“Over the past 20-plus years, I have been proud to serve Maple Grove as its Mayor. This year we have an opening with the retirement of Phil Leith. Over the past several months, I have met, talked with and asked Rachelle Johnson about her positions on the issues facing Maple Grove. Rachelle is a woman of integrity whose goals and ambitions mirror mine; continuing to make Maple Grove the best place to live for all of its residents. I gladly endorse and support Rachelle for City Council.”
– Mark Steffenson, Maple Grove Mayor
“I met Rachelle Johnson earlier this year. Immediately, I found her engaging, intelligent, and passionate about her family, her work in the school district, and the high school girls she mentors through their church. I asked Rachelle if she had ever considered serving on a city commission. She told me she was unaware of our commissions but wanted to learn more.
We stayed in touch, and it wasn’t long before the city formed the Community Center Work Group and the City Council appointed Rachelle. I, along with city staff and other appointees, noticed Rachelle is always well-prepared and asks very insightful questions. I believe her background in finance adds a layer to the depth of her questions.
In July, councilmember Phil Leith announced he would not seek re-election. I called Rachelle and asked if she would run for the open position. Rachelle didn’t hesitate when she answered yes. It wasn’t that she aspired to be on the city council. It was because Rachelle has been silently serving her community every day, and when presented with one of Maple Grove’s greatest needs, she stepped right up to the plate. She isn’t politically motivated. She wants to make her city the best possible place it can be for her family and yours.
Since the day I asked her to run, Rachelle has been doing everything she can to learn about what it takes to be a city council member, to understand residents’ needs, and to earn your vote. In less than ten days, she had a whole parade unit and walked in the Maple Grove Days parade with signs, stickers, and t-shirts announcing Rachelle Johnson For Maple Grove City Council. You could hear kids yelling, “there is Mrs Johnson,” as they saw their teacher walk in the parade.
Rachelle was the ONLY city council candidate to attend our 2023 budget work session. It was open to the public but not streamed. During the session, she heard our discussions with the directors as they talked about their needs for next year. We asked them where they saw their departments going in the next few years. She listened to the council discuss the tax implications of adopting the various budget scenarios. At the heart of the city is the budget; it affects everything. And yet she was the only non-elected candidate there. She regularly attends our council meetings too.
Rachelle has no desire to change Maple Grove like other candidates. Why would she? She and her husband chose to make our city their home 12 years ago when they started raising their family. (Her husband Mike is from Maple Grove and his parents still live in the house he grew up in on Fish Lake.) Rachelle appreciates the city for what it is. She is a strong advocate for public safety, will ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency, wants to preserve our parks and lakes, will promote community and economic development, and will encourage a vibrant multi-generation community. All positions I value in a council member.
After meeting with all the city council members and some of the directors, Rachelle appreciates the vision and plans made for Maple Grove and wants to help the city continue down the path that has been set. Don’t get me wrong, Rachelle is an independent thinker and isn’t afraid to ask questions and speak her mind. However, like a good leader, she understands that you follow a plan and make adjustments as needed. You don’t make change for the sake of change. I think it is one of the reasons the current city council supports her effort to get elected.
Rachelle would be an asset to the city, and I 100% endorse her for Maple Grove City Council. I ask that you vote for her on November 8th. Thank you!”
– Kristy Barnett, Maple Grove City Council
“First, I want to start by saying thank you to the residents who elected me to four terms on the Maple Grove City Council. I was very humbled and happy to earn their votes. Since I announced my retirement, I have been asked countless times who I would recommend to take my place. I want to endorse someone who has similar values to me, will put the best interest of the City at the forefront, prioritize public safety, be fiscally responsible, preserve our wonderful parks and trail system, and maintain and grow a pro-business agenda.
The person I see filling that role is Rachelle Johnson. I met her on a city committee she volunteered to be a part of, as a way of giving back to her community. I have had meetings with her since then to see where her priorities are, and her priorities are very much aligned with mine. Rachelle also volunteers a lot in the school district and her Church.
We need a person who will stick to those priorities, be responsive to the residents, and always do what’s best for the City as a whole. Please join me in voting for Rachelle Johnson for Maple Grove City Council on November 8th.”
– Phil Leith, Maple Grove City Council
“I am supporting Rachelle Johnson for Phil Leith’s open seat. I have met with Rachelle and spoken with her often these past several months. I have been incredibly impressed with her and her genuine passion to serve the best interests of our residents. I feel she is a woman of great integrity, intelligence and has good common sense to make the right decisions for our community. “
– Judy Hanson, Maple Grove City Council
“Rachelle is a strong woman of integrity and character and is someone who strives to serve and love the people of Maple Grove and surrounding communities well. In an age where many people are simply content to live in a city, she has faithfully served our city and surrounding communities behind the scenes. She has partnered in our public schools, with local government and come alongside various non-profits to make a positive impact in our community and help people thrive.
She is a person who is transparent and truthful while respecting others and will help lead our city well, for the betterment of Maple Grove. It is for all these reasons and many more that I am excited to vote for Rachelle Johnson for Maple Grove City Council.”
– Scott Foster, Pastor, The Grove Church & Maple Grove Resident
“Hand in hand alongside our multicultural diverse community and homeowners association, I, as Cedar Ponds Condominiums Board President, request and seek the best; I am encouraged Rachelle Johnson shares Maple Grove’s spirit, safety, and success for every one of our neighbors most significant potential, and businesses to thrive.
Rachelle Johnson shares our passion for preserving and allowing our natural lakes and surroundings to thrive, including community areas and paths we walk and bicycle frequently to navigate the city and region.
Maple Grove’s thriving community will build upon prospering success, drive and servanthood that I have found matches Rachelle Johnson best for our Maple Grove city council.”
– Jon McCullough, Maple Grove Resident
“I want to thank Rachelle Johnson for running for Maple Grove City Council. Rachelle will be a thoughtful, rational voice for the residents of Maple Grove. Rachelle has been involved in the community for years with volunteer roles with both the city and the school district. She is running in order to serve others and support our community, not to promote a political agenda.
I appreciate the fact that Rachelle has been involved in the community before she decided to run. She has reached out to local elected officials and community leaders to understand the major issues affecting our community. And she has spoken with thousands of residents to hear about the concerns that they have. I am confident that the best interests of Maple Grove residents will be her greatest priority.
Rachelle Johnson will make an excellent City Council Member.”
– Michael OStaffe, Maple Grove Planning Commissioner & Resident
“As a 35-year resident and fan of Maple Grove, I understand the importance of our City Council and am confident Rachelle Johnson would continue the excellent work of its members throughout the years and add significant value. Despite knowing Rachelle for 12 years, I attended an event where she spoke to discern more about her candidacy. Rachelle was articulate, thoughtful, balanced, well-informed and passionate. As a volunteer, Rachelle has served effectively in many capacities, including the current Community Center Task Force Working Group and is a sought-after substitute teacher in our school district. In my personal experiences with Rachelle, she has demonstrated leadership, sound decision-making and good listening skills. Rachelle is very capable and works extremely hard for the betterment of all. Rachelle is committed to using her abilities to help our community grow and thrive. Join me in voting for Rachelle Johnson for City Council on November 8th.”
– Kristy Kratky, Maple Grove Resident
“When Maple Grove City Council Member Phil Leith announced he would not seek reelection, I was disappointed. While I did not always agree with him, Council Member Leith was always willing to listen and explain his position. He would, if needed, add the City Attorney or Administrator into the conversation to help explain the reasoning.
I have been on the City Community Center Working Group since the spring with Rachelle Johnson. I have observed her commitment to the City and its future. In addition, she has brought up ideas that think outside of the box and has listened to others’ input.
I think she would be an excellent addition to the Maple Grove City Council, and I look forward to seeing her represent us on the council dais. “
– Ken Kumpula, Maple Grove Lions & Resident
“I am very proud to call the City of Maple Grove my home and am a member of the City’s Park and Recreation Board. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to serve on the City’s Community Center Working Group and got to know Rachelle Johnson as a fellow committee member. Rachelle has a strong desire to make Maple Grove an even better community and is willing to prioritize what is in the best interest of the City of Maple Grove. I gladly endorse and support Rachelle for Maple Grove City Council!”
– Andy Mielke, Maple Grove Park Board Member
“We whole-heartily support Rachelle Johnson for Maple Grove city council. Rachelle has been an effective leader of teenage girls and models integrity, caring, leadership, and wisdom. These attributes will serve Maple Grove well. As co-leaders of middle and high school youth, we see Rachelle in action on a weekly basis and can speak firsthand of her character and abilities. We highly recommend Rachelle Johnson for Maple Grove city council.”
– Bruce & Mary Hall, Maple Grove Residents
“What I appreciate most about Rachelle is her thoughtful approach to ideas, situations and issues. When she speaks into a subject, I know that she has given it thought. She is gifted at articulating her ideas and I often write down what she has to say. We have worked together at our church and in small groups. She cares deeply about other’s concerns – whether adults or the teens she works with – providing honest and measured insights to the issues at hand. Rachelle would be a great asset to our City Council!”
– Kathy White – Volunteer Director of Women’s Ministries
“Rachelle is very smart, trustworthy and caring. I have known her since I was 8 years old but last year when I entered 9th grade, she became my youth leader. She is a great example of what it looks like to be rooted in faith. She never shies away from having hard conversations and holding us accountable but its ok because we know she only wants what is best for us and speaks the truth in love. I know that if I ever need advice or a person to talk to, I can always count on her. I think Rachelle would be great on the City Council because she will always give it her all, think through every decision carefully and stay committed.”
-Natalie, 10th grader & Maple Grove Resident
“Rachelle is kind, caring, and hardworking. Last year she became my small group leader at church, before this she was my sister’s leader for all 4 years of high school so our family has known her for quite a long time. Throughout all this time she has been an incredible role model and someone who wants the best for us. She is always there to listen, give wonderful advice, or just be there for support if you need it. Best of all the amount of love she has for each and every person around her is like I’ve never seen before. Rachelle would be amazing for Maple Grove City Council because she is a very dependable person who would take this job seriously and help Maple Grove excel.”
-Mariah, 10th Grade, Maple Grove Resident
I worked with Rachelle on the ISD #279 DPAC committee and the ECMAC committee during the 2021-2022 school year. She is an intelligent woman with a level-headed approach to problems. She seeks to solve problems in the most beneficial way possible for all parties. I appreciated her insight into complex issues and enjoyed working with her!
I look forward to voting for her as a City Council member this fall.”
– Erica Foster, Marketing Manager & Maple Grove Resident
“I have had the pleasure of working with Rachelle over the last six years. I find her to be intelligent, articulate and hard-working. She is dependable, organized and cares deeply about her community. Rachelle always engages people with interesting questions and takes an authentic interest in everyone around her. As a 3rd term City Council Member myself, I know what it takes to be successful in this role, and Maple Grove will be lucky to have her on the Council.”
– Steven Erickson, 3rd Term Councilmember City of Deephaven & Front Line Systems, President
“I was excited to hear Rachelle Johnson was running for City Council, and I’m even more excited to endorse her for the position officially. As the President of the Arbor Lakes Business Association and a Maple Grove business owner, she stands out as the top candidate for economic development in Maple Grove. With over 250 businesses just in the Arbor Lakes Shopping Areas, we must have a common sense, business-minded candidate advocating for us at the Council level.
Her background in Marketing and Finance, as well as her general understanding of the unique needs of our local economy, makes me confident that she understands and is sensitive to what our businesses need to maintain, grow and thrive here in Maple Grove.
Additionally, as a Fish Lake resident, I know we share a common love of the lake since Rachelle’s inlaws have lived on the lake since the 80s. Since she and her family spend the summer weekends boating on Fish Lake, Rachelle appreciates lake quality issues and protecting natural resources while enjoying the lake’s recreational aspects.
Please join me in voting for Rachelle Johnson for Maple Grove City Council on November 8th!”
– Cristina Nolte, Arbor Lakes Business Association President, Maple Grove Business Owner (Spavia) & Resident
“When I think of Rachelle Johnson, four things come to mind; Reliable, collaborator, positive, and professional. If Rachelle says she’s going to do something, she does. She is one of my most called on Substitute teachers and always shows up for me when I need her. She doesn’t back down from a commitment!
Rachelle is an amazing listener, observer and collaborator. She takes the time to hear what people are saying and figures out how to be the best support she can be. She is not intimidated by the size of the task; she just rises to the challenge.
I rarely encounter a person who manages to be so professional and positive when working amongst friends. Even when it would be easy to give into the frustrations of a day, Rachelle maintains a positive perspective and influences others around her to see the positives.
I am proud to support Rachelle for Maple Grove City Council. I have no doubt that she will bring fresh perspectives and a renewed energy to the City. This is a candidate we can trust to listen, support, and advocate for the community!”
-Heather Ayer, Administrative Assistant, Rice Lake Elementary
“Rachelle Johnson is a favorite substitute teacher with my students and fellow teachers. She has an engaging classroom presence while demonstrating adaptability and practical problem-solving skills. She is dependable, has outstanding communication, listening and advocating for students and provides a well-written, detailed summary of students’ progress.
Many of the attributes that make her great at teaching would carry over to her work on the Council, such as great communication skills, understanding and explaining complicated issues in an easy-to-understand format and being flexible and able to think on her feet all the time.”
– Rosemary Prin, ISD #279 Osseo Area Schools Teacher