DIXON, CA (MPG) - Six years ago, Devon Minnema, a Dixon native, was a sophomore in college, and was only 18 years old when he declared he was ready to take on city politics in his hometown.

He ran against two incumbents. “I am dedicated to growing an even better Dixon. That’s the spirit in which I am proud to announce my candidacy for Dixon City Council,” Minnema said then and ran against two incumbents, Dane Besneatte and Thom Bogue and although he lost, it wasn’t by much. He ran again in 2016 and won, unseating incumbent Jerry Castanon to take the then newly formed District 4 seat.

At age 24, Minnema may seem young to run for Dixon’s Mayor but his interest in politics stretches back at least a decade. In 2009, at age 13, he staged his own anti-tax protest after being the youngest student awarded a fully paid participation in the Young Americans for Liberty National Convention. 

He believes his youth, energy and passion are assets for Dixon.

“Having a fresh perspective we need somebody who is going to represent youth, a younger generation and is savvier with all the technologies that are coming out today,” Minnema said in his first campaign. He has proved that this past term as Councilman elected to represent constituents of District 4.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Minnema got the list of all registered voters in Dixon and used technical skills to create a mass emailing posting the residents of the entire town to what the new rules would actually mean to the locals. 

“There is a lack of understanding about technology with my colleagues at City Hall. I’m a digital native. It is easy for me,” he said. “People need information, especially when they are scared from a health or economic crisis. I knew I could help.” 

His every-few-day posts were welcomed and appreciated and highlighted his leadership skills, according to numerous comments on Facebook or through emails. The young councilman admits he spends full-time hours on the part-time councilman job because he says, "It’s my passion.”

With fanfare, watermelon and iced waters on the front lawn of City Hall, Minnema announced his candidacy for Dixon Mayor.

“One thing that has become glaringly clear in the last few months is that we need bold, new leadership for the journey ahead.” He told the crowd. “Leadership that comes with total commitment and is informed by perspective and faith… that engages all of the generations in our community… who will welcome newcomers and the chronically disaffected, not create an in-group out-group dynamic to prevent participation.”

Minnema talked about his appreciation of the diverse community “whether they drive Teslas or John Deeres” and addressed the need for leadership to respect that the citizens “are smart enough to understand the issues we face when put in plain English.”

He thanked the audience and ended with “Together, we are the new leadership for the journey ahead.” His nomination papers which required registered voters to sign will be verified before formally accepted.