connect with the neighborhood and inspired me to seek election to this board.
As a D10 board member, I would love to work on any neighborhood planning issues you could name. Sustainability, land use, community engagement, and transportation (especially regarding the planned H Line) all interest me greatly. D10 is involved in so much of the work that makes our neighborhood so lively and friendly, and I’d love the opportunity to take part in this work and build some tangible experience as a planner!
I’ve learned a lot as a student about the theories and principles that go into planning cities and their neighborhoods. I think this knowledge, as well as my passion for building vibrant and resilient communities, make me a good fit for the role. I also think I could provide a unique perspective as a young renter who’s relatively new to the community. Thanks for your consideration!
Patrick Cotter
Carling Dr. – Sub-district 4 (Also eligible for At-Large Renter Seats)
My name is Patrick Cotter, I work in administration at Direct Care and Treatment, the State of Minnesota’s hospital system. I have been on the board in the renter at large seat since 2024. I am interested in supporting diversity, sustainability and community in the neighborhood and my main interests are getting involved in Land Use and working with D10 in concert with other parts of city government.
Matthew Kleist
Como Ave. – Sub-district 4
I have been a Como resident since 2020 and have served on the Como Community Council board for sub-district 4 for the last two years, where I was also the co-chair of the Neighborhood Relations committee. Over these last two years I have seen how important community is to the people who live in the Como neighborhood, especially in recent months. Now, more than ever, I believe safe, inclusive, and vibrant communities start with the people who live, work, and enjoy the amenities they have to offer.
While on the board, I have focused my time and capacities to volunteering at events hosted by the district; participating in district-led initiatives like the Lake Como cleanups, curb cleanup, neighborhood outreach; helping partner organizations at the state fair; and generally being an advocate for the Como neighborhood. I hope to continue to lend my time and skills not only as a resident, but as a member of the community council board. I look forward to seeing what opportunities that may present themselves so that I can further my involvement with the community council and the neighborhood.
I strongly believe the Como neighborhood is a place where people of all backgrounds are welcome. And it takes each of us to nurture this sense of belonging and community through our actions. Serving on the Como Community Council is just one way I can give back to the neighborhood that has been so welcoming these past 5+ years.
Board Member Application
The deadline to be included in the 2026 Election ballot is March 30. After this date you may still fill out an application to be contacted for future elections or consideration for mid-term vacancy appointments if/when they occur.
Board seats up for election in 2026:
- One representative each from the neighborhood’s FOUR sub-districts (map)
- Two representatives from the neighborhood at-large
- One representative from the neighborhood at-large who is a renter
- One representative from the neighborhood at-large who is a senior (age 62+)
- We also have
- One vacant mid-term at-large renter seat (term expiring in 2027)
- Qualifying applicants are welcome to submit an application to be considered for appointment* to a vacant seat throughout the year, as well as for our annual elections.
- *Appointed seats are always on the subsequent election regardless of the term seats are attached to.
These positions serve two-year terms, through April 2028, unless otherwise noted. All of our board and committee meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted in advance on the website and in the weekly newsletter. We encourage you to come to our meetings and see how you like being part of our work and get to know us!
The filing deadline to be included on the 2026 ballot is March 30. The election results are announced at the April board meeting. If you have questions or would like to know more about being a board member you can reach out to our Executive Director at [email protected].
Board Job Description
ORGANIZATION: District 10 Como Community Council: The Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the involvement of residents and businesses in public decisions and plans by the City of Saint Paul and in promoting activities that make the community a great place to live and work. The Council is governed by a 17-member volunteer board of directors elected by community residents/business owners.
JOB TITLE: Board Member
REPORTS TO: District 10 Como Community Council Board Chair
HOURS: Approixmately 5-10 hours per month (Elected 2-year terms)
PAY: No Compensation – Volunteer Position
POSITION PURPOSE: District 10 Board Members have the following primary responsibilities:
- Support the organization’s mission and strategic plan, and work with community members to address issues in the neighborhood.
- Attend 2 monthly 7pm meetings on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
- Provide policy, financial, and legal oversight and help shape organizational planning to ensure that District 10 is run responsibly and according to regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations, and is successful in its efforts to achieve its mission.
- Conduct outreach within the District and within a particular sub-district to encourage resident participation, broadly gather input from community members, and provide representation for diverse constituencies within the District in order to advise the City of issues that impact the quality of life in District 10.
- Serve on at least one committee, ad-hoc committee, or task force (This mostly happens at the monthly meetings). Contribute to efforts to build community and maintain and improve the quality of life in District 10.
- Participate in Council-sponsored events, including Community Events, Lake Clean-Ups, and other neighborhood activities.
- Support the Council’s fundraising efforts, including helping to identify and approach other individual and business donors, and collaborate with staff and other board members on grant development, fundraising events, and solicitations.
Request a Ballot (2024)
Who is eligible to vote: Residents of District 10 who are at least 16 years old, representatives from businesses, non-profits, or other organizations with a physical presence in District 10 (map of D10’s four sub-districts). If you have questions, you can email [email protected].
- If you intend to vote online, we need your request by Monday, April 15 at 8 a.m.
- If you need a paper ballot mailed to you, we need your request by Sunday, April 2.
- We will send out ballots beginning Friday, April 5.
- We must receive your completed ballot at the District 10 office no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 15.
