Letter: Ned Carroll Running For Plymouth Council Ward 2

To the Editor:

I am running for the open Ward 2 seat on the Plymouth City Council. With my background and experience as a long-time resident, I am excited to take this step forward to continue serving our Plymouth community in a different capacity.

Currently, I am chair of the city of Plymouth Park and Recreation Commission, where I have served for four years. Previously, I was appointed by the City Council as Plymouth's representative to the Shinglecreek Watershed Management Commission for six years. These opportunities to serve have given me the first-hand experience in working with many of the city's key staff on issues important to Plymouth. With such great people, as well as the many wonderful community volunteers, it is no surprise that Plymouth was chosen as the best place to live in America a few years ago.

I believe in the idea of service to community. My many years of other involvement include: seven years on the Wayzata school district's Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) board, including its chairman; a number of years as a girls basketball coach and long-time board member of the Wayzata Girls Basketball Assocation. I even had the great pleasure in being selected as a parent chaperone for all three of my daughters' Wayzata West Middle School weeklong 6th grade class trip to the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.

I have always appreciated and enjoyed serving and helping others. In my professional life, I am a Senior Assistant Hennepin County Attorney working on behalf of our citizens.

 In an unusual turn of events, the Ward 2 Plymouth council seat became open late last year when our councilwoman unexpectedly resigned her seat.  The City Council sought applicants to fill it until an election could be held this November. I was encouraged by many to apply and did. I was one of three finalists and learned the council deadlocked on the selection between me and another applicant. After long deliberations, the council selected the other person, but encouraged me to run for the seat.

My goal is to continue serving our community by being elected to the Plymouth City Council for Ward 2. With my extensive background in service, I believe I can bring experience that counts and leadership that matters. I would be honored to continue my efforts on behalf of our Plymouth community.

Sincerely,

Ned Carroll
Candidate for Plymouth Ward 2 Council Seat