Veteran And Active Lakeville Man To Run For Council

According to a news release issued Thursday, Jack Akenson, a 25-year Lakeville resident and Air Force veteran, announced his candidacy Wednesday for a seat on the Lakeville City Council this November.

Akenson, 57, is a native of Minneapolis, where he attended St. Charles Elementary and St. Anthony High School.

While growing up, he worked at his family’s famous restaurant, Totino’s Italian Kitchen, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Upon graduation, Akenson became a commissioned officer in the Air Force, where he flew McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II jets for nine years.

After leaving the Air Force, Akenson returned to Minnesota where he works as a sales manager for a Fortune 500 company.

According to Akenson, he is running for city council because he wants to see Lakeville remain one of the top 100 communities in the U.S., but also believes Lakeville can do better.

“One of the main reasons I’m running is to improve transparency and communication at our local government level and to help achieve continuous improvements in all aspects of our city affairs,” Akenson said.

Akenson says he supports well-planned commercial development that will attract the right business partners to spear economic growth in the community.

“We want to continue with more residential and business development, but it must be well thought out to preserve our small-town feel, while enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” Akenson said.

Akenson has been involved a with a variety of community organizations including Lakeville Youth Sports, Lakeville North Booster Club, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 708, and he is a proud supporter of veteran programs.

He and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 15 years and enjoy spending time with their six children and five grandchildren.

“Most importantly, I am a firm believer in strong families being essential for strong communities,” Akenson said. “I want to continue to support Lakeville’s tradition of community activities and hometown values.”

For more information about Jack Akenson, visit electjack2016.com.