Orono City Council · Nov 3, 2026
Maggie
Arends
Maggie Arends is running for Orono City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 3 candidates are running for 2 seats.
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The race · City Council
- 01Maggie ArendsYou’re reading
- 02Jon SchwinglerIncumbent
- 03Scott Wellman
Background
- About
- Co-owner of two optical franchises and an Orono election judge since 2020. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Political Economy from the University of Puget Sound.
Maggie Arends, Jon Schwingler and Scott Wellman each answered the Laker Pioneer candidate questionnaire. Laker Pioneer · Sep 24, 2026
On the record: Maggie Arends
4 sourced01Property taxes1 sourced position
Said the city should budget with multi-year forecasts, avoid recurring costs built on temporary dollars, pursue grants and make tradeoffs transparent before raising taxes.
When outside funding is uncertain, the city should avoid recurring obligations built on temporary dollars, pursue grants that fit existing priorities, coordinate services where practical, and make tradeoffs transparent before raising taxes.”
Own statementLaker Pioneer · Sep 24, 2026Link
02Growth and land use1 sourced position
Said her long-term vision is an Orono that protects Lake Minnetonka, wetlands, open space and semi-rural character while managing change thoughtfully.
My long-term vision is an Orono that remains recognizably Orono: protective of Lake Minnetonka, wetlands, open space, semi-rural character, and distinct neighborhoods, while managing change thoughtfully.”
Own statementLaker Pioneer · Sep 24, 2026Link
03Data centers1 sourced position
Said Orono does not appear to have a location suited to a large data center and any proposal should get rigorous review of its power, water and neighbor impacts.
Based on my discussions with city staff, Orono does not appear to have a location well suited to a large data center.”
Own statementLaker Pioneer · Sep 24, 2026Link
04Open government1 sourced position
Said local government works best when residents feel heard and decisions are transparent.
I believe local government works best when residents feel heard, decisions are transparent, and leaders are willing to consider different perspectives before making difficult choices.”
Own statementCity of OronoLink
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