KAXE contacted every candidate up to three times using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted. Candidates were prohibited from using AI to generate responses.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Primary Election Guide only includes races where enough candidates filed to trigger a primary. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About this race
The county board is responsible for governing its county, including by approving the budget. Generally, counties are responsible for the following: property tax assessment, tax administration, elections, record keeping, transportation, planning and zoning, solid waste management, environment, parks and water management, law enforcement, courts and health and human services.
County Commissioner District 2 includes the cities of Climax and Nielsville.
The current commissioner is Warren Strandell, who is not running for reelection.
The top two candidates in the Aug. 11 primary will advance to the November ballot.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 70
Community: Polk
Employment: Maximum Impact and Grand Forks Park Board
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Marketing for University of North Dakota. I co-owned Cariveau Concrete Construction and Maximum Impact Promotions & Specialties, LLC for approximately 30 years. I have served on two boards, the Greater Grand Forks YFC as Board Chairman and currently Thrive Community Church as Treasurer.
Why are you running?
I would like to serve the community I have lived in for most of my life. I believe I have enough educational, professional, and board experience to be a productive County Commissioner.
Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?
One of my priorities is maintaining a balanced budget while providing adequate service for our county. I believe in providing truth and transparency to our constituents.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Warren Strandell, the prior County Commissioner for our district. He has served faithfully and diligently for 32 years. He has a great track record for providing services while keeping a balanced budget.
What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?
The 3 top issues would be law enforcement, well maintained roads, and Senior Care.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
I would choose law enforcement as the top issue. I would make sure we have adequate resources to uphold the law and protect our citizens.
What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?
My top spending priorities would be law enforcement and transportation infrastructure.
How should counties best use limited resources to root out potential fraud?
We should be truthful and transparent while using due diligence to research issues. Regular audits are useful to track funds.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 74
Community: Huntsville Township, East Grand Forks
Employment: Retired, volunteer at Sacred Heart church, Altru hospital, and two Senior Care facilities
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have served in township zoning for over 30 years, and Polk County Planning and Zoning for several years, and even to this day. I was born and raised here in Polk County on a farm near EGF, still live here, and I was only not here during my time in the military. I served in the Army 1971-1977.
I have been in the construction and concrete business all my life, held contractors licenses in Minnesota and North Dakota. I have continuing education in soil, water, and rock, earth science .
I am Christian, Catholic, and believe in fair trade, fair taxation, and representing the people I will serve.
Why are you running?
I am a family man with good work ethic, and I think I have something to offer that will benefit our people.
Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?
I plan to listen to all sides of discussion, and to vote consciously, representing the people of District Two
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I am running for the seat currently held by Warren Strandell, who is retiring, after many years of faithful service. There are many good people in service as commissioners, and I would be proud to be one of them.
What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?
Fair taxation; road, highway and bridge; and water.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
In Minnesota, we have 87 counties. I would like to see more state funding for Polk county than we have seen in the past.
What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?
We need our schools, we need our highways and transportation. I am not saying that I know how to change the way things are right now, but I am willing to learn, and I think we need to look forward, and protect and preserve what we have for future generations.
Editor's note: The county is not responsible for funding school districts, and the two are separate, independent governments. School boards approve tax levies for their district.
How should counties best use limited resources to root out potential fraud?
We need to be diligent, keep our eyes open, with checks and balances, have meaningful relationships, and organized meetings that accomplish the task at hand. Serve our people!
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
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