Kristy Barnett

Maple Grove City Council

“I met Mike Ostaffe shortly after I was elected to the Maple Grove City Council in 2016. Our paths crossed at community, city, and 279 district events for which Mike served as the school board’s chairman. At the end of 2020, the city’s Planning Commission had an opening, and I encouraged Mike to apply. He applied, interviewed and was ultimately appointed by the mayor and city council. Mike has diligently prepared for each planning meeting for almost four years and asked insightful questions. It is clear he understands city code, the role of the planning commission, as well as parameters the city council works within when approving new businesses and developments.

This summer, councilmember Judy Hanson announced she would not seek re-election, and I knew I was considering not running, too, so I talked to Mike about running for council. Since becoming a planning commissioner, Mike has attended every major work session the city council has held. He has attended every budget meeting and strategic planning session for the last four years. Mike wasn’t attending these meetings because he aspired to be on the city council. He attended them because he was invested in the council‘s work.

Mike has been serving his community for years, and when presented with Maple Grove’s greatest need, he stepped up. He isn’t politically motivated, nor does he have a personal agenda. Mike wants to make Maple Grove the best place for his family and yours.

Mike was the ONLY city council candidate to attend our 2024 budget work sessions this summer. It was open to the public but not streamed. During the sessions, he 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. He 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, he was the only non-elected candidate there. And two of the candidates on the ballot this November were candidates in 2022 and they have NEVER attended a budget work session. Not in 2022. Not in 2023. And not in 2024. Mike also regularly attends council meetings and has since become a planning commissioner. Frankly, he could do the job starting today without the learning curve everyone else usually has.

Mike and his wife chose to make our city their home and raise their family here 19 years ago. He has no desire to change Maple Grove like other candidates. He strongly advocates for public safety, will ensure fiscal responsibility, wants to preserve our parks, and will promote economic development. All positions I value in a council member.

After his time as a planning commissioner, attending our work sessions and meetings, and meeting with all the city council members and the mayor, Mike appreciates the vision and plans made for Maple Grove and wants to help the city continue down the path that has been set. Mike is an independent thinker and isn’t afraid to ask questions and speak his mind. Believe me, I’ve heard from him after some city council meetings! However, like a good leader, he 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 many of the former and current city council members and mayor support Mike.

Mike Ostaffe would be an asset to the city, and I 100% endorse him for Maple Grove City Council. I ask that you vote for him on November 5th. Thank you!”