Crosslake 2026 Election Guide

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)

Community: Crosslake, MN

Employment: I am currently employed by the city of Crosslake as a member of the City Council

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

I have served nearly four years on the Crosslake City Council. Prior to that, I worked in education as an English teacher, an ESL teacher, and then as the Director of an Adult Education Program.

Why are you running?

I originally ran four years ago in order to serve my community and advocate for the well-being of its residents, its local businesses and its future. Having nearly completed my first term, I feel even better prepared to work towards those goals, and I sincerely desire to use my experience to do just that.

Why should voters elect you?

I believe I have demonstrated my commitment to our city and my willingness to listen and learn while working hard to support my fellow residents. I have become deeply involved in our community and its many city and non-profit organizations, which has only deepened my desire to champion issues that will move our city forward while maintaining all the beauty and charm that makes it so special. I believe I will be even more successful in accomplishing this if given the opportunity to utilize all the knowledge and experience I have gained while serving these last four years.

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

I believe my role is to serve as an advocate for the residents of Crosslake and for the city at large. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supporting our local businesses, pursuing economic vitality for the city, and making thoughtful, well-informed decisions that always prioritize the well-being of our residents and the preservation of our city's charm and beauty. I also feel responsible for ensuring that our city services are functioning at a level that meets the expectations of our residents, while I also feel a deep responsibility to maintain fiscal practicality and transparency.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire any public leader who can to appeal to citizens from all social, economic and political groups due to a genuine and discernable concern for all Americans. It is difficult to narrow my answer down to one individual, but I did admire Ronald Reagan for his authenticity, his kind humor and his ability to produce results.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Housing opportunities, controlled growth that respects our city's character and environment, and utilizing our city's budget with care and thoughtfulness.

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

While all three are important, and I will continue to strive to focus on all of them, I do believe that addressing the city's needs while respecting the tax payers' money is critical and requires thoughtful decision-making. I will continue to give careful consideration to requests and proposals that come before the council, always keeping in mind the responsibility I have to differentiate between wants and needs. It is critical for me to know what is happening in all the city departments and where future spending will be required.

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

There is no doubt that technology is advancing at breakneck speed, and that our country cannot ignore the need to remain technologically relevant. However, I don't personally believe that there exists enough research and real-life data to truly know the future impact on communities where data centers are built. They may become a necessity, and perhaps already are, but the areas where they would be appropriate still need to be determined, and I can say definitively that I would not support the construction of a data center in Crosslake or anywhere in the greater lakes region.

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

With the guidance of our City Administrator, Crosslake has managed to maintain a well-balanced budget with tax increases far below those of our surrounding communities. We as a council strive diligently to limit additional spending, and all of our Department Heads are quite proficient at meeting new needs with grants and donations, as we have very generous and charitable community organizations. Should cuts be necessary, intensified scrutiny of current spending and needs would occur. Spending cuts cannot jeopardize public safety or well-being, so some proposals meant to enhance our city, but not deemed necessary, would need to be postponed.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)

Community: Crosslake

Employment: Pine View Child Care and Learning Center - Owner

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

I have served on the Crosslake Parks, Recreation, and Library Commission for 6 years, including serving as the chair this year. I have learned a lot about city operations, the priorities of the community, and the importance of collaboration. I am also a business owner and active community volunteer.

Why are you running?

I am running for City Council because I love this community and want to serve. I want to make sure all people and voices are represented. I will bring common sense and my business experience to the council. I will work with the Mayor, Council Members, City Staff, and citizens to help preserve this amazing community while preparing it for the future.

Why should voters elect you?

My commitment to community service. I will bring common sense leadership and will listen to and represent all residents.

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

To represent and be a decision maker for the community. Working on policy, budgets, infrastructure, and planning.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Dolly Parton has been on my mind this week, as she just passed. I have always admired her commitment to giving back and her support for reading and education for children. I respect her success and that she has used that success to help others. She was truly a wonderful human being!

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Keeping our small town feel while allowing for growth; maintaining roads and other infrastructure while being fiscally responsible; and expanding our trails and park amenities without unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

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

The parks are important for our growth and the trails are very important for safety of residents and visitors. I support pursuing grants, partnerships, and other funding to support the expansion of the parks and trails.

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

This is something I will need to do more research on to form an opinion, I will plan to look into this and talk to residents about their views before addressing this further.

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

This is another issue I will need to do more research on, I will be studying the budget and having conversations with city staff and residents on how best to handle any budget cuts that may be needed.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 69

Community: Crosslake

Employment: Self-employed contractor

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

I served 2 years on the Crosslake City council and was the Mayor of Crosslake for 6 years.

Why are you running?

It is a way I can give back to my community.

Why should voters elect you?

I have a lot of experience in our city government.

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

To be a decision maker in the best interest of the citizens of Crosslake.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Jackson Purfeerst. I admire his dedication and involvement with our community.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Housing, VRBOs and Infrastructure.

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

Infrastructure. Our sewer plant and road projects are a big part of our budget. I would look for affordable ways to address each.

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

I would oppose data centers. I would like to put an immediate moratorium on them.

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

Equipment purchases and also road projects which could be temporarily delayed without much impact to the community.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 47

Community: Crosslake

Employment: Recently “retired”, still a stay-at-home mom, volunteer and committee member of The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, current VP of the Christmas for Kids Crosslake committee

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

I have been a full time Crosslake resident for 11 years, a year-round cabin dweller for over 20 years prior to that. My husband and I have been running a construction business for 20+ years, and have been running businesses locally full time for 6 years.

Why are you running?

I plan on being a Crosslake resident for the long haul, and I am passionate about its future.

Why should voters elect you?

I believe I can bring an open minded, different vibe to the Council.

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

Set city budgets. Authorize funding for public projects. Oversee/regulate land use and zoning. Listen to residents and advocate for what’s best for the community.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Mayor Jackson Purfeerst. He went into that Mayor role running. His drive and his focus on his community, and the state of Minnesota is top notch, and I’m looking forward to what he has planned for the future.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

There has been a public safety concern regarding the need for more lighted sidewalks, and funding for such things. Flock cameras, and if they are needed/wanted. Roundabouts.

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

There is a large amount of late night walking, especially in the summer, and I feel that is a concern of public safety.

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

I would want to know all pros and cons, and how it would benefit the community.

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

I don’t believe cuts are needed in Crosslake at this time.