Brainerd 2026 Election Guide

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Contributed

Age on Election Day: 56

Employment: Executive Director with the Greater Lakes Association of REALTORS

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

I served on the Brainerd City Council back in 2014 (Bonnie Cumberland's seat upon passing). In addition a seat on P&Z and the City Charter Committee. Since 2015 I've also served on BPU Commission bringing my involvement within the city structure a little more engaged.

Why are you running?

I'm running because I am both a ratepayer and member of this community. I want to have a voice in how Brainerd moves forward and I believe I can do that with a thoughtful approach. I study facts, I listen to different perspectives, and I try very hard to work towards practical solutions. Creating a culture that is both inviting to business owners while finding the right balance between progress and affordability.

Why should voters elect you?

Because I won't make promises that require an entire Council to think/vote the same way. What I can promise is that I will approach the job like I do with every business decision: Ask the questions, drill down into the facts and work with others to find practical solutions.

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

City Council should focus on governance and setting policy. Most important, being responsible for oversight while considering long-term impacts of decisions being made. Qualified staff are hired to manage the day to day operations and carry out council direction.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Hebert J. Taylor - Instrumental in creating an agreement that helped turn around a struggling company during the Great Depression. He wanted a simple ethical guide employees could use when making decisions. Rotary International later adopted the four-way test in 1943. Stands true to this day and I base most of my important decisions on it.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Keeping Brainerd affordable while continuing to provide good services and amenities. Taking care of what we have (infrastructure, parks, public safety). And encouraging growth opportunities that offer a variety of businesses and housing opportunities.

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

Protecting what we have without becoming a burden to tax payers.

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

That's a loaded question. Each scenario is going to be different. Not all data centers are created (or built) the same and areas that can support it don't always have the capacity or the means to.

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

I'd probably look to find more efficiencies before simply making cuts. Looking at services that are overlapped or potential partnerships with shared assets (surrounding communities) makes a lot more sense than simply eliminating services or making cuts despite the needs of the community.