KAXE contacted each candidate at least twice to invite them to participate in our Election Guide, using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.
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KAXE's Election Guide includes contested races in communities with at least 100 people. 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 city council is responsible for governing the city, including overseeing administrators, approving a budget and passing city ordinances. Councilors do not have any individual authority and can only exercise power as part of the council.
Cloquet's Ward 2 includes the area of the city east of 14th Street to 22nd Street and farther north to Scanlon Way, a small section north of Washington Avenue to Prospect Avenue, and then from Prospect north to the St. Louis River.
Sheila Lamb is the current Ward 2 councilor. Lamb is running for mayor.
The winner of the election will begin their four-year term in January.
The mayor has no more voting power than a city councilor. Additional duties include presiding over city council meetings and acting as the ceremonial head of the city, often representing the city before the Legislature and in other official capacities.
The current mayor is Roger Maki, who is retiring.
The winner of the election will begin their two-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)
Employment: Cloquet City Council
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am serving my 8th year as the Ward 2 City Councilor. I have been acting Mayor for the past two years whenever our current mayor has been absent. .
Why are you running?
I am running because I believe that I have more to contribute to our city. I am vested in our cities prosperity for generations to come.
Why should voters elect you?
I have a proven track record, the time and energy to give to our city, and will continue working diligently to help Cloquet and our citizens to grow and prosper
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The primary duties of the Mayor of Cloquet includes council leadership by presiding over council meetings and special sessions, acting as the cities public face at community events, public gatherings, and ribbon cutting ceremonies, and represents the city before the state legislature, as well as other external governmental and organizational bodies.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Dr Jane Goodall has always been a person I admire. Her establishment of the Jane Goodall Institute, youth empowerment projects, educational efforts, and leadership on a global level is proof of what can be built with integrity and determination.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Housing issues including blighted housing, high property taxes, and the need for more business including those that would be family friendly.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
All three issues (housing, property taxes, and growth) are equally important for growth, help with property taxes, and allowing for affordable, safe, and more housing in our area.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I support Carlton County having the one year mandate preventing data centers. More research is needed and based on my current knowledge, I would oppose any in Cloquet.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
Cloquet has been very diligent in regards to keeping the budget as low as possible. It is important to continue pursing grants and other funding options in order to keep the levy as low as possible
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: 44
Employment: Community Campaign Coordinator at Head of the Lakes United Way
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Associate Arts Degree from FDLTCC, elected board member for AFSCME Local 3558, Union Steward, and former school board member at Fond-Du-Lac Ojibwa Schools.
Why are you running?
I'm running because I believe I can do a great job. As a grandparent with my family growing up in Cloquet it's important to me to help lead Cloquet to be in a good shape for future generations.
Why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me because I'm someone they can count on, they can talk to, and they can believe I'm working for them.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
City Council Ward 2 is currently held by Sheila Lamb who's running for Cloquet Mayor. The role of the City Council is to represent your constituents in your area. You vote on decisions regarding the city and are a connecting person for citizens to assistance they may need.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I grew up in politics. My father Robert "Sonny" Peacock was Fond-du-Lac Charimen for sixteen years. As a kid I was able to look up to and listen to he and Paul Wellstone. Paul Wellstone's quote "We all do better when we all do better." is a belief that I've had since a kid. I have learned to treat everyone fairly and do the best for everyone.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Housing costs and availability, the city needs to hire additional police officers to better meet the needs of the population, and job growth/bringing new fair paying jobs to Cloquet.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
All these priorities are of equal importance to me, but I'd love to help bring growth to Cloquet with new jobs. The opportunity to bring fair paying jobs helps the city as well as the individuals and families.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I support the moratorium on data centers as they currently are. We need more information to make a well-informed decision. If they are bad for the environment, or unwanted by the public than it's an easy decision to be against them.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
The City of Cloquet has done a great job with the budget and staying under the budget. Decisions are difficult everywhere with changes in federal and state funding. However, Cloquet needs to grow and keep competitive, so we don't have to make harmful cuts and choices down the road. I personally am not in favor of any cuts that will impact the community.
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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