John Gunyou Declares Candidacy for Three Rivers Park Commissioner

Long-time Minnetonka resident John Gunyou announced his candidacy today for the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners.

Gunyou, who is widely regarded as one of Minnesota’s foremost public administrators and a leading expert on fiscal policy, said the privilege of serving on the Board offers a unique opportunity to continue to improve the quality of life in our communities and leave a positive, lasting legacy for future generations. 
 
“My father once told me that we don’t plant trees for ourselves, we plant them for our grandchildren,” Gunyou said. “I take those words to heart, and have tried my best to live by them throughout my 40 year career.”
 
“Great parks for today and tomorrow; if elected to serve on the Three Rivers Board, that is my pledge to our communities, our children, and our grandchildren," he said. "Through careful stewardship, strong leadership, and a steadfast commitment to responsible decision-making, we can and must guarantee the health of our cherished parks for decades to come.”
 
Parks and natural areas have always been important in Gunyou’s life. Gunyou noted that he and his wife Kim were even married in a park, as was their oldest daughter.
 
“Growing up, my family always went camping and boating; and I will never forget my first Boundary Waters experience as an Eagle Scout,” Gunyou said. “From a young age, I have always had great respect for our natural resources. Having the opportunity to continue to protect and preserve our local creeks, rivers, forests, and recreation areas would be a great honor.”
 
Gunyou emphasized his career has always been dedicated to responsible stewardship and long-term vision. “The natural environment we enjoy today is the legacy our forefathers and foremothers left for us,” he said. “We honor their foresight by sustaining those investments in our quality of life.”
 
Gunyou is proud of his leadership over the years that has permanently preserved acres of open space, forests, lakes and wetlands, and provided the parks, trails and natural areas that make our communities special.
 
Long known for his responsible financial leadership, Gunyou stressed the benefit of cooperative partnerships and community outreach to get things done in today’s challenging economy, and to provide good service value for every taxpayer dollar. “Long ago, I learned how to play well with others,” Gunyou said, “We do things best when we do them together.”
 
Gunyou is running for the District 4 seat currently held by Dale Woodbeck, who recently announced he will not be seeking reelection. Woodbeck is supporting Gunyou’s candidacy, as is Three Rivers Parks Chairman Larry Blackstad. District 4 includes the communities of Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Richfield, Shorewood, Excelsior, Deephaven, Greenwood, Tonka Bay, and Woodland.
 
Gunyou’s Campaign Steering Committee for the nonpartisan election includes Minnetonka Mayor Terry Schneider, Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, Hopkins Mayor Gene Maxwell, Richfield Mayor Debbie Goettel, Shorewood Mayor Chris Lizee and Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison. Equally significant, Gunyou has already received numerous endorsements from such respected leaders and former officials as Congressman Jim Ramstad, Governor Arne Carlson and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.
 
Prior to serving as Minnetonka’s city manager for the past dozen years, Gunyou served as Minnesota’s Finance Commissioner, was the first finance director for the City of Minneapolis, ran Minnesota’s original and largest Internet company, and was an executive with Minnesota Public Radio. Gunyou was also a partner with the largest economic consulting firm in the Rocky Mountains, has taught at several universities, and has degrees in finance and economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, UCLA and University of Colorado.
 
Gunyou has served on numerous state and national boards, including the DNR Parks and Trails Legacy Funding Work Group, Minnehaha Creek Corridor Coordinating Committee, US EPA Financial Advisory Board, MN PCA Citizens Board, and MN State Arts Board. He has received many honors, ranging from Best City Finance Officer in the Nation, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Allies Award and WCCO Good Neighbor Award.

Gunyou lives in Minnetonka, on Three Rivers’ Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. His wife Kim and their five adult children have been long-time users of the district’s extensive park, trail, recreation and natural resources.
 
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. If more than two candidates are running, a primary will be Tuesday, Aug. 14.
 
For more information, contact John Gunyou at (952) 237-7499 or john@johngunyou.com. Gunyou's campaign website can be found here.