Chuck Spavin of the Optimist Club introducing the Candidate Wingding.

2026 Optimist Club Candidate Forum

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Last night the Optimist Club of West St. Paul hosted a candidate forum at Jameson’s Tavern with wings, dubbed the ‘Candidate Wingding.’ Candidates had an opportunity to speak and respond to audience questions.

The candidates who appeared at the Candidate Wingding include:

Pace Automotive: Local, family owned auto repair. Personal, honest service.
  • Dakota County Sheriff: Bobby Lambert and Joe Leko.
  • Dakota County Attorney: Jeff Sheridan (Kathy Keena had a conflict).
  • ISD 197 School Board: Marcus Hill, Sarah Larsen, Dwight Larson, and Jon Vaupel.
  • West St. Paul City Council & Mayor: Pat Armon, John Justen, and Dave Napier (Wendy Berry had a conflict).

More: See our voter’s guide for more on all local races.

Watch the full video courtesy of the Optimist Club:

Candidates posing for a photo after the event.

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