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.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published exactly as submitted, including typos and formatting.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
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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.
Linda Monette and Lisa Lego are the current members whose seats are up for election this year. Monette is seeking reelection. Lego is not.
The winners of the election will begin their four-year terms 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 Kenneth Raines, who is running for reelection.
The winner of the election will begin their two-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
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Incumbent
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Incumbent
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Age on Election Day: (field left blank)
Employment: Retired Realtor, 34 years
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I served on the City of Monticello’s Planning Commission for 6 years, was a Commissioner on Big Lake’s Economic Development Authority, and have served as a board member for several organizations including the Federal Dam Fire and Rescue Board. I believe in getting involved and doing what I can regardless of where I am. I have an AA degree with business and communications studies.
Why are you running?
I love our city. I think it could be so much more and I want to work to make that happen. This city was once vibrant. Time and economics have not been kind to it. We need more forward-thinkers making decisions that will move us forward. City staff has done a wonderful job of identifying opportunities and potential roadblocks but too often background information is not sought out or decisions are tabled. I want to see Federal Dam thrive again and I am willing to do the work to make that happen.
Why should voters elect you?
I will do the work to be a great councilman. I will take the education provided, I will actively seek out problems and get them on the monthly agenda, I will come to the meetings ready to ask questions and make decisions and I will give a damn.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Decisions that involve the health and safety of the community such as safe drinking water, septic system runoff, etc., business and economic decisions and the day-to-day running of the city.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Mayor Willie Raines has impressed me from our first meeting. He knows how to get people involved and he isn’t afraid to ask for assistance.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
A contingency plan if our septic system ever needs upgrades, future water upgrades (city water would be a wonderful thing!) and upgrades to our city streets.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
The water issue is a big one, based largely on the city’s Volunteer Fire Department’s inability to fight fire well. If our trucks don’t have the water, there are no hydrants to hook up to for additional assistance. A water source would be a godsend.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I would urge enacting a moratorium on data centers for as long as possible. There is not enough research as to the long-term consequences of data centers in my opinion.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
It isn’t a cut, but I would definitively study the current septic situation and consider making changes there. I am not sure we are charging enough money to cover 100% of the current costs, and it is too easy to rely on the taxpayers in the city who have private septic systems to pick up the difference, if needed.I believe the city-proper should be paying for not only the current costs but also getting a cushion in place for future upgrades and/or repairs.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
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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