Experienced Leadership for Plymouth.
Crafting efficient, cost-effective and useful policy requires a true commitment of time and energy from leadership. Bringing all of the right stakeholders to the table, ensuring their voices are heard, ensuring we learn from each other, thoroughly analyzing the options, and doing so within the legal, financial, and time frameworks isn’t always glamorous. But I think it’s worth it.
And I’m ready to do that work for Plymouth. Living here for over 10 years, Plymouth has been wonderful place to raise my young family. It’s been a place of natural beauty, and outdoor adventures; a place of making friends of neighbors from varied and diverse backgrounds; a place of safe neighborhoods where kids can walk to friend’s homes; and a stable economic powerhouse for our strong business community to thrive.
Plymouth is at a pivotal time. In early 2024, Plymouth’s last parcel of farmland was slated for development. Plymouth is now a fully built-out city; future land use decisions will be re-development decisions that need to be carefully managed by balancing the needs of many stakeholders.
My natural curiosity about what matters to people and organizations combined with my ability to come up to speed on issues quickly, have served me well as a Plymouth Commissioner for seven years, and as Plymouth’s Ward 3 Council Member for the past several months. And I’m ready to step it up further to bring my experience and energy to the Council for a full term.
So, Ward 3 residents, what matters to you? Please reach out: C@VoteCESNIK.org
Endorsements & Accolades
Votes of confidence from leaders who value
Catherine’s integrity and her skilled non-partisan leadership
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“I have worked with Catherine for several years as fellow Elm Creek Watershed Commissioners. I know Catherine to be a leader capable of grasping the big picture, dissecting nuanced issues, and constructing real world solutions all while showing genuine respect for the multiple stakeholders coming before us. She's smart, she's prepared, and she focuses on positive outcomes. Catherine will make an excellent Council member and the citizens of Plymouth are fortunate to have her on the ballot.” Ken Gunther, former Mayor of Corcoran, former Charter Commission Chair, former Corcoran City Council Member, and current Elm Creek Watershed Commissioner
“As the City of Plymouth’s Commissioner for Elm Creek Water Management Commission meetings, Catherine Cesnik came to meetings thoroughly informed about the water quality issues before the Commission. A quiet leader, she often proposed motions to move issues toward resolutions. She was a thoughtful partner on the Commission.” Elizabeth Weir, former Mayor of Medina, and retired Elm Creek Watershed Commissioner
“I have had the pleasure of working on the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission which Catherine Cesnik chairs. She is a thoughtful, nonpartisan leader managing the disparate views of nine cities to advance the Commission. With her strong technical and project management skills I believe that she would be a strong addition to the Plymouth City Council.” Shaun Kennedy, Minnesota Watershed Board of Directors, Commissioner on the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission, former Director of the National Center for Food Protection and Defense a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, and former Professor, University of Minnesota
“As a former Plymouth City Council member, I know what it takes to be an effective City Council person. First and foremost, you need to be a person who "likes people" and wants to work with them to solve whatever problem they may have. Catherine is that person. In addition, council members have many responsibilities from working with city staff to develop a budget that doesn't "break the bank" yet still provide the city’s residents and businesses with the high quality essential services, such as police, fire, sewer, and water. In addition, the quality of life in the city is enhanced with its many parks, trails, bike lanes, open space, lakes and wetlands. Cathrine is uniquely qualified to protect these natural resources. I urge you to vote for Catherine for Plymouth’s Ward 3 City Council seat." Ginny Black, former Plymouth City Council Member, Ward 4
“Catherine Cesnik has a proven track record of leadership in protecting our natural resources and advancing sustainable solutions. Her deep understanding of environmental issues, paired with her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, will ensure Plymouth continues to thrive while safeguarding our ecosystems. I’m confident that Catherine will serve the community with the same dedication and foresight that she’s demonstrated on the Elm Creek and Bassett Creek Watershed Commissions.” Kevin Anderson, Hennepin County Commissioner District 7
“As a member of the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission, I have observed Chair Cesnik’s leadership on a commission comprising 9 cities, 14 bodies of water and 25,702 acres of land to protect. She has an impressive ability to work with the commission members to come to consensus on complex and diverse issues and interests to protect property, humans, history of Native peoples, our fragile ecosystems and water. Chair Cesnik brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and models great integrity in her service work. It's been an honor to serve with Catherine Cesnik. It is without question I endorse her candidacy for Plymouth City Council.” Roxanne Biidabinokwe Gould, Ed.D, Professor Emeritus of Indigenous and Environmental Education, University of Minnesota-Duluth
"I've known Catherine as a friend and neighbor for eight years, and in that time I've observed her to be patient & considerate; an active listener that truly hears you and engages with you & your conversation. She has a genuine interest in your wellbeing, in the wellbeing of others, and the livelihood of the community. In my conversations with her over the years, she's revealed a deep well of knowledge in various public policy and environmental topics. I'm confident that Catherine and her approach will benefit the Council and will lead to the continued prosperity of all of Plymouth's residents. I'm voting for Catherine Cesnik." Andrew Willing, 18-year Environmental Professional, and Plymouth Ward 3 resident since 2015
"I live in Ward 3, and I've had the chance to work with Catherine in my position on Plymouth's HRA Board. Her input at City Council meetings is insightful and provides a big picture view. She seeks the best approach to problem solving, finding and seeking core issues, rather than just band-aid solutions. She has always done her homework and her intelligence shows as she participates in Council deliberations. She is by far the best Candidate for the 3rd Ward seat. She has my vote, and I strongly recommend her to represent our interests as she has already done." Kim Vohs, Plymouth Housing and Development Redevelopment Authority