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.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
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.
The mayor's seat will also be on ballots in Karlstad, but no candidates filed for the position. The slot on the ballot is write-in only.
Incumbents in the city council race are Jennifer Olson and Ryan Anderson.
The top two vote-getters in the election will begin their four-year terms in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: (field left blank)
Employment: Wikstrom Telephone Co, Voice Engineer
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I find value in understanding before making decisions. I am able to change my viewpoint upon receiving new information.
Why are you running?
Others in my community have suggested I run.
Why should voters elect you?
If you have heard me speak at past council meetings, and agree with what I'm saying, then consider voting for me.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
City Council Member
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
One should not look up to others as a whole, but instead to specific traits they find admirable. By taking only the best qualities from many mentors, we are able to build a better self.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Karlstad is an amazing community to call home. The main two things to ensure we are getting right would be, of course, financial stability and providing services to the community (e.g., water, sewer, streets).
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
For the most part, I think we are doing fine. However, every city has areas that could use improvement. I'd be happy to listen to concerns as they come up and proposed solutions.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I would not support any tax breaks or tax incentives for AI data centers.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
I sure hope our new airport doesn't ruin the city's budget.
Incumbent
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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