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 these races
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.
Sara Wendt and Todd Thydean are the current council members occupying the seats up for election this year. Both are running for reelection.
The winners of this 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 Mike Fort. He is not 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
Age on Election Day: 47
Employment: International Falls Public Schools, First Grade Teacher
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have held many leadership positions in my professional life as well as in our community. I have chaired and co-chaired community events like SnoFun Days and our All School Reunions as well as served on church boards at St. Columban.
Why are you running?
I love our little town and want to see it grow and prosper. I am rerunning for a seat on the Council because I would rather be part of the solution, than contribute to the problem. Sitting on this side of the table has greatly opened my eyes and I think anyone that is curious about how a city runs, should definitely show up and help! (I would love nothing more than to have to hold our meetings at The Community Building each month because of the numbers in attendance!) :)
Why should voters elect you?
I will continue to help lead our town with an open mind and positive attitude. I am willing to step in where needed and get things done.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As a member of the City Council in Littlefork, I would be tasked with overseeing the runnings of the City, being fiscally responsible in my decisions, and representing the citizens of Littlefork to the best of my ability.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Mayor Mike Fort has served our community and stepped up when no one else was willing. I much appreciate his candor and the guidance he has provided us with throughout his time in this community!
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Finding solutions to combat our declining population while working to increase economic development within the city as well as getting more community members involved in events and organizations.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Increasing community involvement is an area that I gravitate toward. I have such amazing memories growing up in Littlefork or SnoFun Days, Wednesday night slow pitch softball games at the park, and neighborhood river rigattas. I have worked to bring back SnoFun Days which had fallen off the radar in recent years. Our community now participates in the National Night Out initiative which we enlist neighborhood hosts to open their doors to their community. We have also brought back a local fast pitch softball team complete with great hot dogs and popcorn!
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
This topic is one that I have heard about but have not researched. I would listen to the facts and the views of my constituents to make the best decision for the City of Littlefork.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
I believe that our current budget is not extravagant nor wasteful. That being said, it is important to look at not only the bigger line items, but also the small ones. Are there ways that we can accomplish things without added cost? Can we hire or train people that are diversified in their abilities or offerings to the city? In what areas can we enlist the publics' help possibly thought volunteer or donations? Are there grants or initiatives that we can get behind to accomplish things?
Age on Election Day: 74
Employment: retired from 24 years at Boise paper mill
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am currently the secretary treasurer of our local cemetery and volunteering with the perpetual care of such cemetery
Prior to this, I have worked many years in the shipping & receiving department in the paper mill. Also, loading & offloading trucks; on a daily basis
Why are you running?
I believe it necessary to go through proper channels when hiring. I understand the needs of this community and I'll proceed in the best interest of the residents.
Why should voters elect you?
I am interested in cutting down on unnecessary spending and careless decision making.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
I will be one of four to vote on hiring, firing, puchacing, sales, as necessary. Also, repairs or replacements of equipment & machinery.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
(Field left blank)
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Our streets are needing repair, our sidewalks are in dire need of repair
Our water could use a new filtering system.
There is a need to cut down on our taxes.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
fixing the streets and alleyways. and sidewalks
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I will definitely oppose data centers
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
Refrain from large purchases such as vehicles - graders - loaders etc
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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