Voter's Guide 2022

VOTER’S GUIDE

Be an informed voter in Nov. 8 election

Candidates running for office answer questions

By Al Edenloff aedenloff@echopress.com

Big decisions await voters in Douglas County.

In addition to the statewide races for governor, secretary of state, attorney general and a U.S. representative race in the 7th District, Douglas County voters will select office holders for school boards, city councils, Douglas County Board, Min nesota Senate and Minne sota House.

In an effort to help voters make a more informed decision, the Echo Press sent questionnaires to 21 candidates in key contested races and their responses are included in this Voter’s Guide.

To bring local voters up to speed, here’s a recap of those 21 candidates:

Alexandria School Board, Position 2 –Vern Engstrom vs. Alan Zeithamer.

Alexandria School Board, Position 3 – Lynne Lommen vs. Shawn Reilly.

Alexandria School Board, Posi tion 4 – Laura Knudsen vs. Sandy Susag.

Douglas County Board, District 2 – Tim Kalina vs. Jim Stratton. Douglas County Board, District 5 – Heather Larson vs. Shane Schmidt.

Alexandria City Council, Ward 4 – Nicole Mace vs. Ronald Sik.

Minnesota Senate District 12 – Torrey Westrom vs. Kari Dorry vs. Ashley Klingbeil.

Minnesota Senate District 9 – Jordan Rasmusson vs. Cornel Walker.

Minnesota House District 12B – Mary Franson vs. Jeremy Vinar.

Minnesota House District 9B –Tom Murphy vs. Jason Satter.

In addition to those races, vot ers throughout Douglas County will have other decisions to make at the city, school and township level.

The filing period for cities, school boards and townships that do not have primary elec tions opened Aug. 2 and closed on Aug. 16. It resulted in 13 con tested races:

City of Brandon – three can

didates filed for two council positions, Jesse Beaumia, Jordyn Bossert and Kevin Wade Challes.

City of Carlos – three can didates are running for mayor. They are Todd Burgess, Kelly Kees and Lyle Yochim. Also three people are running for two spots in a special council election.

Miriah Cassidy, Will Harvey, Zachery Lagred, Amanda Ogdahl, Ted Reichmann and Randall Sander. Also, two candidates filed for another position on the school board, Lisa Martin and Justin Zavadil.

West Central Area School Board – six candidates filed for three positions. They are Perse phone England, Anthony Green, Michelle Nessman, Jared Olson, Dale Rau, Sara Strunk.

Parkers Prairie School Board – five people filed for four positions. They are Christy Hart, Shawn Hoemberg, Steven Inwards, Judith Moeller and Brad Ost.

Depending on where you live, there may also be questions on your ballot. Voters in Carlos Town ship, for example, will decide wheth er to allow the Car los Township Board to charge property owners who violate state law for removing snow and ice left on or in the right-of-way of a township road if it’s deemed to be a maintenance or safety haz ard.

They are Ronna Berghoff, Diane Rounds and Ashley Wildman.

City of Evansville – Michael Hudson and Emmitt Messer are vying for a special election seat on the council.

City of Kensington – Brock Green, Jared Johnson and Joe Miles filed for two positions on the city council.

City of Miltona – Alan Better mann and Brian Carpenter both filed for mayor. Also, five can didates are vying for two council seats, Kevin Lee, Joseph Leesch, Mickey Lint, David Ward and Pam Ward.

City of Osakis – Three candi dates, Randy Anderson, Laura Backes and Stephanie Finnegan, filed for two city council seats that are up for election.

Osakis School Board – five candidates filed for three spots on the board. They are Fran Bre iter, Greg Faber, Corey Goodwin, Jeffrey Kalpin and Jonathan Ries.

Minnewaska School Board –six people filed for three posi tions on the board and include

As has been the case in past elections, some local positions will be decided by write-in votes because no one filed. This includes Forada city clerk/trea surer; Garfield mayor; Millerville mayor; and Brandon-Evansville School Board members at large, which drew two candidates, Jana Anderson and Stacy Beaumia, for three positions.

Candidates for several other local positions that are up for election are running unopposed on the ballot. This includes four incumbent elected officials for Douglas County – Auditor/Trea surer Vicki Doehling, Sheriff Troy Wolbersen, Attorney Chad Larson and Recorder Mary Skill ings.

Remember, changes were made in the boundaries of the jurisdictions because of redis tricting, which is done every 10 years to reflect changes in pop ulation. Some voters will be see ing names on their ballots that they’ve never seen before.

Who is on your ballot?

Here’s a quick way to find out who is on your ballot. Go to the Echo Press web site, www.echopress.com. Click on ELECTION 2022 at the top of the page. Or on your smartphone, click on the “hamburger” (the three short lines at the top left of the page) and then click on ELECTION 2022.

From there, you can type in your address to find out who will be on your ballot or browse through stories about the election and the candidates. You can also get answers to common ques tions such as, “What are the different ways I can vote?”

“Who is eligible to vote?”

“Can I register to vote on Election Day?” “Where do I vote?” “How do I report voter fraud?” “How can I check if I am already registered?”

“What should I bring to the polls?” or “Who do I ask if I have a question about vot ing?”

Our ELECTION 22 link also includes archived stories about candidates and the election.

The important thing: Get involved in the process and make informed decisions this election. It’s an import ant one. Listen to the wise words of Abraham Lincoln:

“Elections belong to the peo ple. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I’m a mom and a teacher from Orton ville where my husband, Chris, and I are raising our three teenage sons, Owen, Eliot and Archer. My Big Stone County roots span five genera tions. I am currently in my 21st year of teaching Early Childhood Spe cial Education. I’m also president of my teach ers’ union, active in my church, and generous ly volunteer throughout my community. Having the trust and respect of one’s community is the most important qual ification for anyone seeking elected office. I believe I’ve earned that respect by being a good listener, a bridge build er, and problem solv er with a reputation for getting things done.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

I’m not campaign ing around any spe cial interest, grievance, or divisive issue. There are many concerns and opportunities that require the full attention of your senator. Putting our people first, my pri orities start here:

To honorably and truthfully serve the peo

ple of my district as your senator.

To wisely advocate for the broad interests of my constituents includ ing funding for rural schools and childcare, support for rural hos pitals and clinics, and necessary investments in transportation and rural infrastructure.

To make sure those citizens most affected by rising costs have a safety net to weather the storm.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidates?

In our democracy vot ers deserve to have clear choices when choosing their elected leaders and they have a clear choice this year with me and two other candidates on the ballot. Once again, my campaign isn’t built on furthering division or stoking fear and dis trust. I’m a community builder. I believe we’re all capable of finding common ground, using our common sense, and actually focusing on what matters. I believe that good government thrives on fresh ideas and fresh approach es and that none of us should seek elected office as a long-term career move. I don’t intend to out-stay my welcome as your sen ator.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

Partisan wranglings can undermine any pro cess. Political differ

Torrey Westrom, R

ities next session?

Give the state surplus back to you – the tax payers! Pass significant tax relief for all Minne sotans, the elimination of the social security tax on our seniors – the gift that keeps on giving!

SENATE DISTRICT

ences divide families, churches, friendships, and workplaces. Over coming division starts with practicing tolerance and respect with a firm commitment to not let anyone inject so much political division into a process that it derails the desired outcome.

My commitment to my community has always focused on tolerance and respect knowing that we have much more in common than not. By focusing on what real ly matters we can come together with common purpose, forge lasting relationships, and build thriving communities. I face and succeed at this challenge everyday.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

The best way to address rising inflation is to support a diverse and vibrant local econo my while making certain that the people most harmed by rising pric es are protected from the worst consequences. There isn’t much that we can do as rural leg islators to impact global inflation but we can take steps to support local businesses, workers, and communities. State budget surpluses should in part flow back to every Minnesotan. Other resources should bene fit those most at risk, especially the poor and elderly. And by wisely investing in the future of our rural commu nities, we can weather economic swings.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

My name is Ash ley Klingbeil and I am a mother, real estate agent and patriot. I grew up in Senate District 12, spending the first por tion of my childhood in Swift County, moving to Alexandria as a teen. I am employed with Cen tury 21 as a licensed real estate agent and work primarily in the Central Minnesota marketplace.

I became more polit ically active prior to the 2020 Presidential election, working as a field organizer for the Minnesota GOP. Door knocking, participat ing in local events and handing out signs gave me many opportunities to talk with community members and hear their dissatisfaction with the direction our state is heading.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

If elected, my top leg islative priority would be eliminating state income taxes, it’s evi dent by the nearly $3 billion surplus last fis

Klingbeil,

cal year and over $100 million excess revenue for the first part of FY23 that Minnesotans are being overtaxed. This must end.

Parental rights is another very import ant issue facing con stituents. Long before the pandemic, there were activist groups and individuals working to erode our rights to choose what is best for our families in terms of medical procedures and education.

Finally, reducing the role of government in Minnesotan’s everyday life is a top priority for me. At every opportuni ty, I will work to elimi nate wasteful, unneces sary government posi tions and agencies. You can learn more about my legislative priorities by visiting my website www.klingbeilforsenate.

com

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate(s)?

District 12 has been a conservative stronghold for decades. It’s evi dent that constituents value fiscal responsibil ity, small government and our constitution al rights. For the past 10 years, we’ve had the same Republican sena tor, yet I hear contin uously how dissatisfied constituents are with the direction our state is heading. My DFL opponent is endorsed by several progressive activist groups including

Planned Parenthood and Education Minnesota, making it clear that she does not represent our district’s values.

On the campaign trail this summer, I have frequently heard that Minnesotans are ready for a change. I am an independent candidate, running to represent We the People. If you believe in term limits and freedom, I’m your candidate.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

My first legislative priority is eliminating income tax in Minne sota. This will have a significant impact on the budgets of fami lies across our state. In addition, I will work to eliminate government involvement in every day commerce, reducing expenses for business es operating and sell ing in Minnesota. This will foster a competi tive market that will ultimately reduce prices at the register. Finally, I will work with other legislators to improve the business climate, encouraging compa nies to base their head quarters in Minnesota, leading to job and wage growth.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qualifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I grew up on a dairy farm. I worked my way through college earn ing degrees from Bem idji State University and William Mitchell College of Law. My wife and I are blessed with three chil dren. We live in rural Alexandria, MN, where we also attend New Life Church.

With my experience in agriculture, and a small business owner, I am deeply rooted in rural traditional values-which I’ll fight for in St. Paul. In 1987 I lost my eye sight in a farm-related accident. I have worked hard to find a way to get things done with a “can-do” attitude.

As the first blind Min nesotan elected, I serve as the Senate Ag Committee Chair. I serve on three other committees. Sena tor Bill Ingebrigtsen and I serve as two of five sena tors on the Lottery Com mission, funding dozens of natural resource proj ects like the local ALASD project currently in front of our commission.

If elected, what would be your top three prior

Ensure election integ rity reforms – includ ing Voter ID and Pro visional Ballots, like 47 other states do. We have last-minute unregis tered voters – we need provisional ballots!

Prioritize funding one-time infrastructure, such as local and state roads and finish build ing out rural broadband.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate(s)?

There is a lot at stake on what direction our state and country go. The abusive use of emergency powers under Governor Walz, and now executive pow ers by President Biden. I will be the strongest conservative voice at the Capitol to stand up for our values and constitu tional rights!

Walz excluded so many voters and prop erty owners voices from being heard. This DFL style of government is dangerous. It’s led to high inflation, high crime and lawlessness.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

I was one of only two senators this past ses

sion that was able to pass my committees’ supplemental finance bill – agriculture and rural broadband fund ing. And when we got to the hard parts, I ordered pizza for everyone in the room to stay late into the evening and find com mon ground on multiple issues with the Agricul ture Commissioner and the House DFL chair man, rather than walk ing away. We hammered out our differences and passed the strongest rural broadband bill in our state’s history.

I have a style of talking to others with differ ing viewpoints, such as my DFL committee members. This helps me better understand their concerns and differing opinions.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

Give the surplus money back through tax cuts to Minnesota taxpayers, to deal with President Bidens’ inflation. Keep revitalizing our rural communities, by finish ing rural broadband.

Get “Line 3 built” to open up more domes tic energy sources to become energy inde pendent again and bring down gas/diesel pric es at the pump like we experienced under Pres ident Trump. Push for Congress to pass a bal anced budget amend ment so they start living within their means and quit running up so much national debt.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

My wife, Emma, and I live in Fergus Falls. Our families have lived in the area for 6 generations. We are active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard. I currently serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives and am honored to be the Republican endorsed candidate for Senate District 9. Outside of the Legislature, I work with businesses to analyze potential investments, create strategic plans, and improve operations. My clients have includ ed seed companies, dairy co-ops, and many other types of businesses.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

Minnesotans are over taxed, and I support returning the state bud get surplus to taxpay ers. I authored the bill to eliminate the state tax on social securi ty income (House File 3752) and also authored a bill that would reduce the income tax on all Minnesotans (House File 4777). My top priority is to deliver permanent tax relief to you.

We need government to live within its means and stop adding costly

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I’m a 37-year-old father of two and have lived in the lakes area for the last 14 years. I’ve spent much of my adult life working in service, but public service has always been my pas sion. I’ve volunteered my time for countless charitable organiza tions, such as The Relay for Life, Polar Plunge, and Habitat for Human ity. I’ve also worked on campaigns from may oral through presiden tial, holding positions such as PAC treasur er, campaign manager, and outreach officer.

Currently, I sit on the Alexandria Parks Board and the ATCC Diversity Committee.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

Affordable housing is desperately in need in this region of the state. I would work to increase supply and reduce hur dles to ownership for hard working families, as well as support mea sures to increase wages and benefits.

Education is an investment that pays dividends. I believe a well-funded system,

MN SENATE DISTRICT 9

Jordan Rasmusson, R Cornel Walker, DFL

regulations onto Minne sota businesses and con sumers. I was awarded the “Guardian of Small Business Award” by the NFIB and am endorsed by the Minnesota Cham ber of Commerce and the Minnesota Farm Bureau for working to reduce costly mandates that drive inflation.

Public safety is a key role of government, and I will continue to back law enforcement and first responders. I am honored to be endorsed by the Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Asso ciation for my work on public safety.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

I am a proven con servative leader who gets things done. In my two years in the Min nesota House, I have a record of getting results. I have authored and passed bipartisan bills to increase mental health care access, extend high-speed internet to unserved areas, and support rural econom ic development in our communities.

I also understand and live our communi ty values – my family has lived in this area for 6 generations. I have a proven track record of standing-up for poli cies and principles that reflect our community, such as fiscal responsi bility and respect for law enforcement.

I am endorsed by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Asso ciation, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce,

and the Minnesota Farm Bureau among other endorsements.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

The best thing we can do to improve the legis lative process is electing legislators who have a track record of breaking through the gridlock on behalf of our commu nities. As stated in both the Wheaton Gazette and the Pelican Rapids Press, “Even his politi cal opponents admit that Jordan Rasmusson had a successful first term in the Minnesota House… He was the chief spon sor of 40 bills during his first term, sev eral of which made it into law. This success means working with those across the political aisle.” In the Minnesota Senate, I will continue to listen to constituents and get things done on their behalf.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

Minnesota has some of the highest taxes in the nation. With our record surplus, I sup port returning the state budget surplus to tax payers in permanent tax relief. I authored the largest tax cut in Min nesota’s history, includ ing eliminating taxes on social security (House File 3752) and reduc ing income taxes for all Minnesotans (House File 4777). My top priority is tax relief.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I was born and raised in Texas. I worked on my family’s small ranch herding cattle, bail ing hay, and extracting honey. I was introduced to hard work and devel oped a strong work ethic.

I graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and attended St. Mary’s University School of Law. Following gradua tion from law school, I spent three years in the Army JAG Corp.

I am a 40-plus-year trial attorney trying approximately 200 jury trials. During my career, I became convinced that mediation was a better way to resolve cases and I, therefore, became a trained mediator. My reputation as an attor ney was built on the fact that my handshake was my bond. As a mediator, I listen to all parties and attempt to understand their points of view.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

My top priority is to reimagine the role of politics and influence in

our Legislature. It was suggested that, as a candidate, I contact lob byists for fundraising. If I won, that would cause me to place a higher priority on a particular cause or industry over voters. In my opin ion, the most import ant issue that should be dealt with is Pay to Play. Too often party designations limit how legislators view their constituents. I propose a different path – one that engages voters in my district to participate in the legislative side of democracy.

A second priority is following through on what is agreed upon. How our state handled a surplus is a concern. A working agreement on how to spend $4 billion of the surplus had been reached by the 2022 session deadline and the parties walked away from that agreement. As a result, federal monies designated for specific uses are not currently available for our use –money that would have reduced or supplement ed our state taxpayer contribution to public education, healthcare institutions, and infra structure.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

I believe I am unique ly qualified to work in the Senate. As a trained mediator and trial attor ney, the most important thing is to listen and hear what the other side

MN HOUSE DISTRICT 12B

Mary Franson, RJeremy Vinar, DFL

from child care through college, is essential to building tomorrow’s workforce and staying competitive. Nobody should go broke paying for daycare or tuition, and educators, support staff, and care providers deserve to be well com pensated.

Healthcare is a human right. 50% of Ameri cans carry medical debt and it’s the number one cause of filing bankrupt cy. Prescription drug costs are often double or more than that of other countries. People should be able to get whatever care they need, includ ing reproductive health care, at a price they can afford.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

People should vote for me because I’m focused on solutions to real problems, not manufac tured crises, conspira cy theories and finger pointing. I believe the concerns of everybody that lives here matter, not just those who agree with me. And while we may not agree on every issue, I’ll respect you enough to listen to what matters to you, and make an effort to find common ground.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

The largely two party system worsens polar ization, exacerbated by more partisan legis lators who view issues

as only having one of two answers. I reject this notion complete ly. Most recently, at the Douglas County Fair, I spoke with a number of self identified conser vatives and what I did first, was listen. In every instance, we found com mon ground, because I believe that a legisla tor’s job includes con tinuously learning from those who challenge their preconceptions. Gaining perspective is crucial to good leader ship

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

I believe in Minneso ta’s ability to innovate. Many amazing compa nies were started and/ or are headquartered here, like 3M, Target, General Mills and Mayo Clinic. I think the future of our state’s economy depends on making sure the largest players pay their fair share in taxes, and to provide growth incentives for small businesses to level the playing field.

Inflation has a lot to do with supply and demand. Right now, many industries are throttled by a lack of available workers. I believe we should look at examples like the pandemic CNA program the state invested in, resulting in an influx of people to fill the void in a high demand area, and consider how we can incentivize growth in other areas.

Find out more at www. jvfor12b.com.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

It has been an honor to represent the best for the past 12 years. As a former childcare provid er, I was the Republican Lead on the Early Child hood Finance and Policy Committee this past ses sion. I also served on the Preventive Health Policy Division and the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee to tackle some of the most important issues that face our community.

If elected, what would be your top three prior ities next session?

The three priorities can be brined down into I.C.E. – Inflation. Crime. Economy.

Minnesotans pay some of the highest taxes in the country. We need to make our state eco nomically friendly so that people can invest in their family or business instead of paying more taxes. We also need to address the rising cost

of living that is a result of the disastrous poli cies of the Biden/Walz agenda. When Minneso tans can’t afford to buy groceries or fill up their gas tanks, government has to enact permanent, meaningful tax relief.

Crime is rising across our state. We must hold criminals accountable and ensure judges and prosecutors enforce our laws. Next session I will reintroduce my bill, the BANE Act, which will stop non-profits, like the Minnesota Freedom Fund, from providing criminals with get out of jail free cards by paying their bail.

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

I have always stood up for our way of life. I will champion com mon sense approaches to the challenges facing our state. We need to put more money back in the hands of our families, not raise taxes on the middle class. We need to recruit and retain law enforcement officers and hold criminals account able, not defund the police. We need to make sure parents’ voices are heard when it comes to their children’s educa tion. I hope to continue being your voice in St. Paul to stand up for the values we hold dear.

is saying, build trust by always doing what you say you will do, and try to forge small compro mises which can lead to larger compromises. Bi-partisanship should be our goal.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

I have mediat ed numerous cases in which the parties did not want to compromise or agree to anything that the other side would suggest. I had to lis ten carefully not only to intellectual arguments but also to the emotional arguments of each side.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota and to address rising inflation?

Minnesota is enjoying a very low unemploy ment rate. Unfortunate ly, not all people in Min nesota have the same opportunities as their neighbors. We should invest in the people of Minnesota through edu cation, training for jobs, and extensive support for technical schools. We must support the fami ly farmer by increasing the estate tax exemp tion and having legis lators come to our area and listen to the needs of our rural communi ties instead of dictating what we are to do with out asking the people who are impacted by the legislation.

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

In recent years, I worked with Democrats to pass legislation that established Minnesota’s industrial hemp pro gram. Last session, we worked together to for give PPP loans and stop a massive multiyear tax hike for businesses by replenishing and repay ing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. We also managed to pass the sales tax exemption for the Alexandria area businesses that had been affected by the 2020 fire. Remember, most of our bills are passed with bipartisan support but the media isn’t interest ed in reporting on that detail.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

Minnesotans need permanent, meaningful tax relief to put more money back in their pockets so they can invest in their families and businesses. I will push for tax relief so all Minnesotans can thrive amidst the rising cost of living brought on by the failed policies of the Biden/Walz agenda.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

Education: MSUM B.S Physical Education

I’ve been a leader at every step in my life and I have used these tools as a squad leader in the Army, captain of the MSUM Dragon football team, a volunteer coach for Pelican Rapids youth athletics, volunteer for MDHA and the Franklin Lake Association pres ident for the last four years.

I believe in never asking someone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself. I’ve lived and worked in Minnesota Senate Dis trict 9 almost my entire life. This has instilled in me a strong work ethic. I’ve shoveled manure, baled hay, fished, hunt ed, served honorably in the Army, delivered mail, planted corn and beans, helped build roads, cut trees with my dad and painted more red barns than I care to count.

If elected, what would be your top three priori ties next session?

Tax cuts: I will fully support a tax cut for all working families and eliminate the Social

Security tax. The current rural House Representa tives did not support the Tax Reduction Bill that would have lowered your income taxes, eliminat ed Social Security taxes and increased child tax credits.

Transportation: Infra structure and other projects in rural Minne sota are vital to keeping our communities vibrant and functional with money from the state. I have talked with many community members and businesses that were counting on LGA receiv ing money to support their projects and every current MN rural house member walked away from the table. This will be a huge setback for rural communities all across the state.

Education: The current area House Representa tives voted against the Education Bill that would have been a huge boost to hiring more teach ers, counselors, substi tute teachers and much needed funding for our rural schools. Rural Minnesota schools have been underfunded for 20 years and the end result is higher local taxes in special levies and bonds. Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

For the last 20 years our rural representation has not done much to improve the daily life of rural Minnesotans. The sad reality is that we have higher local taxes, shrinking communities, rough roads and city streets and fewer jobs.

MN HOUSE DISTRICT 9B

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

I’ve worked in jobs all my life where a compro mise is needed every day to accomplish a goal or make a sale and this idea has been lost on the current representatives. This last session they did not support the agri culture bill, a tax cut bill, a price gouging bill, and most importantly, the House didn’t support the education bill. Who are our current representa tives actually working for? They sure did not stand up and vote for working families, those on Social Security, farm ers, students or teachers.

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

Minnesota has recov ered from stifling defi cits just a few years ago and was looking at a $2 billion deficit as recent ly as 2018. Surpluses for a state, company or any entity are a positive for everyone involved and should be used to improve the quality of life for all citizens. We’ve weath ered the storms and with the newly obtained fed eral tax dollars, we’re in a great position to strengthen our pub lic schools and give our teachers a boost in pay. I want all front-line work ers to receive compensa tion from the surplus for their hard work during the pandemic.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I grew up on a dairy farm in Scott County Mn in a family of 10. I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Manka to State University and spent eight years as a sales representative for an agriculture products company in southwest Minnesota. In 1992, my wife, Betty, and I moved to Otter Tail County to start a dairy supply sales business. I have worked 38 years in agri culture and 30 years as a small business owner. Currently, we own and operate MinStart Ag Products, focused on bringing new technol ogies and products to area retailers and grow ers. I am a township supervisor for Maine Township and sit on the Board of Directors for Park Region Tele phone Company. We are active members in St. James Catholic Church in Maine. Betty and I have lived at our same

Tom Murphy, R

rural residence in Maine Township since moving to the area and enjoy all the amenities that this area has to offer. We have five grown children and have been happily married for 33 years!

If elected, what would be your top three priori ties next session?

Reduce and eliminate taxes!

Diminish the size and scope of government!

Fight for agriculture and small businesses!

Why should people in your district vote for you instead of the other candidate?

I want to bring con serevative values to St. Paul. I am extreme ly concerned about our children being left to deal with the conse quences of high taxes and runaway govern ment spending. I want to be a voice of account ability and a voice that stops overreaching gov ernment policies in their tracks. Elected Minne sota Democrats and Gov. Walz have walked hand in hand with President Biden to attack our small businesses, separate us from our churches, vio late our medical free doms, increase crime in our communities, and create an economy with higher prices for goods and services. Democrats have had control of our Legislature and their

policies have failed MIn nesota. We need to bring back conservative values to the Minnesota House of Representatives!

Legislative sessions sometimes get bogged down in partisan pol itics. Give examples of how you’ve worked with others who do not share your viewpoints.

My 38 years working in agriculture, 30 years as a small business owner and 33 years of mar riage have taught me a few things about work ing through shared and unshared viewpoints. I believe success in busi ness and marriage is achieved through effec tive communication. I will learn what interests drive other viewpoints. Sometimes what others truly want is hidden and some differences can be met and still meet our goals. I will always treat others with respect!

What will you do to support a vibrant econ omy across Minnesota, and to address rising inflation?

Fight for energy inde pendence!

Fight for small busi nesses! Small businesses are the core of our econ omy and create prosper ity that builds thriving communities.

Protect Minnesota Agriculture from huge increases in costs that weaken producers and drive up food costs.

Jason Satter, DFL

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

Lynne Lommen has had many different opportunities to lead and create change, both in a professional sense and a personal sense. From creating, launching and running very success ful businesses such as “Blind Factory Florida Keys” (1987 sold 1998), “ Blind Factory Minneso ta” (1994 sold 2005) and still running, “Drapes on the Lakes” (founded in 2012) to teaching 5th grade church “Release Time Program” to grad uating from Moorhead State College (after graduating from Jeffer son Senior High School), Lynne is a well-round ed Patriot, Christian and founder and president of Non-Profit Women’s Organization.

What are two of the biggest issues facing the school board?

I believe that one of the biggest issues cur rently facing our School Board is safety, which encompasses improved measures that need

ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL BOARD, POSITION 3

to be put in place to protect from outside threats. Another issue is accountability for vio lent behavior and bul lying, expanding mental health staff and assuring youth at risk get the help they need and safety from gender confusion ideologies. Another big issue is academics. Why did our high school state ranking drop from 28 in 2014 to 180 current ly? The board needs to work on restoring the community and parental confidence. Transparen cy builds trust.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board and administration?

The best way to address differences of opinion in any situa tion is open and hon est conversation! Dif ferences of opinion is a good thing. It is there where new ideas arise. I believe a good commit tee is made up of peo ple who will speak their mind and not go the way the wind is blowing. We need respect and humor present as well and tak ing things personally is unproductive. We do need to bridge the divide that seems present so we can do a better job educating our children.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

I am so impressed with all our school facil ities and the magni tude of what is offered.

I know we have some of the best educators in our schools. The many generous citizens of our city who gave so much time and money with a vision of this high school speaks volumes of this community. I am, however, very concerned by the literacy statis tics. Fifty-percent of our students are meeting state requirements. The disparity in learning is a concern. And I would like to know how we are helping homeless stu dents get the education they deserve.

How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you had to work with some one who was difficult to get along with.

I am a communicator. I want to bring out the best in people. I focus on the task. I respect other people’s opinions and encourage them to articulate them. I would define a difficult per son as someone who doesn’t want to listen to others and wants to be right more than they care about accomplish ing a task. I think that personality type is in the minority. I know how to communicate with that personality type without alienating them! Humor. Because I appreciate all personality types, rela tionships come easy.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I grew up and attended public schools in Hop kins before graduating from St. John’s Univer sity and the University of Minnesota with a degree in Secondary English and Spanish Education. While teaching, I earned my Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas. My 12 years of teaching at Anoka and Brooklyn Center High Schools were the most challenging and rewarding work I have ever done. During my teaching years, I earned a real estate license. As my real estate work expand ed, I made the decision to leave teaching, not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I came to enjoy the flexible schedule that real estate offered. I have worked in real estate in Alexandria since 2004, initially with IBR Realty and currently with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate. Our three children have had excellent edu cational experiences and opportunities here. Two have graduated and the youngest is a junior at AAHS this fall.

What are two of the biggest issues facing the school board?

A school board must deal with many import ant issues each year. Two that stand out to me are retaining our excel lent teachers, staff and administrators, and filling open positions in each of those areas. Many orga nizations, businesses, and schools are struggling with human resource concerns. Second, the board needs to continue its focus on the mental, physical, and academic health and safety of all District 206 students.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board and administration?

Respect. Start with respect when there are differences of opinion. We should invite con structive criticism when it is respectful. All board members and commu nity members should have a chance to speak as long as we set reason able boundaries. Have integrity and work for the common good. Be dedicated to putting in the time to get the work done. This process aligns with the three pillars of my campaign: Respect. Integrity. Dedication.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

The primary role of any school board mem ber is to work on pol icy decisions that help

ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL BOARD, POSITION 2

guide the operations of the district. Responsi bilities include study ing budgets, listening to concerns of staff, parents and students, evaluating the superintendent, and attending regular board and committee meetings as assigned. The specific academic programs and offerings of District 206 are developed by expe rienced administrators, teachers and advisory committees. My chil dren have benefited from what I consider to be an excellent offering of pro grams and classes. I hope we can continue to offer such a wide variety of choices for our students.

How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you had to work with some one who was difficult to get along with.

Each year as a real estate agent, I have challenging transactions. For exam ple, new home construc tion projects are complex. The new owners have to decide on many items in a timely manner. Stress is a normal byproduct of these deals. Emotions often get in the way of rational decision-mak ing. Often I have to nego tiate issues that arise between the buyer and the general contractor.

Open and timely com munication between all parties is my best tool to make sure this pro cess remains positive and productive. Solid com munication and negotia tion skills are two things I will bring to the District 206 Board when elected.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I am a lifelong resi dent of Alexandria. After graduating from Alexan dria, I earned a degree in Agriculture from NDSU. I have served on the Alex andria School board as well as regional school boards for many years. My experiences allow me to bring many new ideas to the board which have resulted in new opportu nities for students.

Some recent examples of my ideas benefiting students are the addi tion of the greenhouse to AAHS, the planting of the Kernza plot, E-Sports, students helping build Habitat for Humanity houses, and new learning opportunities for stu dents with special needs. What are two of the biggest issues facing the school board?

The biggest challenges are the false, mislead ing and salacious rumors individuals and groups are circulating about our schools, students, and staff. These rumors have the potential for doing great harm to this district and public education in general. All the negative noise is demoralizing to the students and staff as they feel discouraged and unappreciated for all the hard work they are doing. It could become increas ingly difficult to retain and recruit staff members. Not being able to recruit staff would result in larger class sizes and the reduc tion of programs.

Academic performance and student safety can ALWAYS be improved. The improvement will be very slow and difficult in an environment filled with distrust and misin formation.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board and administration?

Our board, administra tion and all staff members have been functioning at a very high level for many years. We all put the best interest of the students first. There is a trust and respect for each other. We

use fact-based data to guide and influence our decisions. Our policies are a clear guide for making tough decisions.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

Our district needs to continue supporting and developing all the ele ments needed to create the world’s best work force. The process starts in the earliest grades and continues through high school and beyond for some students. The dis trict has done a great job collaborating with many community partners.

Students thrive when the learning experience is authentic and real world. The students create their portfolio demonstrat ing the knowledge and skills they have mas tered. The teachers and administrators evaluate and make changes and improvements each year.

How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you had to work with some one who was difficult to get along with.

I was an early champi on for collaborative deci sion making and negoti

ating. I believe that giv ing all those impacted by a decision an opportunity to be part of the decision results in greater pro ductivity and improved employee morale.

When I work with someone who is difficult to get along with, I always

strive to find what I have in common with them and then build the relation ship from there. Recent ly, I purchased and made available 50 copies of the book, Love Your Enemy by Arthur C. Brooks, to anyone attending our School Board meetings.

Lynne Lommen Shawn Reilly

Alan Zeithamer

Vern Engstrom filed for this position but did not send a Vot er’s Guide response or a photo to the Echo Press.

Vern Engstrom

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I have been an active parent in our school district for 15 years. Along the way, I have served as the presi dent of the Early Child hood Education Parent Advisory Committee, worked on referendums and volunteered in the classroom. My proudest achievement was being a part of the parent group that upgraded the Carlos Elementary play ground to make it safe. I spent just over a decade working as a parapro fessional in classrooms from preschool to high school. This has given me a unique perspective as both a parent and an employee. Prior to living in the Alexandria area, I worked in the feature film industry as a member of I.A.T.S.E local 600.

What are two of the biggest issues facing the school board?

The quality of educa tion is the number one issue. Academic achieve ment in math, reading and science at our high school level plummet ed in 2014, after mov ing into the new build

ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL BOARD, POSITION 4

ing. This drastic decline needs to be addressed.

District leaders tout the number of honor stu dents in the senior class. Honor Society requires a 3.4 GPA and additional attributes that are not academic based. This is not a good indication of how our students are doing in core subjects. Recently, standard ized testing reports the majority of our district is hovering around 50% proficiency. We can not accept only half of our students graduating proficient in founda tional education.

Secondly, our school board has discounted or ignored parent’s voic es and rights. This was most apparent during COVID. They ignored the majority of parents who answered the dis trict survey, saying they wanted their children in school and unmasked. Surrounding districts and schools similar in size did not mitigate COVID to the extreme our district did. Chil dren’s education and mental health suffered due to their choices.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board and administration?

The board has voted nearly 100% unani mously for some time. If this were to change, simple majority decides the motion. The school board hires the superin tendent, who is charged with running the dis trict, based on the school board’s direction.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What chang es would you recom mend?

Our district needs to make sure each stu dent is achieving his or her highest potential in core knowledge. A solid foundation in math, reading and science is critical to creating lifelong learners, one of the district’s goals. COVID has put students behind in these areas. I would encourage the district to think outside the box on ways we can engage our larger community to catch our students up.

As Chromebooks have become standard in education, our students are losing the ability to write. I would encour age our district to look for ways to put aside screens.

How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you had to work with some one who was difficult to get along with.

I enjoy working col laboratively with a wide variety of people. As a motion picture camera assistant, we worked as a team to ensure we completed our projects on time in a safe envi ronment.

As a board leader, I have experience guiding groups through conversations and dead lines to achieve goals.

As an elected member of the school board, I would take working with all stakeholders serious ly.

Please provide a brief

bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

My husband, Dick, and I have lived essentially our entire married lives in Alexandria. His family has roots here and we have two married sons who graduated from Dis trict 206. I’m retired and spent my last 17 years of employment as the pri mary intake worker at Douglas County Hospi tal Mental Health Unit/ Lakeland Mental Health. I’ve served on the Dis trict 206 School Board for 12 years. I’m active in the community. I’ve been on the Elder Net work Board (president), AAAA Board (president).

Currently on Habitat for Humanity Board, par ticipate in Small Mall, Saturday Art Market, Traveling Treehouse. I’m executive director of Central Lakes Sympho ny.

What are two of the biggest issues facing the school board?

COVID was a major challenge. We continue to address both the edu cational challenges and mental health outcomes that it brought. Our staff worked diligently to continue to teach under decidedly less than opti mal conditions. Our

students were forced to adjust to difficult educa tional settings. We need to support teachers and students to bring them back to a semblance of “normal.”

Bullying continues to be a challenge. Our com munity is ever-chang ing in the makeup of its population. We need to be welcoming and encourage inclusion. All students deserve the best education we can offer. Diversity is a sign of growth; it presents an opportunity for all to learn.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board and administration?

The School Board is made up of a cross sec tion of this community. Do we always agree ini tially on the best solu tion? No. We discuss it. Everyone is encouraged to offer their thoughts, input and solution. We continue to discuss one goal and purpose: What is the best solution to this issue for students?

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic programs and offerings? What chang es would you recom mend?

Focus on Minnesota Comprehensive Assess ments are front and center for many people. MCAs play only a small part in academic prog ress. Parents are able to decline testing for their students – thus skewing the total outcome for the entire district. Students who don’t take the tests are given a “0” which is

added into the final dis trict scores. Five years ago, the 8th-grade class had 20% of their class of 280 opt out of tests. They all were entered as a “0.” That class grad uated this year with 170 out of the 300 students graduating with hon ors. Our Academy Model offers career choice exploration and oppor tunity to achieve high school and college cred it. Is it time for a reas sessment of the validi ty of the MCA process? Growth academically cannot be measured by one tool.

How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you had to work with some one who was difficult to get along with.

I consider myself a team player. Someone once told me: “A good leader delegates.” We all have talents – shared responsibility brings about a better solution.

Example: In my posi tion as intake worker, I was responsible for input of data indicat ing patients’ mental status, a state report. A co-worker repeatedly was checking my out comes, which failed to be correct. The co-worker approached me, won dering about my inaccu racy. What was I doing incorrectly? After a week or so, with the consis tent wrong outcome, I invited this co-worker to sit side/side with me as I entered the data. It turns out there was a flaw in the software causing the inaccuracy. It resolved the tension between us.

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 2

to serve as a county commissioner? What prompted you to file for the office?

The job involves, most importantly, county issues but there is also a regional responsibility that is important to res idents.

have many employees performing above and beyond expectations with their wages locked into a scale.

If you had to assign a grade (A, B, C, D, F) to the current county board, what would it be and why?

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I was raised on a dairy farm before attend ing college. I received an associate degree in supervisory and man agement from Alexan dria Tech as well as a BA from the U of M Morris.

I’ve been married 52 years. Kristie and I are the proud parents of two sons. We’ve lived in the Alexandria area for 50 years. During this time, I’ve volunteered in lead ership roles for the Boy Scouts for 32 years.I have been a member of Seroma and Evening Lions. I’m a long-time member of the Viking Sportsmen, serving on the board of directors as treasurer, president and vice president.

I’m currently on the advisory board for REA and on the YMCA board. I have worked at UPS, ITW Heartland in a man agement role, the Boy Scouts as a district exec utive and County Com missioner for six years.

I volunteer as an archery coach for the Alexandria Area High School and Discovery Middle School teams.

Why do you want

I would like to see more leadership on the committees assigned to commissioners. While serving the previous terms as commissioner, I was the chair for the senior service commit tee of the Land of the Dancing Sky District 4, the Pope Douglas Solid Waste Board, the DNR Invasive Species Adviso ry Board, the Minnesota Rural Caucus board, and the vice chair for the Alomere Health Hospi tal Board. If elected, I’d encourage more leader ship from fellow board members.

I’d continue my involvement as well. What are the three biggest challenges facing the county and how would you address them?

Controlling spend ing must be one of the top challenge. There is a difference between essential items and want items. I’ve always asked the question; do you need it or just want it.

Employee insurance would be a huge item that needs to be correct ed. I’d move to discon tinue the current plan in favor of one the employ ees would help choose.

Pay for performance would be an issue I would explore as we

C. I feel the board functions as an aver age board. The citizens deserve an above-av erage board providing leadership in the county and region. This grade is due to the lack of lead ership on joint power boards and committees assigned. It’s an essen tial part of the job to be on time and prepared.

I understand COVID was an issue that need ed to be addressed but given those challenges more attention needed to be directed at leader ship roles.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts?

I’d like to contract out non-essential jobs to free up employees to be more effective at other more important tasks within their department.

Close attention to budget requests must be a top priority.

I’ve been asked if I’d cut services to save money and if so, which ones. Service is the primary function of a county. This would be a question that needs to be answered by the peo ple of our county.

Veterans’ services would never be on my list of cuts as we would be a very different coun try without their service.

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I have lived in Douglas County all of my life. I am married and have 3 daughters, 2 son in laws, and 5 grand chil dren. I have been farm ing since 1979 when my wife and I purchased our farm from my parents. I worked for Ferguson Brothers Excavating for 3 years prior to getting hired by the county in September of 1997 in Highway Maintenance. In November of 2018 I was elected commis sioner for district 2.

Why do you want to serve as a county commissioner? What prompted you to file for the office?

I have been commis sioner going on 4 years and feel that I am doing

Tim Kalina

a good job making deci sions that affect every one in Douglas County. The reason I filed the first time for commis sioner is I had over 21 years working in Public Works and knew the day to day workings of the county. I feel that while being a commissioner we have made positive decisions for the resi dents of Douglas County. What are the three biggest challenges facing the county and how would you address them?

The 3 biggest chal lenges that face the county is trying to keep the budget in check. With the uncertainty of the economy and ris ing costs there are added expenses for the county to keep providing ser vices to our residents. Taxes are another chal lenge for the county. The state has certain guidelines we have to follow as far as property values ,we have to be in compliance. Workforce is another challenge that we face. It is hard to compete with private companies that can pay higher wages to recruit employees.

If you had to assign a grade (A, B, C, D, F) to the current county board, what would it be and why?

I would give the pres ent board an A- for their performance. As a board member, I feel that we all work well together and make good decisions. I feel that this board has benefit ed the county by listen ing to the public and its employees on issues and concerns they have. We cannot please everybody all of the time, but we try to do our best with your concerns.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts?

As a board member on the budget committee, we are looking hard at cutting costs while pro viding the services the county needs and wants. With the uncertainty of the present economy it is hard to budget fuel costs for sheriffs and public works not know ing what this winter will be like. The grants that we have gotten for parks and roads have helped with the costs of those projects.

Jim Stratton

Laura Knudsen

Sandy Susag

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

Born and raised in Alexandria, graduating from Jefferson Senior High School in 1978. A graduate of Alexan dria Technical College in leadership training, sales, marketing and quality control. I mar ried my high school sweetheart, Vickie Whitman, in 1978 and have 2 married sons Shaynen (Angie Hen drickson), Shad (Leslie Ruppert) and 6 won derful grandchildren. I value hard work, dedi cation to family, friends and community. I’m the founder and inven tor of a manufacturing company of refuse and recycling equipment with a proven operating profit margin. I have a proven track record as a hands-on manager with good intuitive judgment, creative problem-solv ing skills and skillful in motivating people.

Why do you want to serve as a county commissioner? What prompted you to file for the office?

With being born and

raised here, my desire to help my community to make sure we leave it in good shape for our children and beyond. What started my inter est in running for public office was my dad. He was on the school board and township where we farmed between Car los and Miltona. My dad always said, “Get involved, don’t just talk about it.” We worked together to get things done, coming from a family of 12 my mom taught us how to get along and help each other.

I’ve worked on many different budgets from when I was Alexandria fire chief, leading my businesses, and helping non-profits. Sometimes I think we lose focus and we need to stay the course and use past experiences to improve our future. I think we spend too much time talking about things and not getting to where we need to go. I also think there are too many state mandates that are pushed onto the coun ties that we don’t always have a say in that we need to push back. Not all things are good for all!

What are the three biggest challenges facing the county and how would you address them?

One thing about gov ernment, nothing moves fast. Would like to get in there and really look at things with an open mind and dive in from

there. We can always hold down property taxes and take a fresh look at what the expens es are to see if there are some things we can cut or reduce. We need to stay on top of our water quality. Look at per sonnel to make sure we have enough staff, and they’re working togeth er to keep us one of the premier counties in the state.

If you had to assign a grade (A, B, C, D, F) to the current county board, what would it be and why?

Let’s give them a B. Only reason is there is always room for improvement, but I believe they are doing a great job. It is not always easy to be in public office. Not everyone is going to like you and sometimes they don’t know the real reason the way things progress or why they voted the way they did. They also have constituents to report to and that is who we represent, the people of Douglas County.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts?

Where do we cut? How about we ask what is the good use of our money? Maybe we use it in a different way, which in return saves us some money and by doing that, we are in a sense cutting or not raising the budget. We need to look at it this way and work together, we might be amazed!

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

Currently I am employed at 3M. I have served on the Douglas County Board of Com missioners since January of 2019 and serve on the following boards: Coun ty Commission on Aging, Land of the Dancing Sky, Viking Library System, Douglas County Library, Prime West, Sharing Hands Nurse Fami ly Partnership, LGCC, Horizon Public Health, Pope Douglas Solid Waste, Alomere Health and the Association of MN Counties Health and Human Services Policy Committee.

Why do you want to serve as a county commissioner? What prompted you to file for

the office?

I would like to serve another term as county commissioner because I love serving the com munity I live in and being able to contrib ute to the success of Douglas County. I offer a different point of view from my peers and ask questions that prompt public conversations regarding our local gov ernment and processes within.

What are the three biggest challenges facing the county and how would you address them?

I think the three big gest challenges facing our county are our long term planning, retaining and maintaining staff ing for county entities and county well being.

I have addressed con versations regarding our county plan and the need to begin the update process. I am current ly working with Tim Kalina on conversations for benefit options and budgeting for employee salaries. I have voted in

favor to welcome Teen Challenge into Douglas County as well as other mental health services. I support services for seniors and veteran ser vices.

If you had to assign a grade (A, B, C, D, F) to the current county board, what would it be and why?

I would grade the board at a B. I feel that as a board we need to have more work ses sions where we discuss openly the issues that arise within the coun ty. Because of the stat utes regarding open and closed meetings this is often a difficult task.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts?

I would like for budget cuts to come from state regulators. Often as counties we are required to meet requirements as set forward by the state. Frequently, the man dates are appropriate for the metro area and not reasonable, feasible or necessary for rural counties.

Three Issues

Heather Larson

Shane Schmidt

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4

at-home mom to dairy farmer. Most recently, I made the transition from retail to healthcare. I am employed with Knute Nelson as a home health aide/CNA in our Home Care/Home Health divi sion.

I am a part of the city’s Diversity and Inclusive ness Committee.

for all, not just some. What better way to take action then run for city council!

Do you think Alex andria’s Broadway is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that?

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

I am a 38-year-old mother of two boys, Brandon (16) and Bryce (13). I have been a resi dent of Alexandria since 2017. My history with the area runs far deeper as my extended fami ly have always lived in the area. As a kid, my best memory is rid ing bike to Le Homme Dieu beach, spending our days in the sun. I have worn many hats in my life, from stay-

Why do you want to serve on the city coun cil? What prompted you to file for the office?

When I found out there would be an open seat for Ward 4, I began reaching out to encour age others to run. I had someone ask me, “Why not you?”

I thought to myself, “You’re right – why not me?” I have a love for my community and a heart to serve others. I feel I am a great listener and see things from all perspectives, not just my own. I want what’s best

I think our Downtown has been bustling this summer! I love seeing so many people taking advantage of our local businesses! It’s been great seeing new addi tions made like Edge Co. and Ollie Birch. The new marquee on the Andria really updated the look and brought new life to Broadway as well. Seeing our local businesses thrive is so important. Money that is spent here stays here and stimulates our local economy.

If you could change one thing in the city’s code, what would it be?

At this time I can’t say

there is a specific city code I would change. I feel that Alexandria has a solid foundation with our city codes. As things change or new things come up, city code is revisited and updated as needed. I look forward to learning more about our city codes and ask ing important questions when the opportunities arise.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

I would love to invest in our youth! I wish we had more for them to do. A safe and healthy place to spend time. A com munity center? A munic ipal run arcade and pool hall?

Ultimately, I would look to see where there is a need in our commu nity and pursue making it better.

Diploma in welding –Canby Technical College.

Life member of the Disabled American Vet erans.

Member of local Post #936 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

I am anti-abortion.

I am in support of the 2nd Amendment.

community, having been on the receiving end of basically being told your life doesn’t matter.

community as a whole.

We have empty busi nesses in our mall and on Broadway.

Lynne Lommen

Reilly

Please provide a brief bio – background, qual ifications, occupation, experience, skills, etc.

63-year-old veteran of the Army.

Disabled American veteran.

14+ year resident of Alexandria.

3+ years of education after high school.

Associate’s degree in drafting and design technology – Ridgewater College.

Why do you want to serve on the city coun cil? What prompted you to file for the office?

I want to represent the people of Ward 4 to the best of my ability.

This includes changes to city ordinances or codes that may affect them. I would also like to curb what I see as “worthless spending” by the peo ple who are in charge.

I also would like to see equal protection by law enforcement in this

Observing the way things are being done by city officials, both in work and city coun cil meetings. The favor itism towards certain businesses and individ uals. The favoritism by law enforcement or none enforcement of the law equally.

Do you think Alex andria’s Broadway is healthy and successful?

If not, what would you do to change that?

Why does everything in this community always revolve around Broadway? Why not the community as a whole?

We need to provide some incentives for businesses to come and stay in our

If you could change one thing in the city’s code, what would it be?

The city of Alexandria needs a leash ordinance. If your dog is outside and not in a fence, it should be on a leash or contained somehow on your property whether by chain or something similar.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

A splash pad would be great as all folks can use it, both handicapped and non-handicapped. This is one of the items that has come up in my con tact with folks in Ward 4.

(GOP)

Cornel Walker Candidate (DFL)

Franson

Nicole

Ronald Sik