My name is Toby Leonard, and I am running for Mayor because I believe Mankato's greatest days are still ahead of us.
For generations, Mankato has been a place where hard work, strong families, thriving businesses, and caring neighbors built a community that people were proud to call home. It is a city filled with opportunity, compassion, and determination. But every generation reaches a moment when it must decide what kind of future it wants to create. I believe that moment is now.
I am not running because I think government has all the answers. I am running because I believe the people of Mankato do.
Throughout my life, I have worked as an educator, counselor, business owner, Army veteran, and community volunteer. Those experiences taught me that real leadership isn't about titles or politics—it is about listening first, bringing people together, and solving problems with honesty, respect, and common sense.
As the owner of a small business, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. Every payroll, every utility bill, every customer matters. Our city should be a partner to businesses, not another obstacle. When local businesses succeed, families prosper, neighborhoods grow stronger, and our entire community benefits.
As an educator, I have seen the incredible potential that exists in every young person. Our future depends upon creating opportunities that encourage our children and grandchildren to build their lives right here in Mankato. We should strive to be a city where young families can afford homes, where students can find meaningful careers, and where every child has the chance to succeed.
As a veteran, I learned that leadership means service before self. It means making difficult decisions with integrity, accepting responsibility, and always remembering that the mission is larger than any individual. That is the spirit I will bring to City Hall.
My vision is simple.
A city where taxpayers know their money is being spent wisely.
A city that supports safe neighborhoods, excellent public services, responsible growth, and transparent government.
A city where small businesses can flourish, families can put down roots, and seniors can enjoy the community they helped build.
A city government that welcomes every voice, whether we agree or disagree, because respectful conversation is the foundation of good government.
I don't pretend every problem has an easy solution. But I believe that when people work together with honesty, accountability, and optimism, there are very few challenges we cannot overcome.
This campaign is not about one person. It is about all of us.
Together, we can build a Mankato that honors its past while embracing its future—a city that remains affordable, welcoming, prosperous, and safe for generations to come.
I ask for your support, your ideas, and your trust. Together, let's write the next chapter of Mankato's story.
Fiscal responsibility is about respecting every taxpayer and ensuring that every dollar collected is used wisely, efficiently, and transparently. As Mayor of Mankato, I believe city government has a duty to provide excellent public services while protecting residents from unnecessary tax increases and wasteful spending. Every family, retiree, homeowner, renter, and business owner works hard for their income, and they deserve a city government that treats their tax dollars with the same care they use to manage their own household budgets. Fiscal responsibility means setting clear priorities, investing in infrastructure that delivers long-term value, evaluating incentives and development projects carefully, and ensuring that city programs produce measurable results. It also means planning for the future by managing debt responsibly and maintaining strong financial reserves. By making thoughtful, accountable financial decisions today, we can keep Mankato affordable, encourage economic growth, strengthen public trust, and leave the next generation with a city that is financially strong and prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274