Published in the Sun Sailor, Minnetonka Oct 9, 2025
To the Editor:
Speaking for myself, but as a member of the Minnetonka Planning Commission, I understand how important it is for city council members to understand land use principles, have familiarity with our Comprehensive Guide Plan, zoning categories, environmental ordinances and development ordinances and principles. Those things, along with the budget, are what most city council votes are about.
Deb Calvert is one of the few Minnetonka city councilmembers with that grounding as a former planning commissioner and it shows in her well-reasoned and knowledgeable decision-making.
Because Minnetonka is fully developed, many development projects and land use changes are controversial. In City Council meetings, Deb demonstrates her conflict management skills and ability to listen to all views without deferring to the loudest voices if they don’t align with the strategic profile or with what’s best for the city. She’s not afraid to take the hard vote if it serves the best interest of the city and that shows integrity.
Deb is true to her values as demonstrated by her successful advocacy for stronger tree protection ordinances, promotion of sustainable building practices, pollinator-friendly landscaping ordinances and approval of the affordable housing policy that has facilitated the construction of over 850 units of affordable housing units for people like our seniors, young families, teachers, nurses and first responders. She has worked hard to balance environmental protections with the need for development and redevelopment to maintain vitality and meet the needs of our community.
Deb knows relationships matter, not only on the council, but with Minnetonka residents, staff and the boards and commissions. She seeks input from residents, reaches out to board and commission members, comes to social events to forge those relationships and she clearly watches commission meetings in addition to reading her own materials to ensure she is prepared for every meeting. Deb carefully balances the needs of the community and the law with community feedback and the unique conditions of every proposal.
For all these reasons and more I support Deb Calvert for Minnetonka City Council At Large Seat A, and I hope you will too.
Derrick Banks
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