West metro elections: Orono mayoral challenger leading over incumbent in race that drew big money

Former Orono school board chair Bob Tunheim had a strong lead on Tuesday night in the race for mayor, ahead of incumbent Dennis Walsh.

It was a contentious contest that drew thousands in campaign spending. Both candidates pitched themselves as leaders who would value civility, be responsible stewards of taxpayer money and run operations better than their competitor.

Orono is home to about 8,000 people. It borders a portion of Lake Minnetonka and surrounds the city of Long Lake. The two cities are locked in a lawsuit and face a trial next year, as Long Lake officials accuse Orono of trying to poach their firefighters after Orono broke off to form its own department.

Some residents and business owners have also questioned the value of a new public works facility and deals that transferred Lake Minnetonka property rights to city officials. Public meetings have at times devolved into shouting, with speakers and elected leaders trading pointed words or suing each other.

The mayor presides over City Council meetings, serves as a spokesperson for Orono and can declare emergencies, if needed. The position pays $4,200 per year. Local elections have drawn many multiples of that in campaign donations.

A new political committee called Preserve Orono, which sent mailers urging people to vote for Walsh, reported more than $55,000 in contributions this year, primarily from three people. In October, Walsh reported about $36,000 in campaign contributions, about $35,000 of which was a loan from himself. Tunheim reported about $30,000 in contributions.

Other notable west metro races:

Residents voted in three competitive Plymouth City Council races, with at least one seat guaranteed to flip.

For the at-large seat, Joel Spoonheim had the lead, ahead of challengers Kraig Urquhart and Armetha Pihlstrom. The winner will replace Council Member Jim Willis, who did not seek re-election.

Incumbent Kim Nelson, who represents Ward 1, was leading in the race against Shine Mahi. And in the Ward 3 race, Scott Aldrich was ahead of incumbent Catherine Cesnik and challenger Julie Ritz-Schlaifer.

In Edina, Mayor James Hovland appeared to be hanging on to his seat. He had a strong lead over former Council Member Ron Anderson.

Residents also voted for two council members. Incumbents Carolyn Jackson and James Pierce were ahead in the race, over Planning Commission member Ryan Daye.

Council Member John Elder was ahead of Jonathan London to replace longtime Mayor Kathi Hemken, who decided not to run again.

Elder, a Robbinsdale police captain, previously served as a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Police Department. London works as an investment adviser.