Bemidji 2026 Election Guide

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 76

Employment: I was employed by Lakeland Public Television as their Design/Promotion Manager for 43 years. Retire in 2023.for 43 (Design/ProI was employed by Lakeland Public Television as their motion Manager) for 43 years. Retired in 2023

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

Education:
I am a graduate of Bemidji State University, Alexandria Technical College and Brown Institute of Minneapolis. I am a former adjunct faculty member in the Visual Arts Department at Bemidji State University. I was named a Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni in 2010
Leadership Experience:
I have 24 years experience serving on the Bemidji City Council representing Ward 3 from 2001 to 2024
I was a member of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Board of Directors for 20 years and served as President in 2018-2019
I was a member of the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors for 8.5 years and served as President in 2022-2023
Graduate of the Blandin Community Leadership Program - 2003, 2004
Graduate of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Community Leadership Program - 1994

Why are you running?

My time on the city council ended in 2024. Do to redistricting, I was not eligible to run for my my Ward 3 seat that I had represented since 2001.
After two years out of city government, I am energized and looking forward to the opportunity to represent all five Bemidji Wards on the city council. I had a great run and played an important role in many significant accomplishments for Bemidji during my first stint on the council. However, there is important work yet to be done as we continue building a better Bemidji and I would appreciate an opportunity to once again be part of it.

Why should voters elect you?

I am a lifelong resident of Bemidji. I was born and raised in Bemidji and I'm a graduate of Bemidji High School. Over my lifetime, my immediate family has lived in all five Bemidji wards so I know Bemidji very well. I feel my statewide leadership experience combined with 24 years of city council experience makes me well qualified to be the next At-Large Council Mamber for the great city of Bemidji.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

The basic role of the At-Large City council position is to represent the entire community of Bemidji to ensure municipal accountability. The At-Large position is an equal part of a seven member city council (Mayor and six council members) working together to pass local laws and ordinances, to approve the annual city budget and to determine the city tax levy. Since Bemidji operates under a Council-Manager form of government, the council's only direct employee is the City Manager.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

My 24 years on the city council and particularly my statewide leadership experience has afforded me the opportunity to meet many extraordinary public leaders. One leader, however, that stands out for me is current Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince. I served with Mayor Prince for four years including as his Mayor Pro Tem. Jorge has many attributes that make him a strong mayor but the things I admire most is that he's an articulate, transparent mayor who prioritizes community well being. He actively listens to his constituents ensuring they feel heard and understood. Jorge was recently name the 2026 recipient of the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award (a national honor) for his leadership during Bemidji's 2025 devastating Derecho. Jorge is truly great Mayor and I'm proud to call him my friend.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Public Safety
Affordable Housing
Living Wage Jobs

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

All three are inter-related... but I believe solving the housing issue will attract economic growth and better paying jobs. When businesses look to expand or relocate to a community, the first thing they look at is available housing. A strong housing market is key to a strong job market. Good jobs and affordable housing is key to reducing crime and improving public safety. So affordable housing is most important. There are many state and federal grants available to cities for various types of housing. Also, the city could take steps to revise it's strict local ordinances, eliminate zoning bottlenecks and create a more developer friendly environment.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

Data centers are certainly a hot topic nationwide but (so far) they have not been an issue for the Bemidji area. I don't currently have a strong opinion either for or against them. Data centers are not going away but I do believe they will continue to become more efficient over time which could lessen environmental concerns. Data centers have many pros and cons.. The pros include economic growth, job creation and infrastructure upgrades while the cons include massive energy draw, high water consumption and community/environmental disruption. I was recently discussing data centers with some friends who live in the Washington DC area and it was interesting that they did not have the same concerns that people here in Minnesota have. Most folks seem to understand the need for data centers... they just don't want them in their "backyard".

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

During my 24 years on the Bemidji City Council I have been involved with developing 24 annual budgets for the city. It is rare to find a department budget that didn't have line items that couldn't be reduced (or in some instances eliminated) without significant negative impact to service delivery. One specific area I would like to address is the operation of the the Sanford Center. I think the city would see a significant savings by managing the Sanford Center in-house (like the City of Mankato) and eliminate the need and expense of a management company.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 75

Employment: I am currently employed at Leech Lake Tribal College as an instructor in Arts and Humanities, the Indigenous Leadership Program. I am also an author and community activist.

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

My professional experience spans higher education, business, tribal communities, and the nonprofit sector. I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, where I studied Native American Studies with minors in Sociology and Urban and Regional Planning. I later earned a Master of Education from Cambridge College, specializing in Counseling Psychology. I also pursued doctoral studies in Leadership and Organizational Management and reached ABD (All But Dissertation) status. These academic and professional experiences have provided me with a broad perspective on leadership, community engagement, organizational development, and education. The most important is I am community wise and street smart.

Why are you running?

I am seeking this opportunity to serve because I believe public service advances the common good. Every community member has a role to play in contributing to society and supporting collective goals. By fostering cooperation, responsibility, and engagement, we can address challenges and create lasting improvements for everyone.

Why should voters elect you?

I am committed to serving Bemidji's people with honesty, integrity, and compassion. I value all people, celebrate cultural diversity, and believe every citizen deserves to be heard and respected. I will be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and a leader who acts with moral courage and transparency. I understand the critical relationships between federal, state, tribal, and local governments and the work required to help Bemidji thrive. Together, we can build a stronger community that reflects the voices and values of all its citizens.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

Bemidji is a city of almost 15,000 residents. The city council's roles and responsibilities are to work together as a team to help make decisions. It serves as the community’s primary legislative body, setting budgets, passing ordinances, and directing city policy for services like public works, zoning, police, and fire departments. Its responsibilities include setting strategic direction and policy to benefit constituents. We approve the property tax levy, determining how much residents and businesses pay. I believe in keeping property taxes low to benefit the constituents. I believe it is our responsibility to be in the community and listen to every person who wants to share. This is engagement.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I believe any public leader is a public servant. They may serve with government entities, businesses, nonprofits, churches, and on our reservations. I think of the sanitation worker who knows the alleys and streets of our city, ensuring that services reach all citizens. Public servants value keeping society functioning smoothly ensuring that all services reach all citizens fairly, especially the underserved. I admire hard working, community service leaders.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Housing is one of the most pressing needs. We need to think critically about strategies that effectively address housing shortages. We also need to actively engage residents and stakeholders to shift perceptions. The city needs more opportunities in economic development. Public Safety. Everyone in our city must feel safe.

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

The issues are all interrelated. Address just three; each has related issues that create more.

Housing - Housing cannot be viewed in isolation. Our city faces broader challenges related to income levels, workforce opportunities, transportation, childcare, and access to education and training.

Promotion of sustainability - it takes care of our natural resources; it is unknown to many the importance of conserving what we have; and it is cost-effective in the long run to move our city into many ways of sustainability.

Citizens who are unheard in our city. Citizen participation is full of challenges; government often shapes and controls it, leaving our people with little influence. I believe in bottom-up.

Local Business. Local businesses are a grassroots economic engine for any city.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

I oppose data centers dues to their high resource consumption of water and land, the environmental impact of our beautiful northern Minnesota and the economic benefits overall. We must be mindful and think ahead of what the cost will be for future generations.

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

Tax Levies must remain low, and our community must find new ways to help keep costs from escalating. That is a huge statement. It will require advocacy at the state and federal levels, working with our legislators, to address not only business but also all the issues within our city. Currently, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, and churches provide as much as possible to meet some of our social needs. We must do more.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 42

Employment: Legal assistant at Fuller and Wallner

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

I am a former librarian at Bemidji Public Library with a firsthand view of major issues facing residents.

Why are you running?

I am seeking this opportunity to serve because I believe public service advances the common good. Every community member has a role to play in contributing to society and supporting collective goals. By fostering cooperation, responsibility, and engagement, we can address challenges and create lasting improvements for everyone.

Why should voters elect you?

I am a non-politician and renter who will focus my efforts on the needs of people being overlooked in local decision-making.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

Making decisions on behalf of your constituents for their benefit above yours.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I am really enjoying seeing how NYC Mayor Mamdani is working to make life accessible for all residents of all income levels, from transit to childcare, as well as how approachable he is for citizens.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Housing, public transit, mental health/substance abuse

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

Public transit. I would like to see the development of a regular public bus route within city limits and to look into available grant funding.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

I firmly oppose data centers and would look to place a moratorium on any within city limits by any possible legislation.

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

I would prefer to explore any other alternatives first.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 45

Employment: Visit Bemidji, Executive Director

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

Graduated from Bemidji High School in 2000 and Bemidji State University in 2004 with a degree in broadcast journalism and also worked on a second degree at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Political Science while lettering in cheerleading in 2007. I am currently the Executive Director of the First City of Lights Foundation and Night We Light Celebration organizer. I am also a two-time President of the Bemidji Jaycees and a 3-time Water Carnival Chairman. I also serve on both the Worship Team and Alignment Team as a member of Bemidji Covenant Church.

Why are you running?

I want to see the projects we have started through to the finish line. Such as the Railroad corridor redevelopment project, the implementation of a city budget committee and start the process of the downtown redevelopment project.

We need to grow our tax base without raising taxes and keep finding ways to make Bemidji competitive. We need to finish our city comprehensive plan and redo our city ordinances and, in some cases, de-regulate the requirements on homeowners and developers and instead incentivize to do some of what we require now. This in turn will help attract business, and developers to build additional workforce/ affordable housing which is a great need in Bemidji.

We need to continue our efforts on making Bemidji business friendly.

I also will continue the fight to lower Bemidji’s property taxes. I have consistently voted no four out of 6 years served on tax levy increases.

Why should voters elect you?

During my time on city council, I have helped guarantee Bemidji's future through the expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant. I supported the efforts to clean up our Railroad Corridor "brownfield" which paved the way for our YMCA & new hotel developments. I have also supported our derecho storm response and recovery. I supported the effort in establishing partnerships such as the relaunch of the Nielson Fieldhouse, Tourist Information Center, the Bemidji Community Arena and with Bemidji State University

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

As a member of the city council, our responsibility is to create and set policy while representing the needs and concerns of the residents from Bemidji's Ward 2.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

When looking at public leaders I see teachers in that role. One of those teachers would be my father who continues to teach even after retiring from the public school system. He continues to serve as an art educator all while staying committed to his faith, family, and students.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Strengthening Bemidji through expanded tax base by creating affordable housing while lowering property taxes. Public safety, providing necessary resources for police and fire departments. Also protecting our natural resources by protecting our lakes and rivers and safeguard / maintaining our parks and trails.

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

Spurring new development and housing can be accomplished once we finish our city comprehensive plan and redo our city ordinances to create less of a burden on developers and homeowners. We should and instead incentivize rather than require developers to do some of what we require now. This in turn will help attract business, and developers to potentially build additional workforce/ affordable housing.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

I believe more research needs to be done on the full impact of large-scale data centers, and I
supported placing a moratorium on data centers until further research has been completed and we receive further information from the federal and state levels on the impact these facilities can have on communities and their environment.

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

Everyone is expected to live within a budget, and a city should do the same. I think there our
opportunities to cut our building and planning fees to help encourage new development by
creating new tax base without raising taxes. That way we are able to fund the needs of a growing city.

Contributed

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Aleksandra Gajdeczka

Age on Election Day: 47

Employment: Prefer not to answer

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

I graduated from Oak Hills with B.A.’s in Biblical Studies and youth ministries, leadership education and counseling, I have served in many community advocacy roles, including support for families experiencing domestic violence, crisis housing, veterans support and services for vulnerable and disabled adults and children. I have experience in program development and grant writing. Having experienced homelessness, home ownership, and everything in between, I bring lived experience to my work.

Why are you running?

I am running because I want to be a voice for all of Bemidji’s citizens, especially those who are rarely heard. I want to do my part to help make Bemidji a place where people live, work, and play in a safe, beautiful, and friendly environment.

Why should voters elect you?

I am an out of the box thinker, who understands the problems our city is facing and have the skills to help shape healthy city government. This includes collaboration and partnerships with other government entities, agencies, businesses, and most importantly, citizens. I am a fiscal conservative who will be a good steward of your tax dollars. I listen to my constituents, I respond, and I follow through.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

As City Councilperson representing Ward 4, it is my responsibility to understand the issues facing my ward and my city, listen to citizen concerns, and address these through constructive participation in committees, council meetings, and work sessions. A key responsibility is reviewing, revising, and passing ordinances, policies, and laws.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I don't put any public leader on a pedestal. I think we need to see them as Public Servants. We are here to serve at the call of our neighbors and represent the will of the people. I find the action of servitude quite admirable.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Cost of living, public housing and continuing to support local businesses that we rely on for revenue. I want to continually ensure that our Fire, Police, Street and Utilities Departments are supported adequately as they all bring a great service to our town.

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

Cost of living. I think an undue burden has been cast on businesses and homeowners to enact policies that do not always reflect our actual needs as a community. I would like to have better input to create a budget that serves our residents in a multitude of ways.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

I vehemently oppose any data centers whatsoever. I will take all steps at my disposal to deter any data centers in our area. I will always vote 'NO' on any policy in that regard.

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

Spending. If locals are expected to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" amid soaring gas, grocery, tax and utility costs, then the city can create avenues of relief for our citizens. The solution is NOT raising property taxes on locals annually. We can create fiscally responsible solutions that benefit our community. I think we need to create more dialogue around expanding our tax base. I will listen to what my neighbors' needs are and find a way to represent everyone who needs an advocate.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 51

Employment: Minnesota Department of Human Services as an Equal Opportunity Investigator/Consultant

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

My experience as a Social Worker keeps me looking for the root-cause of issues that persist in our community and focused on seeking solutions. Social work is about helping people. My understanding of complex social issues is informed by the people doing their best to live in our city. My education and training help me approach the work of seeking long-term solutions with a focus on strengths and needs. I have firsthand experience seeing and hearing how policies impact vulnerable populations and our environment. I understand how building consensus and coalitions is necessary to achieve common goals. Life has taught many of us that applying quick surface fixes does not make for long term solutions. I am always sitting and listening and focused on finding solutions.

Why are you running?

We are not alone in the issues facing Bemidji. Public safety, affordable housing, transportation, economic conditions, and aging infrastructure are concerns in many communities. The difference is this is the city that I love and whose conditions I am invested in improving. I was born in Bemidji and now my granddaughter is almost a teenager and talking about her future here. We are a city filled with great people and perspectives and we do not always agree. I want to ensure the residents and environment are considered as we work to shape the future of our city, how it looks, and how it operates. By evaluating the rules and ordinances that guide development, we can preserve what we love about our city while continuing to grow. I feel like we lost so much in the 2025 derecho and I want to be very intentional as we rebuild for the future.

Why should voters elect you?

I am committed to fulfilling the responsibilities as a council member. I ask questions, challenge others, and advocate for what I believe is in the best interests of all, but particularly those in Ward 4. I focus on the issues, operating from a place of good intentions, not ideology. I want to complete the process of updating the comprehensive plan and ordinances in a way that helps alleviate development barriers and reduces red tape, while still considering the environmental and human impact. I support investing in the personnel and infrastructure needed for effective public safety and emergency services. For me, being a member of the City Council is an opportunity to guide development by bringing forward the underrepresented voices to the decision-making table.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

I am one of seven members of the city council who decide together what ordinances, budgets, initiatives, or resolutions to approve. I serve as a connection between residents and city staff, and help to address issues.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Dolly Parton, she lived a life that uplifted children and communities with humility, humor, and grace.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Poverty, lack of affordable housing, public safety

Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?

Increasing access to affordable housing. To attract developers, there have to spaces ready to build, and Bemidji needs to increase the reach of its infrastructure to spur development. I would like to reduce barriers to owner-occupied rentals, which would potentially increase the number of units available. I would encourage redevelopment grants to improve existing housing stock and find ways to use existing available funding or tax incentives to fill gaps that may be preventing project from getting underway. Completing the comprehensive planning process will ideally assist with streamlining processes perceived as burdensome.

What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?

The most effective tool a city has when it comes to the topic of data centers is their zoning code and special-use permits. I would oppose any hyper-scale data center. I support a temporary moratorium to study environmental, noise, energy, and infrastructure impacts. I support the city in developing a rigorous, project-specific review process that will address both water and electricity usage, and the light, water and air pollution of even the smallest proposed data center.

Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?

Try to locate operational efficiencies, such as items on the capital improvement plan that could be postponed. We recently implemented solar projects that will reduce the energy costs of the city. It is not ideal and more of a last step, but an option may be to freeze non-essential hiring or reduce some operations.