Voters Guide 2020

Fergus Falls School Board pg. 2-3 Fergus Falls City Council pg. 4-8 U.S. Representative pg. 10-11 Fergus Falls Mayor pg. 12-14 Otter Tail County Commissioners pg. 14-19 State Representative District 8A pg. 19-20 State Senator District 8 pg. 20-21

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PAGE 2 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Natalie Knutson Candidate: Fergus Falls School Board Age: 35 Address: 1126 College St. Livelihood: Lake Region Healthcare, director of wellness.

Family: Husband Sammual Knutson, son Silas (3), son Dierks (6 weeks), dog Calvin.

Hobbies: Outdoors, lake, painting/house projects, traveling.

1. What are the three greatest challenges the district faces in

community?

I want to continue to see partnerships with community businesses and stakeholders. I want to continue to see community programs and events marketed toward our youth population. The more exposure and acceptance our students experience in our community, the more confidence and knowledge they will be able to take with them in their future.

the next four years?

1. COVID safety and mental well-being of students and staff.

2. Growing enrollment and facilities.

3. Diversity and inclusion.

2. What role does technology play in the future of education?

The capabilities of technology are endless and we are now realizing we are more connected than ever before. We have been forced

nections and the mental well-being of staff and students.

3. What is your vision for education in this

Matthew Lemke Candidate: Fergus Falls School Board Age: 47 Address: 614 E. Hampden Ave. Livelihood: Supervisor of Fergus Falls Treatment Plant.

Family: Three children Amanda (son-in-law Brendan Montgomery), Isaiah, and Abby.

Hobbies: Fishing, golfing, reading, and attending sporting events.

1. What are the three greatest challenges the district faces in the next four years?

1. Managing enrollment and facilities Starting in 1995-96 en-

rollment had been on a decline bottoming out at 2,158 students in the 201112. Since then we have experienced steady growth especially in our IQ Academy and elementary buildings. Part of the strategic planning process is to work with all stakeholders in developing a comprehensive long-term solution to our facilities that can best meet our school district’s needs.

2. School district finances.

With the looming state budget deficit coming in the next two years, there is no denying this will impact our school district.

3. State continuation of unfunded mandates.

In the 2016 legislative session the House, Senate and governor agreed that there should be 20 new requirements put into school districts in Minnesota with no additional time or funding. With the budget shortfall coming I see the state pushing more mandates onto districts with no addi-

tional funding or time.

2. What role does technology play in the future of education?

I believe technology when used in its proper application improves the education experience and needs of students. Technology does not replace the importance that teachers and staff play in a

5. What do you see as the primary work of the board?

As a board member, we are there to listen to the concerns of the district and the community.

We are there to help filter through the abundance

The board is there to take in information and make best decisions for the district. We are trusted by the community, staff and teachers to be prepared, educated and informed. We are open-minded, good listeners and positive advocates of the district.

student’s education. When used by teachers and staff as a tool to increase the educational experience it can and has improved meeting the needs of all students.

over the past 15 years. I continue to have a desire to see Fergus Falls Public Schools be a source of pride in our community and believe that drives my decisions.

3. What is your vision for education in this community?

4. How can the board help navigate the district through the pandemic?

4. How can the board to jump into new territo- is that we still prioritize our help navigate the district ry faster than ever before. face-to-face personal con- through the pandemic?

Technology will bring the ability to be more efficient, be more flexible and more educational opportunities to our students. What we do need to be mindful of,

of guidance, information and practices in order to make the best decisions for the district. We need to see the big picture and accept that we are all in a different place with COVID and we need to respect one another and work together.

I believe that the district strategic plan once finished will shape the vision of our school district moving forward. I am very proud of our school district’s unique educational experience our students now get to experience: iQ Academy, School of Choice, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, a growing emphasis on science, technology, arts, and math (STEAM), CTE (Community Technical Education), workbased learning options, and finally the continued increase in our students taking AP, college courses in the high school, and PSEO

As a school board there are many items that we have had to navigate through. The first was following and implementing the Minnesota Department of Education Safe Learning Plan and all the requirements that needed to be followed and adopted. Allocating the financial resources so that as a district we could open and provide a safe learning experience and at the same time provide parents options in how we delivered education to their child.

The final issue that the school board will be working through is how our district will look after this pandemic is over.

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 3

5. What do you see as the primary work of the board?

1. I believe the number one work of a school board

member is to advocate for all students and their families.

2. Making sure that we continue to have the staff, curriculum, and services that allows a student to receive the education that helps set

them up to achieve future success.

3. Advocate for funding and resources to state legislators and community. This happens by helping set the agenda for MREA, MSBA,

talking with elected officials, and collaborating with other districts about common issues facing regional centers, rural school districts, and underfunded school systems which Fergus Falls School

Stephen Vigesaa Candidate: Fergus Falls School Board Age: 39 Address: 817 S. Court St. Livelihood: Premier Banker at Wells Fargo Bank.

Family: Tami (wife, 18 years), Josiah (14), Eden (11) and Delia (10).

Hobbies: Playing guitar, sound engineer for the Flyover Logic podcast, aboveground pool expert.

1. What are the three greatest challenges the district faces in the next four years?

A. Funding. Will the state change their funding formula? Will the federal government increase funding? Will the gap in special education funding, ever be paid as promised? Will schools be given more aid to assist in the costs associated with COVID-19, including decreasing enrollment? Will rural Minnesota get help in passing bond referendums?

B. Differentiating instruction: ensuring that every student has a chance to reach his or her potential.

This is one of the primary areas of our strategic planning, which began shortly after we hired Superintendent Jeff Drake and was placed on hold during the pandemic. We are looking at all areas of instruction as well as implementing a social-emotional learning curriculum that will be used for students in all grades.

C. Buildings: Strategic planning for the real estate needed for our schools, with the top priority being what is best for our students and community.

2. What role does technology play in the future of education?

The pandemic has taught us all how much technology matters. Prior to COVID-19,

District 544 is a part of all three groups.

4. On the legal side of governing is setting a vision, evaluating superintendent, using data to help evaluate progress toward district

goals, set policy, contract negotiations and conduct business in a responsible manner.

government, M State) and giving our students and staff every reasonable opportunity to be successful.

I love my town and I want to see it succeed; which is why I ran for election to the school board in the first place.

to shut down an affected building if needed or to not do anything if, for example, an outbreak in Perham (but still Otter Tail County) that has little effect on our district.

4. How can the board help navigate the district through the pandemic?

we, as a board, were having conversations of how we weren’t prepared to have kids switch to “e-learning” on snow days so we wouldn’t have to extend the school year. Now that seems like a decade ago.

So, the silver lining in all of this is that we won’t ever have to make up a snow day going forward! Kids learn much differently these days and our students are of a generation that has no idea what it was like to live without technology. This is not a bad thing as Generation Z embraces it much faster than older generations.

They are able to hold 30 conversations at a time, are

great creative thinkers and will be able to use tech in a very efficient way. Schools need to keep up.

3. What is your vision for education in this community?

It’s no secret that, along with employment, a school district is a big factor in a family’s decision on whether or not to move to a certain community and I want our school district to be a big reason why a family would choose to move to Fergus Falls. We do this by planning well, listening to our stakeholders (community, staff, students, local

Gov. Tim Walz has given school districts autonomy, along with guidance provided. What we have done is taken that guidance and approved a framework for Superintendent Drake to collaborate with his principals and staff to make the best decision possible in terms of our students’ safety. We are using a data-driven approach and moving along ‘tiers’ that increase the amount of distance learning required as the county COVID-19 numbers (cases per 10,000) rise. The reason for the framework is to allow these changes to be made without separate board meetings, as that can slow down the process if there was, heaven forbid, an outbreak in the district.

They also have the ability

5. What do you see as the primary work of the board?

The school board’s function is to write policies for the district and oversee the superintendent. Also, since we are elected officials, we are responsible to be available to our community for questions and concerns and have a duty to communicate effectively, then follow through on what we said we would do, no matter how small the issue may be. We have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the finances of the school well, meaning keeping a healthy fund balance (school’s savings account/emergency fund), not overspending, but also not underspending. We are to look to the future of our district through strategic planning as, just like a business, we need to do our best to grow and get better at what we do every year.

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PAGE 4 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Tom Rufer Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 2 Age: 40 Address: 507 E. Beech Ave. Livelihood: Employee and community relations coordinator at Lake Region Healthcare.

Family: Married to Kristi for 17 years, three children.

Hobbies: Bicycling, tinkering around the house, lake time, trying (and failing) to be a “cool dad” to my teenagers.

1. What should be the city’s top priority in the next four years?

I want Fergus Falls to

grow. With today’s technology, people can be employed anywhere in the world and choose to live in Fergus Falls. They live here for many reasons, primarily quality of life. That includes great parks, “things for kids to do,” public safety, great schools and quality health care. A large manufacturer is not going to relocate to Fergus Falls if we don’t have a workforce. So community livability is a top priority. While the 2020 census is still in the works, World Population Review estimates our population will increase by 7.54% over

2010. And Census.gov shows an estimate of 2.6% growth in 2019. This shows that we are growing, and the work we continue to do is making a positive difference.

2. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the

decision-making process?

City spending, taxes and revenue are a team effort and you are invited to participate. There are drafts of the budget, public hearings, committee meetings and more — all open to the public. If you have truly engaged in the process and been heard, then you are entitled to criticize. The current City Council members, staff and mayor are a team. When we walk out of a meeting we are confident that we have put our best thinking and care into what is best for Fergus Falls, listening and making the best choice for the community as a whole. I respect a business’ right to privacy, and confidentiality is crucial to the success of negotiations.

A small percentage of economic development deals actually come to fruition, and it’s imperative confidentiality is maintained to ensure a proposed project’s success. Maintaining trust with business owners and developers is vital to the success of our community’s growth and sustainability.

3. What is the most effective way to gauge and evaluate public sentiment?

Person-to-person communication. There is no substitute for a frank discussion when important decisions affecting our city and our residents need to be made. I knocked on almost every door in my ward in 2016, and am making every effort to repeat that this year, in spite of the pandemic. I also remain engaged in the community in many ways, through Kiwanis, coaching and instructing at the YMCA, to name a few. Again, our meetings are open to the public, and I encourage you to participate. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and have a conversation. I listen, and act on your behalf. For example, after hearing from many residents, I backed our City Council’s decision to increase spending on roads by 20% to more proactively address street maintenance. This helps protect the investment we make in our valuable infrastructure.

4. How important for the city’s growth is it to bring in new community entertainment opportunities (water park, trails, etc.)?

Extremely. Not only is it my vision to continue to improve the quality of life for the families that already live in our great city, but these amenities will bring people to Fergus Falls to shop, work, play and hopefully, to live. Tourism is the “front door” to resident recruitment. Few people move to a community without first being a visitor.

And by growing our population, we can increase the size of our tax base and lessen the share that each household pays. We do not want a tax increase! I support the work of our tax levy committee, which has pledged a 0% increase in

your city tax levy in 2021.

We will hold to this number, in spite of a projected 20% reduction in state local government aid, a major source of the city’s revenue.

We must continue to invest wisely for our city.

5. Where do you stand on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to attract new businesses?

TIF is one of the most powerful tools in our economic toolbox. TIF is used to assist a business or developer in financing new development or expansion. It can help finance projects such as land acquisition, reconstruction, and infrastructure improvement, all things that help our businesses start and grow. TIF is highly regulated by the state to protect taxpayers, and the process of creating a TIF district is open to public comment. TIF cannot be provided to a project that does not need it. Applicants need to prove that it is necessary for their project to succeed. The city is not giving away money that already exists, it is providing a portion of the property tax increase back to the taxpayer after the project is completed.

TIF projects result in longterm revenue that would not be possible without it. I support using TIF responsibly to stay on the growth track that we have laid, and to maximize development for eligible projects.

6. When you envision the future of Fergus Falls, what does the future city excel at?

Fergus Falls will be a place where you can have a job that pays a good living

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 5

wage. We will excel as a safe, inclusive community.

There will be many options to “escape,” whether trying something new, or hanging

out as a family at the waterpark. This will continue to be a city where resources are used wisely; there is no “wasteful spending.” It

will excel as a place where business and development continue to be warmly welcomed, and we will keep working as a team to foster

the fantastic businesses we already have and to welcome new ones with open arms. We will continue to make every attempt to

Mark Leighton Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 2 Age: 67 Address: Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Local business owner.

Family: Kris and I live in Fergus Falls. Both the boys are grown and successful in their professions.

Hobbies: Family and grandchildren time, industry study/reading, customer service.

1. What should be the city’s top priority in the next four years?

The city’s “primary function” is to provide the public utilities – water, sewer and garbage – streets, police and fire services. Fergus Falls has also successfully expanded these services to include a liquor store, golf course and airport.

The first thing I will focus on will be fiscal responsibility in all departments. With “zero-based budgeting,” each department will need to justify their spending starting at the first dollar and present to the City Council. I have studied the last two city budgets and feel there needs to be better transparency available to the public. The budget is well formatted, but one must dig deep into the budget to find out where the money is

being spent – especially the money being allocated outside the “primary function” of the city.

My second focus will be to eliminate unnecessary regulations which simply burdens business and have no measurable benefit to the city or public.

2. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

I will look forward to and welcome open communication with all the residents of Fergus Falls and especially those in Ward 2. This can be accomplished with a better City of Fergus Falls online open forum, direct communication from citizens and regular roundtable coffee talk at local cafes.

I will request the city administrator expand the city’s reports and minutes to include specific details of city discussions, planning, and spending. I will work closely with the Daily Journal and KBRF and other information platforms to provide this information for the public’s benefit.

It is my belief the public’s input should help direct the council. The council’s job

is to direct and monitor the city administrator. These influences should serve as the primary directive relating to city business.

Remember 1. Government didn’t build America (or a city). 2. Bureaucrats didn’t build businesses. 3. Politicians don’t produce jobs. It has always been “we the people” who build an economy.

This effort will serve Fergus Falls as a whole community and not just a few individuals’ dreams.

So I will be somewhat of a different council member; “it’s not what I want, it is what is fiscally responsible based on the needs of the constituents in Fergus Falls.”

3. What is the most effective way to gauge and evaluate public sentiment?

To listen, evaluate and then simply ACT. I have heard numerous concerns and complaints ranging from the ongoing “hot topic” of Kirkbride, Lake Alice,

poor city streets, “another” master plan including expensive studies, tax abatements, burdensome city regulations, convention center, dairy property, amphitheater, aqua center and now a new walking bridge “to nowhere.”

These projects may be important to varying degrees, but are non-revenue producing. They simply raise your real estate taxes, utilities bills and local sales tax and do not attract business.

Simply put, I basically hear from the public “this city doesn’t listen to me on what is truly important to our city.”

Hence, the best way to gauge public sentiment is to truly listen, tell them the truth and follow through.

4. How important for the city’s growth is it to bring in new community entertainment opportunities (water park, trails, etc.)?

keep an open dialogue with our residents to prevent a “nothing is being done” mentality. A vote for me on Nov. 3 ensures I’ll continue

to work on your behalf to make Fergus Falls an excellent place to live, work, play and raise a family. Thank you.

A golden rule in private sector money, it will be invested where it is easy and profitable. This is true for both current businesses to stay in a community and to attract new business to Fergus Falls.

The city must reduce its spending, real estate taxes, fees, and eliminate unnecessary regulations as all these efforts will reduce the cost of doing business in Fergus Falls, living in Fergus Falls and shopping in Fergus Falls.

With this in place, it will be much easier to establish an aggressive and successful economic development plan in effort to 1. Keeping existing business and 2.

Attracting new business to Fergus Falls.

ness owners and employees will support the community with family owned homes, kids attending local schools, local shopping and maintain local medical facilities and churches.

5.Where do you stand on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to attract new businesses?

Tax increment financing was initially introduced as a public financing method used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure and other community improvement projects. In essence, for streets, water and sewer in areas near a new development.

Obviously TIF has been expanded to stimulate private investment for many projects as authorized by the local government.

I would like to see more TIF being used to develop business and manufacturing who employ hundreds of employees. These busi-

6. When you envision the future of Fergus Falls, what does the future city excel at?

Fortunately, Fergus Falls isn’t financially broke. It is in the lakes area of Otter Tail County and located on a main corridor – I-94. These are all excellent strengths our predecessors have accomplished, built on and utilized.

Now is the time to reexamine how these assets can be showcased and fully utilized.

With a new focus on the city’s fiscal responsibility coupled with an aggressive economic business program, this will assist in maintaining and growing Fergus Falls.

In today’s business environment “everything” is moving at the speed of light and governments are good at reacting. Fergus Falls needs to be run like a business and planning must keep up with government, manufacturing and retail trends.

Government, as well as business, cannot do business as they have in the past and expect to thrive in tomorrow. These changes are necessary.

I will fight hard to make these changes in Fergus Falls benefit all and with your write-in vote for Mark Leighton we can make this happen.

PAGE 6 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Brent Thompson Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 3

effective way to gauge and evaluate public sentiment?

Listening to people’s responses to what they want and listening to what they have to say on what we have already done is the most effective way to evaluate public sentiment.

four years?

Age: 55 Address: 1008 W. Lincoln Ave. Livelihood: Manufacturing.

Family: Wife, April Thompson, daughter, Danielle Statham (resides two hours outside of London, England).

Hobbies: Woodworking.

The top priority of Fergus Falls should be to create a more inviting community while increasing the tax base using Greater Fergus Falls to attract and maintain industry with good-paying jobs and increasing our efforts on road repairs and infrastructure.

1. What should be the city’s top priority in the next

2. If elected, how will you ensure the public is

4. How important for the city’s growth is it to bring in new community entertainment opportunities (water park, trails, etc.)?

1. What should be the city’s top priority in the next four years?

I believe the priority for our city government in the next four years is two pronged: Support and strengthen existing business and industry and aggressively pursue

new business and industry into Fergus Falls. Our current business and industry owners are experts in establishing and maintaining business in our city. I believe that active discussions with our local entrepreneurs and soliciting their input and expertise in strengthening business and economic growth is the place to start. Fergus Falls has lost many valuable businesses in recent years and is at risk for additional loss. In addition to supporting and strengthening existing business and industry, Fergus Falls needs new business and industry.

With business and industry come jobs, choices for the consumer, a stronger tax

I am in favor of it, but I am only in favor of using it to attract businesses with good-paying jobs. I’m not in favor of using it to bring in residential apartments or housing.

6. When you envision the future of Fergus Falls, what does the future city It is very important! excel at?

involved in the decisionmaking process?

I would, and I have gone door to door. I’ve been doing this since I got elected and will continue to do so.

I ask people about their opinions and combine that with the information that I have already received.

3. What is the most

Al Kremeier Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 3 Age: 55 Address: 923 N. Vine St. Livelihood: Granite and bronze business, funeral director.

Family: Wife, Lorraine, two daughters.

Committees: Participated in the Fergus Falls Planning Commission, Heritage Preservation Committee and A Center for the Arts board.

5. Where do you stand on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to attract new businesses?

We need to look at all options for entertainment, from trails to an aquatic center. We need to attract young families and retain the young families that we have.

My vision is a “Mayberry” with good businesses and jobs. When I talk to people, they tell me that they moved to Fergus Falls because it is a nice, quiet community.

by phone, email or in person for one-to-one discussion.

Regardless of the venue, my goal is to listen to the citizens of Ward 3 and do my best to represent their voices when City Council decisions are made.

nity is being impacted by the decisions made by the City Council.

3. What is the most effective way to gauge and evaluate public sentiment?

base and a thriving community.

2. If you were elected how will you ensure the public is involved in the decisionmaking process?

The voices of the citizens of Fergus Falls need to be heard. My goal of ensuring that the public is involved in making decisions that will affect them and our community is to offer multiple

venues to voice ideas, concerns and needs. I believe establishing a regular town hall meeting, without a formal structure or specific agenda would be an ideal venue to bring people together and begin a dialogue about what decisions are on the table, what are the options and what is the impact.

For our community members preferring a less public forum, I plan to be available

Continuing with the importance of hearing the voice of the public in making decisions that impact their city, it remains vital to continue listening after the decisions have been made.

In addition to utilizing the venues described above; I believe an ongoing method of measuring how the public has been impacted

by City Council decisions is necessary. Questionnaires and surveys assessing public opinion and sentiment would be extremely beneficial in providing anonymous and objective data regarding how our commu-

4. How important for the city’s growth is it to bring in new community entertainment opportunities (water park, trails, etc.)?

I believe that a community that offers opportunities for entertainment and recreation is incredibly important not only for the quality of life of community members but to attract visitors and new residents to Fergus Falls.

I am a strong supporter of the arts in Fergus Falls having served on A Center for the Arts board, supported my daughters in their involvement in the amazing music, theater and dance opportunities our community has to offer and dappled a bit in theater myself. I am also a supporter of having an abundance of opportunities for different forms of enter-

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 7

tainment, opportunities for fun and recreation and enjoying the beautiful natural resources. Bringing new entertainment and recreational opportunities cost money and without a strong tax base the viable resources are not available to do so. I believe that the emphasis must be on fiscal responsibility, to support and strengthen the entertainment and recreational opportunities that currently exist in Fergus

Falls. Listen to the community regarding what new opportunities they would value and support those opportunities that would potentially provide the revenue truly needed for community growth.

Quoting a Fergus Falls business owner and lifelong resident, “Sometimes you have to eat your peas before you get dessert.” I think it is time to eat our peas with the promise of the dessert to come.

5. Where do you stand on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to attract new business?

Tax increment financing (TIF) is an especially useful tool to attract new business and industry into the Fergus Falls community. I am a strong supporter of using TIF transparently and judiciously.

I believe that community members have a right to know what businesses are

eligible for TIF, voice their opinions on TIF use and have access to the decision making surrounding TIF allocation. Regarding my personal stance, I support use of TIF to bring in new, viable, larger businesses and industries (i.e. 50 or more employees) which would allow for faster reimbursement back to the city and offer the employment opportunities that our community so desperately needs.

Victoria McWane-Creek Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 3 Age: 46 Address: 623 W. Fir Ave. Livelihood: Educator, facilitator, instructional designer, performance improvement specialist.

Family: Shawn Creek (life partner), Adam McWane (son), Asante Creek (daughter).

Hobbies: Singing, percussion, poetry, reading.

1. What should be the city’s top priority in the next four years?

Increase our tax base by attracting, supporting, and enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses to access the wraparound services and assistance they need to establish and sustain their business. Invest in ensuring there are safe, high-quality, affordable-housing options by working closely with the

Minnesota Housing Finance Association, Minnesota Housing Partnership, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing to develop a flexible plan that addresses the diverse housing needs of our community. Ensure that we have universal broadband access. Work creatively to make sure we have safe, high-quality child and elder care. Focus on bonding initiatives the state can support so that we can build a city budget that gives us the flexibility we need to nimbly respond to our dynamic.

2. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

As a convener and facilitator, I have initiated difficult conversations and in-

creased awareness around important local issues. I believe in listening deeply to understand what is being shared. I have learned how to hold space that is necessary to allow folks to share what is on their minds and in their hearts about extremely contentious issues by design. In order to ensure that the public is involved in decision-making processes, I intend to continue my practice of holding weekly online listening sessions to gain feedback and input from constituents that I can elevate to the city council. As a representative of the Third Ward, I am acutely aware

that it is not about me and my beliefs as much as it is about what the neighbors I hope to represent wish to convey.

3. What is the most effective way to gauge and evaluate public sentiment?

As a formally trained instructional designer, I have learned that checking for understanding is key. I ask questions out of genuine curiosity so that I receive the message that is being communicated. I invite questions that challenge my assumptions and am open to critical feedback.

Gauging sentiment re-

6. When you envision the future of Fergus Falls, what does the future city excel at?

When I envision a future Fergus Falls, I envision a city that honors its history, is strong and prosperous in the present and embraces the future. I envision future generations living in and caring for historic homes and structures. I envision a strong economic community which supports a strong tax base

and offers opportunities for education, employment, and advancement for all its residents. I envision a downtown bustling with shoppers and visitors. I envision business, industry, recreation, and a service industry that appeals to residents of all ages, interests and backgrounds. I envision a city that grows and is ready to support that growth.

Most of all, I envision a city that is strong, prosperous and whose citizens are proud to call home.

quires the ability to sit with and hear people’s pain, hopes and fears. Through surveys, listening sessions, and one-on-one meetings, we can begin to understand how the public feels and what the public is demanding of its representatives.

term or ongoing. We ought not be in the business of subsidizing businesses. We ought to be in the business of providing the supportive services that allow businesses to prosper and to thrive by encouraging local support for local business.

4. How important for the city’s growth is it to bring in new community entertainment opportunities (water park, trails, etc.)?

6. When you envision the future of Fergus Falls, what does the future city excel at?

To retain residents and attract new community business and community members, we absolutely must invest in accessible recreation infrastructure.

Robust recreational opportunities are essential to attracting folks to our community regardless of their stage of life.

5. Where do you stand on the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to attract new businesses?

I appreciate innovative and creative strategies like tax increment financing to attract new business as a time limited recruiting tool.

I do not believe that such financing should be long

I see a Fergus Falls that enables each of us to live, work, play and learn in ways that appreciate and leverage our individual talent and backgrounds in support of our community.

We will become a community that others look toward as an example of what it means to make decisions using an equity lens that drives us toward full participation. We will be a model of what it means to practice inclusivity by design and through collaboration. We will be the place that when folks talk about civically engaged communities, Fergus Falls is at the top of the list for doing the work to make sure that our community works for each and every one of us.

PAGE 8 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Anthony Hicks Candidate: Fergus Falls City Council Ward 4 My name is Anthony Hicks.

I am a native of England and moved to the United States of America in 1996. I have been blessed to reach the age of 62 years old as I am a recent leukemia cancer survivor as of June 2020 after almost a sixyear very private battle. I am employed by Green Plains Otter Tail where I am the general manager since 2007.

Green Plains is also known to locals as the “ethanol plant,” which is a 60-million-gallon-per-year biorenewable facility in Fergus Falls. Our facility purchases 20 plus million bushels of corn per

year from local farmers. I have two sons who both reside in Fergus Falls, one who has just opened a new business downtown; Dandelion & Burdock. I enjoy keeping very busy — helping people, travel, walking and varied other home-improvement projects are my pastimes.

My present community contributions include president of the Fergus Falls Port Authority, board member of Economic Improvement Commission (predecessor of GFF), board member of Greater Fergus Falls, chairperson of Business Develop-

ment 4 Fergus Falls, board member of Fergus Area College Foundation, and Ward 4 City Council person.

My top priority as a leader of Fergus Falls after the COVID-19 crisis is to ensure we survive the present financial situation that has hurt our country, state and city.

I am a voice of reason — I consider the decisions we are making that will be un-

der a microscope for decades to come. None of us have ever been in such unfamiliar times, and I will continue to lead our city through this. I represent not only Ward 4 of Fergus Falls, but all residents in our city. I believe the most effective way to evaluate public sentiment is to engage and listen. As a fiscally conservative individual, I have observed that a large number of residents mirror my feelings and are currently concerned about our city’s spending. Public involvement is an essential part of being a City Council member. COVID-19 aside, resident concerns include potholes in our roads, erosion caused by stormwater, the city of Fergus Falls’ deficit, jobs/lack of workforce, local events, snow placement, new business, and abandoned box-store buildings. The critical part of my job is not simply to listen, but in turn to resolve their interests.

In an attempt to navigate COVID-19 and the financial impact on the city, I made a motion to the Fergus Falls City Council in September of 2020 to temporarily reduce the monthly pay of elected officials which include the mayor and City Council members by 25%, which in turn would have decreased the city deficit of $180,000 by

10%. My reasoning for this motion was to help preserve the services that our city provides to its residents. This is a small price for leaders to pay. Unfortunately, this caused a negative response by fellow council members in the weeks following, despite the fact that the council unanimously accepted the motion and had the city attorney draft an ordinance to that effect. Unfortunately, at the following city council meeting there was a motion to “postpone without discussion” which required a super majority to pass which effectively stopped all discussion on the subject and rendered the original request mute. In my eight years as an elected government official, a request to mute has never been used before. My original motion was the right thing to do in these unprecedented times, especially as the voice of reason on the City Council of Fergus Falls. As Winston Churchill said, “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

I am independent and will continue to be independent of others. A surprisingly large handful in our community often speak of the “Good Old Boys Club,” where things that happen in the city are predetermined by high ranking, sometimes silent influential individuals.

I am a non-member of this club. I want the decisions made about our community to happen inside of City Hall as it legally, morally and ethically should be. The power of the people lies within City Hall.

Your voice of reason votes in favor of improving the fire hall over supporting an outdoor aquatic park. I believe our tax dollars should be spent benefiting our resi-

dents for emergency services over a swimming pool. I solely voted against spending $100,000 of city money for only engineering plans for a three-block stretch with an estimated future project cost of a further $1 million. I again voted solely against $900,000 on the engineering/development plan for the downtown riverfront amphitheater project that had a total cost estimate of over $6 million, as I felt the total finance package was not clearly defined as to what it was going to actually cost the residents of Fergus Falls. I was the 25% minority when voting against $750,000 of tax increment finance (TIF) on the Herzog apartments on Tower Road after the LLC broke the city agreement/codes and built in an unapproved area. The city penalized them a mere $14,000. Logic, ethics, and truth were distilled in me from a young age growing up in England. I’ve been your conservative representative for eight years, and will again properly serve you for another four on the new elected term.

The next few years will be tough, there will be more difficult decisions to make as we all face the reality of what the restrictions, shutdowns, stay-at-home orders, and violent protests have cost. I ask for your continued support as not just a representative of Ward 4 but the citizens of Fergus Falls as a whole. Fergus Falls is, and will continue to excel at being a strong local community of people who are fiercely passionate.

My voting record is not only solid, but consistent. I leave you with another powerful quote from my political mentor Winston Churchill — “What’s popular is not always right, what’s right is not always popular.”

Get informed.

Stay connected.

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 9

More than 8,448 locally written stories, columns, letters to the editor and photos in the past year.

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PAGE 10 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

A look at viewpoints in the Seventh District race

By MPR News Former Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach is the Republican taking on longtime DFL U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson in November. The Seventh District is a large and largely rural district in western and northwestern Minnesota.

President Donald Trump

Collin Peterson: The Democratic congressman was one of the two Democrats who voted against impeaching President Trump in December, and is the only Democrat who stayed with the party after the vote. Ahead of the vote, Peterson said the president “has not committed a crime” to be impeached for. As for the trade policies and the U.S.’ response to the pandemic, Peterson criticized Trump’s trade war with China and the federal government’s lack of timely action to warn the public about the need to take precautions.

Michelle Fischbach: The former state senator and former lieutenant governor has touted her support for President Trump. Fischbach called the House impeachment inquiry last year a “partisan impeachment sham.” She praised the president’s response to COVID-19 and avoided blaming Trump for his trade policies, while acknowledging that levies on exports have been detrimental in the agriculture-heavy district.

Police reform

Peterson: Is also opposed to defunding police. Peterson supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in June to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants. He also supports a community-based public safety program.

Fischbach: Fischbach opposes defunding, abolishing or dismantling police departments, saying “disbanding police is a very dangerous idea.” She is endorsed by the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police.

COVID-19 pandemic

on increasing competition and lowering costs without sacrificing protections for those with preexisting conditions. She disapproves of the Affordable

what she describes as “one-man rule” through executive action.

Gun control

Peterson: Peterson is the lone Democrat in Congress who has the NRA’s A rating and is endorsed by the NRA. He does not support universal background checks, and has been critical of new gun laws.

Fischbach: Fischbach is against new gun restrictions, and is an avid supporter of the Second Amendment. She holds an A rating with the National Rifle Association.

Peterson: Peterson is against statewide COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Walz. He says restrictions should be adjusted regionally based on the rate of infections. Peterson, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, supports expanding COVID-19 tests and contact tracing for front-line health care workers, first responders, and food and agricultural workers.

Health care

Fischbach: Fischbach does not support Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency power and executive orders aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus. She says it’s time to end

Fischbach: Fischbach says she wants to offer Americans access to high-quality, affordable health care plans by patient-centered health care reforms. Her efforts focus

Peterson: Peterson voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and opposes repealing the law. He favors revising it instead, unless there is a better option to replace it. In 2018, Peterson voted for bills to expand eligibility for health savings accounts and to allow the accounts to be used for over-the-counter medications.

Care Act.

Education

Peterson: Peterson has highlighted the need for affordable and reliable broadband internet service that is essential for education and businesses in the area. He also touts his efforts to secure more funding for Pell Grants and other high school funding.

Fischbach: Fischbach served as the chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee during the 2017 state legislative session. Education, especially higher ed, remains as one of her priorities, and her efforts center on strengthening two-year and higher ed programs that can contribute to a strong workforce in rural Minnesota.

Immigration

Peterson: Peterson said in March 2019 that he supports border security but does not support the southern border wall. In 2017, he voted for a bill to penalize states and local

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 11

Taxes and government spending

Peterson: Peterson is against raising taxes, and suggests cutting back on military spending and making changes to Medicare as measures to overhaul the country’s budget course. Peterson voted along the party line against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017.

Fischbach: Fischbach supports tax cuts for middle-class people and criticizes excessive taxes and regulations. She also approves of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Legalization of recreational marijuana

Peterson: Although he did not publicly discuss the issue in his latest term, he had said ahead of the 2018 election that he wanted to see how the legalization of recreational marijuana works out for other states before considering support for it nationally and that he supported the legalization of industrial hemp.

Fischbach: As a state senator in 2014 she voted against allowing medical use of marijuana in Minnesota.

FOLLOW US governments with sanctuary laws on immigration. In May, Peterson broke ranks with Democrats and supported a bill that would have prevented undocumented immigrants from receiving $1,200 in the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus package.

Fischbach: Fischbach supports Trump’s desire to build the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. She is opposed to abolishing Immigrants and Customs Enforcement and opening up borders. She is also against the idea of having sanctuary cities.

Abortion

Peterson: Peterson has long been against abortions and has cast several anti-abortion votes during his terms. In 2017, he voted for a bill to ban abortions after 20-week pregnancy and for another bill to ban using taxpayer money on abortions.

Fischbach: Fischbach supports the right to life at all stages, opposing abortions. She also has spoken against efforts to promote taxpayer-funded abortions for undocumented immigrants. Her husband, Scott Fischbach, is an executive

director at anti-abortion nonprofit Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.

Jobs and economy

Peterson: Peterson, who was a small business owner in Detroit Lakes before his time in Congress, has been supportive of aiding small businesses and protecting the leisure industry in the district.

Fischbach: Fischbach wants to rebuild infrastructure in rural Minnesota and to secure trade deals for farmers in the area. She also supports investing in workforce development programs.

Climate change

Peterson: Climate change seems to be of no great concern to Peterson. In 2018, he said lawmakers have “a lot of other issues that gotta get dealt with” before climate change and that the U.S.’ agriculture industry was already doing its part to reduce the environmental footprint.

Fischbach: Fischbach does not appear to have a public stance on climate change.

The Daily Journal me d i a

PAGE 12 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Ben Schierer Candidate: Fergus Falls Mayor Name: Ben Schierer Age: 47 Address: 320 W. Vernon Ave. Livelihood: My wife, Tessa, and I own and operate Union Pizza & Brewing Company in Downtown Fergus Falls.

Family: Wife, Tessa, and five children; Benjamin (Dove) 16, Reno 15, Beatrice 13, Leo 12, and Franklin 9.

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and kids. Running, reading history, and being mayor.

1. In your opinion, what is the mayor’s job?

The job of the mayor is to form relationships and unite

our community around a vision that moves our city forward. I have demonstrated the ability to build partnerships with the business, nonprofit, and faith communities that celebrate our community through events like our community Christmas tree lighting. I have a record of creating public/private partnerships. I started Greater Fergus Falls, which has leveraged the common sense of the business community, reduced bureaucracy and produced results. I have formed partnerships with members of both political parties in our state government to secure a compromise on the RTC and

RE-ELECT

$3.49 million to move forward on a realistic plan for redevelopment that has not cost the local taxpayers a dime. I have formed relationships with state and federal agencies to secure more than $1.5 million in grants and forgivable loans to purchase and clean up the former dairy site, removing a decades-old blight

BILL

INGEBRIGTSEN Minnesota State Senator

HARD WORKING • TOUGH DECISION MAKER • ACCOUNTABLE

District 8 State Senate For more information visit billforsenate.org

• Elected Senate Assistant Minority Leader • Current Chairman of Environment/ Natural Resources Finance committee.

• Endorsed by Care Providers of Minnesota • Endorsed by MN Farm Bureau • Pro Life (endorsed by Minnesotans Concerned for Life) • NRA A + rating and MN Gun Owners Assoociation • Endorsed by the Minnesota Police Officers Association “As your senator, I will NEVER VOTE TO DEFUND POLICE IN OUR GREAT STATE.”

ACCESSIBLE • STRONG • RESPONSIBLE • PROVEN LEADERSHIP Paid for by Ingebrigtsen for Senate Committee, P.O. Box 1325, Alexandria, MN 56308

on our city. I worked with local legislators Bud Nornes and Bill Ingebrigtsen and the governor’s office to secure a commitment for millions in state funding for the Fergus Falls Veterans Home, our local National Guard Armory, and our downtown/riverfront redevelopment project.

Finally, I led a community response to COVID, collaborating with our local health care providers to ensure we had the resources necessary to meet whatever challenges we face while providing support and resources to our local families and businesses, both large and small. We ensured that the food shelf remained open, that our elderly and vulnerable populations had the toilet paper and groceries they needed, and provided more than $500,000 in direct assistance to our local businesses and nonprofits most affected by the pandemic.

2. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the city?

I have 12 years of demonstrated commitment to involve citizens in their local government. In 2006, I was one of only two council members to oppose the removal of the open forum from City

Council meetings. I have and do support bringing the open forum back to our City Council agenda and will continue to encourage the council to do so. I have always allowed the public to speak at City Council meetings. This is solely at the discretion of the mayor, and I have demonstrated my commitment to encouraging participation over the past four years by always allowing the public to speak. The people of this community know where to find me, and they do! Half of the city has my cell number, for those who don’t, it is 218-205-1337. Please reach out. I am always eager to talk with anyone, at any time, about anything. I am proud to have fostered broader participation in our local government than at any time in our history.

3. What makes Fergus Falls special?

The people make this community special. We are fortunate to be blessed with a beautiful natural environment, a strong economy, beautiful architecture, and those who came before us that were dedicated to strong public institutions. Still, the real strength of Fergus Falls lies in the spirit of our people: their kindness, work ethic and generosity.

4. How will a city like Fergus Falls be impacted by ongoing changes in the retail industry and the sudden growth in workfrom-home opportunities?

In the face of a national retail crisis, I had a vision for and built the partnerships to create Greater Fergus Falls, and it has delivered results.

In the past year, we have filled two of our vacant big-box stores, and one has led to a $5 million-plus proposed devel-

opment on the former Shopko. Since the day that Target closed its doors, Greater Fergus Falls has helped 26 new businesses open their doors.

Second, I will ensure that our quality of life is second to none. More than ever before, people can choose where they live and work remotely.

This will only increase postCOVID. Economic development needs to go hand in hand with community development. Ensuring we continue to have a safe community with strong schools, quality health care, along with arts, cultural and recreational opportunities all contribute to a healthy, well-rounded community. Fergus Falls is above national averages for those who work remotely (5.5% locally compared to 4.7% nationally). We will continue to capitalize on the growing trend of remote workers by continuing to invest in the quality of life of our residents.

5. How important is a balanced budget to a city’s long-term health?

The city of Fergus Falls is required by law and has always had a balanced budget.

We utilize zero-based budgeting on an annual basis.

As the one who appoints the city’s tax-levy committee, I led the effort to commit to a 0% increase in the 2021 budget in the face of the economic impacts the COVID pandemic has had on our families and businesses. We were able to accomplish this despite a projected decrease in revenues. Earlier this month, the city refinanced bonds that saved taxpayers more than $569,000. This is just one recent example of the fiscally responsible policies the city regularly employs. The state of the city’s fiscal condition is strong, and I am proud to work with the

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 13

best city finance director and department in the state of Minnesota.

6. If elected, what are some of your goals you would like to accomplish?

I will continue to support our strong local economy that has grown under my leadership. When I took office, there were 21 vacant storefronts downtown. Today there are six and soon

to be four. Jobs are up and unemployment is down, and 2020 has seen the highest number of new home construction starts in two decades. This is happening amid a global pandemic

when businesses are closing around the world we are opening businesses in Fergus Falls.

In a world that is increasingly divided, I will continue to bring people together.

Mike Mortenson Candidate: Fergus Falls Mayor Age: 49 Address: Fergus Falls Livelihood: Doctor of chiropractic working as health care provider at Fargo North Dakota VA Hospital; owner and operator, Mortenson Outdoor Sign.

Family: Wife, Trisha.

Background: Lifelong Fergus Falls resident, served in U.S. Marine Corps.

1. In your opinion what is the mayor’s job?

This is easy. The mayor is the visionary for the city. He or she dictates where the city is going and how we are going to get there. The mayor is the face of the city in all aspects and for all people. The mayor sets the tone for what is important to the community. The mayor has to have laser-like vision on what is going to make the city prosper. Like in business, if you take your eye off the goal for a minute the landscape will change considerably. I believe the next mayor of Fergus Falls has to have the vision and laser focus to ensure our economic growth is number one. Without that vision and growth mindset, our business growth will never recover. A visionary never leaves the work to be done by others while they sit on the sidelines and hope for the best, they must be focused and driven

to make sure that only the best happens for their city.

2. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the city?

Influence is the bedrock of leadership. Leadership is the driving force to create change for everyone. I plan to lead our city for all residents. Everyone will have a seat at the table for change.

However, not everyone will or want to be involved in the decision-making process of our city. They want leadership that they can trust to do what is good for all. They want leadership that understands what is happening to our city and know how to change the course for all citizens. I will have an opendoor policy at City Hall. All residents will have my ear at any time; however, all residents must understand the direction we are going for the future. A direction that entails bringing business back to our city for everyone to enjoy and use. All residents will understand what it means to be a city that prospers no matter what communities around us are doing. I want every resident of Fergus Falls to be proud of our city and to be proud of what we can do economically in this region.

Everyone will have a say and

I will build upon the truth that in Fergus Falls, we are friends, we are neighbors, and we are a community that cares for one another.

My family and I have immersed ourselves in this

community, and I have worked hard every day for the past four years to move this community forward.

I am proud of that work, I want to continue that work, and I want to do it together.

in our community. Until that mindset is implemented, we will continue to lag behind our surrounding communities in our ability to economically grow to our potential.

I assure you we can change this, but we need to have a mayor that is dedicated to this happening every day they are in office. I will do that.

be healthy for the long-term success of our city. Business growth plus increased sales tax revenue equals a budget that will achieve great things for the residents of our city.

If one of those things is missing, we will never achieve the greatness we deserve to be.

5. How important is a balanced budget to a city’s long-term health? we all will reap the benefits of a strong Fergus Falls economy. Together we will bring business back to Fergus Falls.

3. What makes Fergus Falls special?

There are many reasons Fergus Falls is special and for many of us we have lived here so long that we take many of them for granted. The arts, Regional Treatment Center, school system, Lake Alice, Grotto Lake, Pebble lake, Otter Tail River, 50-plus year businesses, and something I take for granted is our tree-lined streets are a few. Fergus Falls has always been special to me and always will be. I have sat awake at night in faraway lands just wishing to come back home to Fergus Falls. A place that is safe, happy, and where someone always knows your name. That’s what’s special about Fergus Falls.

4. How will a city like Fergus Falls be impacted by ongoing changes in the retail industry and the sudden growth in work-

from-home opportunities?

The question is not how will it affect us, but how has it affected us in Fergus Falls?

Our big-box retail sector is suffering immensely over the last four years. We have lost several businesses and they have left empty buildings in their wake. This has to stop.

There needs to be a complete change in the way we look at economic development in our city. We need to focus on acquisition of large retail businesses from outside our immediate region. We need to go out and implement a recruitment effort that can bring these businesses back to Fergus Falls. There cannot be a sit back and wait period for business. Business acquisition and retention has to be No. 1 on the mind of our next mayor. It can’t be No. 2 or 3 at any time. It takes hard work and it takes going out and securing businesses to fill these vacant buildings in our city. Ladies and gentlemen, they will not come to us, we have to go to them with the want and desire to have them

No one wants to spend beyond their means. Balanced budget is a nice term but not an accurate term for what is happening to a city’s health.

I can have a balanced budget with spending in all the wrong places. If a mayor’s idea is to have luxury items in their budget but they leave out our business growth and infrastructure repairs, you can have a balanced budget but you will not have a healthy city. You can live off of junk food for a while but sooner than later you will need to consider the meat and potatoes of your diet. Therefore, I’m not about overspending but I’m about increasing revenue to the city so we can do more with our budget instead of less. The way you make your budget healthy is to increase business growth and prosperity which, in turn, increases your city’s sales tax revenue.

Once you have prosperity back in your revenue stream to the city, you then can have an increase in your budget.

Without that, you will always be cutting costs to balance a budget that is never going to

6. If elected, what are some of your goals you would like to accomplish?

My goal for this city is simple. Bring back business to Fergus Falls. I want to fill these vacant buildings we have on the west side of the city with good high-quality name-brand stores. I want us to become an economic powerhouse for the region. I want other surrounding cities to return to Fergus Falls to shop instead of going to Alexandria and even Perham as they do now. I want us to be an example for business growth and prosperity for many years to come. I want other surrounding cities to be envious of the businesses we attract into our city. I want them to look at us as so great that they cannot help themselves from shopping here instead of other areas in western Minnesota.

This can happen, and it will happen if we believe in ourselves and we have the desire to change our city once and for all. I ask all of you if you want your city to be a leader in business and industry, please vote for me on Nov. 3.

Darken in the oval and write in my name, Mike Mortenson, and together we will start the journey of bringing business back to Fergus Falls.

PAGE 14 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

John Strauch Candidate: Fergus Falls Mayor Age: 59 Address: 519 W. Vasa Ave. Livelihood: Self employed – businessman – custom tiling, flooring and painting.

Family: Wife - Cindy Lou Strauch, daughters – Laurentina and Sonia Strauch.

Hobbies: Motorcycling, canoeing, biking, airbrushing and baking apple pies for the elderly.

1. In your opinion, what is the mayor’s job?

I believe the mayor’s job is to represent the city on a state level, to listen to the citizens of our city and to address issues and concerns that are brought to our attention.

Also, the mayor has the opportunity to work with staff, the city administrator and the economic development committees to help bring in

behind. I believe we need to help people get high-speed internet as much as we can for people working from home, children learning from home and to stay up on the cutting edge of technology. The robotics and drone industry is flourishing so those are possible businesses to bring to our community to fill some of the empty buildings to bring in good paying jobs to Fergus Falls. We could look for a way to work with our high school and college kids to teach the skills needed for these industries.

business and support good paying jobs. The mayor is in a position to influence the direction our city will take for the future.

2. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the city?

I would like to see the councilmembers set up a monthly or bimonthly meeting with as many of the citizens as possible to share what is being addressed and ask for the people’s input. I would like to bring back the open forum during council meetings so that it can be televised so that ones that can’t make it to the meetings have it available on PEG Access or TV. Since we are using the taxpayer’s money to fund the projects, I believe it is important to let them have a say

in how the money is being spent.

3. What makes Fergus Falls special?

I was born and raised in Fergus Falls where I also raised my two daughters. In talking to people, I often hear how Fergus Falls is a nice quiet town without a lot of crime and everyone is so friendly.

I feel it is important to seek God in the decision-making of our city. I think it is important to have prayer at the beginning of the City Council meetings. I believe when

there is a need that “we the people” are stepping up and providing help with benefits to raise money to help the hurting.

How will a city like Fergus Falls be impacted by ongoing changes in the retail industry and the sudden growth in work-from-home opportunities?

We are seeing the future bring more online shopping.

When I was a kid growing up in Fergus Falls there were many stores to shop at but today, there are very few available. Changes come and we need to adapt or be left

Dan Bucholz Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 1 Age: 62 Address: Perham.

Livelihood: Retired dairy farmer, continuing to hobby farm, rent land and work limited part-time hours at Hammers Construction.

Family information: I am

married to Andrea Dulski-Bucholz. She is the dean of the teacher education programs at Mayville State University; Daughter Jackie Peters - lives in Alexandria and is the CEO of the YMCA; Son Ben Bucholz-

4. How important is a balanced budget to a city’s long-term health?

I believe a balanced budget is vital to our long-term health and that is why I am trying to stop wasteful spending. I think we need to consider if we can afford projects before we spend money on outside consultants to draw up our plans, but more importantly whether or not the projects are for the interest for the whole city/citizens.

As we have learned this year, things can change rapidly,

ground, interests and accomplishments: Graduated from Perham High School, supervisor for Gorman Township, regular blood donor (4-plus gallons), earned Conservationist of the Year in 2004, 2020 Minnesota Century Farm, volunteer at Perham Living Center.

Why are you running for District 1 Otter Tail County commissioner?

lives in Perham and is a project manager at Ham-

mers Construction.

Educational back-

County commissioners serve the people they represent and that is what I want to do represent the people’s voices in coun-

and we may not have the funding we had counted on before so it is very important to spend our money wisely.

5. If elected, what are some of your goals you would like to accomplish?

If I am elected, I believe we need to help our elderly more. We need to work on a better system for snow removal like setting up a schedule for the city and to work with citizens to move vehicles off the street at designated times. Also, the elderly are being fined if they can’t remove the snow by a certain time. We spent $800,000 on plans for downtown and an amphitheater that in my opinion was wasteful spending. Our businessmen and developers are working on redeveloping and restoring our downtown and they are doing it without $800,000. We have spent way too much on consultants from Fargo, Minneapolis and other places to tell us how to do projects when we have very capable people working for our city who we already pay wages to.

ty government decisions.

My experience working in the dairy business has given me many insights on how to manage difficult and sometimes unknown challenges. That is exactly what our local, county and state governments are dealing with right now. As a township supervisor for Gorman Township, I get to know the people, listen to their concerns and township needs, work with residents, businesses, city leaders and other elected officials to move forward on issues and get the job done. That is what I will

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 15

do as county commissioner. My father, James Bucholz, was a county commissioner for two terms back in the ’60s, originally sparking my interest in county government. Dairy farming limited my time to seek office, but I now have hours available and a

commitment to work hard for District 1 as a resident of OTC residing on a Century Farm and as a lakeshore owner.

What is your top priority for the county?

I believe that work to maintain a balanced bud-

get will be priority and will also prove to be most challenging as businesses, agriculture, schools, health care organizations and county departments will need greater supports to move forward with the challenges that COVID-19 has brought. Planning

for the population growth that is and will continue to occur in Otter Tail County will also be priority. From maintaining the quality of our lakes and rural environments to strengthening our roads and other infrastructures, there is much work to be done.

Betsy Roder Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 1 Age: 41 Address: 205 East Park Street, P.O. Box 115, New York Mills.

Livelihood: Executive director, New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.

Family: Husband Nick, children Finn (13), Bergen (11), Trygg (9) and Kaia (6).

Hobbies: Spending time outdoors and at the lake, reading, yoga, live music, sports, travel, connecting with friends and family.

1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing Otter Tail County today?

I believe our top priority is maintaining our assets while addressing top needs like workforce, housing, child care, and economic development, which grows the tax base and keeps taxes low. Specifically, we must take care of our most valuable assets: lakes, land and natural resources; invest in public infrastructure: roads, utilities and waste management; grow

the economy and population to meet future needs; enhance resilience and quality of life; adapt to environmental and social changes; and help people, businesses, schools and communities thrive. In the short-term, we must also address COVID-19 response and recovery.

Finally, we must balance the budget, keep taxes low, and also support necessary programs and a thriving economy, ensuring that county staff, residents and businesses have the resources that they need in the short-term, while also prioritizing the elements identified in our longrange strategic plan.

2. What qualifies you to serve as an Otter Tail County commissioner?

I am a hard-working, homegrown, highly involved rural leader with years of experience in managing budgets, strategic planning, connecting peo-

What do you think of the performance of the current county commission?

The county commission has many responsibilities and, in my opinion, has always done the best they could on any given issue.

ber Power Hour and NYM Civic & Commerce Association. I will continue to utilize my Facebook page to ensure that the public remains informed and involved in relevant issues, as well as being available via email and phone. I recently did a Facebook Live video where the public was able to ask me questions and found it to be an effective way to connect safely and easily with a larger group of people. ple and building community. I have an M.B.A. and experience at Target HQ, and am currently a City Council member, executive director of the NYM Regional Cultural Center, member and volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church, and mother of four children. I serve on a variety of county and city boards, including Otter Tail Lakes Country Association, OTC Community Development Agency, NYM Public Library, the NYM Civic & Commerce, and EDA. My experience balancing budgets in city government and both for-profit and nonprofit businesses have helped me develop keen financial skills, the ability to cut costs, and strong fiscal responsibility. My values include authenticity, transparency, honesty, common sense, finding commonali-

ties, building relationships and creative problem-solving.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

Gathering community input is an essential element of decision-making and is a personal priority.

In the case of large initiatives such as the county’s long-range strategic plan, community meetings, public forums and surveys are all essential. Personally, I have connected with the public at meet and greets and through my Facebook page as well as via email, text and phone.

I have also connected with township officials and regularly attend meetings such as the Perham Cham-

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

In all of my conversations with residents, the number one topic that comes up is roads. This is an issue that affects almost everyone and one that deserves a healthy allocation of resources to resolve existing issues. I would utilize the capital improvement plan to un-

They appear to work well with other county government departments. I plan to continue working with others to be well-informed of any issue brought to the commission. I know how to listen to people and make decisions based on available information.

derstand and identify the areas of greatest need and ensure they got addressed in a timely manner.

5. What element of the county’s government is most effective and why?

One of the responsibilities of the county commissioners is to serve on related internal and external committees and boards. I think this is a very effective way to ensure consistency and focus on the county’s top priorities, as well as making sure the commissioners remain informed and up to date on the wide variety of departments, topics and issues relevant across the county. Sharing this responsibility among the board members and allowing each to become experts in various areas makes commissioner board meetings run more effectively and allows for more efficient and informed decision-making.

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PAGE 16 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Kurt Mortenson Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 3 Age: 65 Address: 19713 County Highway 39, Underwood.

Livelihood: Former prosecutor Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office.

Family: Married with two adult children.

1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing Otter Tail County today?

The number one issue currently facing the county is navigating through the health and economic chal-

lenges related to COVID-19.

The economic slowdown has impacted small businesses, in particular retail and restaurants in multiple facets. Our school districts have adapted alternative teaching models, implementing distance learning as needed. Care facilities and long-term care facilities have adopted measures to protect those receiving care, care providers, and family members.

Otter Tail County has available through the Cares

networks to work with others toward a common goal.

Growing up, I worked on farms and at an area telephone company to pay for college and law school.

My parents instilled in me the value of hard work performed to the best of one’s ability.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

Act, designated funds to assist small businesses and 501(c) (3) nonprofits through this economic adversity. This includes identified funds for restaurants, emergency response to COVID-19 including public health needs, education/ child care and small towns and townships. With these

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assistance measures and ongoing services, Otter Tail County will continue to remain resilient in this challenge and work with communities within the county to adapt and remain strong as we work together through this testing time.

2. What qualifies you to serve as an Otter Tail County commissioner?

My work experience, demonstrated leadership and work ethic qualify me to serve as a county commissioner. As a prosecutor in the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office for over 28 years, I had opportunities to work with most county departments and many department heads, gaining an understanding of the function of each area. My work with law enforcement reinforced their valued role in our community. My involvement in community organizations provided opportunities to give back to the community and serve in varied capacities. Boy Scout leader, youth basketball coach, chair of school booster groups, director of the Underwood Education Community Foundation or church council all offered

To ensure public involvement in the decision-making process, listening and desiring feedback from constituents are vital to performing the role of a county commissioner. A commissioner needs to know the interests of the constituents, be available and accessible to listen.

This may involve in-person meetings, phone conversations, email exchanges and attendance at community meetings where opinions are shared.

Also, explaining and conveying the work of the county board can take various forms. Sometimes, referral to the county website may provide the desired information. In other circumstances, a face-to-face meeting is necessary to fully respond to an issue.

In some situations, phone conversations or email communications can effectively convey information and respond to questions.

The desired means of communication may vary dependent on the age group and comfort level with digital communications.

In any event, the commissioner needs to adapt and maintain open communications with constituents.

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

If new resources were available, county infrastructure could benefit in several areas. Firstly, the long-range transportation plan, addressing the planning, development and preservation of our road systems, could accelerate road and bridge improvement and further the functional integrity of our roadways. This is significant to all, but particularly to agricultural producers who transport heavy equipment throughout the growing season, but at more intensified rates during the harvest season.

Secondly, infrastructure surrounding the expansion of broadband is also an area where additional resources are needed. Currently, provider companies have buildout schedules to 2022.

However, there still remains significant areas throughout the county with no plans for buildout because of the costs involved in less populated regions. Additional resources together with federal and state grants could assist in expanding the areas serviced by broadband. This need for expansion is further heightened by the current demand for remote working and distance learning.

5. What element of the county’s government is most effective, and why?

The element of county government most effective centers around the county’s partnering and collaborating with other government entities, municipalities and town-

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 17

ships. When the county can work with other governmental bodies to achieve a common goal, this coordination of effort and resources serves

to benefit all and results in cost savings. One area where this is evident is continued economic development with cities located in the county. Work-

ing together, both cities and the county can benefit with expanded economic growth. Fostering coordination between public and private resources can

serve to promote business development and expand housing opportunities.

The Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority is an example

Christine Tungseth Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 3 Age: 64 Address: 19007 270th Street, Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Sergeant at Otter Tail County Jail Family: Darrel Tungseth and I were married 38 years until he died of cancer in 2017. Darrel served on the Fergus Falls school board for nine years until his death. Our children are son, Todd (Jessica) and three children living on the family farm; son, Tim (Molly) in Minnesota; and daughter Laura in Utah.

Hobbies: Reading, gardening, target shooting on family farm gun ranges, and spending quality time with friends and family.

1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing Otter Tail County today?

I believe the major issue facing OTC is the need to prioritize county expenditures in order to cover necessary infrastructure for OTC residents without increasing the tax burden on our constituents, many who have been critically impacted by the economic downturn during the pandemic. We must be fiscally

responsible, support our local businesses, and cut nonessential county costs as people get back on their feet.

2. What qualifies you to serve as an Otter Tail County commissioner?

I have a B. S. degree in business and public administration from the University of North Dakota. Having worked in the OTC system many years, I believe many county services could be improved if streamlined for efficiency. I am currently a sergeant with the OTC Jail where I have been employed for 33 years. I serve on the Otter Tail County Insurance/Benefits Committee and the OTC Wellness Committee and previously served on the Labor Management Committee.

I am also the Law Enforcement Labor Services union steward for the supervisor’s group. In addition to this experience, my husband Darrel and I managed a successful farming business for 38 years, 22 years in dairy farming and the remaining years in beef and grain farming. These life

experiences have provided me a solid background to represent my OTC friends and neighbors and to work to preserve our rural values for future generations.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

It is OTC government’s responsibility to serve the people of OTC. If elected I will maintain my website so that residents can easily contact me and arrange for coffee and a visit. I will be happy to do so as talking with county residents and listening to their concerns, will be the best part of the job! I have worked full time for over 33 years, presently work 12-hour night shifts, and am used to putting in long hours. Prior to that, I worked rotating eight-hour shifts, in addition to raising a family and milking cows in the summer when my husband was in the field. I

understand hard work, long hours and that sometimes very difficult and unpleasant situations occur, and you must move forward when faced with challenges and find solutions that are the most reasonable. If elected OTC commissioner/ District 3, I will serve as a full-time commissioner in a half-time position. I intend to be in touch, available and will listen to you!

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

Over the years working at the OTC Jail I have observed that people are entering with increasingly higher levels of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as significantly critical mental health issues. I have also noted that when I started working in the facility, most arrestees were employed. Now, over 30

where Otter Tail County joins with four other counties to facilitate regional solid waste management.

This facility handles over 60,000 tons of waste per

year, benefiting all counties and protecting air quality. In addition, this facility produces steam energy for area businesses.

years later few have jobs. I see human pain every day, not only for arrestees, but for their families, all members of our community who come from all walks of life. I would advocate to allocate additional resources toward ending the revolving door of recidivism in Otter Tail County.

For example, in the case of a violent, mentally ill individual, I would seek more immediate medical/ psychiatric treatment to sta-

bilize them in our facility prior to court.

5. What element of the county’s government is most effective, and why?

I believe the most effective element of the county’s government is its dedicated employees who exhibit a love for OTC, and who go the extra mile to effect positive change for their friends and neighbors who live and work here.

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Angie Brown Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 5 Age: 35 Address: Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Accounting.

Family: Husband and four kids.

Hobbies: Gardening.

1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing Otter Tail County today?

The biggest issue I see in Otter Tail County today is the lack of businesses and economic growth. When you bring in more business-

es, you create more jobs.

With more jobs, you will gain more people which will then in turn make our community more attractive to bigger retailers, like Target.

I hear from so many people who are unhappy about the lack of shopping options in our area. The only way to fix and bring in, or bring back, bigger retailers is to increase the population, which will happen with bringing in new businesses that employ a

ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

larger number of people.

2. What qualifies you to serve as an Otter Tail County commissioner?

With my bachelor’s degree in accounting and having experience in government accounting, I

could use my skills to help cut wasteful spending and lower our property taxes. I also feel the people’s opinions matter and I would be happy to voice that opinion at the county meetings.

3. If elected, how will you

Lee Rogness Candidate: Otter Tail County Commissioner District 5 Age: 72 Address: 312 Anna Court, Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Business farm production, agriculture equipment, other Agro business, partner in a farm operation.

Family: Wife and three adult daughters.

Hobbies: Relaxation at the lake, pheasant hunter and golfer when having spare time.

1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing Otter Tail County today?

A reality that we need to address is our economic challenges, competitiveness and impact. Economics has many dynamics to it, one would include growing available workers for the businesses in our county, it would involve providing housing for those workers, we need to grow our school base, we need to grow our tax base for property taxes. The more people that have property the burden for property taxes become less for all of us. That whole growth can be summed up

First, if elected, I would insist that the public be allowed to once again speak at the commissioner’s meetings. Second, I would make sure the people are able to stay informed. Currently, the county is taking down the YouTube videos of the commissioner’s meetings. I would make sure these videos are left up so those that are unable to watch or attend are still able to know what is going on in the county. I would also be available to the people of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County via phone, email and social media.

4. If new resources were available, what one area of 2. What qualifies you to serve as an Otter Tail County commissioner?

in new trades coming to our community. Developing additional workers in the trades and in all fields, education, medical and the list goes on in ways that we can grow our community employment base, if we have the works. In order to have the workers, we need to have the housing. There is a demand for it in vari-

ous parts of our county and we see the importance, that is why the initiative of the big build was introduced recently by the community development agency of the county. The big build gives tax relief for businesses in our county and it helps grow our tax base for the future by bringing new wealth to our county.

My qualifications come out of my experience, my experience in agriculture, my experience in business and my experience in working with nonprofits. I am on a number of boards and committees throughout the county. When first being elected, I knew it was going to be a learning curve, but I’ve gone through the initiation period of time and with varying experiences along the way, I feel I am qualified.

I also qualified because the community says I am qualified. I have had a number of concerned citizens in our community that know that we have three vacancies up for election and knew that two were not going to rerun.

With one board member having multiple terms and the other having only one,

county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

Roads!

5. What element of the county’s government is most effective, and why?

Currently, I feel the element of our county’s government that is most effective is our public health department.

However you feel about COVID-19, whether you’re pro-mask or anti-mask, there is no denying that public health was the department that was affected the most by COVID-19. I feel that our public health department has done a really good job at quickly adjusting to the situation, and are doing a good job at keeping us informed within our county. that makes my presence necessary to the citizens to the community, the position that these citizens stated.

Otherwise, I have good decision-making skills, I understand budgets, I understand taxation and I understand operating the county under the state of Minnesota.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

We make the decisions for the state of Minnesota on behalf of the citizens of Otter Tail County. How we deliver those services and how we care for the public is one of the many ways for community involvement. We have a formal and informal way of doing it. The formal way is stated by the state of Minnesota through public hearings, opportunity for written comment and to speak to

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 19

them. The informal way is by contacting me. My cellphone number is published, my email address is published and those that know me will talk to me in the public venue I find myself in. When I cross paths with citizens, they have an opportunity to talk to me and that is how they can get my ear.

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

We could use finances in many different areas including public health, human services, facilities, roads, ditches, so there is

no one particular area that isn’t suffering from the lack of state funding. One particular area is the highway department. They are lacking a lot of money because we depend heavily on the state of Minnesota to forward funds to the county for road maintenance.

Our roads are built and

repaired jointly with the state of Minnesota-backed funding. Our highway department plan is showing that we are short anywhere from $7-$10 million a year from the state of Minnesota on repairs and work on our roads, and that is a significant amount that is compounded each year.

Brittney Johnson Candidate: Minnesota Representative District 8A Age: 27 Address: Underwood.

Livelihood: Manufacturing and farming.

Family: Mumford the golden retriever, Bubba the Texel ram.

Hobbies: Scything hay, pickling carrots (seriously, they are delicious), spinning wool, cooking and eating, running.

1. What qualifies you for the representative seat?

As a state representative, I would bring an incredibly important perspective on agriculture down to the capital. I studied plant science at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities and graduated with minors in applied economics and international agriculture. My academic background focused on how we can efficiently and profitably grow more food, and how Minnesotan agriculture fits into our world food system. After graduating, I started working as an irrigation technician at the East Otter Tail Soil & Wa-

ter Conservation District. I worked with farmers to understand how to best protect our drinking water from nitrate contamination, while also protecting crop yields from drought. Most recently I have made the move to food manufacturing as an operator in a corn mill. I have a good understanding of how value-added agricultural products contribute to our region’s economy and provide safe ingredients for American food companies.

Lastly, I am a first-generation farmer. I understand the ups and downs of rural life and the work ethic needed to be successful here.

Because I have experience in local government, private business, and on my own farm, I have a good understanding of which policies and programs work in agriculture and which ones do not. The state Legislature is in dire need of people with backgrounds in agriculture and I would be a strong advocate for the businesses and families here who rely

on it.

2. What do you feel is the biggest challenge Minnesota faces heading into the election?

The biggest issue our state faces is the increasing divisions we’ve seen in our communities across the state. These divisions are harmful, concerning and worsening.

I’ve spent a lot of time calling folks in our district and so many of them have expressed a serious concern about the direction in which our country is headed. They are right to be concerned. I am too. We have neighbors fighting with each other and Americans fighting in the streets. What is worse is that we have politicians who are exacerbating these divisions for their own personal gain. To ad-

dress these issues, we need better leadership at all levels of government, who understand the importance of listening, finding solutions, and representing all members of their communities.

I’d also encourage anybody who is willing: take a break from social media. I did after my election in 2018 and I am so happy I did. We are seeing extremely different versions of the same events and it is tearing us apart.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

My first campaign in 2018 was centered around knocking on thousands of doors in our district. This year we had the same focus, but we substituted knocking doors with calling thousands of people.

Reaching out to constituents

5. What element of the county’s government is most effective, and why?

trator, Nick Leonard, and all the way down through the ranks of our various departments. They all do an excellent job of providing services. There are limitations that they can do but they are the key operational component of our county and they do an outstanding job.

is the best, most important way to ensure a full understanding of the challenges faced by our community.

There are many issues that people here care about, but not everyone has the time or energy to consistently lobby their legislator. I guarantee that I will host an annual listening session in each of our communities: Dalton, Underwood, Erhard, Elizabeth, Vergas, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Perham, Dent and Battle Lake. I will also make myself available to any of our township officials for town board meetings. Finally, the concerns and input of the people living here are my top priority. Your priorities are my priorities.

fail to address Minnesota’s most pressing issues. We all have to find compromise in our own lives and we need to do the same thing at the Legislature.

I think that our county’s effectiveness comes from the administration and the employees that we have to provide the services for the county. Starting with our administrator, Nicole Hanson, our deputy adminis-

4. The state legislature involves working across party lines to get things accomplished. How will you work with those across the aisle?

My top priorities are fixing our health care system, supporting the middle class, and investing in Minnesota’s infrastructure. I have policies that would do that, but I want collaborative solutions that fix problems. I will listen to the needs of the citizens here and make decisions with the guidance of experts. If something isn’t working, let’s fix it and try again. Too often we get bogged down in our corner or with our party and we

5. Rep. Bud Nornes has represented this area for over 20 years. If you were to win the seat, how will you as a young representative ensure that this area’s voice is heard?

Rep. Nornes has retired.

Young people everywhere are stepping up to serve and I am proud to be one of them. I have all the idyllic gumption you can expect from a 27-year-old, along with some serious life experience you might not. That life experience has cemented my dedication to supporting middle class families and lifting children out of poverty. There aren’t enough roadblocks in the world to stop me from doing that.

This is my community, my place, and my home. I love it with all of my being and I always will. We deserve a representative who will never lose sight of the people who live here. We deserve someone who knows what it is like to work hard, succeed, and turn around and help the people who come after them. Our way of life depends on it. And that is what I will do as your next state legislator.

PAGE 20 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Jordan Rasmusson Candidate: Minnesota Representative District 8A Age: 27 Address: P.O. Box 383, Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Business consultant.

Family: Wife: Emma Rasmusson (DeMartelaere); parents: Donavan and Renae Rasmusson; sister: Brianna Rasmusson.

Hobbies: Reading, running, exploring the outdoors.

me work in the Legislature to balance our state budget and jump-start Minnesota’s economic recovery.

I’m endorsed by Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the NRA, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers.

of my family to live in Otter Tail County, I understand Otter Tail County values and will fight for them at the Minnesota State Capitol. My experience as a business leader will help

Minnesota families and businesses have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown of our state economy. I will work to help bring jobs, paychecks, and

2. What do you feel is the biggest challenge Minne1. What qualifies you for sota faces heading into the representative seat?

As the sixth generation the election?

to serve, my first duty will always be to listen to the people of Otter Tail County and to serve the values we all share.

5. Rep. Bud Nornes has represented this area for over 20 years. If you were to win the seat, how will you as a young representative ensure that this Minnesotans need more area’s voice is heard?

4. The Minnesota Legislature involves working across party lines to get things accomplished. How will you work with those across the aisle?

our economy roaring back. I will work to protect taxpayers from Democrat tax hikes that would slow our recovery and punish families and businesses who have already sacrificed so much during the pandemic. Now is the time to do a full review of the state budget to identify wasteful and ineffective programs to close the state budget deficit.

3. If elected, how will you ensure the public is involved in the decision-making process?

The first thing we need to do is strip Gov. (Tim) Walz of his “emergency” powers because at the moment neither the public nor the Legislature is involved in the decision-making process surrounding COVID. The Legislature, and in particular the House of Representatives, is there to be the “voice of the people.” Unfortunately, too few legislators listen to the people and too many listen to bureaucrats, lobbyists, and their caucus leaders. If I am elected

Bill Ingebrigtsen Candidate: Minnesota Senator District 8 Age: 68 Address: Rural Ida Township, Alexandria.

Livelihood: Retired sheriff of Douglas County and currently serving in the Minnesota Senate serving Otter Tail and Douglas counties.

Family: Wife Marilyn.

Married for 49 years with

two adult children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All living in Minnesota.

Hobbies: The great Minnesota outdoors. Fishing, hunting, hiking with family.

And serving on the Senate Capital Investment Committee, I am able to tour all state properties such as

al rights, I may be unable to work with peers with policy positions that do not reflect our Otter Tail County values.

problem solvers in our Legislature to improve the lawmaking process. In my professional life, I am hired by businesses and organizations to solve complicated problems in a fact-based manner. I believe my background and leadership approach will help improve the Legislature’s productivity. On many issues, there is more agreement than you would think, and bipartisanship only requires treating your colleagues from the other party with respect. On certain issues that deal with core values, such as the right to life, defunding the police, and defending constitution-

I am proud to have been endorsed by Rep. Bud Nornes, who has done an excellent job representing our district for the past 24 years.

Bud’s success in the Legislature depended upon his temperament, his common sense, and his adherence to the values we all share. Influence stems from the respect of your colleagues, and the best way to gain that respect is to do the work as well as possible. I know how to work well with others, as well as when to speak up and when to listen. And I know that in the end, it is the people of Otter Tail County whose voice must be heard, not my own.

senator?

funding of police supported by the years of failed DFL policies, has created high crime rates in our state. Not supporting police is very misguided and dangerous. I will always support our police and stand against the progressive liberals, who fail to condemn the violence and anarchy that has gone on less than 120 miles from our district.

The other huge challenge will be the huge deficit that COVID-19 has caused. I will approach this as we did in 2011 by cutting state agencies, hiring and wage freezes, and

The most important aspect of my job as a senator is building positive relationships. Working in the majority and minority has given me the ability to accomplish meaningful legislation for our district and state. Positive contacts during my career as a sheriff and now a state senator has resulted in very positive success.

state parks, trails and universities.

1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of being a state

2. What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Minnesota going into the election?

Public safety followed by the economy. The de-

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 21

reducing non-mandated spending. Much like a business would have to do.

3. With the pandemic forcing schools to alter their learning plans, how important do you believe rural broadband is and how will you continue to make sure students outside the city have online access?

Rural access to broadband is critical for schools and overall business. I have supported and co-authored bills to fund rural access and will continue to do so until our whole state is complete.

Similar such funding that I supported was the statewide E-911 funding that allowed statewide communications for law enforcement, fire and other emergency services.

4. If elected, you will be representing outstate Minnesota. How will you make sure our area’s voice is heard in the Legislature?

I am currently the chair of the Environment/Natural Resources Finance Committee and co-chair of the Senate overall Finance Committee. Earning these positions comes from hard work and

respect of my peers. I am able to bring rural and suburban members to the table and work for all Minnesota and first and foremost in my case, funding for roads, bridges and education fairness in rural Minnesota.

5. There appears to be a lot of division between parties and their supporters. If elected, how will you

Michele Anderson Candidate: Minnesota Senator District 8 Age: 38 Address: Fergus Falls.

Livelihood: Rural program director at Springboard for the Arts.

Family: Spencer (spouse) and Ashton (1.5 year old).

Hobbies: Writing, playing piano, exploring our lakes and trails.

1. What do you believe is the most important aspect of being a state senator?

The most important aspect of being a state senator is being a strong advocate for the people in your region. I’ve learned through my nonprofit leadership that successful advocacy requires several characteristics: 1. Listening and being responsive to the people you serve; 2. Building trust by being approachable and accountable; 3. Checking your assumptions and biases, by talking with people and looking at the data; 4.

Communicating effective-

The number one issue is ensuring a just economic recovery from the COVID crisis. Of course, this encompasses many things that are intertwined - equitable access to education, child care, housing, business support, and health care to name a few. As we address the state budget deficit and the effects of the pandemic, we need leaders who are ready to get past partisan divides, and develop a vision and strategy for the state’s recovery. We will need to work together to find ways to maintain critical services that keep families from falling more behind, while identifying long-term investments that will jump-start our econo-

Again, having served in the majority and in the past minority, I will cross the political divide to accomplish meaningful rural legislation. This is evident by my endorsements: Minnesota Farm Bureau, FNIB Small Business Associa-

tion, Minnesota Chamber, Care Providers of Minnesota, pro-life (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life), Minnesota Gun Owners Association, and Minnesota Police Officers Association. Both parties have similar views, however, I will fight against major liberal progressive initiatives that are damaging to our state.

a barrier in rural places, such as permit fees, and help foster collaborations in rural areas to streamline installation processes.

from what we have in common, rather than what separates us, is the key to being heard in these settings.

record of successful rural advocacy. Through my leadership at Springboard for the Arts, I’ve made sure that hundreds of thousands of dollars in state, federal and philanthropic funding makes it to rural Minnesota. I have also had my writing about rural community and economic development published widely, often getting new people’s attention on rural issues that didn’t care about us before. Additionally, I strongly believe that urban/rural reciprocity is key to being an effective legislator. I have navigated many challenging urban/ rural divides over the last 10 years. During that time, I’ve learned that when you’re advocating for greater Minnesota’s needs, it’s important to help people understand how interconnected the future of urban and rural really is. Starting

Unfortunately we’re living in a time when divisions seem more daunting than ever. However, I think this is why we need more fresh perspectives in the Capitol at this time, and fewer career politicians. As a mom, there are so many issues that feel too urgent to waste anymore time on — I want to get things done, not play political games. I know that listening to different voices is not just the “right” thing to do or a symbolic gesture, it’s critical to understanding the issues deeply and forging a path toward real solutions. I’ll do this by making sure I make it easy to share your concerns with me and be heard, whether through meetings, events, phone calls, or emails. With my central location in Fergus Falls, it will never be hard to have me attend an event or meeting you’d like me to be part of.

5. There appears to be a lot of division between parties 4. If elected, you will be and their supporters. If representing outstate elected, how will you Minnesota. How will you make sure our area’s voice include those with different is heard in the Legislature? views than yours in the I have a proven track discussion?

ly; and 5. Knowing how to prioritize when faced with multiple and interrelated challenges.

2. What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Minnesota going into the election?

include those with different views than yours in the discussion?

my again. It won’t be easy - it will likely be the biggest challenge we’ve faced as a state. But I hope that we can look back at this time and say it was a time when Minnesotans came together, and left a legacy for the next generation.

3. With the pandemic forcing schools to alter their learning plans, how important do you believe rural broadband is and how will you continue to make sure students outside the city have online access?

Rural broadband is a top priority for me. We cannot leave rural businesses and students behind, and access to broadband will

also help us attract new businesses and residents.

In fact, I think that if Minnesota invests in broadband more quickly than other states, it could be the ticket to rural revitalization that we so desperately need. The Legislature has passed significant funding to bridge the digital divide which is already making a difference, but we still have a long way to go, and I think we need to move up statewide goals for border-to-border broadband, now that the pandemic has forced so many more activities online that may remain that way even after the pandemic is over. We also need to look at how we can address some of the expenses that make fiber installation

PAGE 22 | VOTERS GUIDE 2020

Views from the Otter Tail

VOTERS GUIDE 2020 | PAGE 23

County Community Debates

Lake Country

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