Samuel Mwangi (Champlin City Council Ward 4, Minnesota, candidate 2024)
Samuel Mwangi ran for election to the Champlin City Council Ward 4 in Minnesota. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Mwangi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Samuel Mwangi provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 13, 2024:
- High school: Martin Luther Primary School
- Bachelor's: Metropolitan State College, 2002
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Community Advocate
- Prior offices held:
- Champlin Environmental Resources Commissioner. (2021-Prsnt)
- most recently held position is Executive Director - Global Fatherhood Foundation (GFF) (2018-2024)
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Working Together In A Shared Vision of Unity
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Champlin City Council Ward 4
Tim LaCroix, Samuel Mwangi, and Benjamin Schmid ran in the general election for Champlin City Council Ward 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Tim LaCroix (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Samuel Mwangi (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Benjamin Schmid (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mwangi in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Samuel Mwangi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mwangi's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am running for the open Ward 4 seat on the Champlin City Council because I believe in the power of public participation and community engagement. I pride myself on being a good listener and working for the success of everyone, regardless of political background. I believe that a strong, connected community is one where every voice is heard and valued.
My top priorities include improving public safety, enhancing community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Through my leadership, I want to ensure Champlin continues to grow as a welcoming, vibrant city where residents thrive.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling and watching a good action or comedy movie, and I always look for new ways to bring our community closer together.- Community-Centered Leadership: I have been a proud and active Champlin resident for 20 years, dedicated to serving the community through my role as ERC Commissioner and numerous local initiatives. I am committed to listening to the needs of Ward 4 residents and ensuring that their voices are represented on the City Council.
- Public Safety and Infrastructure: A top priority is improving neighborhood safety through stronger community policing, better lighting, and enhanced infrastructure. I will work to make Champlin a safer place for all residents, ensuring that our city continues to thrive and grow.
- Inclusive Community Engagement: I believe in the power of diversity and will work to create a more inclusive Champlin. Through events and initiatives that celebrate our cultural diversity, I will ensure that every resident feels welcome, heard, and empowered to participate in our community's growth.
Public Safety:
Ensuring the safety of all Champlin residents is a top priority. I believe in the importance of strong community policing, better public lighting, and crime prevention strategies. I am committed to working with local law enforcement and community members to create a safer environment for everyone.
Community Development and Infrastructure:
Another significant role of the City Council is its control over the local budget and resource allocation. City Council members ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently, prioritizing essential services such as public safety, transportation, and parks. Their decisions directly influence the quality of life for residents and contribute to the economic development and sustainability of the city.
City Council members also serve as a bridge between local and state government, representing the needs of their community to state officials and advocating for funding or legislative changes that benefit their city. This role makes them integral in aligning state-level policies with local needs, ensuring effective implementation at the local level.
Beyond his work ethic, my father also had a deep love for painting and nature. He showed me that hard work and success can coexist with a love for creativity and appreciation for the world around us. His passion for painting and his ability to find peace in nature taught me the importance of balance in life—the need to work hard but also to enjoy and appreciate the beauty around us.
This book highlights the importance of unity, hope, and inclusive leadership, which align with my belief in listening to all voices and working across differences. Obama’s emphasis on community engagement, empathy, and the need for public service reflects my own approach to local leadership and community involvement.
Essay: “The Power of Active Citizenship” by John Dewey
Honesty and ethical behavior are foundational for any elected official. Being transparent and upholding a high moral standard ensures trust between the official and the community they serve.
Accountability:
An elected official must be responsible for their decisions and actions. They should openly communicate with constituents, listen to feedback, and take ownership of both successes and areas for improvement.
Commitment to Service:
Public service is at the heart of being an elected official. A strong dedication to improving the community and addressing residents' needs should be the primary motivation behind every action and decision.
Empathy and Listening:
Understanding and listening to the concerns of all residents, regardless of background or political affiliation, is essential. An elected official should actively engage with diverse groups and be genuinely interested in their well-being.
Vision and Leadership:
A good elected official must have a clear vision for the future and the ability to lead by example. They should strive to create positive, long-term change while navigating challenges and opportunities with confidence and adaptability.
Collaboration and Inclusiveness:
The ability to work effectively with others, whether it's other elected officials, community organizations, or residents, is vital. Inclusiveness means creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and respected in decision-making processes.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Elected officials are often faced with complex issues, and they must be able to think critically, analyze data, and find solutions that balance the needs of the community with practical considerations.
Courage and Fairness:
Another quality that I bring is strong communication and listening skills. I take pride in being an attentive listener who seeks out input from a variety of sources, understanding that the best solutions often come from those who are directly impacted by decisions. By engaging with the community regularly, I can build trust, identify key concerns, and create policies that truly resonate with the people I serve.
Additionally, I have a strong work ethic, which is essential for handling the responsibilities of office. I believe in hard work and perseverance, qualities instilled in me by my late father, who always believed that success comes from dedication. I am willing to put in the effort needed to tackle complex issues, research solutions, and collaborate with others to achieve the best outcomes for the community.
Representing the Interests of Constituents:
As an elected official, your primary responsibility is to represent the views, concerns, and interests of the residents in your ward. This means actively listening to community members, understanding their needs, and advocating on their behalf in City Council decisions.
Developing and Implementing Policy:
City Council members are responsible for shaping policies that improve the quality of life for Champlin residents. This involves creating, voting on, and implementing policies related to public safety, infrastructure, development, and services that impact the community.
Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility:
Overseeing the city's budget and ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently and effectively is a key responsibility. This includes making decisions on spending priorities, managing resources responsibly, and ensuring transparency in the budgeting process.
Promoting Community Engagement:
Encouraging and facilitating active public participation is essential. City Council members should organize town halls, surveys, and public meetings to involve residents in decision-making and keep them informed about important local issues and developments.
Supporting Public Services and Infrastructure:
Ensuring that essential services, such as public safety (police and fire departments), transportation, parks, sanitation, and public works, are maintained and improved is a key duty. This also involves overseeing long-term infrastructure projects like roads, public spaces, and recreational facilities.
Fostering Economic Growth and Development:
Additionally, I want to leave behind a legacy of positive change through concrete actions that improve public safety, infrastructure, and community development. My aim is to contribute to a city where people feel safe, supported, and proud to live. By promoting initiatives that celebrate diversity, enhance education, and create opportunities for workforce development, I hope to leave a city that is more inclusive and vibrant than when I started.
Finally, I want my legacy to reflect the values my late father instilled in me: hard work, integrity, and service. If I can be remembered as a leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the community, who upheld transparency and honesty in every action, and who prioritized the well-being of others over personal gain, then I will have left a lasting and meaningful legacy.
His influence remains with me today, and I strive to carry forward his legacy in all that I do. The principles he stood for are the same ones I now advocate for in my community: family values, integrity, and empowering people through education and meaningful opportunities. Losing him was incredibly difficult, but the lessons he left behind continue to inspire me to serve and uplift others, just as he did throughout his life.
I relate to its message of finding strength in where you come from, much like how I draw inspiration from my late father and the values he instilled in me, like hard work, transparency, and community service. Rooted resonates with my belief that, no matter how far we go, staying connected to our core principles and the people who shape us is key to living a purposeful life.
His resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity really resonate with me, especially since he deals with balancing his personal life and his duty to serve, much like how I strive to balance my own responsibilities. Spider-Man’s humility and belief that "with great power comes great responsibility" is a principle I try to live by. It reminds me that leadership and service are not just about having the ability to act, but about making the right choices that benefit the greater good.
It’s the perfect reminder that, despite the barriers and struggles we face, there’s always something worth celebrating when we come together.
Losing my father at a young age was particularly difficult. He was my mentor and guide, and his passing left a void that was hard to fill. Yet, his lessons about hard work, integrity, and service became the foundation that I lean on when faced with adversity. These values have helped me overcome the barriers I’ve encountered and have driven me to keep pushing forward.
I’ve also faced barriers in terms of access and opportunities, but each of these struggles has only made me more determined to succeed. Every challenge has reinforced my belief in the power of community, public participation, and the importance of lifting others up along the way.
Another underappreciated responsibility is the appointment of local boards and commissions. City Council members appoint individuals to critical bodies like planning and zoning boards, which advise on long-term decisions affecting development and public services. This power allows the council to indirectly shape policies and projects that define the city’s future.
City Council members also have oversight of public utilities and services, which can include managing local water, sewage, electricity, and waste management services. Decisions in this area impact the efficiency and cost of services for residents, as well as the community’s environmental sustainability.
In times of crisis, City Council members hold emergency powers and play a key role in managing disaster response, ensuring that the city’s resources are allocated effectively. This includes setting policies for preparedness and recovery efforts.
They are also involved in negotiating intergovernmental agreements with neighboring cities, counties, or the state, which can lead to shared services or regional collaborations, potentially improving cost efficiency and service quality.
Additionally, City Council members have the ability to shape environmental and sustainability policies, passing ordinances related to green building practices, renewable energy, and resource conservation. These decisions help reduce the community’s environmental footprint.
In addition, previous experience typically means the candidate has established relationships with key stakeholders, such as city staff, state officials, and community leaders. These networks can be invaluable when advocating for resources or collaborating on regional issues. Moreover, experience in policy-making is another advantage, as it allows for a deeper understanding of how policies impact the community over time and how to balance competing interests effectively.
However, fresh perspectives from individuals without traditional political experience can be equally valuable. Newcomers often bring innovative ideas and creative solutions to long-standing problems. They may offer practical approaches to governance that career politicians might overlook. Those with diverse backgrounds outside of politics, such as business, education, or community service, can introduce new ways of thinking and foster positive change.
Furthermore, strong ties to the community can be as impactful as political experience. Candidates who are deeply involved in local organizations, schools, or neighborhood initiatives have firsthand knowledge of what their community needs. This grassroots involvement provides valuable insights that can shape policy decisions in meaningful ways.
Collaboration and teamwork are equally important. Council members often work with fellow elected officials, city staff, and community organizations to address complex issues. The ability to collaborate effectively ensures that different perspectives are considered and that solutions are reached through consensus. This skill is particularly important in local government, where teamwork is required to navigate issues such as budget allocation, zoning, and infrastructure development.
Another critical skill is problem-solving and critical thinking. City Council members are faced with a wide range of issues, from public safety to housing and economic development. They must be able to analyze problems, assess various solutions, and make decisions that are in the best interest of the community. This requires the ability to think strategically and weigh both short-term and long-term impacts.
Financial literacy is also a valuable asset for City Council members. Understanding budgeting, financial reports, and fiscal management is crucial since council members oversee the allocation of taxpayer funds. A solid grasp of financial principles allows them to make informed decisions about city spending, prioritize projects, and ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently.
Another unique aspect of the office is its policy-making authority at the local level. City Council members have the power to pass ordinances and regulations that govern areas like zoning, public safety, housing, and local infrastructure. These decisions often have immediate and tangible effects on the community, making the role of a City Council member critical for addressing specific local concerns in ways that state or federal government cannot.
The budgeting and resource allocation responsibility held by City Council members further highlights the importance of the office. Council members are directly responsible for overseeing and approving the city’s budget, determining how taxpayer dollars are spent on essential services such as police and fire departments, parks, roads, and public utilities. Their ability to prioritize funding and ensure fiscal responsibility plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic health and overall quality of life within the city.
City Council members also act as bridges between residents and higher levels of government, advocating for local interests at the regional, state, and federal levels. This advocacy can help secure funding for city projects, influence broader policies, and ensure that local needs are considered in larger governmental decisions.
Furthermore, City Council members have the ability to shape long-term planning for their communities. They work on comprehensive plans that guide the development of neighborhoods, transportation systems, and public services, ensuring that growth is sustainable and aligns with the community’s vision.
Financial Transparency:
Open Budgets and Spending Reports: The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used. I advocate for making the city’s financial documents—budgets, expenditures, and allocations—easily accessible and understandable to all residents. This includes publishing detailed reports and summaries on a user-friendly city website, so people can clearly see where money is being spent and how it aligns with community priorities.
Public Involvement in Budget Decisions: Financial decisions should not happen behind closed doors. I believe in holding public hearings or town hall meetings during the budgeting process, allowing residents to voice their concerns and priorities. This promotes transparency and ensures that the budget reflects the real needs of the community.
Third-Party Audits: Regular independent audits should be conducted to ensure financial practices are sound and free from corruption. These audits should be publicly available and thoroughly reviewed by both the council and the public to maintain accountability and efficiency in city operations.
Government Accountability:
Responsiveness to Residents: Elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve. I believe in creating clear avenues for residents to express concerns or ask questions about city operations, projects, or spending. This means making myself accessible, actively listening, and responding in a timely manner to all inquiries.
Measurable Performance Indicators: Government programs and initiatives should have clear goals and performance measures to track their effectiveness. By setting clear benchmarks and reviewing progress regularly, we can hold city officials and departments accountable for delivering results.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Champlin City Council Ward 4 |
Footnotes
