(Editor’s note: The candidate stories are based on questionnaires given to the candidates.)
by Dennis Dalman
Two candidates are vying for the mayoral position in St. Stephen. They are current Mayor Lisa Marvin and her competitor Edward Peternell.
Marvin says skills would enhance another term
Incumbent St. Stephen Mayor Lisa Marvin filed for re-election because she said she believes her experiences in city issues, along with her leadership and entrepreneurial skills, would make her a strong mayor.
Four years ago, when the then-mayor of St. Stephen decided not to run again, Marvin’s husband said she should run. She did and won.
“With a background comprising eight years on the planning commission, entrepreneurial experience as partner/owner of a business since 2006 and multiple board leadership positions, I felt I could make valuable contributions to the city,” she said. “A short write-in campaign began, and I had the honor to win the election the following week. Today, I will share that I love the commitment, the responsibilities and the many ways we can make a positive difference in the beautiful rural community of St. Stephen.”
Marvin and her husband moved to St. Stephen in 1996 where they raised their two children, Daniel and Melissa.
She is a real-estate broker, a certified Fair Housing Specialist, a chief executive officer and a neutral moderator.
Marvin listed her skills, experiences and talents that she could use to strengthen a second term as mayor: a respected public speaker locally and nationally, expertise in the issues of fair housing, housing law, customer service, cultural diversity, a good problem solver, a keen listener and adept at communication.
“My extensive experience as a board member and past chair of Anna Marie’s Alliance has instilled in me a profound commitment to strengthen our communities and to work towards ending domestic violence,” Marvin said. “As a neutral mediator, I have found this skill set to be a positive addition to any professional setting I am working in. My company works in the multifamily industry that includes new development. From roads to construction, to working with different cities, I have found these skills to be beneficial in my work as St. Stephen’s mayor.”
St. Stephen’s biggest strengths, she said, are first and foremost its people, as well as its beautiful rural setting and excellent school district.
A weakness of the city is that aging roads need to be improved.
“New roads will need to be on our radar in the coming years,” she said.
Future projects she would like to help move forward within the coming years, if re-elected, are road repairs/replacements, fine-tuning city ordinances to make them as clear as can be and listening to residents to understand their wants and needs. Last but not least, she wants to encourage people to support their local businesses.
Peternell wants to ensure people have a voice
Edward Paul Peternell decided to file for election as the mayor of St. Stephen so the people of the city “have a choice” in decision-making.
Peternell is the only other candidate vying for the position currently held by incumbent Mayor Lisa Marvin, who has filed for re-election in the Nov. 5 general election.
Peternell, a lifelong farmer and former member of the Minnesota National Guard for seven years, has lived 69 of his 70 years in St. Stephen.
About 50 years ago, Peternell served on the St. Stephen City Council for a two-year term. In 2020, he lost in a write-in election to current Mayor Lisa Marvin.
He said a high priority, if elected, is to change the city limits so his farm and others’ property are outside the city limits.
“The current city administration and 45 years of past administrations refuse to repair Ninth Avenue NW, which is where my farm is located.”
St. Stephen’s biggest strength, Peternell said, is its people, and that is why he wants to ensure those people are listened to and are considered during any decision-making at the city level.
Lisa Marvin
