Keewatin 2026 Election Guide

Incumbent

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 68

Employment: Retired from City of Keewatin

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

I have vast knowledge on how the City of Keewatin runs from working as City Deputy Clerk and Public Utilities Clerk for nine years (2011-2020). Before the clerk positions I worked as a utility person for the City from 2002 - 2011. During this time I was certified as the city water operator, I also acquired my CDL Class B to operate city equipment. I received my Minnesota Food License to oversee the many community dinners that were held the Keewatin Community Center. More recently served four years 2021-2024 on the City Council after my retirement. I have served on the zoning board for over 10 years along with the EDA (Economic Development Association) board.

Why are you running?

I am running for the Keewatin Mayor to create healthy, safe, and positive environment for all the people who live in Keewatin. It would be a honor to serve as Mayor for Keewatin and I will do the hard work necessary to fully represent our residence in Keewatin. I have lived in this community my entire life, and I have watched it grow and change through the years. I am very passionate about our community and I know how important the decisions by the council mean to the people who live in Keewatin. I want to be involved in the conversations and decisions that will be a positive impact for Keewatin.

Why should voters elect you?

I will be honest, show transparency's to the city employee’s and residents. I will be open minded and listen to the concerns and suggestions of employees and residents. I am also very fortunate to have had a fantastic network of people I had worked with when I was in the Clerk positions. I have a very strong work ethic and will hard to gain trust in the community continue to work on city infrastructure and our public water concerns.

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

As a mayor, you work collaboratively with your city council, city departments. You are a community leader and should build communities support and trust throughout your city. A mayor should be an approachable person with strong leadership qualities. The City Mayor will overseas financial budgetary decisions, ordinances and policies.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire several but one in particular that comes to mind. As a public and global leader, I would have to say Pope Leo. The reason I admire him would be for his compassion and care towards people and his kindness to all humans.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

The city infrastructure, continued tightening financial restraints and work to gain more business growth.

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

Aging infrastructure, I would work on grants with federal and state agencies to support the many improvements that are needed throughout the city. I would also talk to other area mayors and see how they are dealing with the same issues. Hoping to better understand how to help Keewatin moving into the future.

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

I do not support or oppose data centers. I have not looked into it nor do I have enough knowledge to make a fair decision.

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

If cuts were needed, I would look at the budget and see where the heaviest spending is and work on a budget that would be fair to all city departments. Then do cuts per department as needed. I would also work with each of the departments heads to know the needs they have to have to run a safe, efficient department.

Age on Election Day: 58

Employment: Ulland Brothers Construction

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

I am the current President of the Keewatin Trail Runners ATV Club. I am on my second term of being president and have been a club member since the club was established in 2020. I am the Vice commander for The Sons of the American Legion Post 452 for 2 years now. I have been a member for 7 years.

Why are you running?

I believe that a change of leadership is needed. I want to be here and advocate for the community not for myself. The community trust and the leadership we currently have has declined over the years. As a member of this local community since 1981 I have witnessed a change in community fellowship and pride. I believe that a change is needed in our small town. We need to get back to having a small community with trust and pride. I believe that with better leadership we can regrow our community.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters who want change should vote for me because if I am elected to council I believe I can provide fair and honest decision making on behalf of our community. If I am elected I would like to reestablish the mutual trust and respect for the community and its workers. I want to be the voice for the concerns of this city.

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

To be counselor member to me means being the voice for the city. As well as taking on difficult discussions and problems our city is facing. While also being fair and considering every possible outcome.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

David Tomassoni. He was a strong advocate for the state of Minnesota he showed integrity and strong leadership skills. He was an advocate for places like ours with his concerns for mining and environmental development.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Streets in disrepair and aging infrastructure. Establishing respectful relations with our city employees. Blight

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

Blight is a big issue in my opinion. Our community deserves to be prideful in where they live. I would like to establish rules and guidelines and ensure they are followed.

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

In my opinion I am opposed to them. Our natural resources are very important to our community. Although I am only on person in this community and I think it should be talked through in depth before any decisions are made on the matter.

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

Budgets in Northern cities are always going to be an ongoing issue. There is no way to pinpoint exactly where they should be cutting without looking at the budget as a whole.

Age on Election Day: 54

Employment: I have worked the past 18 plus yrs for Hibbing Taconite Co where I am employed as a Blast hole Driller.

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

I currently Chair the Zoning Board and have been an Officer for the Sons of the American Legion at the Post and District level. I am VP of the Keewatin Trailrunners ATV Club and former Chairman of the House Committee of Legion Post 452. I believe I have what it takes to make a positive impact within our community.

Why are you running?

I believe that a change in leadership is needed. As a citizen of Keewatin the the past 24 yrs I have witnessed the decline of community pride. I would like to reestablish a sense of pride and community growth. I believe Keewatin is a City with great potential to become even better with proper leadership and decision making.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters who choose to elect me will find themselves with a fair honest councilor with no agenda other than the betterment of our community. Transparency and integrity will be my priority. Voters should know what is happening and have a voice in those decisions, I will be the person they can rely on to voice their concerns.

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

The role of a city councilor for me will be to provide a voice for the citizens of Keewatin. As city councilor I will address the problems facing our community and help to provide solutions that best serve our community members.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Former Senator Paul Wellstone, was a wonderful advocate for community. Senator Wellstone was a passionate supporter of farming, family and community. Like former Senator Wellstone I too am passionate about healthcare, the environment and labor. He was an advocate for domestic violence and mental illness which is a major problem in society today. He was an inspirational leader who’s passion for community has inspired me for years.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Streets in disrepair, aging infrastructure , and blight.

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

Blight is an issue that has solutions readily available, that being said I believe we could accomplish a lot in that area. Street maintenance will always be an ongoing endeavor.

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

Personally I would oppose data centers, however I am only one person in the community. The citizens will ultimately be the deciding factor when deciding these types of issues.

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

Certainly budgetary constraints control much of northern cities. There is no easy answer, however looking at the budget as a whole there is always room for improvement.

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 63

Employment: City Clerk

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

I have been a City Clerk for 26 years and have extensive knowledge of City government and City operation.

Why are you running?

I am running because the current council has made great strides improving the city. I would like to follow through with our current street and housing initiatives. The council has obtained several grants and federal funding to assist with our projects. The current council and city staff is working together for the betterment of the city and I am proud to involved.

Why should voters elect you?

I have 26 years of involvement in city government. I was born and raised in Keewatin and want to see our city grow and improve.

I am honest and will keep my decisions in the best interest of the taxpayers.

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

The council position requires involvement in analyzing the budget, attending meetings, negotiation of contracts and being open minded when making decisions.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Noone in particular. I believe it takes a certain person to be a leader and be strong when involved in government.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Being land locked. The city isn't able to expand for housing and attracting business to increase the tax base.

Ageing equipment and the costs to provide employees with up to date equipment to do their job without the burden on the taxpayer.

Infrastructure improvements and the costs for projects

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

Infrastructure projects. Trying to find funding to make these improvements without increasing taxes.

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

No answer. We dont have land for a center to br developed.

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

Costs of operations are continuously increasing. I think overall spending will need to be reviewed and make adjustments where necessary.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 50

Employment: Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) - Youth Services Program Manager

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

I served as City Clerk for 8 years and I have been on the City Council the last 4 years

Why are you running?

I'm running for Keewatin City Council because Keewatin is more than just a place I live it’s my home, and the people here are my neighbors, friends, and community. I care deeply about the future of our city and want to continue being involved, listening to residents, and helping make decisions that are in the best interest of Keewatin. I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to do for our community, and I want to continue serving, giving back, and helping make Keewatin a strong place for our families and future generations.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should elect me because I genuinely care about Keewatin and the people who call it home. I’m not running for the title, I’m running because I want to serve my community, listen to our residents, and be someone they can count on. I bring experience, dedication, and a willingness to work hard to find solutions and make responsible decisions for our city. I want to help keep Keewatin moving forward while protecting what makes our community special. Most importantly, I will always remember that my responsibility is to the people of Keewatin.

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

City Council - represent the residents and the best interest of the City of Keewatin.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Denis Leary - for all the work that he does for firefighters.

What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?

Aging infrastructure, housing, maintaining city services while being financially responsible.

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

Housing - our city is land locked and with the loss of our elementary school we need to find ways to attract families to our city. As chair of the economic development board I am committed to pushing forward to building housing and growing our community.

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

I will always support growth for our community, but I would oppose projects that could possibly threaten our community values, well being, and financial future.

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

Cuts should be a last resort, if needed I would take a hard look at non-essential spending and areas that we could operate more efficiently.