Cass County 2026 Election Guide

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 71

Community: East Gull Lake

Employment: Cass County commissioner, Retired law enforcement, active farmer

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

I am retired from a 25 year law enforcement career, serving in both Cass and Crow Wing counties. I grew up on the family farm west of Pillager and farmed in partnership with my dad and brother until 1988, when I began working full time as a deputy sheriff. Following my retirement from law enforcement, I once again began farming with my brother. I am a graduate of Concordia College in St. Paul, with a degree in Organizational Management. I have previously served in elected office on the Pillager School Board and the East Gull Lake City Council. I am a board member of the Pillager Education Foundation and the Youth Investment Foundation. I am a former board member of Port Group Homes in Brainerd, and I have served multiple terms on my church board.

Why are you running?

I believe in giving back to my community. I am a lifetime resident of the area and have spent 50 of those years here with my wife Kathy. Cass County is a wonderful place. I have worked the past 16 years as your commissioner, doing my best to protect and grow what we have here. My work is not finished and I will be honored if you let me work another 4 years on your behalf.

Why should voters elect you?

My pledge to you when first elected was that I would listen, work hard, and act with openness and integrity. I have kept that promise and if re-elected, I will continue in that promise and will serve to the best of my ability. Fiscal moderation has been and will continue to be a hallmark of my service. Protecting our natural resources while allowing for vibrant, managed growth will has been and will continue to be a priority of mine.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

As a boy and into early adulthood, I admired Hubert Humphrey. He was well thought of by my parents and I was drawn to his optimism, apparent joy, and desire to make things better for those around him. Later, I watched President Reagan lead with resolve and optimism, convinced that the United States was the greatest nation of all, and resolute in his determination to defeat the Soviet Union’s ideology and subjugation of Eastern Europe. Today, I don’t have one hero. Instead, I look for a person of integrity, compassion and character, one who follows a “north star” in their life and who is willing to persevere. We have examples of that in our past. That is what we need now, and that is what I strive to be.

What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?

Like most counties in Minnesota, we are faced with increasing and underfunded State mandates in social services, a mental health crisis among our youth, and demands for service that out pace the ability of our local taxpayers to pay for.

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

Underfunded State mandates. I have been and continue to be active in the Association of Minnesota Counties, making sure that our legislators hear the message loudly, clearly and repeatedly. The State Legislature directs virtually all of what counties do. Mandated or prohibited, funded or not, counties have to figure out how to get the job done. I will work to see that we deliver services in as efficient a manner as possible, and I will work to see that our legislators hear the message that requirements without resources put county taxpayers in an untenable predicament.

What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?

The two main and most visible services that county residents see and use on a regular basis are our roads and our law enforcement. We need to make sure that we allocate sufficient resources to those areas and we need to do all we can to ensue that they are delivered well and efficiently.

Rising property taxes are a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. How would you aim to minimize levy increases?

We have a bag hanging on a hook in the Cass County boardroom that is labeled “The Taxpayer’s Purse.” That purse is there intentionally, to remind us that before the county board can do anything or fund any project, it first has to take the money from the person who created it. I watch the budget. I am a fiscal moderate. Every dollar spent has to serve a priority we have set. We can’t stop spending money or roll back costs, but we can ensure that our money is spent wisely and applied efficiently. That is my promise to you.

Age on Election Day: 70

Community: City of Lake Shore

Employment: Retired

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

BS Degree in Social Work, Minor in Business & Gerontology, with additional college courses for multi state & national Nursing Home Administrators lic.
6 years on City of Lake Shore Planning & Zoning, 3 years Cass County Planning & Zoning.
40 years work experience in healthcare management of both acute care hospitals and senior care including nursing homes & assisted living holding position as Administrator, CEO, CFO, COO, President. 1 you year as Executive Director of Cass County economic Development along with 3 years on the Board of Directors. Multiple board seats on healthcare associations. Experience presenting to county Boards and City councils on bond issues and building projects. Strong back round in budgeting and profit and loss statements including budgeting.

Why are you running?

I believe I can bring new ideas and experience to the board because of business back round and my very strong feeling regarding term limits, need for more control of our property taxes, the need for more freedom of private land use and that all citizen need to be treated fairly and with equality. It is time for some new eyes on the County Board.

Why should voters elect you?

I can promise citizen's of district 1 that I will be there to listen to their concerns and represent them as County Commissioner. I will not only listen to their concerns but take action that makes sense or be there to explain why some things won’t work.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Bill Clinton the reason why he was well respected around the world he developed a strong economy and a balanced budget. He was not always a good man but he got things done

What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?

Property taxes, land use and development, increase in new county residents and the need for affordable housing.

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

Taxes, the counties best way to control taxes is to bring new business into the county so all the increases are not put on residential property owners and then of course expenses must be control and if we can keep services purchased locally which could and would improve the strength of the county. New eyes looking at what controls are in place now and considering new ideas.

What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?

From my business back round I found with each organization I was new to I spend many hours reviewing current expense to find are there things that have been over look as to possible savings and new revenue generation.

Rising property taxes are a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. How would you aim to minimize levy increases?

Looking at new business coming to the county and additional new citizens with that in mind we need to bring in better paying jobs and affordable housing these things do not happen over night and require long range planning.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 68

Community: Powers Township, Backus MN

Employment: retired

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

For nearly 30 years I served as an Executive Director of the Pine River- Backus Family Center, helping grow the organization from an early community initiative into a trusted local resource for children, families, seniors and residents facing difficult situations. I later served as the Executive Director of the Northland Family Center, expanding my work across the region. Throughout my career, I have managed nonprofit budgets, secured grants and donor support, built partnerships with schools and county agencies, worked directly with families and helped create programs that respond to real local needs. I have served on the Pine River-Backus School Board , the Cass County Children's Initiative Board and county level committees connected to family services. I volunteered for nine years with the Cass County Sheriff's Mounted Posse, reflecting my commitment to public safety, rural volunteerism, and service beyond the workplace.

Why are you running?

I am running for Cass County Commissioner District 3 to bring practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community-focused decision-making to county government.

Why should voters elect you?

My connections to Cass County is shaped by my love for the outdoors and the everyday values of our rural community. These experiences are part of my story, and they've shaped how I will listen to and serve the communities of District 3. Cass County communities face real challenges, including access to services, childcare, transportation realities, an long term community wellness. I believe solutions should be practical, local and built through collaboration.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Good leaders inspire, empower, and guide others to achieve a shared vision. There are many leaders which I have worked with and learned from over the years often it is not one leader it is a community of leaders that make the difference and create change.

What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?

Listening to Cass County staff present at a planning session in June these areas were concerns; mental health and substance use disorders, Health Human and Veterans Services operational pressures, (,money for mandated services) and cyber security including IT infrastructure and costs.

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

I feel that all three are important and interconnected. I would address them through listening to what is needed, addressing the budget to ensure that resources and staff are in place to meet the needs.

What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?

If elected, my top spending priorities would be responsible county spending, strong essential services and making sure District 3 has a clear voice in county decisions. I will listen, be accessible, and make decisions with honesty, transparency, and the long-term good of our residents in mind.

Rising property taxes are a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. How would you aim to minimize levy increases?

Property tases are a real concern, I would work to review spending carefully, avoid waste, and protect taxpayers while still supporting roads, public safety, veteran's services and health and human services. I would also focus on practical solutions for housing, workforce needs and infrastructure.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Incumbent

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Contributed

Website: ammermanforsheriff.com

Age on Election Day: 48

Community: Cass County

Employment: Cass County Sheriff's Department - Deputy

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

Since 2004, I have dedicated my career to serving Cass County in nearly every capacity a deputy can: patrolling our roads and waters, providing courthouse security, serving as a bailiff, operating heavy rescue vehicles such as the Sherp and MRAP, serving on the Emergency Response Unit as a team sniper, and instructing others in firearms training. I have served and protected it firsthand, in every condition imaginable.

Why are you running?

There are two types of people in this world, ones that will stand by and watch things happen, and there are others that will stand up and do what is right. I am a husband, father and grandfather with deep roots in this county. Watching our office struggle from within reinforced what I believe Cass County deserves: accountable leadership and transparency within a Sheriff’s Office. I am willing to step forward, take responsibility, and work to make that happen.

Why should voters elect you?

Behind my badge is every citizen of Cass County who I protect. I cannot do it alone, it requires Dispatchers, Records, Jailers and the other Deputies of Cass County. To effectively serve the citizens, we must start with the administration, and build the integrity, trust and support once again within the Sheriff's Office.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

John Basilone who was Marine is the kind of leader I admire: a man who had already given more than most, yet chose to return to those who still needed him.

What is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s office, and how would you address it if elected?

The Sheriff’s Office needs strong, supportive leadership that provides clear direction, holds people accountable, and trusts deputies to do the jobs they were trained to do. Strong leadership would improve morale and retention within the office and lead directly to better service, faster response times, and greater trust from the citizens of Cass County.

Please describe your stance on local law enforcement coordinating with federal immigration authorities.

It is for the safety of our citizens to work alongside these agencies to ensure that things are being done properly.

How would you build effective relationships with other agencies and offices, including tribal law enforcement, the state attorney general’s office and other county sheriffs?

Taking the time to communicate with these agencies before we are called upon to work together, so that when emergencies happen, we are ready to respond as one team.

How would you seek to address the intersection of mental health issues and criminal justice in calls for service and your jail?

Mental health issues are a reality that our county routinely handles. It is about recognizing a mental health crisis with respect and dignity. There must be a partnership with mental health professionals to ensure that person receives the care they deserve while also protecting the safety of the public, deputies, and everyone involved.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 50

Community: Remer

Employment: Cass County Sheriff

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

Since 1997, I have served in nearly every division of the Sheriff’s Office, beginning in dispatch and advancing through Road Deputy, Sergeant, Patrol Supervisor, Patrol Lieutenant Supervisor, Chief Deputy, and Elected Sheriff in 2022. This experience has given me a thorough understanding of our operations, staff, and community needs.

I graduated from Hibbing Community College’s Criminal Justice program, completed the Minnesota BCA Management Series, and graduated from the National Sheriffs’ Institute at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. I have also completed numerous leadership trainings.

Involvement in county and statewide committees like Priority Admission Task Force, which works to expand options for mental health treatment. I have managed critical incidents. I have been involved in the budget process since 2010.

As Sheriff, I have completed three full budgets, remaining under budget each year as Sheriff while meeting community needs, improving operations, reducing costs, and saving taxpayers money.

Why are you running?

I am running for reelection because I believe in the work we are doing and the people we serve. After nearly 30 years in law enforcement, I have gained the experience and knowledge needed to lead our Sheriff’s Office effectively and responsibly.

I want to continue providing strong, experienced, and accountable leadership while supporting our employees and responding to the needs of our community. I am proud that we have remained under budget each year during my time as Sheriff while continuing to provide essential services.

I also want to continue addressing important issues such as mental health, public safety, recruitment, and responsible budgeting. I believe leadership means listening, learning, making difficult decisions, and always looking for ways to improve.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should reelect me because I bring nearly three decades of experience, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to our community. Since 1997, I have served in nearly every division of the Sheriff’s Office, giving me firsthand knowledge of our operations, staff, and challenges.

As Sheriff, I have focused on being responsive, accountable, and fiscally responsible. I have completed three full budgets, remaining under budget each year while continuing to meet our community’s needs. I am committed to finding efficiencies, reducing costs, and protecting taxpayers.

I have also worked to improve services through mental health initiatives, county and statewide committees, leadership training, and preparation for critical incidents. I believe effective leadership means listening, making informed decisions, supporting employees, and being accountable to the people we serve.

I am asking voters for the opportunity to continue building on our progress, strengthening public safety, and moving our Sheriff’s Office forward.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Colin Powell his 13 principles of leadership and how he led so
Many people through trying times stayed positive and resilient during adversity. He emphasized leader are made not born. Have a vision make the tough decisions but remain kind. Leadership is solving problems which apply to any organization you are leading.

What is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s office, and how would you address it if elected?

I would first say the unknown is always the biggest challenge as a whole, but specifically speaking drugs mental health and scams. Drugs continue to infest our communities and we will fight with every resource available to keep our communities safe. Scams are always changing and we continue to keep our community members up to date with information we learn by outreach on the sheriffs corner published in local papers and social media platforms. We have to continue to educate our public and work for tougher legislation on these bad actors.

Please describe your stance on local law enforcement coordinating with federal immigration authorities.

I believe in assisting our federal partners and building relationships. We should be assisting where ever the law allows us to.

How would you build effective relationships with other agencies and offices, including tribal law enforcement, the state attorney general’s office and other county sheriffs?

We already have a strong partnership with our local tribal government. I will continue to work to make sure we are a good partner. We often need assistance from our other partners or county sheriffs that may have specialized equipment or Personel we may not have. We don’t work a lot with the attorney generals office, but do use them for clarification on legal matters and DWI cases via our county attorney. We are stronger when we work together and everyone benefits

How would you seek to address the intersection of mental health issues and criminal justice in calls for service and your jail?

This is a topic I have been working on since being elected. I have started check up from the neck up for everyone in our office no matter which division you work in. I have been active in our county and statewide initiatives working to get a co-response with a mental health worker on a warm handoff. I have worked on the governors task force as the representative from the Minnesota Sheriffs Association. This involved several meetings and testifying at the Mn State Capitol to both the house and senate committees. Through this process and a press conference with all elected sheriffs and county attorneys we were able to get funding for a 50 beds at Anoka Regional Treatment Center. There is much more work to do on this topic. We have to stop criminalizing mental health. Stop putting them in our jails.