Hanover City Council · Nov 3, 2026
Mike
Amery
Mike Amery, the incumbent, is running for Hanover City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 4 candidates are running for 2 seats.
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The race · City Council
- 01Mike AmeryYou’re reading
- 02Tanner Colpitts
- 03Cody Vojacek
- 04Tim Zbaracki
Background
- About
- Attorney and Hanover City Council member since February 2022. He chairs the Albertville-Hanover-St. Michael Joint Water Board and has a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Attorney
Mike Amery, Tanner Colpitts, Cody Vojacek and Tim Zbaracki filed for two City Council seats (Elect 2). Minnesota Secretary of State
On the record: Mike Amery
9 sourced01Property taxes3 sourced positions
In his 2026 voter guide statement, named fiscal responsibility as a core priority and said Hanover has reduced its tax rate each of the last five years.
Fiscal responsibility remains one of my core priorities.”
Own statementhometownsource.com · Sep 17, 2026Link
At the Dec 2025 budget hearing, said the overall 2026 budget increases by $185,000 to just over $2.75 million and that the city's tax rate was reduced again.
Across Minnesota, property taxes are soaring, but Hanover stands apart.”
Own statementHanover City Council minutes, Dec 2, 2025 · Dec 2, 2025Link
Made the motion to adopt the 2026 final budget and levy (motion carried, Dec 2025).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Dec 2, 2025 · Dec 2, 2025Link
02Downtown1 sourced position
In his 2026 voter guide statement, said he envisions locally owned businesses on both sides of the river, connected by the Historic Bridge and a future pedestrian bridge at County Road 19.
A thriving downtown is central to Hanover’s future, and my vision builds on the strengths we already have.”
Own statementhometownsource.com · Sep 17, 2026Link
03Development2 sourced positions
Voted no on the final plat for Oakview Ridge 2nd Addition (passed 4-1, Feb 2026).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Feb 2, 2026 · Feb 2, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Voted no on the development agreement for Oakview Ridge 2nd Addition (passed 4-1, Feb 2026).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Feb 17, 2026 · Feb 17, 2026LinkHow the council voted
04Public safety1 sourced position
Voted yes on Resolution 08-18-26-61 approving the sheriff contracts (passed 5-0, Aug 2026).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Aug 18, 2026 · Aug 18, 2026LinkHow the council voted
05Parks1 sourced position
Voted yes on WSB's proposal for the Settlers Park Pavilion improvement project (passed 5-0, Aug 2026).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Aug 18, 2026 · Aug 18, 2026LinkHow the council voted
06Water1 sourced position
Made the motion to send a letter to the Joint Powers Board regarding a solar power purchase agreement, and voted yes (passed 5-0, Sep 2026).
Council voteHanover City Council minutes, Sep 15, 2026 · Sep 15, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Mike Amery: their words and their votes on the same issue
Property taxes
In their words
At the Dec 2025 budget hearing, said the overall 2026 budget increases by $185,000 to just over $2.75 million and that the city's tax rate was reduced again.
Dec 2, 2025 ·Hanover City Council minutes, Dec 2, 2025 · Dec 2, 2025
In his 2026 voter guide statement, named fiscal responsibility as a core priority and said Hanover has reduced its tax rate each of the last five years.
Sep 17, 2026 ·hometownsource.com · Sep 17, 2026
On the record
Made the motion to adopt the 2026 final budget and levy (motion carried, Dec 2025).
Dec 2, 2025 ·Hanover City Council minutes, Dec 2, 2025 · Dec 2, 2025
In their own words
Answered by the candidate on Oct 23, 2026
I want to thank Hanover residents for the opportunity to serve on the City Council and ask for your support once again on Nov. 3. Serving this community has been a privilege. What I enjoy most is meeting and talking with residents, whether at community events, in our neighborhoods, or at great local establishments like River Inn, Big Bore, and Hilltop. I also value the opportunity to listen to the longtime residents who helped build Hanover into what it is today, as well as the many new families who have chosen to make Hanover their home. During my time on the Council, I have remained committed to conservative fiscal policies, responsible spending, and keeping property taxes as low as possible while maintaining the high quality of services our residents expect. Managing taxpayer dollars wisely allows us to invest in the amenities, infrastructure, and community spaces that help make Hanover such a great place to live. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on Election Day. Thank you for allowing me to serve this community, and I would be honored to continue serving Hanover for another four years.
What should the final 2027 budget and property tax levy be, and what would you cut or add?
Their pick: Trim the levy before the final vote.
The council has reduced tax rates all five years I have been on the council. I would like to do that again, but small cities such as Hanover are frequently expected to meet new requirements and growing service demands without a corresponding increase in flexible local revenue. That makes it increasingly challenging to maintain services while keeping property taxes affordable.
How should Hanover zone land near downtown, including areas now zoned for high-density housing?
Their pick: Revisit it in a comprehensive plan review.
The area is not currently zoned as "high-density" which would be 15 units per acre or more. It doesn't need to be rezoned, but I'm not going to answer: "Rezone away from high-density." We need to focus on building a vibrant downtown with thriving locally owned businesses, restaurants, and community gathering spaces. I support thoughtful development that fits Hanover's character, highlights the historic bridge, and supports local businesses.
Should Hanover keep its county sheriff contracts or consider other policing options?
Their pick: Keep contracting with the county sheriffs.
I have studied this in-depth. We have no other options without ballooning the city budget at an extreme cost to Hanover property taxpayers. Starting our own police department or contracting with Corcoran (even just on the Hennepin side) would cause property taxes to soar due to the increased cost of employees and equipment.
How should the city pay for long-term repairs to the Historic Bridge?
Their pick: Fund full long-term repairs.
The council has committed to funding the repairs using existing resources. We are also seeking grant funding.
Should Hanover allow accessory dwelling units, and under what rules?
Their pick: Keep the current rules.
The city lacks the ability to strictly enforce ADU requirements. Allowing this could lead to multiple units on single properties which can cause severe neighborhood problems. People know moving in that they aren't allowed. They can choose other communities if this is their goal.
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